The hype
An absolute oasis of calm with staff that treat you like royalty.
Capellan De Getsemani
$280-500/ night
Book this if You want the soul of Cartagena's coolest neighborhood without sacrificing 5-star silence and air conditioning.
Why People Love It
- The 'secret garden' vibe that feels miles away from the chaotic street outside
- Rooftop pool bar that offers sunset views without the frat-party energy of other hostels
- Clero Restaurant's breakfast is cooked-to-order, not a sad continental buffet
Quick Take: A luxurious, air-conditioned fortress in the middle of a sweaty, loud, and wonderful party neighborhood.
Reviewed by @bdavidhi: I spent my afternoons lounging on this rooftop and honestly, it’s the best kept secret in Getsemani. The mix of historic roofs and modern skyline views is breathtaking. Sipping a cocktail here while the sun went down was the highlight of my trip.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The rooms facing the street can still bleed in some noise on Friday nights, and the internal rooms can feel a bit cave-like.
- You value high-end service and concierge help
- You want to be in Getsemaní (cool/artsy) rather than the Walled City (touristy/expensive)
- You need a guaranteed quiet sleep in a city known for noise
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.5
- Housekeeping: Impeccable. Multiple reviews cite 'spotless' conditions and twice-daily service.
- Bathroom hygiene: Pristine. Grout is white, glass is streak-free, no mold smells (a miracle in this humidity).
- Maintenance: Excellent. The colonial building is kept in top shape with fresh paint and working AC.
- Linens & towels: High thread count, crisp white, and replaced generously.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of fresh verbena/citrus; no musty old-building smell.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street musicians and nightlife on Carrera 9
- Early morning breakfast prep noise for ground-floor courtyard rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- Foreign tourists are exempt from 19% VAT if they show a passport with a tourist stamp
- There is often a 'voluntary' service charge of ~10% added to bills
- The hotel is in a pedestrian-heavy zone; taxis might drop you a few doors down
What to pack
- Earplugs (just in case you get a street room)
- Linen or breathable fabrics (Cartagena humidity is no joke)
- Swimsuit for the rooftop sunset dip
Room Genie
Best picks
- Junior Suite (Loft) for high ceilings and more light
- Second-floor courtyard rooms for the best balance of quiet and privacy
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms near the reception/restaurant (noise risk)
- Standard internal rooms if you suffer from claustrophobia (very dark)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am looking forward to my stay. Please assign a room on the 2nd floor or higher, away from the street side to minimize noise. If possible, I prefer a room with more natural light, avoiding the darkest internal corners.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a gym on site?
No. You'll have to walk about 10 minutes to a nearby mall (likely Smart Fit) for a workout.
Is the pool actually usable?
Yes, but they are small. There's a shaded courtyard pool and a sunny rooftop plunge pool. Good for cooling off, not for swimming laps.
Is it safe to walk around at night?
Generally yes, Getsemaní is very lively and filled with tourists, but stick to the main populated streets like Calle de la Media Luna and Plaza de la Trinidad.
Do the rooms have hot water?
Yes, and good pressure—a luxury not guaranteed in all Cartagena Airbnbs.
Can I bring a guest back to my room?
Strictly no. Unregistered guests are not allowed past the lobby for security reasons.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, and it's excellent—cooked-to-order options like Arepa de Huevo rather than just cold toast.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The rooftop bar has a 2-for-1 happy hour that is often quieter than the bars on the street.
- ✨
Ask the concierge to book you a table at Celele well in advance; it's nearby and world-class.
- ✨
The 'indoor' pool is actually in the open-air courtyard but is shaded, making it cooler than the rooftop one.
5 things to know before you go
💡The glass floor section near the rooftop pool can be slippery and terrifying for some.
💡The elevator shuts down during heavy rainstorms (it's exposed/outdoor style).
💡You can hear the horse carriages clop-clopping by if you're in a front room.
💡The 'Family Suite' is actually two levels, which is great for privacy but bad for bad knees.
💡They offer a complimentary 15-minute foot massage upon arrival (sometimes).
Local Playbook
Map
See where Capellan De Getsemani is located and what's nearby.