Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Calle Del Torno 39-29 Barrio San Diego, Cartagena 130001 Colombia
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Dining (177)
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Avg. $414 /night, 11/13 - 11/14
$775
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$575
per night
$375
per night
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About
4.5
#13 of 253 hotels in CartagenaLocation
4.9
Rooms
4.5
Value
4.2
Cleanliness
4.7
Service
4.7
Sleep Quality
4.6
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Originally built as a convent in 1621, the Sofitel Santa Clara is a legendary landmark in the heart of Cartagena's walled city. Transformed into a luxury hotel in 1995, the Sofitel Santa Clara, unique in style, combines the allure of history with local hospitality and the art of French savoir-faire. Mixing Colonial and Republican-style architecture with modern comfort, the hotel features gourmet cuisine, exceptional service, a world-class spa, meeting facilities and state of the art technology for events, conventions and weddings.
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Property amenities
Parking garage
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Pool
Bar / lounge
Airport transportation
Business Center with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Wifi
Fitness / spa locker rooms
Fitness classes
Sauna
Hot tub
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast in the room
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Swimup bar
Poolside bar
Car hire
Taxi service
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Facial treatments
Foot massage
Full body massage
Massage
Salon
Solarium
Steam room
Rooftop terrace
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Currency exchange
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
Shops
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
Butler service
Doorperson
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Air conditioning
Additional bathroom
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Private balcony
Minibar
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Room service
Safe
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Room types
Ocean view
Pool view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Accor Hotels.
HOTEL STYLE
Luxury
Quiet
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish, Portuguese
Location
Calle Del Torno 39-29 Barrio San Diego, Cartagena 130001 Colombia
Name/address in local language
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 100 out of 100
100
Rafael Nunez Airport
2.8 mi•
See all flights
Rental Cars
185 Restaurants
within 0.3 miles
Reviews
4.5
3,059 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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The Sofitel Legend Santa Clara boasts a charming atmosphere steeped in cultural nostalgia and historic elegance, with live music enhancing its allure. While many guests are captivated by the hotel's cleanliness and the quality amenities like the pool and spa, some feel the costs outweigh the value provided.
The rooms garner mixed reviews, with their spaciousness and views appreciated, yet some guests raise concerns about maintenance. Although the location wins commendations for convenience, noise can be an issue, and while service is often praised, occasional lapses are noted.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Nostalgic
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Pampering
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Detailed Reviews
Come for the most incredible service!! I can’t think of a single detail from our stay that wasn’t 110%. Check-in was fast and pleasant. The butler service is incredibly friendly and helpful with everything. The hotel is absolutely pristine, everything is maintained constantly you can tell because despite the heat, humidity and proximity to the ocean, even the elevator buttons sparkle. We stayed on the 5th floor, the rooms have incredible terraces with views of both the Pool courtyard and the ocean. The bed! Ridiculously good sleep. Lanvin toiletries for the win! Fish chicharrón, sándwich and salad at the Pool were delicious. The jardín bar is so beautiful and their house drinks of clarified liquors are really good!! They just opened a new rooftop bar which is insane, it has an Apotheke style menu and the music was so good. Being incredible as they are, the bar is only open on weekends and even then the noise is not an issue inside the rooms. Guests’ good nights sleep is definitely a priority for them. Room service breakfast was NOT NORMAL. The coffee arrived PIPING hot and the eggs were done perfectly. I want to say this is the best hotel in the world in terms of service. The staff here is unlike any other.
Also worth noting that Covid is handled strictly. Face mask boxes are provided every time you sit at a table, hand sanitizer is available everywhere in the hotel, room amenities and room service were also delivered in a sanitary fashion. Social distancing was also encouraged by the staff. Not aggressively, not rude either, but enforced nonetheless.
Also worth noting that Covid is handled strictly. Face mask boxes are provided every time you sit at a table, hand sanitizer is available everywhere in the hotel, room amenities and room service were also delivered in a sanitary fashion. Social distancing was also encouraged by the staff. Not aggressively, not rude either, but enforced nonetheless.
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Daniela Martinez, Other at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Responded Dec 5, 2020
Dear Malkaperl, It is a real pleasure to see that you took the time to share with details your experience with us. This is exactly what we work for, unforgettable experiences and unique memories. I already shared your comments with the rest of the staff, since we opened we have worked hard in order to keep offering luxury experiences to every guest and we highly appreciate that you acknowledge all the hard work we have done. We hope we welcome you soon again! Regards, Daniela Martinez Guest Relations Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My wife and I had the privilege of staying at the Sofitel Legends Santa Clara during the Christmas timeframe.
