Ah, Cartagena. Located right on the Caribbean sea, this beautiful coastal city in Colombia is one of my favorites! After almost 2 weeks in Colombia’s wet, cool mountainous climate, the warmth and sunshine of Cartagena was very welcomed. Aside from the warm weather and glittering turquoise sea, this city is packed to the brim with charm and history. You simply can’t visit Colombia without a stop in Cartagena to experience firsthand the original colonial buildings, the Caribbean flair, and the beautiful Rosario Islands. But where to stay in Cartagena for your first trip? Because of the distinct neighborhoods in Cartagena, where you choose to stay can make a huge impact on your stay.
In this article, I’m sharing the best neighborhoods to stay in Cartagena, which neighborhood you should choose, and the best hotels in each of the major neighborhoods. Keep reading to find the perfect place to stay in Cartagena!
Table of Contents
Best neighborhoods in Cartagena
Cartagena is located on the northeastern tip of Colombia right along the Caribbean sea. The city is famous for its beautiful walled portion, also called the Old City, that dates back to the Spanish occupation. Everywhere you look, you’ll see the colonial architecture, with many being the original buildings or very similar design. You can enjoy the unique culture with its Caribbean flair, delicious seafood, and some of the best bars in the world. And I’d be remiss not to mention the gorgeous blue waters and Islas del Rosario that can be reached by boat!
Where to stay in cartagena
There are three major areas that tourists typically stay in:
- Centro Historico, or the walled portion of the city,
- Getsemani, the hip, trendy neighborhood, or
- Bocagrande, the luxe beachy area that gives more of a big city vibe.
For a first time visitor, I highly recommend staying within the walled portion of the city–it’s just an experience like no other! You’ll be within walking distance to most of the major tourist sites and a short stroll from some of the best restaurants in the city. Getsemani is typically a bit more affordable and has lots of nightlife and art if that is more your vibe. On our trip, we didn’t wander into Bocagrande but it looked like a smaller version of Miami–more trendy, more expensive, and right on the beach.
I’ve divided this article up into each of the major neighborhoods with hotels that can be booked using points. This list includes everything from a no frills hotel to luxury stays.
Centro Historico
Luxury
Casa San Agustin
If you are looking for one of the most luxurious hotels in all of Cartagena, you’ve found it at Casa San Agustin. It’s located in the prime spot within the walled city and oozes glamor and luxury. Casa San Agustin has the most beautiful architecture and the pool is one you can guarantee you’ll see in pictures when researching Cartagena! They also have an amazing restaurant called Alta, which you absolutely need to try even if you’re not staying at Casa San Agustin!
Movich Hotel
This Hyatt hotel is a luxury stay with the perfect location within the walled portion of the city. The Movich is a boutique property that is a part of Hyatt’s Small Luxury Hotels of the World Program. It’s bookable with points as a Category 4 property–which means you’ll get incredible value for your stay but also a reasonable rate if you’re paying with cash. The beautiful Movich hotel also has one of the best rooftop bars in the whole city–many tourists go here for drinks at sunset even if they’re not staying here!
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
The Sofitel Legend Santa Clara is a 5-star luxury hotel and it is absolutely jaw dropping. It is a part of Accor’s program, so you can book it using ALL Accor points also! This hotel has a huge pool, beautiful design, and tropical inspired rooms. There’s a colonial style restaurant on site and it’s in an amazing location near some of the best restaurants in Cartagena!
Ananda Boutique Hotel
The Ananda Boutique Hotel is a small hotel in an excellent location. The rooms look absolutely beautiful and I’ve heard the service is fantastic. The rooftop pool will be the perfect place to escape the heat and humidity of Cartagena during your visit.
Mid-range
Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia
Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia is a trendy boutique hotel located in the city center of Cartagena. The rooms are clean and functional, breakfast is included, and there’s a dreamy pool!
Voila Centro Historico by Huespuedi
The modern Voilá Center Historico hotel in the city center has drool-worthy decor. The rooms are each unique and you’ll want to lounge on the picturesque patio all day. Enjoy views of the city from the rooftop pool. All of the reviews mention the lovely staff and clean bathrooms, what more could you want?
Budget
The Clock Hostel & Suites
We passed the Clock Hostel & Suites no less than 10 times so you know the location is central and fantastic. Every time we passed by, I heard music and the decor was fabulous enough that this place definitely stuck in my mind! This budget hostel looks like it will definitely give you more value you than you paid for!
