Hotel Cartagena: It’s a jungle up there!

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While I’m sad to see any restaurant close, after my original visit to Morah, I had the feeling (as I do on a fairly regular basis, sadly) that the venue might not go the distance.  Was it the Miami Vice vibes?  No one can say for sure.  Either way, I was delighted to be invited back to Morah’s replacement, the recently opened Hotel Cartegena.  Guests should make a right in the lobby, and go to the far end where the elevators are located and head up to the 68th floor, then, like Weslodge, switch over to the private lifts to the 72nd floor.  Visitors will immediately note the change in tone, starting with the massive panther print, screened on the elevator doors.  When the doors open, tropical themes, bright primary colors, and a Latin bar immediately invite visitors inside.  Yes, there is still some of the ugly furniture, but I’m told it’s in the process of being replaced, and somehow, I don’t mind it as much in this setting.

After a drink at the bar (prices seem just a touch high for our cocktails at AED80), we’re warmly escorted to our seats.  As our visit is during the soft launch phase, the downstairs isn’t quite open yet, but we’re invited to walk through.  The seating arrangement has been changed slightly, and with lighting adjustments and a few other tweaks, the wow factor from the 72nd floor is much more prevalent.   Personally, I think the best seat in the restaurant is a 6 top on the far side of the bar, where the views of the Burj Khalifa are especially epic (the cover image depicts this table).

Although the menus weren’t in their exact final version, we were able to sample enough of the menu to get a relatively decent interpretation of what will be offered.  Just so you’re aware, there were no prices listed, so I’m unable to comment on costs at this time.  We decided to start with (what else?) Classic guacamole and sweet corn sauce, because, of course.  The sweet corn sauce is a hit, and as will become a theme at Hotel Cartagena, a unique offer.  After our chips, we receive Coconut Squid, which I ordered mainly because I don’t think anyone else in town is doing them.  We’re not disappointed, and the accompanying sauce has the right amount of kick.  After that, we’re onto Chicken Chicharrones, which, between the two of us, we’re unable to finish — not because it’s not good, but because the portion is so large.  Hubs spied Flank Steak Tacos and, these were probably our favorite dish of the evening.  Served up in a trio of tacos, with some fresh garnishes, these disappear in record time.  Of the starters, I would sincerely order each again, so we’re off to a great start.

With some expert advice from our server (yes, I feel the need to highlight when servers actually know the menu — you’d be surprised in this town), we move onto fish, this in the form of an Aji Tuna Poke, which falls under the raw menu.  The plate arrives with plenty to ‘make your own’ including lettuce cups, garlic chips, puffed rice, and some avocado, among a few other accouterments.  Reviewing the salads, I decided on the Duck Confit salad, again, because it was unlike anything I’d seen elsewhere in town.  The portion is large, and while I’m not entirely sure duck and this particular salad are a perfect match, there’s a decent amount of texture.  For the most part, as with the starters, these dishes all feel comfortable to share with two people or three people who don’t mind a slightly smaller portion.

Hubs, who might still be hungry from our brutal 7 AM circuit class, decided we were in need of a steak, which we practically inhale.  The Brazilian picanha steak is done as requested, a correct medium rare and arrives with chimichurri (one of the reasons we ordered the dish), tostones, and filling black beans.  Although we’re not particularly interested in dessert, the restaurant sends out Chocolate cigars, which arrive in their own cigar box — all points for creative presentation are awarded.  While they are slightly difficult to eat (they really want to melt quickly), these are a fun way to end the night and match the overall spirit of the venue.

However good the food is, where Hotel Cartegena truly excels is in its staff.  We were able to speak to quite a few of the members of the team at all levels, and it’s clear that the best and brightest (from some of the most successful venues across town) have made their way to this venue.  I’m sure this decision is intentional, and it’s great to witness chemistry like this in motion.  The music is also in line with the venue and definitely enhances the ambiance.  Vegetarians should be happy here, as many of the dishes offer options without meat.

Is everything perfect?  Almost.  Readers will note I always find bathrooms awkwardly placed in many a Dubai establishment, and the upstairs/downstairs quality at Hotel Cartagena is a bit much for my heels at the end of the night.  There were minor temperature issues in a dish or two, but nothing that would cause alarm.  If I’m making a comparison, there’s a similar vibe to the upbeat tempo of Coya and versions of the cuisine of Peyote and Toro + Ko.  And yet, Hotel Cartagena is somehow in their own category.   ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Would I go back?  Yes, the food was above average, but mostly I’d go back for the service.  Each person we interacted with was clearly very invested in the success of the restaurant.  I realize you would think this is true at any place you go to dine, but as we chatted with everyone, there was really a sense of pride and interest.  I’m also curious to see where the price points average out.

Who is Hotel Cartagena best for?  Ladies night.  A place to blow off steam and accidentally stay out too late on a school night.  Anyone looking for a place with a view, especially if trying to impress out of town guests.

A to Za’atar was a guest of Hotel Cartagena.  Opinions are my own, just ask my husband.