CTG Trip Report

[youcan]

I am not real good at writing these reports, but here goes. Not really that much new happening. First day I arrived was Thursday: 1st day is always a crazy one, because I get to airport and start drinking bloodys, so the party is on. Picked up 3 bottles of liquor at the duty free as always. Flights went well arrived on time(12:30) in afternoon with a nice glow on. Unpacked went down to store picked up a few things and came back to room 1101 torre Lago( right across from Requissimo restaurante) I was real happy with room. Rented from JV 100.00 us per night. Then headed down to see tony#1 and Luce Marina who I like to get a massage from, Tony was the usuall fuck up he always is. Brought my drinks with me, so I only had bought 2 orange juices, a chair and table, and 1 beer for Pedro. Gave Tony 20,000.00 which is more then enough and he wanted more but he settled on it. One note Tony is trying not to drink because he has diabetes( at least thats what I think he said, it was different seeing him not sucking down beers and he has lost some weight. Picked up a girl named Vanessa for 100,000 st she had started at 200,000 but by this time i was so fucked up it was a waste of money, but still had a good bbbj and then just wanted to go to bed, (it was only like 6PM) slept till 3:15am so I missed LDV and headed to Elecktra, as always alot of nice looking women, pulled a girl named Daniella out of there very nice looking and paid 150,000 we had a great time bbbj, all positions and then slept till 12:00 took her to lunch and sent her on her way.
Fri sat and sun were all LDV nights, with the same girl who was not real good looking but I had a great time with her, name was Maria and the fucked up thing was she was like 4months pregnant. I spent all my nights with her, 150,000 per night, I never do this but she was kool and I did it, not something I would normally do but thats kind of how it went. I drank and party'd way to much, I was a fucking mess and lost track of my days and so forth which I am not happy about but like I said its over now. Next trip I will use a little self control.
Headed home Monday and all went well. Looking forward to my next trip.

[escierto]

In Colombia, man, it's real hard to keep a handle on the old self-control. So much hot pussy, so little time. It sounded like you had a good time - hey at least you couldn't knock Maria up!

[vallarta]

In youcans post he mentioned he rented his apartment as he always does through jv. For those that do not know he was referring to Juan Ventura, who is my preferred rental agent in Cartagena. Juan is a great guy with a solid reputation, and he speaks fluent english and spanish. http://www.venpro.net/fotosapartamentos/index.htm

WARNING: Do not rent from an agency by the name of www.soldeindias.com It is run by a guy from Canada named Vince. Nothing but bad news. I have read several reviews on different forums from his clients who wrote about:

1). Being forced to pay a different price upon there arrival in Cartagena than they were originally quoted.

2).The apartments they thought they were renting were not the apartment they were put into upon there arrival.

3). There deposit money was not returned, as this guy Vince claimed they damaged things in the apartment.

4). I also have read reports where the apartments were entered into by his agency when the clients were out, and items turned up missing.

5). Promises were made such as they would be met by an english speaking representative which they were not, and the list goes on and on from what I have read.

Just thought I would give the heads up about them, as nothing is worse than being a foreign country for the first time, and having problems with your apartment rental upon your arrival. Be safe and rent from Juan. You will not be disappointed, and take this from people like youcan and myself, among many others who have used his services time and again over the course of many years, and have never had a problem.

[youcan]

VALLARTA YOU ARE ONE OF THE BEST IF NOT THE BEST
I always use Juan when I can which was everytime except once,(he was booked solid) and thankfully that one time I didnt use him I didnt have any problems. But its good to know who is no good and who is good.
Just throwing this out there, I have been in contact with Juan for a Pennhouse apartment. I am heading down there with 2 other good friends and we have stayed in Playa Mar 1301 which was great, but the third bedroom sucked, it was up a set of spiral stairs, we referred to it as the dungeon, we stuck are buddy up there but felt really bad, cause are rooms were off the hook. Has anyone stayed in exe 701 we are thinking of staying there, its a 4 bedroom with a private pool. Just seeing if anyone stayed there and what they thought? Really think that is where we are going to stay, so wanted to get some feedback. Already sent an email to Juan asking a few more questions and he's great, waiting for him to get back to me. Just wanted to know what any board members that stayed there thought. If anyone has any other suggestions let me know. Thanks in advance.

In youcans post he mentioned he rented his apartment as he always does through jv. For those that do not know he was referring to Juan Ventura, who is my preferred rental agent in Cartagena. Juan is a great guy with a solid reputation, and he speaks fluent english and spanish. http://www.venpro.net/fotosapartamentos/index.htm

WARNING: Do not rent from an agency by the name of www.soldeindias.com It is run by a guy from Canada named Vince. Nothing but bad news. I have read several reviews on different forums from his clients who wrote about:

1). Being forced to pay a different price upon there arrival in Cartagena than they were originally quoted, the apartments they thought they were renting were not the apartment they were put into upon there arrival.

