A new column where CRUSH Readers share a snapshot of where they’ve been and what they loved there.
Roam: Cartagena. From CRUSH Reader Patrick
Tell us a little bit about you..
New Yorker, culture nerd, hispanophile and overall bon vivant, I'm passionate about exploring destinations that blend rich culture, history and culinary delights. When I travel (which I do often) I aim for extreme value within what’s usually considered a “splurge” experience (i.e., hidden gem top restaurants or using points to fly lie-flat business class abroad). While I focus my travels on history and local character — and thus, adore stylish boutique hotels— I don’t hesitate to stay in chains that offer modern conveniences and are well-located. [I appreciate finding gems that offer value (in location, experience, quality), but I don’t hesitate to splurge where it’s worth it. And while I prefer to stay someplace stylish with character, I don’t hesitate to stay in chains that offer modern conveniences and are well-located, especially if I can use my points.]
What is the reason that you’d go back?
Cartagena assaults your sensory organs with her bright colors, rich history, and a nightlife that beats stronger than an Energizer Bunny.
In one word, describe the atmosphere:
Decadent
Where did you stay?
Hotel Monaguillo de Getsemaní
On balance, what did you think of the hotel?
In Cartagena, I stayed in the Getsemaní neighborhood. If the walled city is similar to New Orleans’s Vieux Carré, this would be Cartagena’s version of the Marigny. Here you’ll find crumbling old tropical townhouses interspersed with plenty of restaurants (ranging from World’s top 50 to neighborhood fish shacks), open air bars, and smaller boutique hotels. Hotel Monaguillo is a bit more basic of a boutique spot but offers a clean space to stay with some luxe touches (where I found Colombia’s answer to Aesop toiletries) and a rooftop dipping pool with a magnificent view over the storied tiled rooftops, San Felipe fortress and Santa Catalina cathedral. Sitting in the dipping pool, it’s easy to understand how Garcia Marquez originated magical realism here.
Any restaurant recommendations?
Carmen Catagena
Any recommendations for someone who has never been there - can’t miss things to do or see?
Las bóvedas, the city museum, Museo Naval, and the old bullring that was imaginatively redeveloped as the Centro Comercial la Serrezuela
Anything else we should know?
Don’t touch anything (!) from street vendors, learn some Spanish, and bring attitude while walking around the old town. Think chaos like in Midtown Manhattan or Naples, Italy. Oh and the weather is hellish during the day; thankfully there was a strong coastal breeze in the afternoon when I was there. Trust me, it’s the most magical place despite these downsides!
Roam: Merida, Mexico. From CRUSH Reader Patrick
Mérida, Yucatán, México
Merida, the capital of Yucatán, has become a popular travel destination over the last five years. It is smaller and more relaxed than Mexico City, with a more tropical climate.
Tell us a little bit about you..
New Yorker, culture nerd, hispanophile and overall bon vivant, I'm passionate about exploring destinations that blend rich culture, history and culinary delights. When I travel (which I do often) I usually aim for extreme value within what’s usually considered a “splurge” experience (I.e. hidden gem top restaurants or using points to fly lie-flat business class abroad). While I focus my travels on history and local character — and thus, adore stylish boutique hotels— I don’t hesitate to stay in chains that offer modern conveniences and are well-located.
What is the reason that you’d go back?
Mérida is an unexpectedly beautiful city filled with warm spirits (and warm sounds), stunning Spanish colonial architecture, a rich local cuisine and a plethora of experiences that make it hard to decide how to spend your precious time.
In one word, describe the atmosphere:
Sultry
Where did you stay?
On balance, what did you think of the hotel?
The NH in Mérida I found to be the sweet spot of a 4 star chain, in a great location, for a great price. The local neighborhood, home to many of the local planter family mansions, was calming, charming and a short walk to the bustling and sometimes chaotic historic downtown. The rooftop pool provides a nice respite after a long day exploring the jungle, Mayan ruins or the city’s colonial history. The interior and rooms are updated and I’d say on par with the Westin chain in the US.
Any restaurant recommendations?
Oliva Enoteca, Micaela Mar y Leña
Any recommendations for someone who has never been there - can’t miss things to do or see?
Don’t miss seeing a cenote or one of the countless Mayan ruins in the nearby province!
Anything else we should know?
Be prepared for hot weather, even in Winter. Mérida is beautiful but be ready for classic Latin America including a chaotic downtown.
The Crush Letter
The Crush Letter is a weekly newsletter curated by Dish Stanley on everything love & connection - friendship, romance, self-love, sex. If you’d like to take a look at some of our best stories go to Read Us. Want the Dish?
