Accommodation is more expensive than elsewhere in Cartagena, especially in the historic center. A little more accessible is the Getsemani neighborhood. Bocagrande and La Boquilla are home to mostly large hotel chains.
Reservations are imperative everywhere in high season, especially in December and during Holy Week.
It should be noted that in many hotels there is no hot water. After a few days, you’ll be convinced that it’s not so bad!
Centro histórico and San Diego
The historical center has mostly luxury hotels of great charm, and some hostels.
Good and cheap
El Viajero Hostel Cartagena
- Calle de los 7 Infantes, N° 9-45
- San Diego
- Phone : +57 5 660 2598
- www.elviajerohostels.com
- [email protected]
Count in low season around $50,000 for a dorm and $180,000 for a double room, including breakfast.
One of the few hostels located in the walled city, close to Fernandez de Madrid Square.
It is also the first hostel in Colombia of the famous El Viajero chain of hostels. A great establishment that takes care of travelers with good mattresses, a common kitchen, air conditioning in all rooms and dormitories, individual luggage storage and safes, and a continental buffet for breakfast.
A good hostel to party in an international atmosphere, it is always crowded and the bar is lively.
Remember to make reservations.
Best Hotels in Cartagena : Comfort or charm
Bovedas de Santa Clara
- Carrera 8 N° 39-114
- +57 5 650 4465
- www.bovedasdesantaclara.com
- [email protected]
- 18 rooms and duplexes for 2 to 6 people.
- Count from $600-800,000 for a double room, with breakfast.
Facing the ramparts, overlooking the sea, a recently restored boutique hotel with raw materials and a chic, uncluttered design where white dominates.
It belongs to the Sofitel Legend just next door, which makes its magnificent pool and facilities available to guests.
Large and bright rooms, very suitable for families, a bar and lounge area very pleasant, and a superb table for breakfast.
A beautiful place.
Hotel Tres Banderas
- Calle Cochera del Hobo, N° 38-66
- San Diego
- ✆ +57 5 660 0160 / +57 5 660 2112
- www.hotel3banderas.com
- [email protected], [email protected]
- Count from $270,000 for a double room.
- Breakfast included.
A well-located and very pleasant establishment with two small patios and 24 comfortable rooms.
Swimming pool on the roof, spa…
A good value for money.
Pierre Casa Boutique
- Carrera 7 No.38-123
- +57 310 337 8250
- [email protected]
- House for rent for groups.
- 7 rooms and 9 beds for rent.
- Capacity 14 people.
- Count US$1,700 per night with room service, 24/7 concierge and house-keeper, breakfast.
- Extra cook service.
A little gem in the historic center, just for you! One block from the lively area and the main squares where the bars and restaurants are located.
A white colonial house of about 700 m2, full of charm, with its patio and several levels hosting 7 rooms of great comfort, a nice patio, a beautiful swimming pool (8 x 5 m) on the second floor and its water wall, a large living room with double height ceiling, a majestic wooden table to meet, rattan furniture, modern decoration of oriental inspiration…
A spiral staircase leads to the rooftop and solarium equipped with a large whirlpool bath (5 x 3 m), and to add to the pleasure a magnificent terrace with a coral stone deck.
The rooftop offers a 360° view, including the old convent of Cartagena.
Lifestyle chic, you are at home, in the greatest comfort, with a butler to the smallest care.
An elegant and refined setting, ideal for celebrating a special event, for a big party with friends or family.
Best Luxury Hotels in Cartagena
Casa Pestagua
- Calle Santo Domingo, N° 33-63
- Historic Center
- +57 5 664 9510 / +57 5 664 62 86
- www.casapestagua.com
- [email protected], [email protected]
- Several types of rooms, prices subject to fluctuations during high seasons: $689,000 Superior, $890,000 Deluxe, $990,000 Junior Suite and $1,450,000 Suite.
- Very complete and unlimited breakfast.
- Amadeus gourmet restaurant.
