Casa San Agustin is one of the names that comes up first whenever people talk about luxury stays in Cartagena’s walled city. It sits inside the old town’s walls, in the quieter northern quarter around San Diego, and it is described as a hotel of colonial-style elegance, with a spa, a pool and a fine-dining restaurant. For many travellers that is precisely the Cartagena fantasy: a historic setting, stone and timber, cool courtyards and a place to return to after a hot day among the plazas. The hotel is best suited to couples, honeymooners and anyone who values atmosphere and service over a long list of modern gadgets. The walled city is compact, and from the front door you can walk to the main plazas, the ramparts, the museums and a large choice of restaurants within minutes.
Location and getting around
The hotel is in the old walled city, so almost every sight is within a short walk. Plaza de Bolívar, the Clock Tower, the cathedral and the ramparts are all close, and Getsemaní is a pleasant evening stroll. The streets are cobbled and narrow, so taxis stop at the edge of some blocks, and luggage may have to travel the last stretch on foot or by trolley, which is part of the old-town experience. San Diego is calmer than the streets around the Clock Tower, which suits light sleepers.
The rooms and facilities
Expect rooms in a colonial style, with period details and high ceilings typical of old houses, and a range of categories from standard to suites, so compare descriptions carefully when you book. The property offers a spa, a pool and a restaurant, which makes it possible to spend a slow afternoon without leaving the building. Heat is serious in Cartagena, so a hotel with a pool and air conditioning, as here, is more valuable than it sounds, and many guests plan their sightseeing for the mornings and evenings with a swim in between.
Who it suits
Couples on a special trip, honeymooners, small groups of friends and travellers who want to feel the colonial city around them. It is a grown-up place, though families are accepted, and the spa and fine-dining restaurant make it a good choice for anyone treating themselves. If you are travelling on a tight budget, other areas of the city offer cheaper rates, but nothing quite replaces sleeping inside the walls.
Good to know
Rates in Cartagena swing sharply with the season, and December, January and the festivals of November are the busiest. Check what is included in your rate, such as breakfast, taxes and transfers, and ask the hotel about airport pick-up. Dress is relaxed, but you will want light, breathable clothes and a smart outfit for dinner.
Why stay here
- ✓Walled city location
- ✓Spa
- ✓Pool
- ✓Fine-dining restaurant
- ✓Colonial-style rooms
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Historic old-town setting
- ✓Walkable to main sights
Good questions
Is Casa San Agustin inside the walled city?+
Yes, it is inside the old walled city, within walking distance of the main plazas, museums and ramparts.
Does it have a pool and spa?+
Yes. The property is described as having a spa, a pool and a fine-dining restaurant.
Is it suitable for a honeymoon?+
It is a popular choice for couples and special trips, thanks to its colonial setting and its facilities.
