The riveting Alfiz Hotel Boutique serves as a trip into Cartagena’s rich history, as the elegant restoration of the former 17th-century house combines comfort with classical colonial architecture. The décor and furnishings, with antiques and charming old pieces, and the 8 thematic rooms allow guests to encounter Colombian culture while staying in one of the best hotels in Cartagena, to immerse you in an important period of Cartagena’s history which allows you to experience the enriching Colombian history before you have even left the hotel.
Alfiz Hotel Boutique Cartagena
The Hotel is located in the heart of Cartagena in Colombia, surrounded by a multitude of tourist attractions to make your trip nothing eventful by immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Cartagena. Just a short walk from the hotel you’ll find a variety of museums, such as the Museum of Colombian Navy History, the Museum of pre-columbian relics; the Museo del Oro Zenu, the Palace of the Inquisition Cartagena Historical Museum, Love Made Art Museum and the Casa de Los Calabozos, a local history museum.
Other landmarks include the vibrant square of Plaza Santo Domingo with a Botero sculpture, the Monumento Torre del Reloj landmark and 19th century gate and clock tower. Just around the corner, there is also the historic Cathedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandria which is a historic catholic basilica monument. Then a little further to the North there’s the Teatro Heredia performing arts theatre as well as the house of Gabriel García Márquez.
The Alfiz Boutique Hotel is very easily accessible as it is just a 10 minute drive from the Rafael Núñez International Airport.
- Newly restored heritage house from 17th Century
- Located between the city’s oldest squares
- High quality private accommodation
- Splash Pool facilities with a jacuzzi
- Library with dedications to renowned Colombian writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez
- Restaurant and Bar
- Room service
Cartagena was one of the largest ports in America during the colonial era, with treasures being shipped to the Spanish Crown to Cadiz and Seville. This room stands as a living testimony of this era, featuring a beautiful crown above the bed with a draping canopy to stand as a symbol of the era. This room accommodates up to 2 guests in a double bed and has an ensuite bathroom with a bathtub.
The founder of the city in 1533, Pedro de Heredia, originally named it as San Sebastian de Calamar but it was later changed to Cartagena de Indias. This room is dedicated to the founder, with intricate details boasting of his conquest. This room also accommodates up to 2 guests in a double bed and has an ensuite bathroom with a bathtub.
The city proved to be a target due to their magnificent treasures so was often attacked by the French and English pirates. Therefore, the Spanish Crown had to protect the city with a wall and fortresses, making it the most complete defensive system in America. This room is dedicated to the city’s triumph and self solitude against the intrusions, with the walls displaying ships and maps of the sea. This room accommodates up to 2 guests with either 1 king size bed or twin beds, and has an ensuite bathroom with a bathtub.
This room serves as an homage to the legends of the town; when the Spaniards first arrived, they were met by the inhabiting Carib tribes and the decor of this room reflects these ancient tribes with intricate details throughout the room. This room accommodates up to 3 guests with 1 double bed and 1 single, it also has an ensuite bathroom with a bathtub.
This room is dedicated to the Jesuit priest, St Peter Claver, who made a heroic and selfless ministry defence of the slaves in Cartagena in the 17th century. Prominent religious imagery can be found throughout the decor of this room as it shines in honour of the priest. This room accommodates up to 2 guests in a queen size bed and has an ensuite bathroom with a tub.
After the liberation of independence from Spain on the 11th of November, 1811, Cartagena was given the name of “The Heroic City” by liberator Simon Bolívar. The Independence room celebrates this momentous day in history by celebrating the city, vibrant greenery flows throughout the decor as well as homages to art of the culture. This room accommodates up to 3 guests with 1 queen size bed and has an ensuite bathroom with a tub.
The Viceroyalty Suite is a representation of the monarchy as the Viceroyalty was especially important in the Spanish Crown, the city would create a pompous reception for the arrival of the Viceroy. This room accommodates up to 2 guests in a king sized bed and has an ensuite bathroom with a tub. This room also features a small balcony window that looks down into the exquisite streets of Cartagena.
The republican period brought a total transformation and consolidation of the nation with unification after the conflicts between political parties. This unification is seen throughout this thematic open-plan suite with a split level family room, large living area with an external balcony. This room accommodates up to 4 guests with either 1 king or queen sized bed as well as twin beds. This suite also comes equipped with a bathroom that features a shower. The Republic suite also features a small balcony window that looks down into the streets of Cartagena.
Within the hotel, guests can enjoy breakfast served in the restaurant and room service is also available throughout the day. There are also a multitude of restaurants and bars that surround the hotel such as: El Burlador Gastrobar, Café del Mar Ltda, Restaurante San Valentin, Buena Vida Marisquería, Casa Della Pasta and Restaurante Celele by Proyecto Caribe La.
You can discover Cartagena de Indias with a private walking tour, where a guide will talk you through the incredible details of the history of the city. Visiting the Church of San Pedro Claver, important squares like Customs, Proclamation and Bolívar, Inquisition Palace, Plaza de Santo Domingo and end at the Plaza de Santa Teresa. These tours run daily and take approximately 2.5 hours.
There’s also a Traditional Bus City Tour where you can be guided through the city outskirts, bordering the bay to reach the island of Manga, passing the Clock Tower and the Convention Centre, through the insides of San Felipe Fort and end with a short walk through the old town Las Bóvedas (The Vaults). Other elements of interest are: a cultural tour on the work of Gabriel García Márquez, A ‘Party in a Chiva’ bus tour, A literary food tour of Gabriel García Márquez ’s work and a City tour of St Felipe Fort.
Venturing slightly further out of the city, you can take up diving in the Rosario islands, take a tour of the Mud Volcano, enjoy the beautiful Playa Blanca on the Barú Peninsula or take a guides tour on the Botanical garden as well as take a stroll through the Tayrona National park.
The Alfiz Hotel Boutique establishes its commitment for a sustainable management through actions intending to prevent, eliminate or reduce negative impacts in cultural, environmental and economic aspects in their facilities and internal and external activities.
They place high importance in making an effort to preserve natural resources, reducing the impact on biodiversity and promoting its preservation for future generations. They also promote the conservation of the cultural heritage of Cartagena, preserving the sites of cultural interest and the recognition of the culture and traditions.
Furthermore, they are fully committed to train their staff so they are able to inform all guests, clients and providers about sustainable principles and good practices that strengthen the development and growth of cultural, social and environmental responsibility.
Children over the age of 12 are welcomed at the Alfiz Boutique Hotel.