The Sofitel Legend Santa Clara is the classic luxury address in Cartagena and one of the most atmospheric hotels in South America. It occupies the convent of Santa Clara de Asís, built in 1621 for the Poor Clare nuns. After the nuns were evicted in 1861 the building became a hospital, a prison and a medical school, before opening as a hotel in 1995 and joining Sofitel’s Legend collection after a restoration in 2012. Today its colonial cloister, shaded by palms and filled with birdsong, is the heart of a five-star hotel of some 125 rooms and suites, split between the old convent and a newer wing. There is a big outdoor pool, said to be the largest in the historic centre, a spa with treatment rooms, a steam room and a Turkish bath, and a collection of restaurants and bars: 1621 for gourmet dining, Jardín Santa Clara, the El Coro lounge, named for the nuns’ old choir, and the Botika rooftop with Caribbean views. It sits in the quiet San Diego district, a short walk from the walls.
Location and getting around: the hotel is on Calle del Torno in the San Diego quarter, at the northern end of the walled city, a few steps from the ramparts and Las Bóvedas. Everything in the old town is walkable from here, Getsemaní is about fifteen minutes on foot, and the airport is a short taxi ride away. San Diego is calmer than the streets around the Clock Tower, which makes for quieter nights.
The rooms: rooms come in superior, luxury and suite categories, some in the historic convent with high ceilings and dark wood, others in the newer wing, where some rooms look towards the sea. Ask for a room overlooking the cloister for the most atmosphere.
Who it suits: honeymooners, couples on a special trip and anyone who wants history with full five-star comfort. Families are welcome, and Expedia lists free breakfast for younger children, but the mood is grown-up.
Good to know: breakfast is a buffet, often charged separately, so check your rate. Free self-parking and valet parking are listed, which is rare inside the walls. Book early for December and January, the busiest months.
Why stay here
- ✓Converted 1621 convent
- ✓Large outdoor pool
- ✓Spa with Turkish bath
- ✓1621 fine-dining restaurant
- ✓El Coro lounge bar
- ✓Botika rooftop bar
- ✓Cloister gardens
- ✓Free valet parking
Good questions
Is the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara inside the walled city?+
Yes, it is in the San Diego quarter of the walled city, close to the ramparts and Las Bóvedas. All the old-town sights are within walking distance.
What is the history of the building?+
It was built in 1621 as the convent of the Poor Clare nuns, then served as a hospital, prison and medical school. It became a hotel in 1995 and a Sofitel Legend in 2012.
Does the hotel have a pool and spa?+
Yes, it has a large outdoor pool with a pool bar and a spa with treatment rooms, a steam room and a Turkish bath.