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Hotel Marlin Cartagena

2.0 star property
Hostel with a 24-hour front desk, a short walk to Clock Tower

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Hotel Marlin Cartagena

Exterior
Exterior
Exterior
Lobby
Interior

Reviews

6.8 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
    Breakfast available
  • Housekeeping
    Housekeeping
  • Laundry
    Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk
    24/7 front desk
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning

Room options

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room | Free WiFi

Double Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Microwave
Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Double Room (with fan)

Shower, towels

Double Room (with fan)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Microwave
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Rice cooker
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Bed in shared dormitory 4 beds

Bed in shared dormitory 4 beds | Free WiFi

Bed in shared dormitory 4 beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Microwave
Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Map
Barrio Getsemani, Calle Media Luna 10-35, Cartagena, Bolivar, 130015

What's nearby

  • Cartagena de Indias Convention Center - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Clock Tower - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • San Felipe de Barajas Castle - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Walls of Cartagena - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Bocagrande Beach - 11 min drive - 4.1 km

Getting around

  • Rafael Nunez Intl. Airport (CTG) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪El Cabildo Gastromar - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Colombitalia - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Beer Lovers Tap Room - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Celele - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Doña Lola - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Hotel Marlin Cartagena

Hostel near Cartagena de Indias Convention Center
Close to Clock Tower, Hotel Marlin Cartagena provides amenities like dry cleaning/laundry services. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Other perks include:
  • Full breakfast (surcharge), tennis courts, and an area shuttle
  • Tour/ticket assistance, a TV in the lobby, and concierge services
  • Luggage storage, multilingual staff, and a computer station
Room features
All guestrooms at Hotel Marlin Cartagena feature comforts such as air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with showers
  • 18-inch TVs with cable channels
  • Communal kitchens, refrigerators, and microwaves

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired Internet

Parking and transportation

  • Area shuttle (surcharge)

Food and drink

  • Full breakfast available for a fee daily 7:30 AM–10:30 AM

Things to do

  • Tennis

Family friendly

  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

Conveniences

  • Front-desk safe

Guest services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Dry cleaning service
  • Luggage storage
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour/ticket assistance

Business services

  • Computer station

Accessibility

  • This property does not have elevators

More

  • Designated smoking areas
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator
  • TV in lobby

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan

Bathroom

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels

Entertainment

  • 18-inch TV
  • Cable channels

Food and drink

  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Rice cooker
  • Shared kitchen access
  • Stovetop

More

  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
1 child, up to the age of 5 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • You may be required to pay VAT (19%) at the property. Nonresident travelers who pay using a foreign card or bank transfer and present a valid passport and tourist visa may be exempt from value-added tax (19%) on tourist package bookings (accommodation plus other travel service).

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
If you are traveling with a child your property may require you to present the following documents: Parents traveling into Colombia with a child under 18 may be required to present the child's birth certificate and photo ID (passport for non-Columbian citizens) upon check-in. If a relative or legal guardian is traveling into Colombia with the child, that relative or legal guardian may be required to present a notarized consent of travel signed by both parents and a copy of both parents' ID. If only one parent is traveling into Colombia with the child, that parent may be required to present a notarized consent of travel signed by the other parent. Visitors who plan to travel with children should consult with a Colombian consulate office prior to travel for further guidance.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

Property is also known as

Hostal Marlin
Hostal Marlin Cartagena
Hostal Marlin Hostel Cartagena
Marlin
Hostal Marlin
Marlin Cartagena Cartagena
Hotel Marlin Cartagena Cartagena
Hotel Marlin Cartagena Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Hotel Marlin Cartagena Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Cartagena

Frequently asked questions

Is Hotel Marlin Cartagena pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Hotel Marlin Cartagena?

Check-in begins at 2 PM.

What time is check-out at Hotel Marlin Cartagena?

Check-out is at 11 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Where is Hotel Marlin Cartagena located?

Located in Cartagena Walled City, this hostel is within a 10-minute walk of Centenary Park and Clock Tower. Cartagena de Indias Convention Center and Bocagrande Beach are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Hotel Marlin Cartagena Reviews

Reviews

6.8
Rating 10 - Excellent. 9 out of 75 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 30 out of 75 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 20 out of 75 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 75 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 75 reviews" "

6.4/10

Cleanliness

7.2/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Natalie

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Not comfortable at all
We got a basic double room here, and it was so small and the bed took up so much space that we could barely fit ourselves + luggage into it! Being backpackers, we don't even have that much stuff. There were decorative holes in the walls near the ceiling, presumably for air flow, but they mostly let in mosquitos that ate us throughout the night. The staff, though friendly, also didn't always seem to know what was going on, making it hard to extend our reservation or even get information about the city. Maybe it was a language barrier, but we both speak Spanish and haven't had this issue at other hotels/hostels.

