Hotel Casa del Arzobispado

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. 

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.  

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. 

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.