Known since the 18th century as the most beautiful mansion in Cartagena, and today the only Relais et Château in Colombia, Casa Pestagua regularly receives some of the most prestigious awards, whose meticulous restoration earned it the FIABCI International Architecture Grand Prize.
Ranked as one of the three best boutique hotels in the world by Hotel & Lodge magazine in 2011, it was already among the 110 most beautiful hotels in the world in 2008 according to L’Officiel Voyage.
Located 30 meters from Santo Domingo Square, the epicenter of Cartagena’s cultural and festive life, the sumptuous residence belonged to the wealthy Count of Pestagua in the 17th century.
The boutique Spa hotel offers luxury hotel services in a colonial palace of the first importance that has kept all its character thanks to a meticulous restoration.
A very romantic atmosphere, a stylish welcome, tables in a private garden with lush vegetation, flowers, arches in profusion, and period woodwork in the rooms where no detail is forgotten. Large, elegant and spacious rooms (from 32 to 82 m2) and antique furniture, most of which have double height ceilings.
Modernity is perfectly combined with the majesty and prestige of the place.
The upper levels are accessible by a monumental staircase with sumptuous period frescoes.
Casa Pestagua offers its guests a large air-conditioned swimming pool, its Zen Spa and a whirlpool located on the terrace overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
The eleven rooms have spacious facilities and sophisticated amenities. The Amadeus restaurant is a small museum of gastronomic traditions, including seafood specialties.
The words luxury, refinement and harmony take on their full meaning here.
Casa Pombo
- Calle del Arzobispado N° 34-14
- Centro Histórico
- ✆ +57 5 664 62 86 / + 57 5 664 71 95 / +57 5 664 9510
- www.casapombo.com
- [email protected], [email protected]
- 5 apartments with 2 to 4 bedrooms.
- Depending on the season: from US$ 1,485,000 to US$ 2,205,000 for the 2 or 3 bedroom apartment (6 pers), from US$ 2,860,000 to US$ 4,410,000 the 4 bedroom apartment (8 pers).
- Breakfast: US$ 16 per person.
- Count $649,000 for the superior room and $1,199,000 for the Suite, including breakfast.
- Free wi-fi.
- Butler with hotel service, Master of House owner Claude Pimont.
- Two pools, solarium, elevator.
At the foot of the cathedral, facing the Proclamation Square where the main government building is located, Casa Pombo is an architectural treasure, the only Renaissance building in the city.
The house was already on the plans drawn by Francis Drake’s personal cartographer in 1585, and it was in 1586 that the city was conquered and occupied by the pirate, but Casa Pombo withstood the attacks and is now one of the oldest houses in Cartagena de Indias.
The work carried out by its French owners has reached perfection: they have achieved the perfect combination of original splendor and luxury of modern comfort.
The apartments from 240 m2 to 670 m2 are equipped with a fully equipped kitchen, each room has its own private bathroom, independent air conditioning, a safe and a flat screen TV.
Cleaning and maintenance is done daily by the house staff.
There are also two suites and three superior rooms.
Room service and medical assistance 24 hours a day, two swimming pools at your disposal, one of which is on the solarium terrace (accessible by the coral stone stairs or by the elevator)…
The view is exceptional.
Hotel LM a Luxury Boutique Hotel****
- Calle de la Mantilla, N° 3-56
- +57 5 664 9100 / +57 317 331 5432 / +57 5 651 7210
- www.hotel-lm.com
- [email protected]
Count around 750,000 the twin and standard rooms, 850,000 the junior suite and 900,000 for Junior suite Deluxe.
Several original formulas to celebrate special events, with for example a bottle of champagne, dinner and thematic decoration of the room…
In the heart of the historic center, this boutique hotel is a real nugget! A space of calm and tranquility that offers all the modern comforts in a beautifully restored colonial house.
Its seven rooms and suites blend luxury, sophistication and simplicity.
