Archives: Where to Stay

The Santa Clara has become an institution in Cartagena. It is set in a beachfront area with stunning sea views and the historic center a stone’s throw away. A former monastery, dating back to the 17th Century, the wonderful external areas and marvelous interiors were renovated in keeping with its historical heritage. A wooden motif with vintage Colombian furniture, iron chandeliers, rustic bricks and stylish… Read more »

Located in the heart of the old city, this renovated building is the second hotel by a very successful hotel group in Cartagena. A pleasant lobby area, cozy interiors, water mirror and vertical gardens make the Tcherassi a delightful stay in town. We particularly like the rooftop eating area, as well as its small and shallow pool, very convenient to refresh during hot days. Its… Read more »

Set at an impressive 18th-century estate that once belonged to the Count of Pestagua, this luxury home-away from home property is very lovable, with its typically charming Cartagena colors and a colonial decor. There is a lovely inner courtyard with immaculate hanging plants and palm trees, frescoed corridor walls and a cozy swimming pool. The accommodation consists of 11 classical suites distributed around the noble… Read more »

One of the newest boutique hotels in the historic walled city of Cartagena, Casa San Agustin is a top-pick. The owners maintained the authentic colonial features in its rooms and common areas, and the elegant décor and relaxed Colombian style atmosphere are in keeping with Cartagena’s heritage. Casa San Agustin has twenty-four rooms and six suites that flawlessly mix colonial style and modernity, offering all… Read more »

Located in the heart of the old city, this colonial mansion has been expertly converted and renovated into a small hotel which stylishly mixes Cartagena’s golden age with modern comforts. The original renovation consisted of only 7 rooms and Tcherassi became so sought after that an extension to a new building was soon built to accommodate demand. Although there are now 42 rooms, the hotel… Read more »

This attractive modern hotel is the darling of trend-setters and fashionistas, with regulars including Brazilian übermodel Gisele Bündchen. Ideally located in the Jardins neighborhood, it is close to fashion boutiques, art galleries and high quality bars and restaurants. The airy Lobby has enormous colored shiny glass windows, which make for a fun distorted view of the street. A delightful suspended orchid garden and golden rope… Read more »

Located in Jardins, close to refined restaurants and fashionable shops, the Porto Bay is an excellent choice for business and leisure travelers alike. This is a European style boutique property, with designer décor, neo-classical furnishings and Persian tapestry, harmonizing traditional luxurious comfort with contemporary touches. Accommodation is spacious and well designed, with very comfortable beds and large marble bathrooms. There is a very good in-house… Read more »

Not our style to recommend large hotel chains, but the sheer immensity of São Paulo city demands equally sizable properties to accommodate the large influx of guests. And, we were especially endeared by this Hyatt property. It is located in the southern area (Zona Sul) of São Paulo, near Berrini and Faria Lima Avenues, where there is a high concentration of businesses, as well as… Read more »

Since its inauguration, the Mofarrej hotel was an iconic property in São Paulo. It was purchased by the Tivoli Group and has been up kept and upgraded to maintain its outstanding reputation as one of the best hotels in the Paulista Avenue region. Located in the upscale residential neighborhood of Jardins, it is a few minutes away from the avenue which symbolizes the city of… Read more »