Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena

For nearly two years, I’ve been part of a virtual book club exploring the universe of Gabriel García Márquez. When we read Del amor y otros demonios, something inside me stirred, a mix of curiosity and quiet longing to understand the real events that inspired the novel. That was the moment the Santa Clara, the old convent behind Gabo’s story, settled into my imagination as a whispered dream. I had visited Cartagena before and wandered through the enchanting courtyard of the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, but today felt different. Today, that dream became real. Thanks to Juan Pablo Estrada, my husband and I were welcomed into the hotel not as tourists, but as witnesses to its soul. After more than two decades caring for this place, Juan Pablo shared its stories with the soft authority of someone who carries history in his voice. We moved through suites filled with memories, stepped into the old chapel where silence feels sacred, and reached the Coro Bar, perhaps the moment that touched me most. There, we descended to the crypts, the very place where García Márquez watched the opening of a tomb and discovered the skeleton of a young girl with impossibly long hair, the spark that became Sierva María de Todos los Ángeles, the luminous, tragic heart of Del amor y otros demonios. Standing in that dim, ancient space, imagining Gabo’s astonishment, felt like stepping into the birthplace of a story that has haunted readers for decades. A moment suspended between history and enchantment. Our night continued at Restaurant 1621, named after the year the convent came to life. From the very beginning, the experience felt ritualistic, almost sacred. We were welcomed with a black envelope, sealed in deep red wax, the Santa Clara´s emblem pressed into the seal. What awaited us was more than a meal. The ten-course tasting menu, each dish introduced with reverence, was paired with wines chosen to reveal hidden notes and elevate each flavor. The transitions were seamless, textures, aromas, and colors creating a choreography of senses. Every plate felt like a miniature world, crafted with precision and emotion. And the service… unforgettable. Manuel, our waiter, guided us with warmth, elegance, and impeccable attention, making us feel both welcomed and celebrated. Kenny complemented the experience with a quiet, flawless presence, attentive without ever interrupting the magic. At the end of the night, we were gifted small, thoughtful souvenirs: a beautifully wrapped artisan bread and a lithograph of the Santa Clara, painted by one of the hotel’s distinguished guests, inside the menu with all the details, These keepsakes felt less like gifts and more like blessings, tangible reminders of a night woven with art, history, and tenderness. It was one of those nights you hope your memory never lets fade. Visiting the Santa Clara and dining at 1621 was far more than discovering a historic hotel; it was stepping into living literature, a place where love, history, and the mystical spirit of Cartagena intertwine effortlessly. A place where you don’t just witness magic… you feel it. Unforgettable.

From the time we checked in the service was great, we got to our room, just as pictures view was great. Jeremy was our Butler what a great help he was!!! Always attentive and gave us recommendations for dinner and helped us throughout our stay. Area around the hotel was amazing, breakfast staff was great gave us recommendations on what to try and made you feel welcomed. We had our birthday dinner at 1621 restaurant what an experienced it!!! Hotel room was great and the cleaning staff were great!!! I would definitely come back in the near future and recommend anyone to come either with family, couples trip or friends.

The staff is amazing. Ask for Carlos. The hostess was so elegante and the food was delicious and a beautiful picturesque environment!

Very good food, and Leonardo’s service was great. Appetizers cold and hot are really tasty and the Wellington is superb…

Ricardo is absolutely fabulous! From the moment we sat down, he made us feel like VIPs. His energy, attention to detail, and genuine warmth turned our night into such a memorable experience. Every drink he crafted was perfection — balanced, creative, and made with such flair. You can tell he takes real pride in his work and loves what he does. He prepared two amazing drinks for us: la Fantastica and his Mojito! If you’re lucky enough to have Ricardo as your bartender, you’re in for an unforgettable time. Cheers to amazing service and great vibes! 🍸✨