Each room has its own decoration with paintings, photos and furniture from different regions of the world.
The indoor swimming pool, surrounded by plants, and the fountain that flows on a beautiful rock wall invite you to relax, while the bubbling bath on the roof is a real treat all day long, especially at sunset, when the Cartagena sky offers its most beautiful colors.
Bar, restaurant, massage service, not to mention an attentive staff available at all hours.
Top of the line!
Hotel Quadrifolio
- Calle del Cuartel, N° 36-118
- Centro Histórico
- +57 5 664 6053 / + 57 318 802 0849
- www.hotelquadrifolio.com
- [email protected]
One junior suite of 38 m2, three luxury junior suites of 40 m2 and four special junior suites of 45 m2.
Rates vary according to season, purchase conditions (refundable or not) and type of suite, starting at $720,000.
This large colonial house, restored with style and elegance, includes eight suites with a unique decoration for each of them.
Very spacious and warmly decorated, they are equipped with a king size bed or two double beds, flat screen TV, mini-bar, hi-fi equipment with Ipod connection, air conditioning, safe, fan and wi-fi, shower gel and Hermes shampoo please.
Beyond the exceptional service, the hotel has a swimming pool and a terrace with a whirlpool to relax and enjoy a good sunbath.
Ana Maria, the lovely owner, rents out her private 12-meter boat for trips to the Bay of Cartagena or the Rosario Islands.
The fundamental principles of the hotel, represented by the four-leaf clover (quadrifolio), are perfectly respected here: elegance, privacy, comfort and service.
Hotel Sofitel Santa Clara****
- Calle del Torno, N° 39-29
- San Diego
- +57 5 650 4700
- www.sofitel-legend.com
- [email protected]
Count from $870,000 the superior, $1,250,000 the deluxe, $1,600,000 the junior suite, and $2,250,000 for the duplex suite, with buffet breakfast.
VAT exemption for foreigners, + $8,400 contribution to tourist tax.
124 rooms, 2 bars, 2 restaurants, 6 meeting rooms.
One of the 5 Legend hotels of the Sofitel chain is an architectural jewel of the country.
Managed by Richard Launay, this former convent from 1621 converted into a 5-star hotel (1995) regularly wins the award for the most beautiful hotel in Latin America.
The suites and deluxe rooms are incomparable, magnificent and of absolute comfort, and the rest of the rooms are of excellent standard.
The swimming pool is the social gathering place for wealthy Colombians and beautiful Colombian women.
The patio at the entrance is a pure delight, housing a collection of artworks by great Colombian artists.
Three wells bring peace and harmony to the whole.
The crypt of the hotel inspired Gabriel Garcia Marquez to write about a mysterious blonde girl in his book “Of Love and Other Demons”.
He is said to have participated in the discovery of a body inside the crypt when he was a young journalist.
The 1621 restaurant is a perfect evening experience, with an extensive wine list of lovingly curated beverages.
Prices are still very affordable.
El Coro Lounge Bar offers wonderful cocktails and live music on weekends.
The Sofitel has a superb spa, we loved the double cabin with whirlpool.
Beautiful setting, well thought out set, ideal for a complete rest of the senses.
Foxie75 on 03/02/2015 Cartagena is a beautiful colonial city and this hotel is a great place to spend a few days.
It is in the historical center, in front of a small par cet next to the best Cevicheria of the city (restaurant specialized in ceviche).
The hotel is sublime, in a colonial style with a large patio/garden in the middle.
The rooms are spacious and bright, very clean.
The service is very good, the people are friendly and ready to help you even if you don’t speak Spanish.
I have not tried the hotel’s restaurant but I hear that the food is very good.
The hotel also has a bar where every night there is a band that plays salsa.
If I ever go back to Cartagena, I will surely stay at Sofitel.
Best Hotels in Getsemaní and Manga
Getsemani is the place for budget travelers.
The houses are colonial here too, but the atmosphere is more popular and less stuffy.
