Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Colombia / Cartagena / Casa Pestagua
Casa Pestagua
Cartagena, Colombia · Independent · Grand Luxury
A restored 18th-century mansion that once belonged to the Count of Pestagua — a former mayor of Cartagena — this 16-room Relais & Châteaux member sits inside the UNESCO-listed Walled City, with original wrought-iron gates, Moorish-arched ceilings, and a palm-shaded courtyard pool at its center.
- 16 rooms
- Opened 2023
- Neighborhood: Centro Histórico
- Rooms from 398 sq ft (37 m²)
- Interiors: Alvaro Barrera
About Casa Pestagua
- Built for Don Andres de Madariaga y Morales, who received the title Count of Pestagua by royal decree in 1769; the palace was begun around 1650 and completed by 1750.
- Its Moorish-inspired architecture and courtyards have led many to call it the single most beautiful colonial house in all of Cartagena.
- It reopened in April 2023 after a roughly 15-million-dollar renovation, becoming the sole Relais & Chateaux member in Colombia and holding two MICHELIN Keys.
- Its interior garden of nine royal palms was deliberately designed and landscaped during renovation to appear as though it were 400 years old.
- Entry-level rooms start at 398 sq ft (37 m²).
History
Casa Pestagua occupies an 18th-century colonial palace on Calle Santo Domingo in Cartagena's UNESCO-listed Walled City. Begun around 1650 and completed by 1750 for Don Andres de Madariaga y Morales, the King-appointed Mayor of Cartagena who received the title Count of Pestagua by royal decree in 1769, its Moorish-inspired design has been called the most beautiful house in Cartagena.
Long used as a hotel and event venue, it was acquired by builder Pedro Gomez and restored by architect Alvaro Barrera, joining Relais & Chateaux around 2016. After a roughly 15-million-dollar renovation it reopened in April 2023 with 16 rooms, an interior garden of nine royal palms, and cuisine by chef Heberto Eljach; it holds two MICHELIN Keys and is the sole Relais & Chateaux member in Colombia.
The setting
Casa Pestagua puts guests toward the west of San Diego, inside the walled city, Cartagena. Plaza de Santo Domingo is essentially at the door. Museum of Cartagena de Indias is essentially at the door, and Museo del Oro Zenú is about 2 minutes on foot. San Pedro Claver and the Inquisition Palace are the afternoon. Getsemani is the louder night just outside the walls when you want it.
Restaurants and bars
- AniMare Restaurant — Restaurant
Amenities
- Spa
- Pool
- Hot tub
- Fitness center
Awards
- MICHELIN Two Keys (2026)
Open Casa Pestagua in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.
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