Sofitel Barú Cartagena

About this hotel

Top Features and Amenities Luxurious Spa and Private Beach : Indulge in relaxing massages, body treatments, and facials at the full-service spa, followed by a refreshing dip in one of the 5 outdoor swimming pools or a stroll on the private beach. Culinary Delights : Enjoy exceptional dining experiences at Restaurante Calablanca and choose from a variety of bars and lounges for your favorite cocktails and drinks. Don't miss the daily buffet breakfast offerings. Convenience and Comfort : Benefit from complimentary Wi-Fi, concierge services, and babysitting options. Additionally, the hotel offers a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning services, and free valet parking for a stress-free stay. Immerse yourself in luxury and relaxation at Sofitel Baru Calablanca. Book now to experience the ultimate beachfront retreat with top-notch amenities.

Highlights

Facilities

• Pool umbrellas
• Free valet parking
• Pool sun loungers
• Pool toys

Check-in & checkout

Check-in

03:00 PM – anytime

Check-out

12:00 PM

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.

House rules

Choose dates from search to see available rooms.

Guest sentiment

• Cleanliness8.6

  Issues with communication and room readiness noted, lowering the cleanliness perception.

• Service10.0

  Staff received high praise for being friendly and helpful across all interactions.

• Location9.5

  Beautiful property in a good location, although access requires travel.

• Room Quality9.1

  Some delays in room readiness experienced, leading to a moderate score.

• Amenities9.5

  Amenities described as exceptional, although some issues with activities were mentioned.

• Value for Money9.1

  Overall value is good given the experience, but some expectations were not met.

• Food and Beverage9.5

  Food quality praised as exceptional; a positive highlight of the stay.

• Overall Experience10.0

  Despite issues, guests expressed a desire to return for another stay.

Guest reviews

We enjoyed our stay. The staff was friendly. The babysitter from kids club, Everliss was amazing with our youngest daughter. Our girls enjoyed the kids club Some negatives but I’ll temper my expectations in future… One of our rooms was not ready until 5pm. It took several (3-4) requests to get a fold away bed for our daughter, resulting in a late bedtime. Our biggest issues were the spa and scheduled activities. The spa had poor communication and English. Several attempts via email and phone to confirm our treatments - and a very loud dance or gym class could be heard from treatment room during massage. Poor sound insulation and very disturbing The schedule seemed like a suggestion. We confirmed certain events and activities with staff that never took place, leaving our kids disappointed. This pertained to Cookie decorating and carnival parade which were both on their Christmas brochure and we confirmed with staff ahead of time Poor communication amongst the staff which I feel is a management issue. We got 3 different answers on time a restaurant closed on Christmas Eve from 3 different people and all 3 ended up being incorrect (the food truck, 5, 6, and 10pm but ended up being 7) In end, we understand things come up, I would come back with lower expectations and assume the above would reoccur as we still enjoyed our stay and the property.

We enjoyed our stay. The staff was friendly. The babysitter from kids club, Everliss was amazing with our youngest daughter. Our girls enjoyed the kids club Some negatives but I’ll temper my expectations in future… One of our rooms was not ready until 5pm. It took several (3-4) requests to get a fold away bed for our daughter, resulting in a late bedtime. Our biggest issues were the spa and scheduled activities. The spa had poor communication and English. Several attempts via email and phone to confirm our treatments - and a very loud dance or gym class could be heard from treatment room during massage. Poor sound insulation and very disturbing The schedule seemed like a suggestion. We confirmed certain events and activities with staff that never took place, leaving our kids disappointed. This pertained to Cookie decorating and carnival parade which were both on their Christmas brochure and we confirmed with staff ahead of time Poor communication amongst the staff which I feel is a management issue. We got 3 different answers on time a restaurant closed on Christmas Eve from 3 different people and all 3 ended up being incorrect (the food truck, 5, 6, and 10pm but ended up being 7) In end, we understand things come up, I would come back with lower expectations and assume the above would reoccur as we still enjoyed our stay and the property.

I was totally blasted by this hotel. I’m not I’m not going to write about the amenities cause they are exceptional and of another world. I mainly want to stress that every member of the staff that I met was simply extremely friendly and also helpful. This started at the reception with Juan, with the people at the various restaurants and pool, the customer relation representative Lila who simply came to introduce herself and helped me with something. At the magnificent rooftop bar “La Pérgola” I was met and attended to by three smiling and friendly waitresses Hilda, Camila and Veronica. There, the two barmen in charge Jesiel and Juan were exceptional. I was served amazing cocktails and they also made me taste some cocktail bases asking me about my opinion on them (how strong, tastes, sweetness). They like their job and want to bring it to the next level. So in addition to an exceptional location and design, the Sofitel Barú strongly relies on its staff and it’s the way it should be I think. Before visiting the hotel, I was surprised to read how many guests reviews enhanced the staff but after being here, I clearly understand where these reviews came from.