The neighborhood also has a growing number of luxury hotels.
Good and cheap
Casa Venita Hostal Boutique
- Calle San Antonio N° 25-37
- +57 5 641 5225 / +57 320 793 1603
- www.facebook.com/casavenita
- [email protected]
- Count around 60,000 in a dormitory of 4, and 150/180/200,000 the double/queen/king.
- Breakfast included.
A cozy bed & breakfast with only 4 rooms (including a small dorm) in an 18th century house with an intimate, friendly courtyard.
The rooms are neat and the welcome of the owner, Julian the Irishman, is very friendly.
An adjacent cultural and vegetarian café-resto where you can have breakfast.
Ideal to come as a couple without ruining yourself too much.
Casa Viena Hostel
- Calle San Andrés, N° 30-53
- Getsemani
- ✆ +57 5 668 5048 / +57 320 538 3619
- www.casaviena.com/cartagena
- [email protected], [email protected]
- From $30-35,000 in 8- and 4-bed dormitories (with AC), and $60,000 double with shared bathroom facilities ($70,000 with AC), $80,000 with private bathroom facilities, triple $120,000.
A popular hostel for backpackers, for a long time.
Kitchenette, air-conditioned dormitory, Internet.
Warm welcome from Ana and Leidys the managers who speak Spanish, English and a few words of French.
A good meeting point for long distance travelers.
Friends Tobe
- Carrera 10c
- +57 5 643 7391 / +57 317 636 1099
- www.f2b.com.co
- [email protected]
- Count around $45-50,000 for a dorm of 8 and $180,000 for a double room.
- Basic breakfast included but more extensive options available.
A hostel located in the heart of Getsemaní, in a beautiful house with a patio, which not long ago served as a boutique hotel.
The setting is splendid, with colonial architecture and contemporary amenities.
The rooms are comfortable, the dormitory a little bit small for 8 people but it remains correct.
Mini swimming pool to refresh, chill out area and roof terrace with a nice view on the city, recommended in the evening.
We are not far from the comfort of a hotel but with the services and the conviviality of a youth hostel. Small kitchen available.
A nice place, with a good quality-price ratio.
Media Luna Hostel
- Calle Media Luna N° 10-46
- +57 5 664 3423 / +57 318 265 3217
- www.medialunahostel.com
- [email protected]
- Count around 40-50,000 for a dormitory, from 100-120,000 for a double room.
- Shared kitchen.
This hostel is located in a beautiful colonial style house.
A big chill out establishment with private rooms and dormitories, a swimming pool, a big bar and a great terrace.
An ideal spot to enjoy the sunset.
This is also where concerts and other alternative parties are regularly organized; on Wednesdays don’t miss “Visa por un sueño”, the biggest party in Cartagena that night, guaranteed atmosphere.
Other address: Hostel Media Luna Baru in Playa Bobo (Baru), transfers every day from Cartagena.
There is a central courtyard with pool , laundry , kitchen and a roof top terrace for massive parties….
One day Hostel
- Calle 26 N° 10B-67
- Calle de las Chancletas, Getsemaní
- ✆ +57 318 558 0795
- www.onedayhostel.com.co
- [email protected]
- Count from $37-45,000 in a dormitory and $110,000 in a double room, including breakfast.
Two cuadras from Plaza de la Trinidad, in a quiet alley, a cheap, clean and well-kept hostel with functional kitchen and plenty of tourist information.
Intimate and friendly atmosphere.
Comfort or charm
Casa Villa Colonial & Hotel Villa Colonial
- Calle de la Media Luna 10-89
- Getsemaní
- +57 5 664 5421 / +57 311 665 9369 / +57 300 355 5038
- www.hotelvillacolonial.com
- [email protected], [email protected]
- Casa Villa Colonial: from $195,000 for two.
- Hotel Villa Colonial: from $135,000 for two.
