Casa Pestagua
Understated colonial luxury — Moorish architecture and Baroque details grounded by warm neutral tones, Colombian art, and genuinely warm service. Design-centric without being precious about it.
Book a room on the second or third floor for better natural light, quieter conditions, and superior courtyard views — ground floor rooms are darker
Why It Matters
The only Relais & Châteaux in Colombia, a 2025 Two Michelin Key winner, and what is widely considered the finest historic mansion in Cartagena. Its AniMare restaurant under colonial arches is a destination in its own right, and access to a private beach on Barú Island is a rare perk in this category.
The Count of Pestagua built this mansion in the 17th century to be the most beautiful house in Cartagena — and the argument still holds. A full restoration in 2022 brought the place to its sharpest form yet: double-height Moorish arches, beamed ceilings, a central courtyard lined with royal palms, and a pool that makes the city outside feel irrelevant. Sixteen rooms and suites, all distinctive, run from a tidy 37 m² Deluxe to the 140 m² Suite Conde de Pestagua with its own private jacuzzi and exclusive elevator access. The only Relais & Châteaux property in Colombia, it earned Two Michelin Keys in 2025 — one of the only hotels in the country to do so.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Deluxe Room
Cool white walls, soaring ceilings and warm earth-toned furnishings that lean into the 17th-century setting without overdoing it. Views look onto the interior garden. The bathroom has an oversized rain shower with Ortigia Sicilia toiletries and a Bose speaker on the desk.
King · 42 sqm
Grand Suite
At 94 m² this two-room suite comes with a spacious balcony, street views, and a full bathroom with both rain shower and bathtub. The double sofa bed in the living area makes it workable for three. Some sources note panoramic rooftop views from the terrace.
King · 94 sqm
Junior Suite
Two-area colonial rooms with a distinct Caribbean feel, decorated to highlight the mansion's original architecture. Most have two vanities in the bathroom. Some units feature a mezzanine level. Families with one child are well accommodated here.
King · 59 sqmSuite Conde de Pestagua
The flagship — and it shows. A 140 m² three-room suite with a private jacuzzi on the terrace, views over both the interior garden and the sea, and exclusive elevator access that sets it apart from everything else in the building. The bathroom features high-tech Japanese fixtures and a discreet TV lift. Reportedly offered complimentary to couples who host their wedding at the property.
King · 140 sqm
Suite de Madariaga
Named with a nod to the mansion's storied past, this 70 m² suite pairs original colonial bones with modern luxury. Walk-in closet, a proper living room with sofa bed, street-facing views, and a bathroom with both a rain shower and bathtub. One of the stronger value propositions in the room mix.
King · 70 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Hotel-exclusive access to Acasí, a private beach on Barú Island with white sand and turquoise water. The trip takes about 45 minutes by boat from Cartagena. Six eco-cabins on the island let you extend the stay. This is a genuinely rare perk — most Cartagena hotels send guests to crowded public beaches.
Private airport transfer to/from Rafael Núñez International Airport (about 20 minutes). Bookable through the hotel.
Babysitting can be arranged with advance notice. Prices on enquiry.
Bikes available on-site for self-guided exploration of the Old Town's cobblestone streets and historic neighborhoods.
Curated collection of selected Colombian coffee beans. A proper sensory tasting of aromas and flavors, not just a hotel amenity. Available on request.
A sensory tour through the process, elaboration, and distillation of Colombian rum, set against the backdrop of the Walled City. Available on request.
Learn techniques and dishes from Colombia's Caribbean and Pacific coastal traditions — the same regional roots that drive AniMare's menu. Upon request and subject to availability.
Guided exploration of Cartagena's UNESCO-listed walled city: colonial churches, fortresses, plazas, and streets that shaped Gabriel García Márquez. Arrangements through concierge.
Live music in the central courtyard on select evenings — past reporting noted this happening a few times per week. Check current schedule with concierge.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Elevator on-site; the Suite Conde de Pestagua has an exclusive private elevator. Note: the historic building is not adapted for wheelchair users.
AniMare restaurant and gardens can host events for up to 70 guests. Banquet hall available. The property is a popular wedding venue.
Poolside bar serving cocktails and beverages throughout the day.
Central courtyard pool shaded by royal palms with a sundeck and loungers. Open year-round.
Sundeck with loungers adjacent to the courtyard pool.
Individual in-room safe in all accommodations.
Individual climate control in all rooms and suites.
Mini fridge/bar stocked in all rooms.
Italian Ortigia Sicilia toiletries, robes, and slippers provided in all rooms.
Bose radio/Bluetooth speaker in every room.
Round-the-clock concierge service for tours, transfers, reservations, and local recommendations.
Currency exchange service available at the property.
Paid laundry service available.
Full AniMare menu available via room service: breakfast 6:30 am–10:30 am; lunch/dinner 11:00 am–11:00 pm, daily.
High-speed wireless internet throughout the property, including in-room.
Fully equipped gym open daily 7:00 am–10:00 pm, located next to an outdoor relaxation area. Exclusive access for guests of Casa Pestagua and sister property Hotel Casa San Agustín.
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Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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