2). There deposit money was not returned, as this guy Vince claimed they damaged things in the apartment.

3). I also have read reports where the apartments were entered into by his agency when the clients were out, and items turned up missing.

Just thought I would give the heads up about them, as nothing is worse than being a foreign country for the first time, and having problems with your apartment rental upon your arrival. Be safe and rent from Juan. You will not be disappointed, and take this from people like youcan and myself, among many others who have used his services time and again over the course of many years, and have never had a problem.

[youcan]

I did have a great time and great weather! Just want to have a little more self control next trip. But you are rite, its tough down there! I get off that plane and loose all control.

In Colombia, man, it's real hard to keep a handle on the old self-control. So much hot pussy, so little time. It sounded like you had a good time - hey at least you couldn't knock Maria up!

[AptDude]

I don't post alot but I will also give a strong endorsement to Mr. Ventura.I have rented from him for 2 years now on about 5 trips. He will always stop by and check on you and the apartments are very clean. To add to Vallarta's comments and clarify, he doesn't charge a security deposit. Also, I read the recent postings on Craigslist (Colombia), it seems like that other rental firm is trying to sabotage him w misinformation. I prefer the Edificia Marinare apartments.

[jagermeister]

I don't post alot but I will also give a strong endorsement to Mr. Ventura.I have rented from him for 2 years now on about 5 trips. He will always stop by and check on you and the apartments are very clean. To add to Vallarta's comments and clarify, he doesn't charge a security deposit. Also, I read the recent postings on Craigslist (Colombia), it seems like that other rental firm is trying to sabotage him w misinformation. I prefer the Edificia Marinare apartments.

I dont think we can do enough to tout a good source such as JV. It is too easy to get screwed in this hobby. JV is an honorable guy and you are correct, he does not charge a deposit which speaks volumes about his trust in us. I imagine if a few mongors are no shows he would change this policy in a heartbeat. Are we paying a gringo tax? Maybe, but given the peace of mind and the quality of the units he represents it is worth it.

Jager

[ChefDean]

hello Im headed to cartagena in january I contacted jv and everything sounds good also chicas compared to DR

[joestern]

hello Im headed to cartagena in january I contacted jv and everything sounds good also chicas compared to DR

Do not rent from Juan Ventura he fakes his own reviews . All that you read here is bullshit. He has the worst Apts in Cartagena. Go with with anyone else except this idiot,

[vallarta]

I guess we all must be Juan Ventura here, as almost everybody that posts on this forum uses him, as well as on Jacksons forum, ISOC, and a couple other travel and information forums that I belong to. Most of us on here have actually met in person. Juan is far and away the best, as everyone here attests to. You certainly have no credibility with your one post. lol


Update to my post:
I was just on Craigslist Colombia looking for a permanent apartment for a friend, and I see our new friend here with his one post, joeStern, is not from Africa as he states with his flag, but is Vince from Canada who has the rental agency www.soldeindias.com that has many negative reviews on many forums, including on here, so stay away from this agency. It looks like he has a history of bashing Juan Ventura on Craigslist Colombia. He does not seem to intelligent either from the way he writes and spells. Lying on here about who he is, is just another example of why not to use his agency, and it gives credence to the many negative reviews others have posted about, where he was called out for lying and making promises that turned out to be lies.
http://colombia.en.craigslist.org/vac/1997474873.html
http://colombia.en.craigslist.org/vac/1997150441.html

If the above posts are deleted, and if anyone is interested in reading them, let me know as I saved them. I also notified my friend who holds a prominent position at Craigslist of this, (youcan met him in July) asking him to delete the many negative posts referencing Juan, as we all know Juan is a great guy, so joesterns attempts to post negatively about Juan has just backfired.

[youcan]

Joestern, this is one of the most idiotic statements ever posted on this board. Juan Ventura is a first class guy, and a pleasure to deal with.

Do not rent from Juan Ventura he fakes his own reviews . All that you read here is bullshit. He has the worst Apts in Cartagena. Go with with anyone else except this idiot,

[jagermeister]

I guess we all must be Juan Ventura here, as almost everybody that posts on this forum uses him, as well as on Jacksons forum, ISOC, and a couple other travel and information forums that I belong to. Most of us on here have actually met in person. Juan is far and away the best, as everyone here attests to. You certainly have no credibility with your one post. lol


Update to my post:
I was just on Craigslist Colombia looking for a permanent apartment for a friend, and I see our new friend here with his one post, joeStern, is not from Africa as he states with his flag, but is Vince from Canada who has the rental agency www.soldeindias.com that has many negative reviews on many forums, including on here, so stay away from this agency. It looks like he has a history of bashing Juan Ventura on Craigslist Colombia. He does not seem to intelligent either from the way he writes and spells. Lying on here about who he is, is just another example of why not to use his agency, and it gives credence to the many negative reviews others have posted about, where he was called out for lying and making promises that turned out to be lies.
http://colombia.en.craigslist.org/vac/1997474873.html
http://colombia.en.craigslist.org/vac/1997150441.html

If the above posts are deleted, and if anyone is interested in reading them, let me know as I saved them. I also notified my friend who holds a prominent position at Craigslist of this, (youcan met him in July) asking him to delete the many negative posts referencing Juan, as we all know Juan is a great guy, so joesterns attempts to post negatively about Juan has just backfired.

