Casa Canabal Hotel Boutique

Casa Canabal Hotel Boutique is housed in a two-story building erected in the 19th century. This boutique property might not live up to the cutting-edge trendiness of the neighborhood that it calls home, but it's an attractive base for tourists looking to be in Cartagena's capital of cool. Apart from a few splashes of color like vivid red cushions on the terrace sofas, the color palette is beige and brown, with a blend of rustic details (like exposed woodwork) and more modern artsy touches (like collections of mirrors in the hallways). One standout space is the two-floor atrium courtyard, clad in vines, shrubbery, and ample natural light. Guests gather in the sitting area here, and also in the rooftop pool, bordered by a deck with sun loungers. The hotel draws mostly couples to its pool, amenity-filled rooms, and Getsemani location, which is only a short walk from the walled city. 

Casa Canabal Hotel Boutique is at the north end of the vibrant Getsemani neighborhood, which features galleries, shops, cafes, and restaurants. Centenary Park is a two-minute walk, and Trinidad Square is a five-minute walk from the hotel. Cartagena Convention Center is a little over a five-minute drive or a little over a five-minute walk. The Torre del Reloj Publico (Public Clock Tower Gate) is the main entrance to the old walled city -- it's also a little over a five-minute walk from the hotel as well. Inside the historic walls are Plaza Bolivar Square, the Zenu Gold Museum, 17th-century Cathedral of Cartagena, and Palace of the Inquisition historical museum. These attractions are all around a 10-minute walk from the hotel, as is the Museum of Modern Art. The hilltop Castillo San Felipe de Barajas 17th-century castle, which has great sea and city views, also takes just over 10 minutes to reach on foot. The beaches of Boca Grande will take around 15 minutes to reach by car. Rafael Nunez International Airport is a little under 15-minute drive from the hotel. 

Rooms and suites at Casa Canabal have a contemporary look that blends rustic and modern elements to create a cozy style overall. Details include terra-cotta floors and variable features like wood-beamed ceilings, stone accent walls, and colorful patterned rugs. The color palette is a washed-out white, beige, and brown that, when combined with the largely bare walls, creates a fresh, minimalist look. However, we did spot a bit of wear on furniture. At under 200 square feet (18 square meters) some rooms are a bit compact. It's also worth noting that ground-floor rooms lack windows, making them a bit dark. All 18 rooms come with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, minibars, drip coffeemakers, iPods and radios, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with English-language channels. Some TVs are a bit small, and there are occasional issues with the reliability of the internet signal. Suites have sitting areas, and some rooms open to the atrium courtyard. The look in the bathrooms is stylish. All come with hairdryers, bathrobes, slippers, make-up mirrors, and rainfall showers. All rooms and public spaces at the hotel are non-smoking. 

The hotel features a rooftop swimming pool that makes a fine place for cooling off after a day spent exploring steamy Cartagena. There's also a jetted end for those looking to really unwind. The surrounding deck has sun loungers and gets decent sun, but it doesn't have great views of the surrounding area. The hotel also has a small spa for massages and beauty treatments, plus a sauna. The hotel serves a good breakfast with items like arepas, pancakes, cooked-to-order eggs, fresh fruit, and cereal, though it isn't included in room rates. Colombian and international cuisine are available for lunch and dinner, and room service is offered. The hotel also has a 24-hour front desk, concierge service, and free bicycles for jaunts around Cartagena. There is no on-site parking but nearby public parking is available for a fee.