Pros

  • Historic boutique hotel in Cartagena’s walled city
  • Beautifully restored interiors and exteriors
  • Individually decorated rooms with vaulted wood-beam ceilings
  • Gorgeous courtyard with mosaic tile pool
  • Small spa room and sauna
  • Free breakfast and Wi-Fi
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Cons

  • Lots of religious decor throughout, which may not appeal to some travelers
  • No on-site restaurant
  • No fitness center
  • No children under 15 allowed (pro for some)
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Bottom Line

Meaning “House of the Archbishop” in English, Casa del Arzobispado is an upper-middle-range boutique hotel located across the street from Cartagena’s famous cathedral, Catedral de Santa Catalina. During the 17th century, the hotel building was used by priests and bishops, in a time when the church played an important role in everyday society. Casa del Arzobispado’s religious background is evident throughout the property, and many of the building’s original art pieces (read: paintings of Jesus) are still on display. For those who don’t mind the ecclesiastical references, Hotel Casa del Arzobispado is a real gem, with 10 spacious, individually decorated rooms, a beautiful pool and courtyard, and free breakfast and Wi-Fi. It also has a prime location in the center of Cartagena’s walled city. Travelers who’d prefer something a bit more secular might prefer Hotel Boutique Casa del Coliseo, where rooms have nicer decor but are much smaller.  

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Oyster Hotel Review

Hotel Casa del Arzobispado

Scene

A historic boutique hotel with a quiet atmosphere and lots of religious decor 

Walking through the gigantic entry doors of Casa del Arzobispado feels like taking a step back in time. Massive wrought-iron gates, cobblestone floors, and gilded mirrors with tiny cherubs line the entry hall — which looks more like the entrance to a 17th-century monastery than a boutique hotel. Upon arrival, guests are greeted at the gates by staff members, who lead them through the entryway to the gorgeous interior courtyard. The courtyard is one of our favorites in Cartagena. Ivy-covered archways and the second-story balcony surround the gorgeous mosaic tile pool, which feels like a tranquil oasis in a bustling city like Cartagena.  

The majority of guests at Hotel Casa del Arzobispado are couples, many of whom are celebrating honeymoons or anniversaries. The hotel welcomes guests from all over the world, including the United States, parts of Europe, Brazil, and Colombia. The atmosphere at the hotel is quiet throughout the day, as many guests choose to spend their days exploring the city. Teenagers 15 and older are welcome, but younger children are not; the quiet atmosphere would likely feel a bit too stifling for little ones, anyway. 

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Location

Across the street from the cathedral, and within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions 

There is really no such thing as a bad location within Cartagena’s walled city, but it’s arguable that Hotel Casa del Arzobispado has one of the best. Directly across the street from Cartagena’s famed cathedral, Catedral de Santa Catalina, the property is smack in the middle of Cartagena’s tourist scene. The hotel is within walking distance of numerous shops, restaurants, and attractions, but its location is quiet enough that rooms don’t receive too much street noise at night. Casa del Arzobispado is about a 15-minute drive from both 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.  

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Rooms

Spacious, with a mix of antique and modern furnishings, but not quite luxurious

Rooms here are not as upscale or richly appointed as some competitors’ rooms, but each is individually decorated, and feature a mix of antique and modern fixtures. Vaulted wood-beam ceilings give all 10 rooms a dramatic flair, and emphasize their spaciousness, while gilded headboards and ornately carved furniture reflect the hotel’s 17th-century grandeur. Statues of saints and paintings of the Virgin Mary make their way into rooms’ nooks and crannies, but the in-room religious decor is much more discreet than in the hotel’s main stairwell and breakfast room. Beds are topped with generic white duvets and a few pillows, and rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, fully stocked minibars (fees apply), and iPod docks. Bathrooms feature marble glass-enclosed showers, and might feature stunning exposed brick ceilings or delicate hand-painted sinks; terrycloth robes are provided. Some rooms have private balconies, which overlook the street or the interior courtyard. 

Four of Arzobispado’s guest rooms are located on the ground (courtyard) level, while the remaining six are located upstairs on the second floor. The hotel does not have an elevator, so guests with limited mobility should request a room on the ground floor. 

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Features

A beautiful swimming pool and free breakfast are the highlights here.

Hotel Casa del Arzobispado’s beautiful mosaic tile pool is surely its greatest amenity. The gorgeous pool is located in the hotel’s ivy-covered courtyard, and is surrounded by cushioned lounge chairs, potted plants, and garden tables. The pool feels like a secluded oasis, miles away from Cartagena’s chaotic streets. The pool is rarely crowded during the day, but many guests come to relax in the courtyard at night, after the brutally hot sun has set. Behind the pool, the hotel has a small sauna and massage room. While it’s not exactly a spa, many guests book massages or use the sauna during their stay. The sauna is free to use, but massages incur an extra fee. 

