MileHacker Logo
Where to Stay in Cartagena

Where to Stay in Cartagena

Cartagena Caribbean Coast, Colombia Travel Guide

Full spectrum of lodging options from hostels to luxury hotels

Hostel and Boutique Hotels

  • Hostels:

    Abundant in Getsemaní and some parts of the Old City. Hostels typically dormitories and private rooms. They often communal spaces, swimming pools, and organize social events, a good choice for solo travelers or those on a budget looking to meet others.

  • Boutique Hotels:

    Numerous charming, often colonial-style, hotels exist within the Old City and Getsemaní. These range from mid-range to luxury and often beautiful courtyards, small pools, and personalized service. They an authentic architectural experience.

  • Luxury Hotels:

    High-end options, including international chains (e.g., Hyatt Regency, Sofitel Legend), mainly locate in Bocagrande and some exclusive properties within the Old City. These hotels full range of amenities, including spas, fine dining restaurants, and concierge services.

  • Mid-range Hotels:

    Various options exist, from modern hotels to more traditional establishments, across all neighborhoods. They comfortable stays with standard amenities without the luxury price tag.

Unique and Rental Options

  • Colonial Mansions (Casas Coloniales):

    Many boutique hotels house in beautifully restored colonial houses. These often high ceilings, inner courtyards, and traditional decor.

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartment Options:

    Vacation rental platforms like Booking.com, alongside local rental agencies, wide array of apartments and houses. These popular choices for longer stays, families, or groups seeking more space and amenities like kitchens. Options range from modern high-rise apartments in Bocagrande with ocean views to charming historic homes within the Old City.

  • Homestay and Community-based Tourism:

    Homestay options less common directly within Cartagena city for typical tourist bookings. These experiences cultural immersion and support local economies directly.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation:

    Camping and outdoor accommodation types not typically available within Cartagena city or its immediate surroundings. The urban environment does not lend itself to camping. If seeking camping, venture to specific sites outside the city, usually requiring dedicated travel to nature reserves or rural areas.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area distinct character.

Old City Ciudad Amurallada

Pros
  • Heart of the action, close to major attractions, highly atmospheric, eminently walkable.
  • Many dining, shopping, and cultural options within easy reach.
Cons
  • Most expensive area for accommodation.
  • Can be very crowded, especially during high season, often noisy due to nightlife and street activity.
  • Car access limited, traffic heavy.
  • Petty theft (pickpocketing) can occur, especially in crowded areas.

Getsemaní

Pros
  • Generally more budget-friendly than the Old City.
  • Great nightlife scene and an authentic local vibe with strong creative energy.
  • Street art a major draw.
Cons
  • Can be noisy at night, especially around the main plazas.
  • Some areas still gentrifying, presenting a mix of renovated and older buildings.
  • Awareness in quieter side streets late at night advised.

Bocagrande

Pros
  • Direct access to beaches, modern amenities, familiar international hotel chains.
  • Generally quieter than the Old City at night, a more relaxed atmosphere.
Cons
  • Lacks the historic charm of the Old City and feels less authentically Colombian.
  • Requires taxis or buses to reach the Old City's attractions.

Manga Neighborhood and General Proximity

Manga:

A residential neighborhood near the Old City, known for its historic Republican-era mansions and a large marina. A quieter and more local experience compared to the tourist centers. More peaceful, better value for accommodation. Requires short taxi to Old City/Getsemaní. Generally safe.

Proximity & Noise:

Old City: All major historical attractions, museums, dining within walking distance. Good access to TransCaribe. Can be noisy in popular areas. Getsemaní: Walking distance to Old City, lively nightlife around Plaza de la Trinidad. Good TransCaribe access. Lively, can be noisy. Bocagrande: Direct access to city beaches. Requires taxi/TransCaribe (10-15 min ride) to Old City. Generally quieter and more relaxed, less historic ambiance.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking secures your preferred accommodation at a good price.

Advance Booking & Platforms

  • High Season (Dec-Feb, Easter, mid-June to mid-July): Book 3-6 months in advance. Useful for popular boutique hotels with limited rooms.
  • Shoulder/Low Season: Booking 1-2 months in advance generally sufficient. Good deals closer to travel date, more flexibility.
  • International Platforms: Use reputable international booking platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com. Wide selection, user reviews, often competitive prices.
  • Vacation Rentals: Airbnb popular choice for vacation rentals, apartments and houses for various budgets.

