Hyatt Regency Cartagena – The Best Hotel Run-Around Ever!

It’s not uncommon to get a run-around from a hotel, but how many hotels actually plan a 5K run in your honor?

That’s what happened at the Hyatt Regency Cartagena. Apparently, the staff sometimes gets together for evening runs (which is great for employee morale and loyalty!), but not often enough. Well, the staff at the hotel, knowing my passion for running, planned a sunset 5K run/walk in my honor!

Before I arrived, I had a number of helpful and friendly emails with  Jessica Cristancho, Guest Relations Agent for the hotel. Among other things, she told me to keep sunset Friday night open for something special.

Talk about hotel staff that goes above and beyond, exceeding all expectations!

When I arrived at the hotel, there were some chocolates and running photos of the hotel staff (and one running photo of me) assembled on the cocktail table in the living room area of my suite.

In the bedroom, there was an invitation to a 5K run, along with a Hyatt hat, running map and a Hyatt bag.

Welcome gift at the Hyatt Regency Cartagena!

OH MY – It’s a personal invitation to a 5K Run and Walk!

On Friday, at dusk, we all met outside of the hotel. All levels of staff were there, from pool workers, to my new best friend Jessica (who obviously had done all of the planning!), to the heads of various departments, to the hotel General Manager, Daniel Dolatre. I received a huge greeting from everyone and was presented with a specially made tank top (it even said Will Run For Miles on the back, along with yo corri en Cartagena [I ran in Cartagena]).

Jessica and me (she was wearing a NYC race shirt that I brought for her).

With Daniel Dolatre

We then all walked over to the bay (making sure not to get run over by the crazy Colombian drivers along the way). I’d already been to the bay a few times for morning runs – it is beautiful.

This was my first time going there at sunset. One of the runners led some warm up exercises.

We then took off. Sheesh, some of them were really fast. I mean really fast! I wasn’t. They set up a water stop in the middle. At the end, they set up pretend ribbons for the finishers and presented me with a trophy. It was goofy, but I loved it.

After that, we walked back to the hotel, and Daniel treated Dave and me to a drink at the hotel bar.

What a fantastic evening. I still smile when I think of my stay and all of the wonderful people I met at the Hyatt Regency Cartagena! How’s that for an amazing run-around?