Hotel Villa Colonial (Calle de las Maravillas N° 30-60) and Casa Villa Colonial (Calle de la Media Luna), are located 100 meters from each other.
Both establishments belong to the same owners, are clean and well kept, and offer a good quality/price ratio. Hotel Villa Colonial has 25 fairly simple rooms with air conditioning or fan (number 201 has a nice balcony), a common kitchen, cool patios and a rooftop terrace where you can have breakfast.
Casa Villa Colonial is a bit more comfortable, with a rooftop pool.
The staff is friendly.
Two good family addresses in the heart of Getsemaní.
Hotel Monterrey
- Carrera 8B N° 25-103
- +57 5 650 3030 / +57 5 664 8574
- www.hotelmonterrey.com.co
- [email protected]
- Count around $300,000 for a double room with breakfast.
Located at the entrance to Getsemani, 100 meters from the convention center, this building built in the late 19th century is the work of French architect Gaston Lelarge.
Behind the facade, a chic and comfortable hotel with 30 rooms.
Decorated with period elements, wrought iron and special attention to the bedding.
The hotel has a brasserie with a French touch and above all a large roof terrace (“L’Héroïque”), one of the best views of the old town and from which the sunsets are magical, all with a swimming pool and bar!
Luxury
Hotel La Pasion
Hotel Casa Lola
- Calle del guerrero Nº 29-108
- +57 5 6641538 / + 57 320 547 7317
- www.casalola.com
- [email protected]
- 10 rooms, count from $400,000 for a double room, with breakfast.
Casa Lola is a boutique hotel, composed of a colonial house from the 17th century, and a republican building from the late 19th.
The decoration is careful, with a successful combination of antiques, works of art, crafts and modern elements.
A chic and intimate atmosphere, and a calmness that contrasts with the very lively neighborhood (Plaza de la Trinidad is 100 m away).
Nice patio, friendly staff, beautiful rooms and rooftop pool with a nice view.
Our favorite address in Getsemani.
Best Hotels in Cartagena : Bocagrande
Bocagrande is a favorite of Colombian and Latin tourists in general, whether they are traveling with their families or on business.
There are large, comfortable hotels that have the advantage of being right on the beach.
Very good for families who want to enjoy a pool and the beach, 10 minutes by cab from the historic center.
Hotel Almirante Cartagena
- Avenida San Martín
- +57 5 665 8811 / +57 1 747 0333
- www.hotelalmirantecartagena.com.co
- [email protected]
- From $320,000 for a standard double room, including breakfast.
- Prices vary depending on orientation, room type and season.
- A modern and warm hotel, facing the sea.
- 250 rooms and suites, bright and comfortable.
The three restaurants offer Caribbean and international specialties as well as signature cuisine. Generous breakfast buffet.
Spa and sauna, solarium, gym and a pool on the 5th floor terrace.
A 5-minute cab ride from the historic center, this hotel is a good option for families or business travelers, and for anyone who wants to stay close to the beach.
Hotel Capilla Del Mar
- Carrera 1 N° 8-12
- Bocagrande
- +57 5 650 1500 / +57 5 650 1501 / +33 04 76 01 88 85
- www.capilladelmar.com
- [email protected], [email protected]
- 203 rooms (superior, junior suite and special suite).
- From $230,000 per double room with balcony, buffet breakfast.
- Prices vary by room type and season.
A breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea, just steps away from a beautiful sandy beach.
This recently renovated five-star hotel retains a popular feel and very competitive prices.
Rooms are spacious and comfortable, with air conditioning, TV and king-size bed, some with balcony and sea view.
Fitness room and Spa, two restaurants and bars, one panoramic (21) and the other on the first floor.
The hotel’s staff is pleasant and the service is of high quality.
Swimming pool and solarium on the 22nd floor, on the roof terrace, with beautiful bay windows that allow you to enjoy the view.
The breakfast, a generous buffet, is taken facing the sea on the 2nd floor.