Stays you can book with Points & Miles
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena (Accor)
The Sofitel Legend Santa Clara is a 5-star luxury hotel and it is absolutely jaw dropping. It is a part of Accor’s program, so you can book it using ALL Accor points also! This hotel has a huge pool, beautiful design, and tropical inspired rooms. There’s a colonial style restaurant on site and it’s in an amazing location near some of the best restaurants in Cartagena!
Movich (Hyatt)
This Hyatt hotel is a luxury stay with the perfect location within the walled portion of the city. The Movich is a boutique property that is a part of Hyatt’s Small Luxury Hotels of the World Program. It’s bookable with points as a Category 4 property–which means you’ll get incredible value for your stay. This beautiful hotel also has one of the best rooftop bars in the whole city–many tourists go here for drinks at sunset even if they’re not staying here!
Nacar Hotel Cartagena (Hilton)
The Nacar Hotel is near to the city center and is a part of Hilton’s Curio Collection. While the location isn’t within the walls, it is within walking distance! The design on the inside is fresh, bright, and modern but they’ve managed to preserve the beautiful historic brick and colonial design on the outside. The rooftop pool area will give you beautiful views of Cartagena’s historic buildings within the walled city.
Getsemani
Getsemani has become much more popular over the years. This neighborhood is right across the street from the Old City and has a trendier artsy vibe. In the Getsemani area, you’ll find vibrant nightlife with plenty of bars and restaurants. There’s also amazing restaurants, like the top ranked Celele, and everywhere you look there are murals and artwork on the walls.
Luxury
Hotel Capellan de Getsemani
The luxe Hotel Capellan de Getsemani places you just steps away from the colorful and lively Getsemani neighborhood and just steps from the walled city. It’s the best of both worlds! The beds are large and fluffy as you expect from a luxury hotel. Hotel Capellan de Getsemani is also home to Clero, one of the best restaurants in Cartagena!
Casa Lola
Hotel Casa Lola occupies two restored buildings, one of which dates back to the 17th century. Not only will walking in make you feel like you’re stepping into a piece of history, the inside is chic chic chic. Even the smallest room is spacious by hotel standards and you’ll die over the beautiful terrace and pool area. Sip cocktails at the bar, Lolita’s bar, and then watch the sunset on the comfy loungers from the roof.
Voila Getsemani by Huespuedi Hotels
Similar to the Voila Centro Historico, the Voila Getsemani oozes luxe and trendy decor. You’ll love the historic building and quaint courtyard pool! The hotel only has 15 rooms so you’re sure to have an intimate experience.
Mid-range
Casa Morales Cartagena
Previously owned by artist Darío Morales, the Casa Morales Cartagena is inspired by his work and life. The location within Getsemani has you close to the walled area and many other tourist sites. This is called an “aparthotel” because each unit is actually an apartment–one with two bedrooms and a few fitted for just two. You’ll have plenty of room to spread out but still enjoy the amenities of a hotel.
GHL Collection Armería Real Hotel
The Armería Real Hotel is located in a beautiful, colonial red building and has the most beautiful outdoor spaces. From lounging in the courtyard decorated with beautiful greenery or the terrace with sea views, you may not spend any time in your room! The hotel is located near to the convention center and is also convenient to major tourist areas and Parque Centenario.
Hotel Getsemani
Hotel Getsemani is certainly what I would consider affordable luxury. With just 24 rooms, you’ll have an intimate experience with excellent service. You can enjoy the rooftop pool or the spa or just enjoy a cocktail with beautiful views of Bocagrande and the sea!
Budget
Akel House
Akel House Hotel is a charming, simple hotel in the Getsemani neighborhood. This hotel is perfect if you’re just looking to rest your head in a clean, bright room and enjoy a quick dip in a beautiful courtyard pool!
Hostal Caracoles de Getsemani
Located a few blocks from the walled area of the city, Hostal Caracoles is a colorful place to sleep if you’re really sticking to a budget. You can choose from your own room or just dorm style. No pool but you’re so close to the sea… who needs it?!
