Casa Pestagua carries the Relais & Châteaux name, which signals a small, characterful hotel with a strong emphasis on service and cuisine. In Cartagena that means a colonial mansion inside the walled city, remodelled for modern guests, with a poolside bar and a relaxed, private atmosphere. It is a place for people who prefer to feel like houseguests in an old home rather than numbers in a large hotel. The old town’s plazas, cathedral, museums and restaurants are all within walking distance, and the ramparts are a short stroll away, so you can leave the car, or the taxi, behind for days at a time. In a city of beautiful old houses, this is one of the stays that people recall with particular fondness, mainly because of the intimate scale and the attention that scale makes possible.
Location and getting around
The hotel is inside the walled city, which means that sightseeing is simple and the evenings are easy, with a choice of restaurants and bars in every direction. Expect a pedestrian-friendly setting, with narrow streets, balconies and plazas. Taxis can bring you to the nearest accessible street, and staff can arrange airport transfers, tours and restaurant bookings. If you are sensitive to noise, ask for a room away from the street, since the old town can be lively at night.
The rooms and facilities
As a remodelled colonial house, Casa Pestagua combines period character with modern comforts, and rooms vary in size and style, so read the room descriptions closely. The poolside bar is a natural gathering place for cool drinks in the afternoon, and daily reception service helps with plans. Boutique hotels of this type are usually small, which means fewer guests, more personal service and a quieter mood than the big hotels of Bocagrande.
Who it suits
Couples, honeymooners and discerning travellers who want a boutique stay in the heart of the old town. It is a good choice for people who appreciate architecture, quiet courtyards and good service, and who do not need a long list of resort facilities. Families may find it better suited to older children, since the mood is calm and the plazas and streets require supervision.
Good to know
Because the hotel is small, it can sell out quickly in peak weeks, so book early for December, January and the festival days of November. Check what your rate includes, such as breakfast and taxes, and confirm cancellation terms. Dress comfortably for the heat, and bring a smarter outfit for dinner. Staff are a good source of tips on tours, restaurants and island trips.
Why stay here
- ✓Walled city mansion
- ✓Relais & Châteaux label
- ✓Poolside bar
- ✓Reception service
- ✓Boutique scale
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Daily reception service
- ✓Quiet courtyards
Good questions
Is Casa Pestagua inside the walled city?+
Yes, it is in the walled city, close to the plazas, museums and restaurants of the old town.
Does Casa Pestagua have a pool?+
The property is described as having a poolside bar, so there is a pool area where you can have a drink.
What does Relais & Châteaux mean?+
It is an association of independent, characterful hotels and restaurants known for service and cuisine.
