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Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

An opulent former convent, combining Colombia history with French finesse.

Outstanding Five hearts from 10 votes
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara - Swimming Pool
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara - Swimming Pool

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Review

Transformed from a 1621-built convent to a hotel in 1995, the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara is a landmark hotel in Cartagena’s Old Town. There are few better examples of successfully adding contemporary decadence to a beautiful, colonial treasure. This is one of only 5 Sofitel’s worldwide to be granted their exclusive ‘Legendary’ status. Whilst it is hard not be impressed by the grandeur and history of the hotel, it doesn’t have the intimate feel of some of Cartagena’s other converted, boutique properties. Fans of the brand will love it and the vast swimming pool is brilliant for kids.

Location

As with nearly all colonial conversions, the Sofitel legend Santa Clara hotel is within the famous city walls, towards to north of the Old Town. Bolivar Plaza is about a 10-minute walk. One of our favourite eateries - Restaurante Interno - is just around the corner. This restaurant, selected by Time magazine on their ‘100 greatest places’ list, is part of San Diego prison and you are served by female inmates who have been given training (some by Michelin-starred chefs) before their release. The airport is only 10 minutes away.

Layout

As a former convent, the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara hotel is set around spacious courtyards. The huge swimming pool is located in the courtyard to the rear of the property, with bedrooms on the floors above featuring balconies overlooking the pool. The other courtyard in the main building has a beautiful terrace to sit and relax around a water feature and a forest of lush greenery. The main convent hall has been transformed into a stunning ballroom. Also on the ground floor is the main restaurant – Restaurante 1621 – that used to be the Nun’s dining room. The ‘el Claustro’ breakfast room – formerly the Nun’s kitchen - opens on to the swimming pool courtyard.

Rooms

The Sofitel Legend Santa Clara has 103 beautifully decorated rooms, plus 20 stunning suites. The rooms are divided in 12 Classic, 80 Superior which all feature a balcony; and 11 Luxury rooms that guarantee a sea-view. There are 15 Colonial Suites, 1 Spa Suite and 4 magnificent Iconic Suites. All feature air conditioning, safe deposit box, Cable TV, DVD, desk, mini bar and private bathroom with hair dryer.

Features

The Spa at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara justifiably has a reputation as one of Cartagena’s finest. At over 800 sq. metres, it boasts 8 treatment rooms, a 24-hour gym, solarium and a hammam. The concierge service is excellent and can assist with booking excursion around the Old Town or out into the Caribbean. The hotel has 2 bars, 24-hour room service, laundry service, 6 meeting rooms and a parking area. The property also offers wine, rum, chocolate and coffee tasting sessions!

Exceptional Spa. Beautifully restored property.

With 123 rooms, you could easily be sharing the awe with over 200 other guests

Our rating: 
4
User rating: 
5
Price: 
5

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