Four Seasons Cartagena: A Thoughtful Tribute to the City’s History

Courtyard in the old cloister building

Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena is one of the most ambitious luxury hotel projects to open in Latin America in recent years. More than a decade in the making, the property thoughtfully transformed a collection of historic buildings just outside Cartagena’s walled city into a new flagship for the brand.

The project incorporates a 16th century Franciscan cloister, former theaters, and the iconic Club Cartagena, a beaux-arts landmark originally designed by French architect Gastón Lelarge. The restoration and interiors were guided in large part by legendary French designer François Catroux in one of his final hospitality projects, blending Cartagena’s colonial history with contemporary luxury.

Accommodation

The hotel offers 131 accommodations, including contemporary rooms and suites in the newly built wing along with 27 colonial-style rooms and suites housed within the heritage buildings. We stayed in the contemporary building and found the rooms spacious, calming, and exceptionally functional. Double vanities, a separate lavatory, generous showers, cordless charging stations, Bose speakers, and ample closet space made the rooms feel particularly livable for longer stays.

For families and groups, the property is thoughtfully configured with connecting room options, pullout sofas in many suites, and soaking tubs available in select Premier Rooms. The colonial wing is especially striking for weddings and celebrations, with ceremonies often taking place beneath centuries old ficus trees in the cloister courtyard. Buyouts of the colonial accommodations are commonly paired with these events.

Blending modern design at the spa in the old cloister building

Event spaces

The event spaces throughout the property are some of the most architecturally interesting in Cartagena. La Pergola provides an intimate outdoor setting for up to 60 guests, while several smaller meeting rooms support executive gatherings and incentives. Two larger ballrooms stand out in particular: one inside the restored Club Cartagena with sweeping views toward the walled city, and another within the cloister building, formerly a chapel that was later converted into a music hall. During restoration, balconies were added back into the space and can now once again accommodate live musicians.

Dining

In a city already known for exceptional dining, the hotel’s eight restaurants and bars hold their own remarkably well. Highlights include:

• The Grand Grill by Major Food Group: A glamorous modern steakhouse set within the former Club Cartagena.

• Bar Lelarge: Named after Gastón Lelarge, serving cocktails with subtle Caribbean and Cuban influences.

• Pizzeria Della Chiesa: Located within a former church and theater space, offering authentic Neapolitan pizza.

• El Patio del Limonar: The beautiful open-air breakfast courtyard featuring both made-to-order dishes and an expansive buffet with the best tropical fruit, Colombian specialties, and international classics.

• The soon-to-open El Aljibe speakeasy is particularly intriguing. The intimate 12-seat bar was once used as a water cistern and will become Cartagena’s first luxury speakeasy concept.

Wellness

For wellness-focused travelers, the fitness center rivals a full-service gym with extensive Technogym equipment, cardio machines, and free weights. The serene Umari Spa incorporates Colombian botanicals and healing traditions, and the lymphatic massage is especially worth booking. Two rooftop pools offer sweeping city views and the terrace became one of our favorite places for sunset cocktails each evening.

Rooftop sunset

The property had been open only six weeks during our stay, and while a few operational hiccups were still being refined, the staff handled every request immediately and with genuine warmth. Colombian hospitality naturally shines here. Even in its earliest days, the service already reflected the graciousness and sincerity that Four Seasons does so well.

• Request a room in the Colonial Building if your clients value atmosphere and historic character. The contemporary wing is sleek and spacious, while the colonial rooms feel far more connected to Cartagena’s history and architecture.

• Sunset cocktails at the rooftop pools are a must. The views over the city and Caribbean coastline are especially beautiful in the early evening before dinner.

• Breakfast at El Patio del Limonar is worth lingering over. Encourage clients to try both the Colombian specialties and the incredible tropical fruit selection alongside the made-to-order menu.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cartagena page.