Sofitel Barú Cartagena

First time - we’ll be back

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.

Exceptional …

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.

Beautiful property, warm service, exceptional 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.

First time here, but won’t be the last!!🩷

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.

Amazing hotel and spa!

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!!

Stunning place but a bit of a grift

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.