I was totally blasted by this hotel. I’m not I’m not going to write about the amenities cause they are exceptional and of another world. I mainly want to stress that every member of the staff that I met was simply extremely friendly and also helpful. This started at the reception with Juan, with the people at the various restaurants and pool, the customer relation representative Lila who simply came to introduce herself and helped me with something. At the magnificent rooftop bar “La Pérgola” I was met and attended to by three smiling and friendly waitresses Hilda, Camila and Veronica. There, the two barmen in charge Jesiel and Juan were exceptional. I was served amazing cocktails and they also made me taste some cocktail bases asking me about my opinion on them (how strong, tastes, sweetness). They like their job and want to bring it to the next level. So in addition to an exceptional location and design, the Sofitel Barú strongly relies on its staff and it’s the way it should be I think. Before visiting the hotel, I was surprised to read how many guests reviews enhanced the staff but after being here, I clearly understand where these reviews came from.

I stayed at this property while attending a conference and had a very positive experience. The resort is beautiful, peaceful and thoughtfully designed (environmentally conscious). The staff were consistently warm, friendly and attentive. As a foodie, I have to say that it’s clear that there is a strong culinary leadership. Brwakfast selection was exceptional mixing local food and international foods. I tried all the restaurants, room service and even the conference catering was surprisingly exquisite. Although I was there for a conference, the property felt perfect for couple. They have playgrounds for kids but not sure that there are activities attractive for teenagers, it’s a place to relax and would not categorize it as ideal for families. The resort is on an island about 1.5-hour drive from the Cartagena airport but there are boat transfers. I took a speed boat with a group (about 25 mins) which I highly recommend, it was faster and a great way to see the coastline. Just make sure you understand the group vs individual pricing as that seems to be a bit confusing and lacked flexibility. Overall, a wonderful stay with excellent hospitality and food.

I stayed at this property while attending a conference and had a very positive experience. The resort is beautiful, peaceful and thoughtfully designed (environmentally conscious). The staff were consistently warm, friendly and attentive. As a foodie, I have to say that it’s clear that there is a strong culinary leadership. Brwakfast selection was exceptional mixing local food and international foods. I tried all the restaurants, room service and even the conference catering was surprisingly exquisite. Although I was there for a conference, the property felt perfect for couple. They have playgrounds for kids but not sure that there are activities attractive for teenagers, it’s a place to relax and would not categorize it as ideal for families. The resort is on an island about 1.5-hour drive from the Cartagena airport but there are boat transfers. I took a speed boat with a group (about 25 mins) which I highly recommend, it was faster and a great way to see the coastline. Just make sure you understand the group vs individual pricing as that seems to be a bit confusing and lacked flexibility. Overall, a wonderful stay with excellent hospitality and food.

Visited with a friend to celebrate her birthday here for a few days after staying in Cartagena mainland for four days. Beautiful property, extraordinary service and amenities, and the food was amazing. The spa experience was EXCELLENT! Raquel was my therapist and she was absolutely wonderful. I had the Mud Wrap and the “So Delicate” facial treatments. Will definitely be back with my husband so he can experience this tranquil retreat.

Visited with a friend to celebrate her birthday here for a few days after staying in Cartagena mainland for four days. Beautiful property, extraordinary service and amenities, and the food was amazing. The spa experience was EXCELLENT! Raquel was my therapist and she was absolutely wonderful. I had the Mud Wrap and the “So Delicate” facial treatments. Will definitely be back with my husband so he can experience this tranquil retreat.

I had an amazing experience at the spa with Laura. I had a facial and detox wrap. Both were excellent. She was very kind and thorough in my treatments. I left feeling relaxed and my skin was radiant. Highly recommend the spa and Laura!!

I had an amazing experience at the spa with Laura. I had a facial and detox wrap. Both were excellent. She was very kind and thorough in my treatments. I left feeling relaxed and my skin was radiant. Highly recommend the spa and Laura!!

