Cartagena, located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, is a city rich in history and culture. The Old City, also known as the Walled City or the Ciudad Amurallada, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to some of the most beautiful and historic hotels in the city. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the top 5 hotels in the Old City:
1. Voila Centro Historico
Located in the heart of the Old City, just steps away from the iconic clock tower, Voila Centro Historico is a luxurious boutique hotel that offers guests the perfect blend of modern amenities and historical charm. The hotel is housed in a beautifully restored 19th century republican building, with 35 rooms decorated in a contemporary style that combines elegance and modern art.
The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi, a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city, and a speakeasy lobby bar with a stunning collection of paintings, sculptures and visual displays.
Trendi Lounge, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant serves delicious local cuisine, and offers a variety of activities such as ‘tabaco y ron sunsets’, DJ nights and fun brunches in a lively atmosphere. Voila Centro Historico is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a luxurious and comfortable stay in the heart of the Old City.
2. Casa San Agustin
This elegant and exclusive hotel is located in the historic center of Cartagena, Colombia. The hotel is housed in a restored 17th-century Spanish colonial mansion and features 23 spacious guestrooms and suites, each of which is beautifully decorated and equipped with all the modern amenities.
One of the most striking features of the hotel is its lush tropical gardens, which provide a serene and tranquil environment. Guests can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings while still being within easy walking distance of the city’s main attractions.
The hotel’s restaurant, Alma, serves delicious traditional Colombian cuisine with a modern twist. The chefs use locally sourced ingredients to create mouth-watering dishes that are sure to please.
3. Sofitel Santa Clara
This 5-star hotel is located in a beautifully restored 17th-century convent and features a mix of colonial architecture and modern design. The hotel features 125 luxurious guest rooms and suites, each of which is beautifully decorated and equipped with all the modern amenities. The hotel is located in a prime location at plaza de San Diego near many of the Old City’s most popular attractions.
The hotel hosts many weddings and events throughout the year thanks to its open gardens, and its large salons that formerly served as chapels. It is home to ‘1621’, a restaurant featuring an international menu with a local twist, and the Botika Lounge, a bar with amazing views of the pool courtyard, the old city walls and the Caribbean sea, perfect spot for sunset drinks.
4. Casa del Arzobispado
This 17th century house has been remodeled to offer a luxury hospitality experience in the heart of the old city. It was home to the Archbishop of Cartagena, and still houses a collection of colonial art and original religious pieces that give this hotel a very original atmosphere.
The most stunning feature of the property is its inner courtyard with lush vegetation and a magnificent swimming pool, with the rooms and dining areas surrounding it. The property features 10 individually decorated rooms, making it a small hidden gem in the heart of the old city.
Its restaurant, Café Epoca is a well-established spot to grab a coffee and its famous for its breakfast and brunches, visited by locals and foreigners alike.
5. Bastion
Located just steps away from plaza Fernandez Madrid, in the heart of the old city, this luxury hotel was built in a former colonial mansion from the 16th century and features 51 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, each of which is decorated in a traditional colonial style and equipped with all the modern amenities expected by demanding global travelers.
The property features a beautiful outdoor pool, a terrace with views of the city and a spa offering relaxing treatments. Its restaurant, El Gobernador, is known for its local cuisine, blending local and international ingredients to create modern versions of iconic Cartagena dishes.
In conclusion, Cartagena’s Old City offers a wide range of hotels that cater to every type of traveler. From luxurious boutique hotels like Voila Centro Historico to charming and intimate hotels like Casa del Arzobispado, there’s something for everyone. These hotels offer a unique blend of old-world charm and modern luxury and are the perfect base from which to explore this beautiful and historic city.