As our first vacation from home since March, bio security and safety was our top priority. Our arrival at the Sofitel was fantastic and exceeded all of our expectations. With screening and sanitation at the entrance, we were brought over to a very well socially distanced reception area where we were quickly checked in while one of the hotels butlers came by and introduced himself and gave a brief overview of the hotel, its protocols, and the services they were happy to offer.
After being brought to our room, our suitcases arrived and the staff were very attentive to any question we had. The butlers (Ernesto, Gustavo, and Rudy) were fantastic to chat with each day to make any accommodations we needed (pool, restaurants, or transportation). The pool was definitely one of our most enjoyable locations in the hotel, offering a spacious area and beautiful sunlight, water, and service (special thanks to Oscar and Alex who really made all the difference there during our stay). House cleaning was also performed on a daily basis, coordinating with us through the butlers to only access our room when needed and when we were not there.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the bar were all fantastic as well, offering digital menus to browse. The service from the breakfast staff was fantastic, ensuring we were quickly sat, served a complimentary juice, and whatever our drink order was. At dinner, John the somalíes was fantastic at offering wine and drink/food recommendations.
Overall, my wife and I would strongly recommend the hotel to anyone looking for top notch service, attention to detail, and taking all of the appropriate measures during an otherwise extremely difficult time to travel.
As our first vacation from home since March, bio security and safety was our top priority. Our arrival at the Sofitel was fantastic and exceeded all of our expectations. With screening and sanitation at the entrance, we were brought over to a very well socially distanced reception area where we were quickly checked in while one of the hotels butlers came by and introduced himself and gave a brief overview of the hotel, its protocols, and the services they were happy to offer.
After being brought to our room, our suitcases arrived and the staff were very attentive to any question we had. The butlers (Ernesto, Gustavo, and Rudy) were fantastic to chat with each day to make any accommodations we needed (pool, restaurants, or transportation). The pool was definitely one of our most enjoyable locations in the hotel, offering a spacious area and beautiful sunlight, water, and service (special thanks to Oscar and Alex who really made all the difference there during our stay). House cleaning was also performed on a daily basis, coordinating with us through the butlers to only access our room when needed and when we were not there.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the bar were all fantastic as well, offering digital menus to browse. The service from the breakfast staff was fantastic, ensuring we were quickly sat, served a complimentary juice, and whatever our drink order was. At dinner, John the somalíes was fantastic at offering wine and drink/food recommendations.
Overall, my wife and I would strongly recommend the hotel to anyone looking for top notch service, attention to detail, and taking all of the appropriate measures during an otherwise extremely difficult time to travel.
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Daniela Martinez, Other at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Responded Jan 5, 2021
Dear johnpauls526, Thank you for choosing us to relax after all this situation. We appreciate very much for your feedback, your kind comments are highly motivating as it is our priority to exceed our customers’ expectations. Our priority is continue offering luxury experiences together with a safe environment for our guests. I will share your comment with our staff, specially with Rudy, Ernesto y Gustavo and the pool staff, Alex and Oscar and of course John our sommelier. We are glad to read your comments and to know that you enjoyed our “magnifique piscine”, legendary breakfast and privileged location. We hope to welcome you again this year! Regardas, Daniela Martinez Guest Relations Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveler reviews.
A fantastic experience. There is a Four Seasons being installed not far away. While this new addition will undoubtedly be a grand glamourous hotel on a busy central esplanade, I recommend the Santa Clara as THE Cartagena hotel for the following reasons:
1. Staff: Like other Sofitel Legends, the staff are incredible, professional, and polished. They warmly accommodate your needs and go the extra mile with everything. Sofitel staff know how to make you feel like a VIP without overdoing it. It’s sublime and not as easy to accomplish as one would think.
2. Location: This hotel is buried in the old town, on a charming square, not far from yet another nearby charming square (Plaza Madrid), and with views of the city walls/ocean. It’s unbeatable, and it envelops you in the quaint colonial charm of the city. Also, Cartagena can get quite busy during the day. This hotel is both in the middle of it all and also somehow just out of the bustle. If staying more than 2 days in Cartagena, it’s a needed balance from the chaos. And, how nice is it to walk out from the hotel and dine al fresco at one of the square’s restaurants! It makes you feel very domestic and a part of the city fabric.
3. History: The history of the Santa Clara convent and (later) hospital adds to the stay, and the Sofitel continues to honor that history so well with the décor, placards, and overall aesthetic. The central cloister is a treat, a great place for breakfast or afternoon tea.
This is my second Sofitel Legend. These rare hotels are in, mostly, less mainstream locales (the Amsterdam Legend is the exception, which is a gem in its own right). When you get the chance try one out! You will not be disappointed.