8/10 Good

Hernan A.

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Stay away from this neighborhood! For your safety
The woman at the front desk was wonderful. They let you leave your key at the front desk when you go out, that should have been a clue to how unsafe the neighborhood is. Our mattress was at least as old as the beautiful antique headboard it was attached to. There is no hot water, the bathroom is so small you have to sit sideways on the toilet. The walls have mildew all over them and somehow the Wi-Fi only works in the 105 degree lobby. Once you step outside the hotel you are immediately set upon by the relentless swarms of human vultures who follow you, insisting that buy their hats, tours, and drugs. The streets are Full of taxis, each one honking at you as they go by, trying to give you a ride. The amount of harassment was overwhelming. Our first trip out of the hotel my husband had his pocket picked. The police are corrupt and threatened to throw my husband in jail for a made up charge if we didn't pay them 2,000,000 pesos! We were able to talk then down to 700,000, but only because I was crying and people were starting to stare. Stay away from this neighborhood! Please learn from our disastrous stay.

8/10 Good

Ruiliang, Florida

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Overall is good
Staff are very friendly and helpful. The neighborhood has many restaurants, one travel agency, markets and it is quite close to the castle. Disadvantages are the bathroom conditions: area so small and the toilet doesn't work we'll

4/10 Poor

Liz, San Diego, CA

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort
Good location but that's about it
When we got to Hotel Marlin the power was out (not their fault). The staff showed us to our room via a flashlight but then left us to fend for ourselves without offering to provide any type of light source. We were able to use our cell phones for flashlights but they had low batteries and without power we were not able to charge them. Upon request they brought us a candle but we had no way to light it. Eventually the power came back on. The only window in the room opened up to the hallway so if we would have opened the window anyone walking by could look right into our room and it provided no breeze. There is a bar across the street with loud music playing well until the morning (I don't know but I would guess 5am). I brought earplugs but I could still hear the music through them. I eventually fell asleep but was woken up several times throughout the night by the hotel's cat meowing VERY LOUDLY outside our door. I'm guessing it was hungry which bothered me and if I would have had anything to feed him I would have. I was surprised the staff did not notice this and feed the poor little guy. The room we stayed in was incredibly small as was the bathroom (my knees hit the wall in front of me when I sat down and I'm only 5'5. We originally planned to stay at Hotel Marlin for 3 nights but checked out after the first night and relocated to Casa Tatis right around the corner. The rooms were the same price but much larger, no loud music or hungry cats to keep you up all night.

8/10 Good

kerry, Cancun

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Cartagena 2015
Cartagena is beautiful city. If you like warm weather it is a place to be

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
fine hotel but ...
You can do better staying in a private room in a hostel, this hotel was hostel-like but but too expensive for what it is. The staff was very nice, especially Jose.

8/10 Good

Raul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

4/10 Poor

Jana, Vancouver, Canada

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
OK for the price
It was very basic, tiny room. There was no space to use the toilet, had to sit on the side. We had to ask for towels and soap for the room. Convenient location to visit the Wall City. Reasonably clean.

6/10 Okay

Daniel, Florida USA

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Simple place in a great location
Great location, near bars, restaurants and near the walled city in Centro, its a very simple place with small bathrooms. Staff is layed back and is a good place to meet and mingle with turists from around the world.

6/10 Okay

Elaine, Dublin

Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort
Small room
The hostel is located in a really good area for restaurants and bars at the weekend but that means it is noisy. The kitchen is not really usable. The cleaner stole my towel and it was not returned. Some of the staff were very disinterested and they do not speak English.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room is very small and over priced given other hostals in the area. Staff is very nice and speak passable English. Nice split air conditioning.

8/10 Good

Anita, Zurich

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good Hostel
friendly staff answers all questions, good location in getsemani, many restaurants around, only 10 min walk to old town, private rooms are very small, but clean, good wifi, can be very loud in the evenings.

