The Neighborhood
Visibly marked on the first maps drawn of the Cartagena, the block surrounding Alfiz Hotel has witnessed the city's vibrant history, including the beginning of the Spanish colonization and the establishment of important buildings such as the Casa de los Oficiales Reales (House of Royal Officers), the Cathedral, and the Cabildo or Governor´s House, where the Regional Administration of Bolivar Department currently sits today.

The House
Since its establishment during the Colonial era, the building that now houses Alfiz Hotel was used as a casa alta, a high house, where the first floor was used as a warehouse or shop and the second floor was utilized as living quarters with bedrooms. The historic casa alta style dominates the neighborhood and grew popular due to its efficiency and proximity to the port.

The Owners
In the late 18th century, the house was owned by French merchant Jean D'Anglade and his wife Rosa Guerra. Owning several properties in the city, including the hacienda San José de Cospique, the wealthy Jean D'Anglade was also engaged in feverish commercial activity, slave trade, and smuggling.

The Consul's House
In January 1824, after the weakening of the Spanish administration, the British Consul Mr. Edward Watts arrived in Cartagena to promote trade relations between UK and the port. He settled down in two houses where Cochera del Gobernador street meets Candilejo street. The Consul supported Simón Bolívar, whom he met during his last visit to the city, and the first union of independent nations. Despite the numerous references of his hospitality and community involvement, Watts was accused of intervening with the country's internal affairs and was forced to leave in 1833. His son, George Burghalt Watts assumed the position of Vice Consul and took over the house. George married Juliana de Porras, with whom he had two children, Thomas and Porras.

Since the end of the 18th century, the buildings were utilized for various businesses, including the pharmacy of Mr. Dionisio Araujo, a bar, and the renowned FrancoCovo & Co. hardware store that announced new arrivals of imported products in the local newspapers.

The Restoration
After a full scale restoration process, supervised by architects and engineers from Cartagena, and supported by a deep historical research, Alfiz Hotel has recovered to the original state of the historic house. During the restoration, historic artifacts were uncovered, including cannonballs, an amphora top, pottery, old iron nails, and even skeletal remains. Today, Alfiz Hotel showcases its rich heritage at every corner, boasting an authentic Cartagena experience.

Alfiz Hotel, a charter member of Historic Hotels Worldwide since 2014, dates back to the 17th century.