1. Staff: Like other Sofitel Legends, the staff are incredible, professional, and polished. They warmly accommodate your needs and go the extra mile with everything. Sofitel staff know how to make you feel like a VIP without overdoing it. It’s sublime and not as easy to accomplish as one would think.
2. Location: This hotel is buried in the old town, on a charming square, not far from yet another nearby charming square (Plaza Madrid), and with views of the city walls/ocean. It’s unbeatable, and it envelops you in the quaint colonial charm of the city. Also, Cartagena can get quite busy during the day. This hotel is both in the middle of it all and also somehow just out of the bustle. If staying more than 2 days in Cartagena, it’s a needed balance from the chaos. And, how nice is it to walk out from the hotel and dine al fresco at one of the square’s restaurants! It makes you feel very domestic and a part of the city fabric.
3. History: The history of the Santa Clara convent and (later) hospital adds to the stay, and the Sofitel continues to honor that history so well with the décor, placards, and overall aesthetic. The central cloister is a treat, a great place for breakfast or afternoon tea.
This is my second Sofitel Legend. These rare hotels are in, mostly, less mainstream locales (the Amsterdam Legend is the exception, which is a gem in its own right). When you get the chance try one out! You will not be disappointed.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SantaClaraCartagena, Guest Experience Coordinator at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Responded Jan 29, 2020
Dear Mr. josephe77 At Sofitel Legend our mission is to create unforgettable experiences for our guests, we are delighted to hear you had a memorable one. I will share your comments with all our team. I am sure that they will be very pleased to hear that you remember them because of the efforts they made to make you and your family feel special. Thank you again for taking the time to write this review which is helpful as we always strive to improve our services. We hope to have the pleasure to welcome you again in you next visit to Cartagena. Heyder Baldiris Guest Experience Coordinator
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Until one gets into Santa Clara it´s impossible to fully understand the excellence in standard Sofitel Legend provides in Cartagena in so many ways.
The journey began once I entered the hotel. The property is unique, with an inside relaxing natural environment: one seems to live in a beautiful paradise along with palm trees and bird songs. It used to be a monastery, so don´t forget to visit the whole hotel because many places have been preserved as in the old times: The Church is something I have never seen before!
The friendlyness of the whole staff is amazing. I felt I was the only guest, although of course, it was full of people around. How does the staff to create that magic? I think they care deeply in providing the best and personalized attention. Everybody there seems to love their workplace. They are always smiling and spoiling guests, something hard considering the weather in Cartagena, so hot! But this is not an obstacle to deliver the individual guest care and warming treat.
The rooms have a sophisticaded decoration and are very spacious and full of light. They are also fully equipped with magazines, a Nespresso coffee machine and teas; lots of complimentary mineral water bottles and Hermés creams and shampoos. The bed is very comfortable with plenty of pillows and 2 flat TV´s. Our room also had a huge living room to relax, so it was perfect to combine work with pleasure.
The breakfast was very complete, with a special section dedicated to childrens´ need. The weekends are special because Lorenza, a "palenquera" walks along the tables with joy and tons of fresh fruits she carries on her head, so one can pick from an incredible array of local products.
The pool is very relaxing and lifeguards are there to take care of any situation. I also had lunch there while chilling out a couple of days.
There is more at Santa Clara: Restaurant El Claustro is perfect to try local dishes, delicious by the way! Restaurant 1621 has an elegant French menu with perfect French food. Don´t miss the desserts! And if you are still willing for some entertainment, El Coro Bar has "champeta" and other dancing shows along with modern drinks.
One thing is for sure: you can not only spend great time but you can also try some of the activities such as tea-tasting; whiskey or wine-tasting and more, all in a perfect surrounding.
The spa is complete and very quiet; I just loved it.
And at the top floor I found an organic garden with local herbs and vegetables.
I am still surprised of the exquisiteness of this amazing hotel.
The journey began once I entered the hotel. The property is unique, with an inside relaxing natural environment: one seems to live in a beautiful paradise along with palm trees and bird songs. It used to be a monastery, so don´t forget to visit the whole hotel because many places have been preserved as in the old times: The Church is something I have never seen before!
The friendlyness of the whole staff is amazing. I felt I was the only guest, although of course, it was full of people around. How does the staff to create that magic? I think they care deeply in providing the best and personalized attention. Everybody there seems to love their workplace. They are always smiling and spoiling guests, something hard considering the weather in Cartagena, so hot! But this is not an obstacle to deliver the individual guest care and warming treat.
The rooms have a sophisticaded decoration and are very spacious and full of light. They are also fully equipped with magazines, a Nespresso coffee machine and teas; lots of complimentary mineral water bottles and Hermés creams and shampoos. The bed is very comfortable with plenty of pillows and 2 flat TV´s. Our room also had a huge living room to relax, so it was perfect to combine work with pleasure.