Damn, Vallarta you have too much time on your hands with all the sleuthing you did. Good work. Now get back to the beach and send us some more pics of those glue headed women.

BTW, I am thisclose to confirming reservations for the week before or after thanksgiving in CTG. If anyone will be there PM me.

Jager.

[world-traveler76]

I'll be in Rio and Cartagena in January and my trip wouldn't be half what I think it's going to be if it wasn't for all the great info here.
Thanks to all for posting and sharing their experiences and info.

I would like to ask you all to do something, not just for me but for all that are new to the site and heading to South America for the first time.

If there was one thing, the most important thing about Cartagena that you would tell someone about to go there, what would that one thing be?
Where to stay?
What Clubs/Houses to go to?
Where to go?
How to handle yourself while there.
Whatever comes to mind..

Def interested in hearing all the different answers!

[jagermeister]

I'll be in Rio and Cartagena in January and my trip wouldn't be half what I think it's going to be if it wasn't for all the great info here.
Thanks to all for posting and sharing their experiences and info.

I would like to ask you all to do something, not just for me but for all that are new to the site and heading to South America for the first time.

If there was one thing, the most important thing about Cartagena that you would tell someone about to go there, what would that one thing be?
Where to stay?
What Clubs/Houses to go to?
Where to go?
How to handle yourself while there.
Whatever comes to mind..

Def interested in hearing all the different answers!

Ok, first of all I am not going to be one of those guys that tell you to do your homework and read the fucking posts. But, I really encourage you to do so. You will pick so much more info than the lame ass questions you are asking here. That being said here is my take given my limited yet very recent experience:

I'll be in Rio and Cartagena in January and my trip wouldn't be half what I think it's going to be if it wasn't for all the great info here.
Thanks to all for posting and sharing their experiences and info.

Where to stay? Rent apartments only. They represent the best value, location and are chica friendly. Contact Juan Ventura (I will make you find this on your own as penance). All of his properties are nice and he will personally meet you and help you with anything you need. Note; he is not a pimp so don't ask him for pussy.
What Clubs/Houses to go to? If you stay at any of Juan's properties in El Laguito you will be steps from LDV(again, you will have to find out the meaning on your own). THere are many discos and clubs in Centro for every need. Keep in mind night life does not start until midnight. If you think you are going to beat the crowd and show up at 10pm you will be drinking alone.
Where to go? Centro for culture, dinner, high end shopping. Hollywood beach to see how the locals recreate.
How to handle yourself while there. Not sure why you asked this. Just be yourself. A dick is a dick in any country. Treat everyone with respect and you will get it in return
Whatever comes to mind..If you have more specific questions feel free to PM or the real expert Vallarta.

[world-traveler76]

Ok, first of all I am not going to be one of those guys that tell you to do your homework and read the fucking posts. But, I really encourage you to do so. You will pick so much more info than the lame ass questions you are asking here. That being said here is my take given my limited yet very recent experience:

I'll be in Rio and Cartagena in January and my trip wouldn't be half what I think it's going to be if it wasn't for all the great info here.
Thanks to all for posting and sharing their experiences and info.

Where to stay? Rent apartments only. They represent the best value, location and are chica friendly. Contact Juan Ventura (I will make you find this on your own as penance). All of his properties are nice and he will personally meet you and help you with anything you need. Note; he is not a pimp so don't ask him for pussy.
What Clubs/Houses to go to? If you stay at any of Juan's properties in El Laguito you will be steps from LDV(again, you will have to find out the meaning on your own). THere are many discos and clubs in Centro for every need. Keep in mind night life does not start until midnight. If you think you are going to beat the crowd and show up at 10pm you will be drinking alone.
Where to go? Centro for culture, dinner, high end shopping. Hollywood beach to see how the locals recreate.
How to handle yourself while there. Not sure why you asked this. Just be yourself. A dick is a dick in any country. Treat everyone with respect and you will get it in return
Whatever comes to mind..If you have more specific questions feel free to PM or the real expert Vallarta.

Thanks, this is what I was looking for. Appreciated!!
I've read every thread and post under Cartagena... tons of great info. Def plan to hit up JV, seems the best way to go. Now I need to read more about the different area's to see which is the best for what me and my bud are going down for. Knowing that La Dolce Vida is right outside of JV's place is a plus. Even though the two of us are whore-mongerer's, that's not all we want to do. Ya dig.
The where to go info you posted is priceless. The part about handling yourself is about customs and edicate.. 15 countries under my belt and all are different. I'm sure you understand what I was asking now.
Respect always, One Love.. that's how I do