8/10 Good

Rose, Fort McMurray, Alberta

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Come ahead
Arriving late at the airport I failed to notice the taxi kiosk where the rates are posted.A taxi driver grabbed my bags and I did not ask the rate. BIG MISTAKE I was charged 25,000 COP instead of 7,000-10,000. My mistake. The staff here were just incredible. Lorcy the Front desk supervisor speaks English and translated everything I required.Cautioning me to have the taxi rate agreed upon before I get in to avoid conflict. Very helpful with even the most tiresome guests. Diana my housemaid was also a tremendous help. Moved my bed to maximize space. The hotel is in the tourist area of town and needs some touch ups. I would come back here.The people of the city were in the midst of Halloween. What a treat for me. Lots of security here. Getsemani is a tourist mecca with lovely Spanish colonial buildings.

8/10 Good

Claire, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Central location, right in the action
Good, clean hotel right in the middle of many restaurants and bars (earplugs may be required.)Friendly helpful staff, clean but smallish room and decent free coffee.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Recommended(ish)
A nice enough little hostel, for what you pay it's an amazing find. The rooms are comfortable(ish) the aircon was effective, the coffee was always there, and the beds were mostly comfortable(ish). If you want luxory in Cartagena, you're going to have to pay more... if not... Marlin is perfect(ish)

10/10 Excellent

Bob, Portland, OR - now living in Panama

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very comfortable
The place is neat and clean, and the staff very friendly. I was greeted with a cup of Colombian coffee when I checked in. The hostel is located on a busy street frequented by the younger set. There are many bars and restaurants, and if you enjoy going out and being active, this is the perfect place. It is more busy on the weekends, of course. There is a little noise from the street and music in the bars, but it isn't bad and it didn't affect my sleep. Everyone in Colombia friendly and helpful, and you really feel welcome as a tourist.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice stay

2/10 Terrible

Rafael, Lima Peru

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Dont loose your money or your healty booking this
The room was unclean, old and dirty towels, also the bed, roff with breaks and no good conditios in the room at all. Door of the bathroom was just a piece of blanket.... no way !! No hot water, only cold :-(

6/10 Okay

Gary, San Diego, CA, USA

Disliked: Room comfort
Budget low water pressure
Room was very small with two sets of bunk beads. Bathroom was tiny, poorly lit, water trickled out of the sink. Shower had good pressure so washed up using the shower. Air conditioning worked well. Too well for those in the bottom bunks who froze by morning, while the upper bunks were comfortable. Clients were noisy coming and going thru the nite. Breakfast was a bowl of mixed tropical fruits in cream served at room temp. Would recommend for the low budget travelers that do not intend to spend a lot of time in the room. Only $48 bucks a nite for three. We moved after the first nite at my wife's insistence.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
great hostel for everybody
The location of the hotel is very good, just a few walking minutes from the center. the castle san felipe is also very near. The harbor to go to the islands is also in walking distance. Its better to walk or take the bus, because the taxis are extremely pricy. The rooms are very nice and comfortable. The tv is not very good though. Most of the staff are very friendly and helpfull. you can book tours and tranfers. Its acuatlly cheaper to book a tour in the hostel for the rosario islands than in the harbor itself, because there are a lot of venders who make their one prices. The laundry service is good, but be carefull with white clothes, one of my t-shirts is now yellow.

10/10 Excellent

Katherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
good budget hotel
It was clean, cool (we got an airconditioned room), and the staff were all nice. The rooms were certainly small but we weren't staying in Cartagena to spend time in the room so that wasn't a huge issue for us.

6/10 Okay

jodasa

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

London Butterfly

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good location, great staff, good price but BUDGET
This was the cheapest hotel we found in Cartagena and for the price we paid it was worth it. The location is a two minute walk from the old town and there are many bars and other hostels surrounding Hotel Marlin, so even though it is outside the old town there are plenty of other tourists about and it is safe. The staff are very friendly and helpful and they made us very welcome. The only bad thing about the hotel is that you get exactly what you pay for. It is very very basic. If you want to spend time in your hotel and like luxury this is not the place for you. If your hotel is just a place to leave your stuff and sleep then it is definitely worth it. Also, there are plenty of backpackers staying so you can always ask people for tips and advice! I should add that our bathroom sink fell off the wall... but despite this I would stay here again. Last sore point would be that some rooms are much better than others, so if your room is really bad see if you can swap some of the rooms without AC are actually a bit better than those with it. The rooms without AC all seem to have ceiling fans and shutters for the windows so you don't have to let in the sun and can therefore keep the room cool.

10/10 Excellent

JACKIE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
LOVED IT!!! GOOD SERVICE!!!