If you want to tap into one of Cartagena’s most happening neighborhoods, make your way to Getsemani and check into the OSH Hotel. This upscale new lodging provides calming respite in a hopping area that Forbes magazine has called one of “the coolest” on the planet.
OSH Hotel is a welcome addition to the many hotels you can choose from in the city.
Around the corner from Calle de las Sombrillas, the OSH Hotel is within walking distance from the Catedral de Santa Catalina, Parque de Bolivar, Plaza de Santo Domingo, the pier known as Muelle de las Bodequita and the convention center, Centro de Convenciones.
Walking into the lobby, I was met with smiling staff. Check-in was smooth and the clerk informed me that breakfast ran until 10 am.
He also mentioned that the newly opened OSH Hotel had 136 guestrooms and suites, a restaurant, a rooftop bar, and a fitness center.
OSH Hotel Rooms and Amenities
I was lucky enough to stay in a suite with a King bed, and sitting area. Plus, it had a private rooftop terrace with lounge chairs, a table, an umbrella, and a jacuzzi. After exploring the area’s myriad boutiques and colorful alleyways, it was a wonderful place to unwind.
Other guest room options included King bedrooms, Twin bedrooms, and Patio rooms featuring a ground floor, and an outdoor terrace with a hammock.
Coffee makers, flat-screen TVs, cable, free wi-fi, mini fridge, and two free bottles of water come with every room.
Facing the inner courtyard, I was able to scope out the pool and lounging area below. It was backed by a lush, two-story, live plant wall. Most rooms face the courtyard which has a lovely pool bar. I found it to be a great place to chill under a spritzing mister while sipping a house cocktail.
Breakfast Buffet at OSH Hotel is Worth the Money
I opted for the breakfast buffet when booking the room. It cost an extra USD 25 and was worth the price. Each morning I came down to a cornucopia of fresh Colombian fruit including melons, mangos, and some of the sweetest pineapple I have ever tasted.
An array of cold meats and cheeses, accompanied by relishes, and salsa was also a highlight. Plus there were heated pots of scrambled eggs sliced sausages, and an amazing selection of breads (including buttery croissants).
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Brunch was a la carte and featured a Colombian specialty, sausages cooked in a Coca-Cola sauce. I didn’t try them as I was so full from breakfast, but I noted there was an assortment of pancakes, sandwiches, French Toast, shakshuka, and even Colombian breakfast arepas stuffed with eggs and ground beef.
Try Ajeno, the Sunset Bar
Before dinner one night I headed to Ajeno, the rooftop bar, for a sundowner. Seated looking out over the rooftops of Getsemani, I watched as the golden disc sank behind the Cathedral. It wasn’t a perfect view, as other rooftop establishments were obstructing my sightline. But, it was a lovely, peaceful way to end the day.
My cocktail choice? The server recommended the Paloma, and I went for it. A tall, icy glass of smokey mezcal mixed with grapefruit, lemon, simple syrup, and a splash of soda, was what my parched throat had been craving. The bar’s cocktail list included signature drinks, heavy on the mezcal and tequila, as well as classics like French 75s.
Dinner at OSH Hotel’s Carta Ajena
The hotel’s restaurant on the ground floor (where breakfast and brunch are also served) is called Carta Ajena. Chef Eduardo Piñeres has put together an eclectic culinary combination of Colombian dishes fused with Asian and Italian touches.
Dishes on the menu while I was there included starters such as carretillero ceviche with catch of the day marinated in lemon juice, red onion and cilantro, sweet potato in gulupa syrup, avocado, and breaded squid with yellow chili mayonnaise.
Mains covered everything from poultry to pasta, pork, fish, and beef. There was a delicate shrimp and shitake filled cappelletti with carrot and ginger butter, chives, and black sesame. Plus, robust Iberico pork rice with Iberico ham, roasted bell pepper, eggplant, pork belly and pijao leaves.
Work it Off at the Fitness Center
With meals like these, I was thankful for the fitness center. Compact and serviceable, it provided a convenient way to assuage my guilt over the culinary indulgences.
OSH Hotel Rates
Rates range from around $250 per night to $500 per night. Breakfast is extra at around $25. You can also compare rates and book through Expedia or Booking.com.
Hotel feature by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. ProColombia arranged for her stay as she researched a larger piece. As always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