The breakfast was very complete, with a special section dedicated to childrens´ need. The weekends are special because Lorenza, a "palenquera" walks along the tables with joy and tons of fresh fruits she carries on her head, so one can pick from an incredible array of local products.
The pool is very relaxing and lifeguards are there to take care of any situation. I also had lunch there while chilling out a couple of days.
There is more at Santa Clara: Restaurant El Claustro is perfect to try local dishes, delicious by the way! Restaurant 1621 has an elegant French menu with perfect French food. Don´t miss the desserts! And if you are still willing for some entertainment, El Coro Bar has "champeta" and other dancing shows along with modern drinks.
One thing is for sure: you can not only spend great time but you can also try some of the activities such as tea-tasting; whiskey or wine-tasting and more, all in a perfect surrounding.
The spa is complete and very quiet; I just loved it.
And at the top floor I found an organic garden with local herbs and vegetables.
I am still surprised of the exquisiteness of this amazing hotel.
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Date of stay: November 2019
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Rooms overlooking the interior are amazing
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SantaClaraCartagena, Guest Experience Coordinator at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Responded Feb 18, 2020
Dear flywithlola At Sofitel Legend our mission is to create unforgettable experiences for our guests, we are delighted to hear you had a memorable one. I will share your comments with all our team. I am sure that they will be very pleased to hear that you remember them because of the efforts they made to make you and your family feel special. Thank you again for taking the time to write this review which is helpful as we always strive to improve our services. We hope to have the pleasure to welcome you again in you next visit to Cartagena. Heyder Baldiris Serrano Guest Experience Coordinator
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed at Sofitel Santa Clare from 12.12.2020 until 25.12.2020. We frequenly visit Cartagena and we also previously stayed at Cartagena. We always enjoy staying at Sofitel Santa Clara and since our last stay a few changes were observable. We would like to point out three of them (location in the old town etc is all perfect and we want to foucs on changes since our last post which also was 100%):
Since the beginning of 2020 COVID-19 has been present and the hotel follows very well state of the art hygiene standards. This starts from constant temperature measuring to sanitizing stations as well as constant disinfections at the pool as soon as people leave sunbeds. Furthermore the pool team constantly disinfects sunbeds (as well as their hands) which we really appreciated!
This also leads us to our next point in regards to the Pool team: There is a core team of four (Oscar, Roger, Louis Martinez & Said + the Bar team around Alexis). Their standard is always overwhelming spotting new clients instantly and offering a helping hand-the moment before thinking about help they are there to help. It is really a fantastic team and we really hope to find the same setup at our next stay.
The third point we would like to mention is that a new manager has taken over since our last stay Romain Foutrel. He is really present around the hotel and hands on-if anything is needed he assists directly. What we really appreciated about him is that he is readily available on the premise throughout day and night at the property ensuring Sofitel Standards are met. This is a change in regards to our last stay and we appreciate Mr. Foutrel to be in charge as on our previous stays we have never seen the Manager. It is appreciated to be ensured that staff across all hierarchies ensure a pleasant stay.
Lastly for us it is most important that hygiene standards are met and rules to be followed. The hotel ensures these standards are met and our negative tests at the airport proved that the standards were sufficiently met.
Thank you very much for a nice stay and keeping us safe and healthy!
Since the beginning of 2020 COVID-19 has been present and the hotel follows very well state of the art hygiene standards. This starts from constant temperature measuring to sanitizing stations as well as constant disinfections at the pool as soon as people leave sunbeds. Furthermore the pool team constantly disinfects sunbeds (as well as their hands) which we really appreciated!
This also leads us to our next point in regards to the Pool team: There is a core team of four (Oscar, Roger, Louis Martinez & Said + the Bar team around Alexis). Their standard is always overwhelming spotting new clients instantly and offering a helping hand-the moment before thinking about help they are there to help. It is really a fantastic team and we really hope to find the same setup at our next stay.
The third point we would like to mention is that a new manager has taken over since our last stay Romain Foutrel. He is really present around the hotel and hands on-if anything is needed he assists directly. What we really appreciated about him is that he is readily available on the premise throughout day and night at the property ensuring Sofitel Standards are met. This is a change in regards to our last stay and we appreciate Mr. Foutrel to be in charge as on our previous stays we have never seen the Manager. It is appreciated to be ensured that staff across all hierarchies ensure a pleasant stay.
Lastly for us it is most important that hygiene standards are met and rules to be followed. The hotel ensures these standards are met and our negative tests at the airport proved that the standards were sufficiently met.
Thank you very much for a nice stay and keeping us safe and healthy!
