Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena

Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena: A Luxurious Retreat in the Heart of the Walled City

Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena stands as a distinguished luxury hotel, recognized with a Michelin Key, offering guests a blend of historic charm and modern amenities within Cartagena's vibrant Walled City. Housed in a meticulously preserved 17th-century convent, the hotel consistently receives high praise for its exceptional service, prime location, and beautiful design.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment - Wonderful

The general consensus for Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "wonderful" and "exceptional." The hotel boasts an average rating of 9.1 out of 10 from hundreds of reviews, with particularly high scores for location (9.7), comfort (9.5), and staff (9.4). Many express a strong desire to return, highlighting it as a top choice in Cartagena.

2. Key Highlights - Service, Location, Design, and Amenities Shine

Guests consistently laud the hotel's stunning beauty, both in its historic architecture and its well-maintained facilities.

• Service: The staff frequently receives 10/10 ratings, praised for being courteous, helpful, and full of smiles.
• Location: Its position within the UNESCO-listed Walled City is a major draw, allowing easy exploration of historic sites, vibrant streets, and attractions like the Naval Museum of the Caribbean and the Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver.
• Design: The hotel masterfully preserves its colonial and Republican architectural styles, featuring elegant courtyards with vertical gardens that create tranquil oases.
• Amenities: The rooftop pool and bar/restaurant are consistently mentioned as highlights, offering dramatic 360-degree views of the city and the Caribbean. Other amenities include a spa with five treatment rooms, a well-equipped gym, and free Wi-Fi.

3. Room Quality - Elegant Comfort with Historic Charm

The 87 rooms and suites are described as spacious, elegant, and designed with a thoughtful balance of modern luxury and historic charm. Guests appreciate the focus on physical comfort, including 600-thread linens and marble-clad bathrooms. Rooms may offer views of the vibrant Old Town or the ocean. Some rooms feature air conditioning, free toiletries, wardrobes, and patios. However, it's noted that room quality can vary between the colonial and Republican wings, with some standard rooms potentially being smaller, darker, and having unrenovated bathrooms. It is advisable to inquire about square footage, natural light, renovation status, and views when booking.

4. Dining Experience - Acclaimed Cuisine and Delightful Breakfast

The hotel offers a strong culinary experience with multiple dining options. Harry's Cartagena, led by renowned Colombian chef Harry Sasson, serves international and local dishes. Guests praise the delicious breakfast buffet, with fresh-pressed coffee being a particular delight. The rooftop La Terraza restaurant also offers gastronomy with stunning views. The Plaza Santa Teresa becomes an open-air bar and restaurant in the evenings. Specific dishes like a large crab salad, Angus steak, perfectly cooked salmon, and a memorable coconut cake have received mentions.

5. Service & Staff - Exceptional Hospitality

The staff at Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena consistently receives high marks for their helpfulness, attentiveness, and friendly demeanor. Many guests highlight the exceptional service as a reason for their enjoyable stay and a desire to return. Staff are often described as being "full of smiles" and extremely courteous.

6. Location & Accessibility - Perfectly Situated in the Old Town

The hotel's location in the heart of Cartagena's UNESCO Walled City is considered "perfect" for exploring the city's main attractions on foot. It is a short walk from sites like the Naval Museum of the Caribbean, the Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver, and the iconic Torre del Reloj. The Cartagena Airport is approximately 1.5 km (10-15 minutes) away, with transfer services available.

7. Value & Pricing - Luxury at a Premium

As a luxury, Michelin Key-selected property, Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena operates at a higher price point than the city's average. While some guests acknowledge the hotel's quality, a few suggest that similar experiences might be found for less cost elsewhere in Cartagena. Prices for a one-night stay for two adults can range from approximately $348 to $466, with December being the most expensive month and June being the cheapest. The average room price is around $422, offering an "unparalleled experience" despite being higher than the city's average of $194.

8. Common Complaints - Minor Issues Amidst General Satisfaction

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some minor recurring issues have been noted:

• Noise: Some guests have experienced noise, particularly from nearby bars and events hosted at the hotel, which can be disruptive, especially for family trips.
• Pool Closing Time: The rooftop pool's early closing time (6:00 PM) has been a point of contention for guests who wish to enjoy it after a day of sightseeing.
• Mattress Quality: A few reviews mention old or worn-out mattresses, leading to discomfort for some guests.
• Staff Coordination/Language Barrier: While overall service is highly praised, some instances of miscommunication or lack of coordination among staff have been reported, particularly regarding check-in and spa appointments. A language barrier, though often resolved by staff finding English speakers, was also mentioned.
• Strict Check-in Time: One guest noted an "extremely strict check-in time" with no flexibility for early access.
• Unrenovated Rooms: As mentioned in room quality, some standard rooms may not have been renovated, impacting their size, natural light, and bathroom modernity.

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