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Cartagena is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colombia. Colombia overall is a pretty affordable country but traveling to the more popular areas can definitely make it more expensive. However, it is possible to travel to Cartagena on a budget! If you’re looking to save some money to make your dream trip to Cartagena, try booking a hotel using points and miles! Luckily, there is no shortage of hotels in Cartagena that can be booked using points… you’ll be on the beautiful beaches and wandering the historic city center in no time!
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!
Using points and miles: how to travel to Cartagena on a budget
Using points and miles has been one of the main ways we’ve been able to travel so much over the last 3 years. We have strategically opened credit cards to get big welcome bonuses from the cards that we then transfer to hotels or airlines to travel for pennies on the dollar. You can travel just about anywhere in the world using points and miles–or at least knock a huge chunk off your travel expenses by utilizing points for flights. And of course, lodging is often a huge ticket item when traveling. Have no fear, we can book hotels for next to nothing! There is a way to travel to Cartagena and stay on a budget.
You can learn more about how to start earning points and miles for nearly free travel in this post.
Hotels in Cartagena that can be booked with reward points
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- hey, when you’re using points you can stay in luxury and still visit Cartagena on a budget! Below, you’ll find my top recommendation for what credit card to use to accrue the points needed to book that hotel. Remember, using points and miles is not a one-size-fits-all scenario, though! Do what works best for YOUR situation. As always, you can fill out the credit card recommendation form and I’ll send a free personalized card recommendation to your inbox!
Centro Historico
Movich Hotel Cartagena de Indias
This Hyatt hotel is a luxury stay with the perfect location within the walled portion of the city. The Movich Cartagena de Indias 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!
Recommended card: World of Hyatt
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena
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. 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!
Recommended card: Capital One Venture Rewards
Ermita (Marriott)
The Ermita Hotel is a part of Marriott’s Tribute Collection and is their first property in Cartagena. It’s actually just outside Centro Historico but closer to this neighborhood than Getsmemani or Bocagrande. A boutique hotel that also has a restaurant and spa, features a rooftop pool, bright clean rooms, and fitness center.
Recommended card: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
Nacar Hotel Cartagena
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.
Recommended card: Marriott Bonvoy Bold
Hotel Bantu by Faranda Boutique
The Hotel Banta by Faranda Boutique is a part of the Radisson Individuals group making it bookable with Radisson points. This beautiful hotel is designed in the colonial style so you’ll enjoy the beautiful arches and exposed brick. The room designs are a bit dated but the rooftop pool makes up for it.
Note: there are no cards that directly earn Radisson Rewards America points or major bank cards that transfer to Radisson in the US. The main way to earn points is by staying at Radisson hotels. You can check out this post by Upgraded Points to learn more ways to rack up Radisson points.
Bocagrande
Hilton Cartagena Hotel
Located on the far edge of Bocagrande, the Hilton Cartagena Hotel 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!
Recommended card: American Express Hilton Honors Surpass Card
Hampton by Hilton
For a no frills stay near the beaches of Bocagrande, the Hampton by Hilton will be your go to for an affordable points stay. The hotel is a 10 minute drive from the Old City but within walking distance of beaches and restaurants. They even have a rooftop pool!
Recommended card: American Express Hilton Honors Surpass Card
Hyatt Regency Cartagena
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.
Recommended card: World of Hyatt
InterContinental Cartagena
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.
Recommended card: Chase IHG Rewards Traveler
Holiday Inn Express Cartagena Bocagrande
Just want a no frills stay with a place to sleep at night? Holiday Inn is a part of IHG and will let you book a comfortable stay for a relatively low amount of points. You can walk to surrounding restaurants or just relax at the rooftop pool.
Recommended card: Chase IHG Rewards Traveler
Hotel Caribe by Faranda
The beautiful Hotel Caribe boutique hotel is part of the Radisson Individuals group making it bookable with Radisson points. Located near the beaches of Bocagrande, this hotel does a great job of bringing the historical architecture and design of Cartagena into a modern, clean and beautiful stay.
Note: there are no cards that directly earn Radisson Rewards America points or major bank cards that transfer to Radisson in the US. The main way to earn points is by staying at Radisson hotels. You can check out this post by Upgraded Points to learn more ways to rack up Radisson points.
Radisson Cartagena Ocean Pavilion Hotel
Voted one of Cartagena’s best beachfront hotels, you can’t go wrong with a beach stay at the Radisson Cartagena Ocean Pavilion Hotel. The design is bright and clean but the pool area isn’t the most fantastic compared with some other hotels in Cartagena. Also keep in mind the location will have you a 10-15 minute drive from many of the tourist spots.
Note: there are no cards that directly earn Radisson Rewards America points or major bank cards that transfer to Radisson in the US. The main way to earn points is by staying at Radisson hotels. You can check out this post by Upgraded Points to learn more ways to rack up Radisson points.
Rosario Islands
Sofitel Baru Casablanca
One of the only hotels in the Baru area that is bookable with points, the Sofitel Baru Casablanca is a part of Accor’s program. And it looks stunning. If you want to enjoy the beautiful beaches and islands of Cartagena, you can’t go wrong with a stay here. It’s a short 5 minute water taxi to reach some of the most popular islands within the Rosario Islands chain! There’s also a beautiful pool and a couple of on site restaurants.
Recommended card: Capital One Venture Rewards
All Inclusive
Dreams Karibana Cartagena Beach & Golf Resort
Just outside of the main city of Cartagena, the Dreams Karibana Cartagena is a new all inclusive hotel bookable with Hyatt points. If you are looking for more of a relaxing resort getaway with warm weather, this stay will be perfect for you! There is a huge golf course, several pools, and a spa. And as usual, all your food and drink will be included with your stay!
Recommended card: Chase World of Hyatt
Final thoughts/recommendations
Cartagena is a beautiful, historic city that is a must-see when visiting Colombia. While the city is more expensive than some of the other Colombian cities, utilizing points and miles can help offset some of the cost. Visiting Cartagena on a budget is possible (and you don’t have to stay in a hostel). Whether you want to stay in a 5 star luxury hotel in the Old City or just post up on the beach for a few days, there are a plethora of amazing hotels in Cartagena that can be booked using points. Use the recommended cards given with each hotel and start earning points to book your next vacation for just pennies on the dollar!
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