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Date of stay: December 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Daniela Martinez, Other at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Responded Feb 17, 2021
Dear CTG-FRA-Travelling, We would like to thank you for sharing your impressions about your stay at the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara. It is a real pleasure for me to read that your experience was memorable and that we surpassed your expectations We highly appreciate the recognition of all the work we have done in order to make sure you enjoy your stay feeling safe and comfortable. Well-being and comfort of our guests is our outmost priority. Thank you for your compliments about our ambassadors at the pool area. At Sofitel, we strive to create memorable experiences to our guests and to make them feel special and at home and I think they make each guest feel that human warmth with their way of being, their smile and, above all, taking care of each one of our guests. I will share your impressions with them and i am sure they will be very happy to know you mentioned them in this platform. We are very happy to have Romain as a part of the Santa Clara Family, he is truly engaged with this amazing property and he is very passionate about his job. Thank you once more for taking the time of sharing your experience with us and the users of this platform. I will share it with all our team. I am sure that they will be happy to know that you had a pleasant stay with us. Your kind review is highly motivating as it is our priority to exceed our customer’s expectations. We look forward to welcome you again. Regards, Daniela Martinez Guest Relations Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed for four nights over Christmas at this lovely hotel conveniently located in the old city. The facilities were beautiful and the staff very friendly and helpful. Given the quality of the hotel we felt that the food should have been better. We ordered food by the pool twice and it was not great and breakfast was just average (eggs always overcooked etc). The rooms were lovely and housekeeping was good however we kept having the same problem with turndown service every night. We would be in the room getting ready around 6pm and they would try to come not once but multiple times knocking on our door while we were trying to shower and get ready. We called housekeeping and expressed we would like them to come later when we’re out for dinner and they didn’t listen and came back early the next night. I’m not sure who wants turndown service at 6pm! Other than that the service was great though.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SantaClaraCartagena, Guest Experience Coordinator at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Responded Jan 4, 2020
Dear AlexS S Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your experience at the Sofitel Santa Clara. It is always a pleasure to receive positive feedback. I will share your comments with our team. I am sure that this feedback will serve as an encouragement to all of our staff. Thank you again for sharing your experience, and we hope your next visit will be as pleasant as the previous one. Heyder Baldiris Guest Experience Coordinator
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The hotel is well-located in the old town of Cartagena and the court yard in the old monastery is lovely. However, the rooms we were in were awful (superior level). The first one was facing a wall and we were then moved to another one which was on top of their barbecue station i.e. you couldn't sit on the balcony. It is also quite noisy both from the pool as well as from the street outside. The rooms are in need of renovation and especially the bathrooms are not very nice with plumbing that doesn't work very well. We were there in December and it was clear that the hotel was working way beyond its capacity as lots of things were falling between the cracks. Unless you came early to breakfast, most things had not been replenished and it was quite grotty. However, the breakfast is served in the old courtyard and is lovely if you arrive before it gets busy. Being a loyal customer to Sofitel, this had nothing to do with the usual high quality and service level I've encountered in other parts of the world. There are plenty of hotels in Cartagena and I would not return to this one. Actually surprised it is classified as a Sofitel and not as one of Accor's lower end hotels.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SantaClaraCartagena, Guest Experience Coordinator at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Responded Jan 27, 2020
Dear usedtraveller First of all I would like to thank you for your choosing Sofitel Legend Santa Clara as your preference hotel in Cartagena and reporting your observations to us. We appreciate your feedback as the most valuable tool to evaluate our services and improve ourselves where needed. We are very sorry to read that your stay with us was not living up to your rightful expectations. The inconveniences you have experienced are an exception to our normal practices and are not at all in line with the level of service that we strive for.we always tried o make make your stay a memorable one, having a room ready for you in he morning, however your preference was the pool view , the we offered the option of staying in the initial room while we were working in the other one, i am sorry to read that you did no like his room and their location, i can assure you that we are taking the appropriate measures to address these kinds of issues. All our efforts are concentrated in preventing future occurrences. We hope to welcome you in a future visit to the city to provide you a legendary experience. Cordially Heyder Baldiris Serrano Guest Experience Coordinator
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Check in was about as unwelcoming as it gets—the man who checked us in never said “welcome” or anything about the hotel only “your breakfast isn’t included and if you want it included you need to pay more taxes” even though it actually WAS included. I had to dig out emails and confirmations to prove it—which is ridiculous, as the hotel itself is the one who confirmed it to begin with!
We were supposed to have two connecting king rooms—we didn’t—it was a king connecting to a queen, then the man who checked us in said he’d bring an extra bed, which never arrived.
I also asked housekeeping for an iron—that also didn’t show up, even though when I called to check on it they said “it’s on the way!” It never arrived.
