The Decameron Cartagena is the type of place that thrives on chaos. The hotel always seems to be packed to the gills with guests, but there’s a lively buzz about the place that mimics the bustling energy of Cartagena itself. On a daily basis, dozens of staff members can be seen hustling around the property attending to guests’ needs. Receptionists welcome new arrivals, the concierge arranges dinner reservations, activity coordinators supervise excursions, bar tenders mix creative cocktails, and servers replenish the buffets — all with a quickness and joviality that makes the atmosphere around the Decameron fun and lighthearted. 

The Decameron is one of Bocagrande’s oldest hotels, and in a town where high-rises built yesterday are already considered old, a structure built in the 1980s seems especially ancient. But the Decameron has done a nice job keeping the hotel up to date. Most common spaces have been revamped and redecorated throughout the years, giving much of the hotel a modern feel. For example, the lobby is a bright contemporary space with sleek furnishings a lots of textural detail. Abstract art work and pendant lighting hang above the front desk, while a patterned orange ottoman anchors the center of the room.  

At any given time, nearly every South and Central American nationality is represented on the Decameron’s guest list. The majority of guests are families, but we saw a fair share of couples during our visit as well.  

The Decameron Cartagena is located in Bocagrande, Cartagena’s Miami-like neighborhood that's home to lively beaches and a vibrant nightlife scene. The hotel is located on Avenida Santander (Carrera 1), across the street from the beach and within walking distance of multiple shops, restaurants, bars, malls, and casinos. The Decameron is about a five-minute drive from Cartagena’s historic walled city, and about a 20-minute drive from Rafael Nunez International Airport.    

Rooms at the Decameron Cartagena aren’t the most stylish accommodations on the block, but they’re well maintained with simple, unfussy decor. White walls and white bedding give rooms a clean and crisp, if plain, look. Beige tile floors don’t add much excitement, but their subway-style arrangement is a nod towards modernity. Flat-screen TVs hang from the otherwise bare walls, while other in-room amenities include safety deposit boxes, mini-fridges, and air conditioners. Bathrooms have marbled solid-surface counters and square vessel sinks. In some rooms, the gray-tile shower stalls are made a bit cheesy with flimsy plastic shower curtains. 

There are two room types at the Decameron Cartagena — Standard Rooms and Suites. Standard Rooms are the entry-level category, and look much like what you’d expect from a standard hotel room — two beds, small bathroom, city view from the window. Suites are slightly larger and have separate bedrooms and living rooms. Some Suites have outdoor balconies that overlook the beach. 

As an all-inclusive resort, the Decameron Cartagena is packed with amenities and services. The hotel has four restaurants, three bars, a nightclub, a private beach club, a mid-size pool, a small spa, and a 150-person convention center. Plus, the hotel offers a constant schedule of family-friendly activities, including daily trips to its sister property, the Royal Decameron Baru (for an additional fee). 

Additional amenities at the Decameron include a 150-person convention center and a tiny spa, both of which incur extra fees. The convention center is located on the 23rd floor of the hotel, and offers sweeping vistas of the city and beach below. It’s is ideal for business meetings or large-scale functions like weddings or family reunions. The teeny tiny spa offers a few services, like massages, facials, and nail treatments — none of which are included in nightly room rates. Wi-Fi is free for all guests, but only works in common spaces, like the lobby and main bar. 

Like at most all-inclusive resorts, the food at the Decameron Cartagena is mediocre. It’s not awful, but you probably won’t experience any culinary epiphanies here. The hotel has four on-site restaurants — one all-day buffet, two a la carte dinner options, and a snack bar that serves quick meals like burgers and pizzas. Guests must make advance reservations for the a la carte restaurants, which can sometimes be a hassle due to the hotel’s large crowds. The hotel has three bars — one in the lobby, one on the beach, and one by the pool. It also has its own nightclub, which is a popular late-night spot for young guests.  

In addition to its on-site restaurants, the Decameron offers a dine-out option at a popular restaurant in Cartagena’s historic walled city. This is a free service that includes transportation to and from the restaurant, but is subject to availability and is limited to one dine-out reservation per customer. At the restaurant, Decameron guests choose from a set menu which includes a list of international alcoholic beverages. 

The beach across the street from the Decameron is a massive stretch of sand that is constantly crowded with throngs of sunbathers and local artisans selling their wares. Like all beaches in Colombia, the beach in front of the Decameron is public, but the hotel has a private beach club with exclusive guest-only access. The beach club has its own bar, and provides guests with beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels. Cartagena’s beaches aren’t among the nicest we’ve ever seen — the sand has a mud-brown hue and the water isn’t the crystal clear Caribbean stuff you might be picturing. Guests in search of something a bit more tropical can take advantage of the Decameron’s day trips to its sister property on Isla Baru. For an additional fee, guests can visit Baru, a secluded peninsula about 75 minutes from Cartagena, and use the hotel’s facilities while there. The Baru package includes round-trip transportation, lunch, all alcoholic beverages, and unlimited non-motorized water sports.  

The Decameron’s mid-size pool isn’t impressive, especially considering the size of the resort. The pool is always crowded, which is why the property had expansion plans set to begin a few weeks after our visit. The pool is surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrella-covered tables. There’s also a large stage where a constant stream of activities takes place. The hotel hosts activities like water aerobics, dance parties, and drinking games all day around the pool area. Many guests spend their days hanging out at the pool or the beach club, but the Decameron also offers services for those who would like to visit Cartagena’s historic walled city. Within the walled city, the Decameron has its own “Conserjeria,” a hotel outpost with a bar, snack services, and a room with TVs, Wi-Fi, and storage lockers. All services at La Conserjeria are included in the hotel’s all-inclusive rates.