There is no doubt that the resort is stunning. There are 7 immaculate bars & pools. We are world beach goers and loved this stretch of beach on Baru. I believe every room has an ocean view (we had an ocean front balcony and got the basic room). The food was all delicious, but as expected the drinks over priced. Here are the cons (big ones I think you should know). First, getting here is no joke and I did not realize this on booking. We ended up booking boat transfers from Cartagena (do not rent a car!!!!). The boats were both gorgeous but it cost us almost $350 round trip for 2 adults. We also booked a private boat ride to the Rosario islands. They are beautiful and it was worth it, but we way over paid. We are boaters at home and understand the costs, and we know we way over paid, however we were also glad we didn’t miss the islands (note: you go snorkeling & they take you to a restaurant of your choice for lunch). Now here’s what left us unwilling to come back: I prepaid our room rate and the private boat. On check out our bill was for our food/drinks and transport. Each food & drink bill has gratuity added on. We tipped our boat tour guides in cash. The hotel added an optional gratuity to the total of our bill - all of which was tipped as we went. This gets split amongst the staff. If I didn’t notice that, it would’ve added a lot of money to our bill! Basically tipping on already tipped services. It made me leave there with a sour end to a wonderful few days. My advice is to pay as you go around the resort to avoid any confusion on check out.

There is no doubt that the resort is stunning. There are 7 immaculate bars & pools. We are world beach goers and loved this stretch of beach on Baru. I believe every room has an ocean view (we had an ocean front balcony and got the basic room). The food was all delicious, but as expected the drinks over priced. Here are the cons (big ones I think you should know). First, getting here is no joke and I did not realize this on booking. We ended up booking boat transfers from Cartagena (do not rent a car!!!!). The boats were both gorgeous but it cost us almost $350 round trip for 2 adults. We also booked a private boat ride to the Rosario islands. They are beautiful and it was worth it, but we way over paid. We are boaters at home and understand the costs, and we know we way over paid, however we were also glad we didn’t miss the islands (note: you go snorkeling & they take you to a restaurant of your choice for lunch). Now here’s what left us unwilling to come back: I prepaid our room rate and the private boat. On check out our bill was for our food/drinks and transport. Each food & drink bill has gratuity added on. We tipped our boat tour guides in cash. The hotel added an optional gratuity to the total of our bill - all of which was tipped as we went. This gets split amongst the staff. If I didn’t notice that, it would’ve added a lot of money to our bill! Basically tipping on already tipped services. It made me leave there with a sour end to a wonderful few days. My advice is to pay as you go around the resort to avoid any confusion on check out.

We are a family of 4 adults and this was our first time at the Sofitel Baru. We took the boat from Cartagena and spent 3 nights there. This is a beautiful high end resort on the beach which is secluded, offers all the amenities needed and never feels crowded. On arrival, we were upgraded to a penthouse suite which was a nice surprise. Standout experiences were the breakfast buffet, the amazing massages, the beautiful swimming pools and Humo, the Peruvian/Asian fusion restaurant. A special call out to Lila and Danilo for their attentive customer service. Would definitely recommend this hotel for a super relaxing experience.

We are a family of 4 adults and this was our first time at the Sofitel Baru. We took the boat from Cartagena and spent 3 nights there. This is a beautiful high end resort on the beach which is secluded, offers all the amenities needed and never feels crowded. On arrival, we were upgraded to a penthouse suite which was a nice surprise. Standout experiences were the breakfast buffet, the amazing massages, the beautiful swimming pools and Humo, the Peruvian/Asian fusion restaurant. A special call out to Lila and Danilo for their attentive customer service. Would definitely recommend this hotel for a super relaxing experience.

My wife and I stayed here for my 60th birthday celebration. The rooms were clean with a friendly staff. Most are bilingual who are fluent in English, if that is a concern. We do recommend the rooftop bar, if you can't get a reservation to one of their restaurants. During our stay, the Japanese restaurant was fully booked and didn't accept walk ins but the Italian restaurant did accept walk ins (without reservations). The beach was so relaxing and the water was a perfect temperature to hang out in for a long time. If you get tired of the beach, they had plenty of pools to use one of which had a nice water fall. A couple of people that made our stay there special was Leidy, a Sommelier and Dany, a Bartender. For my birthday, they prepared special Banana Rum drink for me to have there & a little bottle to take some home. They also wrote a little birthday note on a card with the banana rum recipe so we can make the drink at home. I would recommend the hotel.

My wife and I stayed here for my 60th birthday celebration. The rooms were clean with a friendly staff. Most are bilingual who are fluent in English, if that is a concern. We do recommend the rooftop bar, if you can't get a reservation to one of their restaurants. During our stay, the Japanese restaurant was fully booked and didn't accept walk ins but the Italian restaurant did accept walk ins (without reservations). The beach was so relaxing and the water was a perfect temperature to hang out in for a long time. If you get tired of the beach, they had plenty of pools to use one of which had a nice water fall. A couple of people that made our stay there special was Leidy, a Sommelier and Dany, a Bartender. For my birthday, they prepared special Banana Rum drink for me to have there & a little bottle to take some home. They also wrote a little birthday note on a card with the banana rum recipe so we can make the drink at home. I would recommend the hotel.