Lastly, our bathroom was dated and dirty (see pictures), with dots of mold on the ceiling.
On the plus side: Breakfast was excellent and the hotel itself is beautiful architecturally speaking. And the pool and bar staff are AMAZING at what they do—always watching, always helping you get a spot, ensuring everyone is comfortable.
Overall a beautiful space and I’d definitely return but the man at the front desk was terribly off putting and considering he’s in the hospitality business—he was as inhospitable as they come.
We were supposed to have two connecting king rooms—we didn’t—it was a king connecting to a queen, then the man who checked us in said he’d bring an extra bed, which never arrived.
I also asked housekeeping for an iron—that also didn’t show up, even though when I called to check on it they said “it’s on the way!” It never arrived.
Lastly, our bathroom was dated and dirty (see pictures), with dots of mold on the ceiling.
On the plus side: Breakfast was excellent and the hotel itself is beautiful architecturally speaking. And the pool and bar staff are AMAZING at what they do—always watching, always helping you get a spot, ensuring everyone is comfortable.
Overall a beautiful space and I’d definitely return but the man at the front desk was terribly off putting and considering he’s in the hospitality business—he was as inhospitable as they come.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Angie Amaris, Otro at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Responded Apr 29, 2023
Dear @Tour64533216038 We are truly sorry to hear that your recent stay with us did not meet your expectations. Please accept our sincere apologies for the unwelcoming check-in experience you encountered and for the inconveniences with your room accommodations and amenities. Your feedback is valuable to us, and we will be sure to address these concerns with our team to ensure that they are providing the highest level of service to our guests. On a positive note, we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the breakfast and that our pool and bar staff exceeded your expectations. We are also glad to hear that you appreciated the beauty of our hotel's architecture. We appreciate your honest feedback and hope that we can make it up to you on a future visit. Please do not hesitate to contact us directly if you would like to discuss your stay further or if we can assist you with any future reservations. Sincerely, Angie Amaris Guest Relations Manager Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My partner and I had a wedding to attend in Cartagena in Feb 2022. We had a really hard time choosing between the Sofitel Santa Clara and another nearby hotel (I will not mention the name for the sake of credibility). Since we were in town for a week and the cost was almost exactly the same, we figured it could be fun to try both! I wish I had only known what a mistake this would be.
The first hotel we stayed at was truly breathtaking and delighted us at every corner. The rooms were massive, and meticulously cared for with fresh flowers and absolute attention to detail. We were sad to leave but also excited to see what an experience at Sofitel Santa Clara would bring. After all this is the “best 5 star hotel” as we were repeatedly told in reviews and by locals.
I’ll start by saying that the grounds and staff are absolutely incredible. I have not encountered a single person that didn’t greet me with a genuine smile and the property itself is breathtaking. I could walk around for hours admiring the gardens, architecture etc. This all fell apart a bit when we got to our room. We were given a ground level room which was a little disappointing but these things are luck of the draw so we weren’t too upset.
When we came into the room we were underwhelmed at the size and lack of attention to simple things. Some of which were that the patio door would not lock which we felt was a pretty significant security concern (remember we’re on ground level and our patio basically opens onto the pool) The toilet handle got stuck whenever it was flushed, and the shower head didn’t quite work. I made a call to the front desk and they quickly sent someone to fix the issues, this caused another problem however. The repair person must have sprayed half a can of WD-40 on the door and toilet which caused the room to smell like paint thinner for the duration of our stay.
A bit later at the pool, we were greeted by the thing that plagues every large hotel with a pool - A destination wedding party… our romantic poolside morning was quickly cut short by a group of about 30 people claiming every open chair nearby, and screaming over each other with a loud boom box. There was a group of about five ~30 year old men belly flopping into the pool and throwing footballs at each other across the length of the entire pool oftentimes missing causing the ball to hit other guests. I recognize that the hotel can’t be held responsible for the behavior of the guests but the staff made 0 effort to curb any of the behavior and if anything, encouraged it by continuously serving the group from the pool bar.
In summary it isn't lost on us the privilege we have to stay in these beautiful places. I feel terribly to complain about the trivial issues with my hotel room and obnoxious guests. I'm simply relaying my one experience and hoping its truly a one-off. In the future however I will personally never stay at this resort again. We may have been spoiled by the first property we stayed in but after all, thats what a vacation is supposed to feel like.
The first hotel we stayed at was truly breathtaking and delighted us at every corner. The rooms were massive, and meticulously cared for with fresh flowers and absolute attention to detail. We were sad to leave but also excited to see what an experience at Sofitel Santa Clara would bring. After all this is the “best 5 star hotel” as we were repeatedly told in reviews and by locals.
