Casa Pestagua Hotel Boutique, Spa

Grandiose wooden doors lead guests from the bustling Calle de Santo Domingo into Casa Pestagua’s perfectly resorted entryway. Distressed wood beam ceilings complement textured marigold walls and natural limestone floors, while an elaborate chandelier adds a touch of elegance. Massive archways practically beg guests to come explore the mansion’s ivy covered courtyards and romantic mezzanines. With its distressed frescoed hallways and marble staircases, we imagine much of the property looks like it did when it was the private home of Count Pestagua, an aristocratic mayor of Cartagena in the 1760s.  While children are welcome at Casa Pestagua, the majority of guests are adults -- particularly couples. Families with kids might prefer Hotel Casa San Agustin, which has a larger pool and feels slightly more family-friendly. 

Casa Pestagua is located on Calle de Santo Domingo, a few minutes’ walk from both Plaza Santo Domingo and Plaza de Bolivar -- two lively squares in the center of Cartagena’s walled city. The hotel is within walking distance of shops, bars, restaurants, and all of the walled city’s attractions including Torre del Reloj and the old fortress walls. Casa Pestagua is a 15-minute drive from Rafael Nunez International Airport and Bocagrande, Cartagena’s popular shopping and nightlife district. Taxis in Cartagena are inexpensive and easy to find anywhere on the streets. 

Out of all the boutique hotels in Cartagena, Casa Pestagua’s room decor is probably the most authentic. Ornate antique furniture and traditional accents likely resemble the mansion’s original appearance, but the elaborate look may not appeal to all tastes. But, if 17th century decor is your cup of tea, then Casa Pestagua’s large rooms have a lot to offer. Each of the hotel’s 11 rooms is individually decorated, all have antique elements: gilded frames, wall-mounted tapestries, frescoed ceilings, and dark Baroque paintings. The hotel’s smallest room is a whopping 345 square feet (32 square meters) -- much larger than any of its nearby competitors (namely Casa del Coliseo and Casa San Agustin). Suites are even larger, measuring between 600 and 900 square feet, and some have loft-style configurations with multiple levels. Rooms’ topnotch amenities include flat-screen TVs, snacks and drinks in fully stocked mini-fridges, electronic safes, bathrobes and slippers, and free Wi-Fi. In keeping with these sprawling spaces, it’s no surprise that bathrooms are also wildly spacious. We’re talking sunken showers, double vanities, and sometimes separate water closets. L'Occitane toiletries are a luxe touch. Some rooms and suites have outdoor balconies that overlook Cartagena’s beautiful colonial streets. 

Features here focus on romance and style. Casa Pestagua has a beautiful mosaic tile pool in its central courtyard, which is surrounded by lush tropical foliage and ivy-covered archways. The hotel provides cushioned lounge chairs and umbrella-covered tables, where guests can sit and order drinks from the hotel bar. One slight issue we have with the area is the netted canopy that hangs above the pool. The canopy prevents pesky leaves from falling in the pool, but its unsightly appearance (holding tons of dead leaves), detracts from the elegance of the area. In addition to the pool and central courtyard, Casa Pestagua has a stunning rooftop deck with a small hot tub. The rooftop has incredible views of of Catedral del Santa Catalina and the ocean, which makes it a perfect spot for watching the sunset. Casa Pestagua serves breakfast and dinner in its grand dining room. The dining room is a large open air space, with frescoed ceilings, gilded mirrors, and wrought iron chandeliers. The main dining table, which seats 18, is typically where breakfast is served each morning. Breakfast is free for hotel guests, and is custom-made for each individual. The hotel doesn’t have breakfast menus, guests simply ask for what they’d like, and the chef will prepare it -- from pancakes and eggs, to toast and cereal, to traditional Colombian dishes. At night, the hotel sets up additional tables to accommodate outside guests for dinner. The atmosphere is casual, but still refined, with white tablecloths and lit candles. The dinner menu features fresh seafood and traditional Colombian dishes like cazuela de mariscos (seafood stew) and _arroz con coco _(coconut rice). There is a small spa at Casa Pestagua, that actually feels like a spa, rather than a random room where guests can get massages. The spa’s entryway has an interesting pebble floor with wooden stepping planks and a bamboo staircase that leads to the massage room. The space isn’t large, but the spa offers a nice assortment of treatment options, like massages, facials, and body wraps. As an incentive for guests to book treatments, the hotel offers a free foot massage at the spa for all guests during their stay. In addition to the pool, restaurant, and spa, Casa Pestagua also has a large ballroom. The ballroom if often booked for weddings or other private events. The ballroom itself can host up to 80 people, while the entire hotel can be rented for parties of up to 250. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.