Hotel
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena
A grand hotel in the 17th-century convent of the Poor Clares in San Diego, with a pool, spa, cloister garden and the acclaimed Restaurante 1621.
Caribe By Faranda Grand
A long-established seafront hotel in Bocagrande with gardens, outdoor pools, a beach club and several restaurants, now part of Radisson Individuals.
At a glance
- Type
- Seafront resort hotel
- Area
- Bocagrande, Cartagena, Colombia
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- farandahotels.com
Good to know
- Outdoor pools
- Gardens
- Beach club
- Gym
- Spa
- Several restaurants
- Pet-friendly
- Accessible
Why we recommend it
The Caribe By Faranda Grand is a long-established beach hotel in Bocagrande, the peninsula south of the walled city that El País describes as an area of modern skyscrapers. Its operator describes it as an "icon on the seafront", and it is now run by the Colombian group Faranda Hotels as a member of Radisson Individuals. If you want a resort-style stay with gardens, pools and the sea on your doorstep, rather than a colonial house in the old town, it is one of the obvious choices.
The hotel stands on Carrera 1A in the Bocagrande and El Laguito area, facing the sea. Facilities include outdoor pools, gardens, a gym and a spa, which is charged separately. There are several places to eat: Pedro de Heredia serves international and Cartagena dishes, Terraza India Catalina includes a pizzeria open 24 hours, and Kala Beach Club offers dining right on the beachfront. A cocktail bar has sunset views, and breakfast is served as a buffet.
The room range is wide, from standard and premium rooms to suites, a studio and a bunk-bed room, with occupancy of two to six people, which makes it practical for families and groups. The hotel is described as accessible and pet-friendly, with some services carrying an extra charge, and there is a business centre and free Wi-Fi.
Its event spaces include a chapel, banquet halls and an open-air plaza, so expect some weddings and conferences. Faranda's own page for the hotel shows a guest rating of 4.5. It suits travellers who prefer a beach base with a pool and a choice of restaurants, and those who plan to make day trips to Barú and the Rosario Islands.
Bocagrande is a short taxi ride from the walled city, and El País describes the area along Avenida San Martín as a centre of bars, clubs and restaurants in the evening. The calm water of nearby Castillogrande is recommended by Colombia's tourism board for a swim. For bookings, Faranda Hotels publishes the phone number +57 317 640 0245 and the email [email protected]; the hotel's tourism registration number is RNT 4253.
Caribe By Faranda Grand FAQs
Where is Caribe By Faranda Grand?
On Carrera 1A in the Bocagrande and El Laguito area, on the seafront south of the walled city.
Does the hotel have a pool?
Yes, it has outdoor pools set in gardens.
What restaurants are there?
Pedro de Heredia, Terraza India Catalina with a 24-hour pizzeria, and Kala Beach Club on the beachfront.
Is it good for families?
Yes. Room types range from standard rooms to suites and a bunk-bed room, with occupancy of up to six people.
Is the hotel pet-friendly?
Yes, the hotel describes itself as pet-friendly, although some services may cost extra.
Is there a spa?
Yes, there is a spa, charged as an extra.
How far is it from the old town?
It is a short taxi ride from the walled city.
How do I book?
Through Faranda Hotels on +57 317 640 0245 or [email protected].