I’ll start by saying that the grounds and staff are absolutely incredible. I have not encountered a single person that didn’t greet me with a genuine smile and the property itself is breathtaking. I could walk around for hours admiring the gardens, architecture etc. This all fell apart a bit when we got to our room. We were given a ground level room which was a little disappointing but these things are luck of the draw so we weren’t too upset.
When we came into the room we were underwhelmed at the size and lack of attention to simple things. Some of which were that the patio door would not lock which we felt was a pretty significant security concern (remember we’re on ground level and our patio basically opens onto the pool) The toilet handle got stuck whenever it was flushed, and the shower head didn’t quite work. I made a call to the front desk and they quickly sent someone to fix the issues, this caused another problem however. The repair person must have sprayed half a can of WD-40 on the door and toilet which caused the room to smell like paint thinner for the duration of our stay.
A bit later at the pool, we were greeted by the thing that plagues every large hotel with a pool - A destination wedding party… our romantic poolside morning was quickly cut short by a group of about 30 people claiming every open chair nearby, and screaming over each other with a loud boom box. There was a group of about five ~30 year old men belly flopping into the pool and throwing footballs at each other across the length of the entire pool oftentimes missing causing the ball to hit other guests. I recognize that the hotel can’t be held responsible for the behavior of the guests but the staff made 0 effort to curb any of the behavior and if anything, encouraged it by continuously serving the group from the pool bar.
In summary it isn't lost on us the privilege we have to stay in these beautiful places. I feel terribly to complain about the trivial issues with my hotel room and obnoxious guests. I'm simply relaying my one experience and hoping its truly a one-off. In the future however I will personally never stay at this resort again. We may have been spoiled by the first property we stayed in but after all, thats what a vacation is supposed to feel like.
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: I would reconsider if you’re looking for a romantic vacation. The pool is littered with drunk...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Daniela Martinez, Other at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Responded Mar 13, 2022
Dear David B, Thank you very much for your feedback about your previous stay in our property. We highly appreciate your comments about our hotel, the gardens and architecture moreover, about our staff, they are without doubt our most valuable asset. However, we regret to hear that room assigned to you did not meet your expectations. Rooms are generally assigned according to the reservation details. Even though our hotel is a historical building, most of our rooms have been renovated with a contemporary touch, while keeping the original details of the colonial and republican style of the historic convent. They respond to the preference of people who chooses this type of room. We would be delighted to receive you in a Superior, Luxury or Suite Room Category during your next visit, which are renovated. Regarding to your comments about the balcony door, I would like to inform you that our rooms have a special security system for our balcony doors which is a little different from the common one. I have shared your comments with the rest of the staff in order to be clearer at the time of room delivery and to be able to offer our guests the most accurate information about how this works. I apologize on behalf of the hotel for the maintenance inconveniences presented in your room. We continually perform preventive maintenance on our rooms so that they meet the necessary standards to offer the services we promise at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara. We welcome every type of guest in our property. During the weekend you stayed with us we had a wedding party. Our priorities are our guest satisfaction and comfort and take the proper measures in order to guarantee everybody is comfortable. I shared your comments with all the team and this feedback gives us the opportunity to improve our product and services. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back and create a different experience for you. Sincerely, Daniela Martinez Guest Relations Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
When We decide my partner and I to travel after so many months, one of the requirement was Covid safety and feeling safe every where we would go in the hotel and The Sofitel Legend Santa Clara surpassed our expectations.
I have to thank Mr. Nicolas Pesty, the Hotel General Manager for having such an extraordinary team that knows how to make you feel at home and is there at every occasion to make you feel extra special.
Daniella who assisted us with the Check-in and we had a pleasure to chat at other occasions during our stay.
Rafael, Chef Concierge and Les Clefs d'Or Member made my partner's birthday extra special, thank you for the surprise! and thank you for making our stay from great to memorable! His entire team including Marco was there to kindly assisting us during our stay.
Ernesto, Gustavo and Rudy from the Butler team that was always there for us.
Great service of Claudia & Yarlenis at breakfast and Jesus at Lunch.
We had a great chat during Thursday night cocktail with Mr. Eric Arredondo (Room Division Manager) and the Spa Manager (so sorry for not remembering your name)
We loved the room, the bed was so comfortable that we didn't want to wake up in the morning. My partner enjoyed the pool and we really enjoyed our view from the balcony. We felt safe each time we were coming in to the hotel.
The hotel is so well located within the historic walled city and walking distance from many great restaurants and especially Mistura recommended by Rafael.
We were a bit surprised and overwhelmed on our first night walking around the hotel to be approached by street vendors, people singing rap, or fruit lady for picture. The next few evenings were easier and we decided to walk more in the morning to be able to take pictures of this beautiful colonial city. We also went to Rosario islands on a very beautiful sunny day!
