Casa de Alb
Colonial grandeur meets Caribbean cool. Marble floors, wooden beams, ornate colonial windows, handmade artisan decor from local Cartagena craftspeople, and French designer furniture. The whole place leans into its pirate history without being kitschy about it.
Ask for a suite with a balcony overlooking the courtyard — the cathedral views at night are genuinely special
Why It Matters
Winner of the Luxury Hotel Awards 2018 for Best Historic Boutique Hotel in Colombia. Named in TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice 2019 as one of the 25 best small luxury hotels in South America and the 25 best boutique hotels in Colombia. The building itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site structure — directly facing the cathedral of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, which you can see lit up from your balcony at night.
Casa de Alba is a 16th-century colonial mansion — one of the first houses built in Cartagena in 1576 and reputedly home to the pirate Sir Francis Drake. Completely restored in 2015, the 1,000 sqm (11,800 sq ft) property has seven suites spread across marble-floored rooms furnished with French and international designer pieces, set around a central courtyard pool. Seven rooms means a genuinely intimate stay, and the staff-to-guest ratio shows.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Suite Caballito de Mar
From USD450 / nightA duplex Seahorse Suite perfect for families. King bed on the ground floor; climb wooden steps to a loft-style upper level with two more luxury beds. Sleeps 6 adults and 2 children. Garden, city, and pool views.
3 king beds · 33 sqm
Suite Gran Salon
From USD450 / nightThe largest room at 60 sqm. Bright and spacious with tiled floors, double sinks and showers, copper bathroom finishes, and a king bed draped with white curtains. Sleeps 6 adults. A good option for families or small groups who want more floor space.
1 king bed and 2 doubles · 60 sqmSuite León
From USD300 / nightGround-floor suite ideal for sharing, with two sumptuous king beds under exposed wooden beams that give the space real architectural character. Sleeps up to 4 adults. Garden and pool views.
2 king beds · 33 sqmSuite Medusa
From USD300 / nightOrnate windows and glass doors open onto the street or terrace, letting in the sounds and energy of the old city. Two queen beds and all the comforts for up to 4 guests. Garden, city, and pool views.
2 queen beds · 33 sqmSuite Palmera
From USD600 / nightThe top-tier suite at 55 sqm, with magnificent marble floors, spacious luxury spaces, and a private jacuzzi. Wake up to garden, city, and pool views, and soak in the hot tub before watching the cathedral glow at night from the courtyard. For 2 adults.
1 king bed · 55 sqmSuite Pez León
From USD450 / nightSpacious suite sleeping up to 6 adults with crisp white linens and a calm, ocean-inspired atmosphere. Garden and pool views with access to outdoor dining area.
1 king bed and 2 doublesSuite Salamandra
From USD600 / nightA well-loved suite with careful attention to every detail — inviting light, comfortable seating, and a small balcony overlooking the courtyard with views of the cathedral lit up at night. Sleeps 2 adults. Garden, city, and pool views.
1 king bed · 33 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Expert-led multisensory Colombian coffee tasting with pairings of honey, rum, and floral notes. Guided by expert growers and cultivators.
Caribbean cooking masterclass with the hotel's sous-chef, trained under 2-Michelin-starred French chef Sylvain Muscato. Covers the indigenous, African, and European food cultures that shape Colombian Caribbean cuisine.
Learn to make the Cuban Mojito from the hotel's bartender, certified by top Colombian mixologist Camila Pérez. The drink has a direct connection to the property: legend holds that Sir Francis Drake's cousin invented the forerunner of the mojito here in 1586.
Pilates sessions available for guests on-site.
Private dinner prepared by the hotel's chef with panoramic views of the Herrera-style cathedral — the last stage of Renaissance architecture of Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
Upgraded arrival package with prosecco, flowers, and chocolates — ideal for honeymoons or celebrations.
Butler-guided arrival welcome with hand-selected Italian prosecco from Friuli and Veneto, paired with fresh local fruits.
A deep dive into Caribbean rum history — from sugar cane to distillation — covering white, gold, and vintage varieties. Run under the seal of the hotel's French maître d'hotel. Explores three rum types: white, gold, and vintage dark rum.
Full event planning for marriage proposals, bachelor/bachelorette parties, weddings, honeymoons, and birthdays. The hotel works with the best event producers in Cartagena.
Private Mercedes vehicle with a driver who provides personalized tourism commentary on the way in and out of the walled city.
Full-day private boat trip to the Rosario Islands archipelago aboard the hotel's boat 'Goldfinger'. Includes snorkeling, beach activities, water sports, jet ski, and exotic lunch. A real highlight for those who want to get offshore.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Coworking spaces, meeting rooms, desk, and photocopier available.
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property.
American-style breakfast included with stay, served on the rooftop patio with cathedral views.
Bar beside the courtyard pool serving cocktails, prosecco, and snacks.
Central courtyard pool surrounded by palm trees and colonial architecture. The main gathering spot for guests.
Rooftop pool with terrace offering views of the cathedral and surrounding old city. Guests regularly highlight this as a highlight of the stay.
Round-the-clock room service available.
Personal butler service available to arrange experiences, transfers, and customise the stay.
The property has no on-site parking. Plan accordingly if arriving by car.
Private Mercedes airport transfer service available at $95 per trip.
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