Bocagrande
Bocagrande is the trendy neighborhood near the beach. When you see photos of Cartagena, it’s the area with all the skyscrapers! Stay in Bocagrande if you want to lounge by the Caribbean sea and experience more of a city vibe. You’ll have to hop in a car or taxi if you want to visit the walled city with a drive of anywhere between 5 and 15 minutes. Bocagrande has its own fabulous restaurants and things to do that are in walking distance of some of the hotels!
Luxury
Hyatt Regency
If you’re looking for luxury within Bocagrande but still want to be able to book with your hard earned Hyatt points, look no further than the Hyatt Regency. The Regency brand of hotels in Hyatt’s collection are known for being luxurious, with top notch service and beautiful design. The Hyatt Regency Cartagena is no different with beautiful sea views, two on site restaurants, an infinity pool, and a spa.
Hotel Capilla del Mar
Chic, clean design and an amazing beachfront area, Hotel Capilla del Mar is perfect if you want something more luxurious that’s not a chain. The hotel has a huge pool and a bigger beach area than many of the surrounding hotels, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy sun and sand.
Mid-Range
Hilton Cartagena
Located on the far edge of Bocagrande, the Hilton Cartagena is the perfect hotel if you’re looking for a beach vacation. Many travelers described this as a resort feel with several dining options on the property so you don’t really need to leave if you don’t want to! It’s located on a peninsula in between a lagoon and the Caribbean sea as well as a huge pool complex, so all your bodies of water are well covered!
Almirante Cartagena
The grand Almirante Cartagena will give you the best of the city and the sea. You can choose from a standard room or go luxe with the master suite, but all of the rooms look perfectly spacious. You hardly even need to leave the property with a restaurant, bar, and casino!
La Gran Vía
La Gran Vía hotel is ultra modern with sleek, clean design and open rooms. You can enjoy the hotel’s restaurant and pool while being right near the Caribbean sea. Best perk? Included breakfast!
Budget
Atlantic Lux Hotel
Just looking for a place near the action and a good place to sleep? The Atlantic Lux hotel has bright, colorful rooms, a pool, and is just 5 minutes from the beach! There’s a fitness center and swimming pool, too, so you’ve got everything you need for a relaxing beach vacay!
Hotels you can book with Points & Miles
Hyatt Regency
If you’re looking for luxury within Bocagrande but still want to be able to book with your hard earned Hyatt points, look no further than the Hyatt Regency. The Regency brand of hotels in Hyatt’s collection are known for being luxurious, with top notch service and beautiful design. The Hyatt Regency Cartagena is no different with beautiful sea views, two on site restaurants, an infinity pool, and a spa.
Hilton Cartagena
Located on the far edge of Bocagrande, the Hilton Cartagena is the perfect hotel if you’re looking for a beach vacation. Many travelers described this as a resort feel with several dining options on the property so you don’t really need to leave if you don’t want to! It’s located on a peninsula in between a lagoon and the Caribbean sea as well as a huge pool complex, so all your bodies of water are well covered!
InterContinental Cartagena (IHG)
Known for luxury, the InterContinental line of IHG hotels is sure to please. While this InterContinental doesn’t seem quite as luxurious as some of their others in this brand, you’ll enjoy beachfront views and a short 5 minute drive to the Old City.
Booking with an advisor
Ready to head to Cartagena but overwhelmed with planning? No worries! Working with a travel advisor takes all the stress off of you. Reach out and we can plan your trip to Cartagena!
Why book with a travel advisor? Well, aside from having a custom itinerary sent right to you (if you so desire), you also get perks you won’t get when you book by yourself! When you book with a hotel that is a preferred partner of the host agency, you can receive things like:
- Daily breakfast for 2
- Early and late checkout
- Room upgrades
- Resort credits
- (where available)
Even if you want to plan the whole trip yourself and just book the hotel through an advisor, it’s totally worth it for the extra benefits! Reach out to me via email if you’d like to book a trip with me.
Final thoughts/recommendations
Cartagena is a beautiful city with tons to explore–but where you stay matters. If you want to be in the center of the colonial walled city just steps from so much history and amazing restaurants you’ll want to stay in Centro Historico (within the walls). If you’re looking for something a bit more hip and artsy with tons of nightlife, check out Getsemani. Coming to Cartagena for the beach? You’ll want to land in Bocagrande, the trendy, modern city area of Cartagena right on the beach. This list should help you find the perfect place to stay within Cartagena no matter your budget.
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