Direct Booking & Policies

  • Direct Booking: Many boutique hotels Cartagena competitive rates and special packages when booking directly through their official websites. This sometimes additional perks or better flexibility.
  • Negotiation Customs: Negotiating walk-in rates less common for established hotels, especially mid-range to luxury. Online booking often better rates. For smaller guesthouses/hostels, low season, polite negotiation possible in person.
  • Deposit and Cancellation Policies: Policies vary by property and platform. Always check terms carefully before confirming. Many hotels free cancellation up to certain date. Non-refundable rates often cheaper, more risk.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Accommodation prices can double or triple during high season compared to low season for popular hotels. Traveling during shoulder or low season significant savings on lodging.

Booking platforms with Asian strength

Hotels:
Specialty Platforms:

Important Booking Advice

Check Reviews:

Always read recent guest reviews for insights into actual experiences.

Location First:
Compare Prices:

Use price comparison tools, but also check direct booking for potential exclusive deals.

Accommodation Recommendations

A summary of typical offerings and example properties.

Budget and Mid-Range Stays

Budget Options

Typical Price Range (USD/night): $12 - $45

  • Getsemaní: Dorms, basic private rooms, social atmosphere. Example: Media Luna Hostel Cartagena, Hostel Mamallena Cartagena.
  • Old City: Basic guesthouses, smaller hostels, good location. Example: Republica Hostel Cartagena.
Mid-Range Options

Typical Price Range (USD/night): $50 - $150

  • Old City: Charming boutique hotels, often with small pools, AC, breakfast. Example: Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa, Hotel Casa San Agustín, Casa del Pozo Boutique Hostel, Hotel Casa Lola Deluxe Gallery.
  • Bocagrande: Modern hotels, beach access, pools, chain amenities. Example: Hotel Caribe by Faranda Grand, Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel y Centro de Convenciones.

Luxury and Specialized Options

Luxury Options

Typical Price Range (USD/night): $180+

  • Old City: Restored colonial mansions, exceptional service, rooftop pools, fine dining, spa. Example: Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, Hotel Quadrifolio.
  • Bocagrande: High-rise hotels with ocean views, spas, multiple restaurants, extensive services. Example: Hyatt Regency Cartagena, Hilton Cartagena.
Family-Friendly & Solo Traveler Options

Many Bocagrande hotels larger rooms, kids' pools. Vacation rentals also well for families. Hostels in Getsemaní excellent for meeting travelers. Boutique hotels in Old City comfortable base for solo exploration.

  • Family: Look for properties with family suites or connecting rooms.
  • Solo: Hostels in Getsemaní, boutique hotels in Old City.

Long-Stay and Cultural Properties

  • Long-Stay Accommodations:

    Vacation rentals (apartments or houses) best for stays longer than a week. Many hosts weekly or monthly discounts, cost-effective option for extended visits.

  • Properties with Exceptional Cultural/Historical Significance:

    Hotels house in beautifully renovated colonial buildings within the Old City (e.g., Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, Hotel Casa San Agustín, Hotel Quadrifolio) unique historical immersion. These properties often original architectural elements, courtyards, and a strong sense of place, blending luxury with history.

Explore Diverse Options

  • Neighborhood Choice:

    Old City central, Getsemaní different vibe, Bocagrande beach access. Your choice to your plans.

  • Beach proximity:

    If beach time a priority, Bocagrande a good option.

  • Walkability:

    Old City and Getsemaní highly walkable for attractions and dining.

  • Ambiance:

    Historic charm in Old City, lively street art in Getsemaní, modern high-rise in Bocagrande.

Helpful Tip

Location First

When choosing accommodation, consider its proximity to attractions you plan to visit most often.

  • Old City central.
  • Getsemaní different vibe.
  • Bocagrande beach access.
Check Guest Reviews

Recent guest reviews often insight into the true experience at a property, beyond the marketing descriptions.

  • Read online reviews.
  • Look for feedback on noise.
  • Check cleanliness ratings.

Visual Focus: Old City Charm

Colonial Courtyard

A charming boutique hotel courtyard in Cartagena's Old City. Imagine lush greenery, tranquil pools, and historic architecture.

Historic Facades

Colorful colonial buildings with intricate balconies in Cartagena's Old City.

Sunset over the Walls

Panoramic view of the city walls at sunset.