To be honest, Cartagena was not on our bucket list to visit and after our stay at the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, we can't wait to go back!
Merci! Thank You! Gracias for making our stay from great to memorable!
I have to thank Mr. Nicolas Pesty, the Hotel General Manager for having such an extraordinary team that knows how to make you feel at home and is there at every occasion to make you feel extra special.
Daniella who assisted us with the Check-in and we had a pleasure to chat at other occasions during our stay.
Rafael, Chef Concierge and Les Clefs d'Or Member made my partner's birthday extra special, thank you for the surprise! and thank you for making our stay from great to memorable! His entire team including Marco was there to kindly assisting us during our stay.
Ernesto, Gustavo and Rudy from the Butler team that was always there for us.
Great service of Claudia & Yarlenis at breakfast and Jesus at Lunch.
We had a great chat during Thursday night cocktail with Mr. Eric Arredondo (Room Division Manager) and the Spa Manager (so sorry for not remembering your name)
We loved the room, the bed was so comfortable that we didn't want to wake up in the morning. My partner enjoyed the pool and we really enjoyed our view from the balcony. We felt safe each time we were coming in to the hotel.
The hotel is so well located within the historic walled city and walking distance from many great restaurants and especially Mistura recommended by Rafael.
We were a bit surprised and overwhelmed on our first night walking around the hotel to be approached by street vendors, people singing rap, or fruit lady for picture. The next few evenings were easier and we decided to walk more in the morning to be able to take pictures of this beautiful colonial city. We also went to Rosario islands on a very beautiful sunny day!
To be honest, Cartagena was not on our bucket list to visit and after our stay at the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, we can't wait to go back!
Merci! Thank You! Gracias for making our stay from great to memorable!
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Date of stay: February 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Daniela Martinez, Other at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Responded Mar 5, 2021
Dear RonaldoSnoopy, It is a real honor for me to read such a nice review about your stay with us. Thank you very much for sharing your experience in detail with us and for choosing us during your visit to Cartagena. We were more than happy to welcome you and your partner and to assist you with any request you may had. I will share your comment with all the staff, especially with our GM Mr. Pesty, Rafael and Marco, the butlers tea, Eric, Claudia & Yarlenis. I am happy to know you enjoyed your room, the view, the pool, the location and the city itself. At Sofitel we strive to provide the most sophisticated service in the city, this is the reason why your opinion is very important for us. We can’t wait to welcome you again. Regards, Daniela Martinez Guest Relations Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The hotel does have a car service, its around $20. One issue as with all airport pickups at CTG is that there is no designated area. You will be met outside arrivals and asked to go around the corner to wait for a car. There is an authorized taxi line and a cab will cost $4-5. The trip is about 15 minutes. The hotel car will be a lower end SUV like a Renault Duster (Dacia Duster in Europe). You may get a pre check in form from the Sofitel asking if you want a car to meet you and other items but they aren’t always consistent in sending it.
The Sofitel does have a concierge and will book tours and things for you and my experience is that they are very good. Most tours in Cartagena don’t need much advance booking.
The only issue with ATMs in Colombia that some are fairly restricted on the draw. Bancolombia for example is COP 600,000 little more than $140 these days - there is also a COP 22,500 charge plus your banks charge if it has one. Yes, potentially you can do multiple draws but it is also a likely way for your bank to flag an issue with your card.
Around 70.000 Colombian pesos, 25 US dollars.
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"Plenty to do close to the hotel including awesome ceviche, a fancy shopping mall (fun to walk through), excellent tacos, nightlife... All within ez walking distance."Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
$370 - $609 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
sofitel santa clara hotel cartagena, sofitel hotel santa clara, sofitel cartagena, cartagena sofitel
LOCATION
ColombiaBolivar DepartmentCartagena DistrictCartagena
NUMBER OF ROOMS
124
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingSOFITEL LEGEND SANTA CLARA - Updated 2024
Frequently Asked Questions about Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Which popular attractions are close to Sofitel Legend Santa Clara?
Nearby attractions include Walled City of Cartagena (0.2 miles), BackPackers (0.1 miles), and 1811 Rooftop & Gastro Bar (0.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a swimup bar, free wifi, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara?
Guests can enjoy a swimup bar, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara?
Yes, a parking garage is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Sofitel Legend Santa Clara?
Conveniently located restaurants include Restaurante 1621, Buena Vida Marisqueria y Rooftop, and Texas Restobar.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara?
Yes, guests have access to a pool, a fitness center, and a sauna during their stay.
Does Sofitel Legend Santa Clara have airport transportation?
Yes, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Sofitel Legend Santa Clara offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business center, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.