Alfiz Hotel

Alfiz Hotel is housed in a two-story 17th-century house that's packed with Spanish colonial charm. The building retains details from its origins -- like stone arches -- and the 2005 restoration turned up items like cannonballs and pottery that have been incorporated into the decor. Interiors are filled with period furnishings, antiques, and guests are greeted with a glass of sangria in the elegant lobby that's bright and outfitted with religious art. The atmosphere has lots of Old World charm and an undeniable dose of romance. Guests gather to read and relax in the library, or they retreat to the lush interior courtyard garden with trees and shrubbery. A splash pool sits in a secluded courtyard. The hotel draws mostly couples, and has an excellent location in the heart of historic Cartagena. Keep in mind that kids under 12 aren't allowed, which helps to keep the vibe quiet and refined. 

Alfiz Hotel is in the walled historic center of Cartagena, a short walk from numerous shops, restaurants, and bars. The 17th-century Cathedral of Cartagena, Aduana Square, and the Gold Museum are all within two minutes on foot. The Torre del Reloj Publico (Public Clock Tower), the Palace of the Inquisition, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Church of Saint Peter Claver are all a three-minute walk away. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops all around. The Monument to India Catalina statue is a 10-minute stroll, as is the area with the Convention Center and the western edge of the hip Getsemani neighborhood. The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is considered one of the best fortresses built by the Spanish in their colonies. It's located a 15-minute drive or 20-minute walk away, and offers superb views of the sea and city from its hilltop location. Rafael Nunez International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel.

Rooms and suites at Alfiz Hotel are spacious and have an elegant and charming look. Each of the eight rooms is individually decorated and named for a different period in Cartagena's history, from Spanish colonization to independence. Rooms are filled with antiques and period furnishings plus distinctive details, like the Saint Peter Claver Room with its religious art or the Indigenous Room displaying Carib tribal artifacts. Some rooms have elements like four-poster beds and wood-beamed ceilings, and there's plenty of classic tilework. Some rooms are split level, with a mezzanine and living room section, and others feature kitchens. A few rooms have a shared balcony with a view of the street or internal courtyard and garden. Rooms are cooled with both air-conditioning and ceiling fans, and all come with minibars, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Most rooms don't have electric kettles for in-room coffee and tea, but the lobby-level library offers free all-day coffee. The lovely, all-white bathrooms come with shower/tub combos featuring rainfall showerheads plus toiletries, a good bit of counter space, and hairdryers. Some guests have reported noise from being located near the breakfast area or from parties nearby. 

Despite its small stature, there are some unexpected extras at this boutique property. One of the most surprising is the small plunge pool situated in a secluded courtyard with a deck and two lounge chairs. The hotel also has a rooftop hot tub (use by reservation), also bordered by a deck and lounge chairs. The Alfiz serves a free a la carte breakfast, with items like hot eggs plus local dishes including arepas, breads, and maracuya. Garden patio seating is available. Free coffee is available all day in the library. The hotel does not serve lunch or dinner, but there are numerous restaurants a short walk away. The library includes a large selection of books by the famous Colombian novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez. The hotel also offers a lobby computer, private cooking lessons, Spanish instructions, concierge service, massage treatments (for a fee), guided walking tours and open-top bus tours of Cartagena, and excursions to Rosario island and the mangrove swamps. There is no on-site parking, but nearby public parking is available for a fee.