HOTEL REVIEW: Convent Life at Charleston Santa Teresa in Cartagena, Colombia

WRITTEN BY Mark Chesnut

Soon after arriving in Colombia, I checked into a nunnery. Of course, it hadn’t actually served its original role in a number of years. I was invited to stay as a guest at the Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa during Cartagena’s fourth annual International Music Festival, and I must say it’s quite an impressive place. Set in a former convent built in the 17th century, this interesting architectural gem has been luxuriously transformed into one of the highest-profile (and most expensive) hotels within the walls of Cartagena’s Centro Histórico (the historic city center).
Beautifully detailed, the property features conservative decor, including an altar-like reception desk and peaceful lobby courtyard.
The hotel has a gym, spa services, meeting space and even a chapel that’s used for private events (including some of the concerts I attended as part of the festival). More impressive is the rooftop terrace, which offers excellent views of the city, and also features what is a rather large pool and sundeck, considering the small scale of most hotels in this neighborhood.
The restaurant, which operates on the rooftop deck and on the lobby level, serves a variety of international cuisine, and is best enjoyed after dark, when tables are placed on the square in front of the hotel and mealtime is enhanced by candlelight, live music, and the clip-clopping of horse-drawn carriages.
My standard guestroom was not large by any means (nuns probably didn’t require luxurious expanses of personal space), but it was outfitted with an extremely comfortable bed with an amazingly fluffy comforter (which I appreciated especially on the first night, when I set the powerful air conditioner way too high). The blackout shades did a good job of blocking out the sun, as well as the view of the Caribbean Sea.
The attractive bathroom had a stand-up shower with an interesting floor treatment made of super-smooth pebbles (which felt great below my feet every morning).
The downside: The extra amenities are extremely high-priced. In-room wireless Internet access costs an astonishing $25 a day, and a 1-liter bottle of water in the room will set you back more than $7. Considering that standard rooms go for more than $200 (and closer to $400 during the high season), this property isn’t for the weak-walleted. But for a dash of exquisite luxury in the historic heart of Cartagena, it’s quite a worthwhile splurge.
BEST FOR: Upscale travelers looking for classic style in a landmark setting, right in the heart of Cartagena’s historic district and walking distance to plenty of attractions, dining and shopping.
Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa: http://www.hotelcharlestonsantateresa.com