Best Hotels in La Boquilla and the north
This area could well become the new Bocagrande, as large resorts have been setting up there for several years.
The beaches are more beautiful and quieter and the airport is not far.
Las Americas Resort
- Anillo Vial, Sector Cielo Mar
- +57 5 672 3344 / +57 5 672 4242
- www.hotellasamericas.com.co
- [email protected]
- Count around $124 US for a superior room with sea view, including breakfast.
Recently renovated, there is movement for this large format hotel.
The complex is composed of two entities with Las Américas Casa de Playa and Las Américas Torre del Mar.
Resolutely family, the complex proposes rooms and suites with balcony and sight on the Caribbean sea, on the gardens or on the swimming pools.
The many activities and installations (swimming pools, bars, restaurants, large living rooms, business center, gymnasium, Spa, tennis courts, miniature golf, aquatic park for the children and gaming room video) without forgetting the private beach, will ensure you to pass one of the most comfortable stay.
Las Américas Casa de Playa has 251 suites and rooms with sea view and balcony and hammock.
The superior rooms have a double or king bed, the junior suites and duplexes are equipped with the necessities for a comfortable family stay, a living room, a sofa and a dining room, and the Reina Isabel suite invites you to bask in the whirlpool.
Las Américas Torre del Mar is all the comfort of a 5 star hotel in a tower designed according to the modern standards of the luxury hotel industry.
Superior rooms, junior suite, business suite and two presidential suites.
Where to stay in Cartagena
Centro histórico and San Diego
Centro histórico and San Diego – Music and dance omnipresent
The favourite place of the local high bourgeoisie.
It is good to stroll through these squares and small tangled streets, lined with palaces and stately homes with finely carved balconies and viewpoints.
The old town has many quality restaurants, luxury hotels and boutiques that only serve to renew its eternal elegance.
In the evening, cabs can be heard on the cobblestones.
Getsemaní and Manga
Getsemaní and Manga – Street art in the streets of Getsemani
Outside the walls, the Getsemani district, with its more modest architecture, remains more authentic than the historic centre, which is more colourful, bohemian and festive.
Once it was inhabited by the working classes.
Today, house prices are skyrocketing. There are most hostels and dance bars.
Several boutique hotels have opened their doors there, which was unimaginable even ten years ago.
The new sea terminal on Manga Island is a reminder that the city is not only an important commercial port, but also hosts many cruise ships.
This island is endowed with a varied architecture dating from the beginning of the 20th century.
It is interesting to stroll through its residential neighbourhoods to observe the mix of styles, especially the Islamic influence of immigrants from the Middle East.
Bocagrande
Bocagrande – Bocagrande
To the south of the old town stretches an L-shaped peninsula: the upmarket districts of Bocagrande, El Laguito and Castillo Grande, much appreciated by Colombians for their proximity to the beaches.
The waterfront has modern buildings in the style of the Costa Brava in Spain.
Bocachica and Isla Tierra Bomba
Bocachica and Isla Tierra Bomba – Raspados very appreciated.
Tierra Bomba is an island of 19.8 km² located southwest of Cartagena.
It closes the bay, leaving only two access channels, to the north opposite Bocagrande, and to the south opposite Barú.
At the southern end of the island is the castle of San Fernando de Bocachica.
Some 12,000 Afro-Colombians live on Tierra Bomba, in basic conditions, without running water.
You can cycle around it and walk around it.
It is above all a destination of idleness, the island having beautiful beaches, with bars and restaurants.
La Boquilla and the North
La Boquilla and the North – La Boquilla, between beach and mangrove.
La Boquilla is a traditional fishing district 20 minutes from the historic centre, north of the airport, between the Caribbean Sea and the Cienaga de la Virgen swamps.
The people of Cartagena come here to eat fish and seafood, and the beaches are bigger and more beautiful than in Bocagrande, which are also more popular.
Investors are becoming increasingly interested in this area and large hotel chains are starting to set up operations there.
