Cartagena, ColombiaEl Centro
Casa de Alba Hotel Boutique
Colonial stone mansion
El Centro Cartagena, Colombia
Opened
2015
Price
$$$
Rated for
Heritage Design LocalOutside the door
The house
Alba GroupColonial stone mansion
The colonial residence runs like a private home, where quiet afternoons revolve around the open courtyard plunge pool.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A 1560 colonial residence among the earliest stone domestic structures built in Cartagena.
Notable
Restored colonial stone archways balanced with contemporary furnishings and modern suite amenities.
Notable
Courtyard living and regional rum tastings inside the historic colonial walled district.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
an intimate, elegantly styled colonial mansion, transformed into the luxe seven-room Casa de Alba Boutique Hotel.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Plaza de Bolívar sits just down the lane, and Santa Catalina Cathedral is only steps away.
The rooms
Original stone arches and dark woodwork run through the suites, and select bathrooms have deep whirlpool tubs.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
The courtyard plunge pool sits beneath stone arches, and the rooftop pool looks straight toward Santa Catalina Cathedral's bell tower.
At the table
Tables line the open-air loggia overlooking the courtyard, and an intimate marble bar serves regional rum cocktails.
How it began
The mansion dates to 1560 as one of Cartagena's first stone residences, and privateer Francis Drake occupied it in 1586.
Cartagena
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.