Music flows through the streets of Getsemaní: drums, voices, and the sound of chairs scraping on stones as tables fill up along the sidewalk. The murals stretch across an entire block and the air mixes the heat, color and constant movement that defines this part of Cartagena. The pace picks up even further as we get a few minutes closer to the edge of the walled city. Right there, across from Parque Centenario, a series of restored buildings now form one of the city’s most significant new hotel openings. Four Seasons Hotel and Residences CartagenaAs Caribbean Journal first reported, it is officially open and welcoming guests.
New arrivals in the heart of Cartagena
This is the first Four Seasons in Cartagena and the brand’s third in Colombia, placing a global luxury brand directly in one of the city’s most active districts. Settings are important. You are in Getsemaní, set on a remote beach or not removed from the daily life of the city. The Walled City is a short walk away. Camellón de los Mártires is nearby. The convention center is right next door. The surrounding streets are filled with small cafes, bars, galleries and local shops that are busy well into the night.
When you walk out the door, you’re already in it. Cartagena is exactly what it looks like in action, not a separate version of it.
A hotel built on Cartagena’s past
This is not a single structure built from scratch. The hotel is made up of several historic buildings, which have been restored and connected over the years. This approach shapes the way you experience real estate. Instead of a hallway, you pass through a courtyard. Archways and outdoor walkways cross from one building to the other. Light comes from above, from unexpected places.
One of them is the former Club Cartagena, a 1920s landmark that now occupies some of the hotel’s main public spaces. Inside, new elements have been carefully introduced while the architecture remains intact, including high ceilings and original proportions. A glass atrium rises above part of the building, bringing in natural light without displacing existing space.
The original framework remains visible throughout the property. You’ll see thick walls, old brickwork, and preserved details that lead from one space to the next. The hotel makes no attempt to smooth out these differences. Because it remains intact, each part of the property feels distinct.
Design closely related to the building
The interior follows an understated approach. Neutral tones, natural materials and clean lines allow the building itself to dominate. The late French designer François Catroux influenced the way key spaces, especially the rooms, balance comfort and simplicity.
Local artists contribute throughout the property. Sculptural plaster elements appear along the walls. The large-scale artwork references landscapes throughout Colombia. Furniture and textiles are not just decorative expressions but reflect local craftsmanship. The design maintains a consistent tone throughout the hotel while allowing each building to maintain its own unique identity.
Rooms that straddle the old and new structures
The hotel has 131 accommodations, divided into heritage rooms and more modern spaces. Inside the historic building, rooms retain their original architectural features, including wooden beams, detailed ceilings and layouts based on the original use of the space. The furniture is custom-made but follows the lines already established by the architecture.
The new section opens up the room to a brighter, simpler layout. Large windows, a soft palette, and modern finishes define these spaces, while artwork and sculptural details link back to the rest of the building.
The Catroux Suite is the ultimate accommodation offering 2 bedrooms, a private lift and a furnished terrace. Details utilize both colonial design and modern elements, and features include ceramic fountains and custom finishes.
Private residences are also part of the development, offering extended stays with full access to hotel services. These spaces extend the building beyond a brief visit, placing residents directly within the same network of buildings and amenities.
Dining program available throughout the property
Dining here is not concentrated in a single restaurant. Instead, there are eight locations spread throughout the hotel, each associated with a specific space within the building.
The Grand Grill operates inside the former Club Cartagena and focuses on premium meats and seafood in an environment defined by the building’s original architecture. Bar Lelarge is located nearby and offers a smaller, more intimate setting with cocktails made from local ingredients.
Café Rialto focuses on Colombian coffee, paired with pastries and desserts, in a space designed for both quick stops and longer stays. Pizzeria Della Chiesa is located on the site of a former church and now serves Neapolitan-style pizza in rooms that retain traces of the original structure.
El Aljibe acts as a hidden bar, separated from the rest of the hotel and accessible without being noticed. El Patio del Limonar serves breakfast in an outdoor courtyard with stations and a variety of local and international dishes.
Atrio serves as a central meeting point. The lobby lounge under a high glass ceiling features marble floors and seating for both guests and visitors. Best of all, El Palmar’s rooftop location offers expansive views across Cartagena, from the port to the dense rooftop grid below.
Wellness inside restored walls
The spa occupies another historic building that once served as a cloister. Treatment rooms are lined inside in a layout that separates the space from the rest of the hotel. The concept focuses on Colombian plants and traditional healing approaches integrated into modern treatments.
Facilities include a variety of treatment rooms, couples’ suites, steam rooms, salon services and relaxation areas. The fitness center is open all day and offers equipment, personal training and regular classes.
Two rooftop swimming pools provide additional space for spending time above the street. From here you can see the entire city, including the harbor, rooftops and the edge of the walled city in the distance.
A different kind of stay in Cartagena
Cartagena has no shortage of places to stay, from small boutique hotels inside colonial buildings to large resorts along the coast. This property takes an unconventional approach, combining several historic buildings into one experience while keeping the city’s everyday life right outside your doorstep.
You will not be removed from Cartagena here. You are located in one of the busiest areas with direct access to the streets, squares and energy that defines the city. The hotel is not separate from it but is built on top of its environment.
With the opening, Cartagena adds a new option at the top end of the market. This option connects you directly to the city’s history, architecture and current pace, all within walkable range of Getsemaní.
Latest four seasons prices
From what I’ve seen on Google Hotels, you can find rooms starting at $700.
