Casa San Agustin
In the heart of Cartagena’s historic center, beautifully preserved Casa San Agustin offers a historically rich and luxurious stay.
Spread across three mansions connected by a 17th-century aqueduct, this boutique bolthole delivers equal doses of exclusivity and coziness. You’ll find chic furnishings in each of the 31 rooms, and an incredibly warm and attentive staff ready to take care of your every need.
Head over to the serene spa for massages, facials or a session in the impressive hammam — it’s a nice antidote to a day spent exploring the city’s colonial labyrinth. Alma, the in-house restaurant, gives you a delectable taste of local coastal fare (there also are some international favorites for the less adventurous).
Start your day with
a deliciously refreshing swim in the L-shaped pool, and end it sipping an
expertly made gin and tonic in the atmospheric bar, with a live salsa serenade
in the background.
- Alma showcases Colombian-Caribbean cuisine in dishes like the cazuela, a comforting stew of lobster, clams, fish, squid, octopus, shrimp and mussels with coconut milk and lobster cream.
- Original architectural features haven’t been carelessly erased — the Cartagena hotel proudly showcases historic relics, such as the stone gargoyles and 17th-century frescoes. The 300-year-old untouched aqueduct, which cuts through the pool, is a stunning juxtaposition of old meets new.
- The city hotel provides a unique amenity: guests get access to Acasí, its private white sand beach on the island of Barú. To venture off on an excursion there, the concierge will arrange a 45-minute private boat charter.
- Catch the live band playing salsa from 8 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays in the patio.
- There is a handsome selection of shops and cafés on your doorstep. Buena Vida, a tropical rooftop bar, hits the spot for sundowners, and Cafe de la Mañana offers photography, coffee and brunch under one colonial roof. La Presentacion, Galeria NH and Casa Chiqui all cater to avid art and design lovers.
- There are only 31 rooms in the boutique hotel, so you have to book ahead, especially for high season (December to March).
- Part of Cartagena’s irresistible charm is the flower-fringed balconies and the rainbow-colored streets, but many rooms in the hotel don’t have street-facing windows or terraces. We advise asking ahead if a room with a view is a must.
- Casa San Agustin has a distinct couple vibe to it. Large groups and families with young children might want to sleep elsewhere.
- The palette is neutral and clean-cut, with lots of organic linen and rich mahogany tables. Work by highly regarded Colombian artists add a Caribbean character. The four-poster ironwork king-sized beds complete with Frette linens are the icing on the cake.
- Each room category (there are five) boasts a specific highlight. The deluxe rooms have king-size beds, the premium suites are decked out with a private hot tub and the Junior Suites come with living rooms. The two-bedroom Prestige and Virrey Suites are the most exclusive.
- The luxury hotel has a one-of-a-kind perfume, which is sprayed throughout the building and rooms. It’s a secret concoction created exclusively for Casa San Agustin.
- Alma, a culinary triumph, is frequented by foodie locals and tourists. Be sure to order the Eljach ceviche, named after the head chef. A testament of the menu’s artistic flair, it’s served with fresh fish, octopus, prawns, aji dulce (local sweet peppers) and chicharrones (pork rinds). The arepa de huevo (traditional fried corncake with egg) is incredible, too.
- The terrace is best enjoyed in the morning or evening, when the sun isn’t too strong.
- The air-conditioned rooms at the back are good for those who aren’t dealing well with Cartagena’s temperatures.
24-hour room service 
Bar
Beach
Outdoor pool
Restaurants
Spa
