Cartagena’s only Black-owned hotel, Casa Noir gives African culture home

Cartagena has the highest relative representation of Afro-Colombians among the 15 main Colombian cities. Over 1 million people live in Cartagena, and almost 45 percent are of African descent. Tourists can see Cartagena’s rich Afro-Colombian culture through the vibrancy of the art, music, food, and people.

One of the most beloved locations supporting the African culture of Cartagena is Casa Noir. Casa Noir is Cartagena’s first Black-owned hotel in the city’s downtown area. Forty-four-year-old Harlem native Shawn Roseburgh is the owner of Casa Noir.

Roseburgh is an avid world traveler that fell in love with Cartagena during his multiple visits. While on a trip in 2021, he realized that the city did not have many businesses or institutions depicting Black culture and heritage. The lack was alarming, considering how many Black people lived in the town and visited.

In an interview with Travel Noire, Roseburgh stated, “I felt the city needed more Black cultural influence. I began speaking with friends as well as other native Colombians, researching and gathering information and opinions about Cartagena and what they felt it needed.”

He added, “I soon decided I wanted to open the downtown area’s first Black-owned hotel.”

Roseburgh and his family celebrated the grand opening of Casa Noir in November 2021. The hotel is in the downtown neighborhood of Getsemani. Shortly after its opening, the hotel’s reputation spread for providing excellent hospitality and creating a unique experience.

An African tribe mural completed by local artists welcomes guests as they enter the property. Black excellence continues to be showcased inside the hotel as paintings and sculptures celebrate Black faces and culture. The cherry on top of the ambiance is the warm and personable service provided by the hotel staff.

Roseburgh states he and his staff go the extra mile by intentionally immersing guests into the culture of Cartagena.

“We escort guests around the Walled City of Cartagena, take them to the historic Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, and allow them to enjoy Black culture during the African Freedom Tour of Palenque. Our exciting excursions also consist of getting muddy in the Totumo mud volcano, as well as breathtaking beach experiences like snorkeling off of Playa Blanca and the Rosario Islands.”

Although the staff and design of the hotel are outstanding, the amenities of Casa Noir are more than worth the trip.

Some courtesies include exemplary room service, a rooftop bar, spa and wellness services, a “rooftop jacuzzi, Wi-Fi, laundry services, in-room complimentary coffee and water, 24-hour guest reception, premium bedding, kid-friendly rooms, airport transportation and entertainment.”

As a father of three and an avid philanthropist, Roseburgh is pleased to see his idea for a hotel is shaping into much more.

“It’s an electrifying vibe…an entire unforgettable experience! It’s an amazing feeling to have accomplished something that no one has ever done before. My motto is ‘To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.’ Trust your journey!”

Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her bylines include “person of interest” interviews, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything Beyonce.

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This story was originally published February 16, 2023 at 11:50 AM with the headline "Cartagena’s only Black-owned hotel, Casa Noir gives African culture home."