Breakfast is served daily in the hotel’s ornate dining room. A long communal table with velvet upholstered chairs and candelabra centerpieces sits beneath the room’s massive chandeliers. Life-size religious artwork adorns each wall, which some guests may find a bit austere in the early morning hours. The breakfast menu typically consists of five options ranging from eggs and omelets to pancakes and arepas. Breakfast is served with fresh fruit and freshly baked bread, along with an assortment of teas, juices, and coffee. Breakfast is free for all guests, as is Wi-Fi, which works well across the property. Casa del Arzobispado doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, but there are tons within walking distance of the hotel. 

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Oyster Hotel Review

Hotel Casa del Arzobispado

Scene

A historic boutique hotel with a quiet atmosphere and lots of religious decor 

Walking through the gigantic entry doors of Casa del Arzobispado feels like taking a step back in time. Massive wrought-iron gates, cobblestone floors, and gilded mirrors with tiny cherubs line the entry hall — which looks more like the entrance to a 17th-century monastery than a boutique hotel. Upon arrival, guests are greeted at the gates by staff members, who lead them through the entryway to the gorgeous interior courtyard. The courtyard is one of our favorites in Cartagena. Ivy-covered archways and the second-story balcony surround the gorgeous mosaic tile pool, which feels like a tranquil oasis in a bustling city like Cartagena.  

The majority of guests at Hotel Casa del Arzobispado are couples, many of whom are celebrating honeymoons or anniversaries. The hotel welcomes guests from all over the world, including the United States, parts of Europe, Brazil, and Colombia. The atmosphere at the hotel is quiet throughout the day, as many guests choose to spend their days exploring the city. Teenagers 15 and older are welcome, but younger children are not; the quiet atmosphere would likely feel a bit too stifling for little ones, anyway. 

See More Scene

Location

Across the street from the cathedral, and within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions 

There is really no such thing as a bad location within Cartagena’s walled city, but it’s arguable that Hotel Casa del Arzobispado has one of the best. Directly across the street from Cartagena’s famed cathedral, Catedral de Santa Catalina, the property is smack in the middle of Cartagena’s tourist scene. The hotel is within walking distance of numerous shops, restaurants, and attractions, but its location is quiet enough that rooms don’t receive too much street noise at night. Casa del Arzobispado is about a 15-minute drive from both 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.  

See More Location

Rooms

Spacious, with a mix of antique and modern furnishings, but not quite luxurious

Rooms here are not as upscale or richly appointed as some competitors’ rooms, but each is individually decorated, and feature a mix of antique and modern fixtures. Vaulted wood-beam ceilings give all 10 rooms a dramatic flair, and emphasize their spaciousness, while gilded headboards and ornately carved furniture reflect the hotel’s 17th-century grandeur. Statues of saints and paintings of the Virgin Mary make their way into rooms’ nooks and crannies, but the in-room religious decor is much more discreet than in the hotel’s main stairwell and breakfast room. Beds are topped with generic white duvets and a few pillows, and rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, fully stocked minibars (fees apply), and iPod docks. Bathrooms feature marble glass-enclosed showers, and might feature stunning exposed brick ceilings or delicate hand-painted sinks; terrycloth robes are provided. Some rooms have private balconies, which overlook the street or the interior courtyard. 

Four of Arzobispado’s guest rooms are located on the ground (courtyard) level, while the remaining six are located upstairs on the second floor. The hotel does not have an elevator, so guests with limited mobility should request a room on the ground floor. 

See More Rooms

Features

A beautiful swimming pool and free breakfast are the highlights here.

Hotel Casa del Arzobispado’s beautiful mosaic tile pool is surely its greatest amenity. The gorgeous pool is located in the hotel’s ivy-covered courtyard, and is surrounded by cushioned lounge chairs, potted plants, and garden tables. The pool feels like a secluded oasis, miles away from Cartagena’s chaotic streets. The pool is rarely crowded during the day, but many guests come to relax in the courtyard at night, after the brutally hot sun has set. Behind the pool, the hotel has a small sauna and massage room. While it’s not exactly a spa, many guests book massages or use the sauna during their stay. The sauna is free to use, but massages incur an extra fee. 

Breakfast is served daily in the hotel’s ornate dining room. A long communal table with velvet upholstered chairs and candelabra centerpieces sits beneath the room’s massive chandeliers. Life-size religious artwork adorns each wall, which some guests may find a bit austere in the early morning hours. The breakfast menu typically consists of five options ranging from eggs and omelets to pancakes and arepas. Breakfast is served with fresh fruit and freshly baked bread, along with an assortment of teas, juices, and coffee. Breakfast is free for all guests, as is Wi-Fi, which works well across the property. Casa del Arzobispado doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, but there are tons within walking distance of the hotel. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Free Breakfast

  • Full Kitchen

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.