OSH Hotel Cartagena

OSH Hotel brings modern design to the heart of Getsemaní, Cartagena’s most colourful neighbourhood, and it is the best mid-range choice for travellers who want style, a pool and nightlife on the doorstep. The hotel stands on Calle de la Magdalena, a few minutes’ walk from Plaza de la Trinidad and about six minutes from the Clock Tower, according to its own site. Most of its roughly 140 rooms look onto a central courtyard with a pool, a pool bar, misting fans and a two-storey living plant wall, which keeps the space cool and green. There are rooms for every budget, from compact Essential rooms of around 18 to 20 square metres, some with a patio or terrace, to larger King and suite categories with private terraces. Up on the fifth floor, the Ajeno rooftop bar serves cocktails with sunset views across Getsemaní, and on the ground floor Carta Ajena cooks Colombian dishes with Asian and Italian touches, plus wood-fired pizzas. The building is LEED certified and the mood is young, social and design-minded.

Location and getting around: Getsemaní is just outside the inner walls, so the walled city, Castillo San Felipe and the Convention Centre are all within walking distance, and the La Bodeguita dock for island boats is close by. The hotel lists the airport at about five kilometres, roughly a quarter of an hour by car.

The rooms: rooms range from the compact Essential, good for solo travellers and short stays, to the Friday and Betwin rooms, Beach Ball rooms with a yard, and the large OSHome and Cool King categories. Ground-floor rooms with a patio and hammock are fun but less private; ask for an upper floor for more quiet.

Who it suits: couples and friends who want to eat, drink and dance in Getsemaní, and travellers who like design hotels with a social feel. Families can make it work, but the area gets loud at night.

Good to know: breakfast is a buffet that some rates include and others charge for, so check when you book. There is a gym, and online pre-check-in is available.