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Where to Stay in Cartagena, Colombia: Best Areas & Hotels
Where to Stay in Cartagena, Colombia: Best Areas & Hotels

Where to Stay in Cartagena, Colombia: Best Areas & Hotels

Wondering where to stay in Cartagena? From the romantic Centro Histórico to funky Getsemaní and upscale Bocagrande, these are the best districts and hotels in the city.

Wondering where to stay in Cartagena? From the romantic Centro Histórico to funky Getsemaní and upscale Bocagrande, these are the best districts and hotels in the city.

Nicknamed the “Magic City” and “Jewel of the Caribbean Coast,” Cartagena de Indias, known locally simply as Cartagena, is truly an unmissable destination in Colombia. Considered one of South America’s most beautiful and well-preserved colonial cities, this impressive town, port, and fortifications are all part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. If you are looking for the best areas to stay in Cartagena de Indias, you have come to the right place.

Located on a bay in the Caribbean Sea in the north of the country, Cartagena de Indias was founded by the Spanish in 1533 and, over time, became one of the most important urban centers and trading ports in the New World. The city has the most extensive fortifications in South America and is famous for its Andalusian and baroque-style palaces and churches, cobblestone streets, and colonial charm. In 1811, Cartagena became one of the first cities to declare independence from Spanish rule. Today, Cartagena is a colorful and vibrant town, the capital of the department of Bolívar, and the epicenter of Afro-Colombian culture in Colombia. Cartagena is known for its many beaches, the beautiful Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría, the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas and its walled Old City. The city is Colombia’s most visited tourist destination, with new boutique hotels and funky hostels constantly being opened all over town.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s your first time visiting Colombia or if you’re an expert in all things South America, keep reading to find out more about our selection of the best areas to stay in Cartagena de Indias for every type of traveler.


Accommodation Options in Cartagena de Indias
Where to Stay in Cartagena, Colombia: A Summary

If you don’t have the time or the patience to read the full post, here is a quick recap of our recommended areas to stay in Cartagena de Indias. Keep reading to discover more information about each of these quarters.


What’s the Best Area to Stay in Cartagena, Colombia?

Home to most UNESCO sites, attractions, food markets, restaurants and nightlife, Centro Histórico is the best location for tourists in Cartagena de Indias.
Home to most UNESCO sites, attractions, food markets, restaurants, and nightlife, Centro Histórico is the best location for tourists in Cartagena de Indias. Our absolute favorite hotel in this area is Amarla Boutique Hotel Cartagena

The best area to stay in Cartagena de Indias is its Historic City Center, especially if you are a first-time visitor to the city. Cartagena’s Centro Histórico is home to most of the city’s UNESCO-listed sites, tourist attractions, and some of the best-rated boutique and luxury hotels in town.

Find available accommodation in Cartagena’s Centro Histórico.

Best Hotels in the Historic City Center of Cartagena de Indias


Where to Stay in Cartagena de Indias for Sightseeing

Occupying the northern end of the walled city of Cartagena de Indias, the Barrio de San Diego is a lovely quarter home to gorgeous hotels
Occupying the northern end of the walled city of Cartagena de Indias, the Barrio de San Diego is a lovely quarter home to gorgeous hotels such as the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena (pictured)

As mentioned above, the Centro district is the best location in Cartagena de Indias. That said, the historic city center is divided into different barrios, each with a different flavor and attractions. Furthermore, some attractions, as well as the most popular beaches, are located in other areas. These are some of the most exciting districts for tourists in Cartagena:

  • Located within the city walls and home to the Cathedral, the Santuario de San Pedro Claver, and the Museo Naval, the Barrio de San Pedro is the historic heart of Cartagena de Indias. This ancient quarter also hosts some of the most fabulous boutique properties in the city, many of which are located in colonial palaces and mansions. Our favorite hotels here include the Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio, Casa Pombo, and Amarla Boutique Hotel Cartagena.
  • North of San Pedro, still within the fortifications, lies San Diego. This lovely area was home to the middle classes and rich merchants during colonial times. Today, the area offers a quiet alternative to the city center and boasts top-notch hotels, including the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena and the Townhouse Boutique Hotel.
  • Barrio de Getsemaní, located just outside the city walls to the east, is a popular quarter considered one of the cradles of salsa music in Colombia and is home to lively nightlife and all kinds of accommodations, including boutique properties like Posada La Fe and cool hostels like Life is Good Cartagena.
  • Spanning across a thin peninsula south of the city center, Bocagrande is an upscale district home to some of the most popular beaches in Cartagena de Indias. This modern area is also home to several well-known hotels, including the Hyatt Regency Cartagena and Estelar Cartagena de Indias.

The Best Areas for Tourists in Cartagena: District by District

Click here to see all Cartagena hotels on a map
Click here to see all Cartagena hotels on a map

1. Centro Histórico: Best Location in Cartagena de Indias for Sightseeing & Culture

Considered one of the most beautiful historic quarters in the Americas, Cartagena's Centro district is packed with attractions and colonial charm
Centro Histórico Accommodation Map
Plaza de San Pedro Claver is one of the most beautiful squares in Cartagena
Plaza de San Pedro Claver is one of the most beautiful squares in Cartagena
The 19th-century Torre del Reloj is the main access to Cartagena's Old Town
The 19th-century Torre del Reloj is the main access to Cartagena’s Old Town
Cartagena's Centro district is packed with lovely restaurants and bars
Cartagena’s Centro district is packed with lovely restaurants and bars

Considered one of the most beautiful historic quarters in the Americas, Cartagena’s Centro district is packed with attractions and colonial charm.

    Why is this the best area to stay in Cartagena, Colombia:
  • Heart of the city
  • Beautiful colonial architecture
  • Best boutique and luxury hotels
  • Exciting food scene
  • Cathedral, churches & museums
  • Easy to explore on foot

Established by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Heredia in the 16th century, the Old Town of Cartagena de Indias is one of the oldest and most beautiful colonial quarters in the Americas.

The area is bound by a complex of defensive walls and fortresses, listed as a World Heritage Site in 1984 as “an eminent example of the military architecture of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, the most extensive of the New World and one of the most complete”.

As it’s customary for most cities in northern South America, Cartagena’s Old Town is centered around Parque de Bolívar, an ample open space with a central statue of “El Libertador” and surrounded by many monuments, including the Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría, the Palacio de la Inquisición, a local history museum, and the Zenú Gold Museum, which focuses on pre-Columbian gold and silver art. 

A few blocks southeast lies the Torre del Reloj, a 19th-century clock tower and the main gate to the walled city from the south. The arched Plaza de los Coches is surrounded by ornate buildings and offers confectioners’ stalls and horse carriage rides. 

The nearby Plaza San Pedro Claver is one of the most scenic in central Cartagena and is home to the 16th-century Church of San Pedro Claver, the Naval Museum, and the Baluarte de San Ignacio.

The north end of the district, known as Barrio de San Diego, was home to the city’s merchants during colonial times. Today it is a quieter alternative to the bustling Old Town and offers many interesting attractions, including Las Bóvedas, an 18th-century dungeon turned souvenir market, and Centro Comercial La Serrezuela, an upscale shopping center built on an old theater.

Colombia’s most visited tourist destination, the Old City of Cartagena is where most of the best-rated hotels are located. In recent years, the area has seen a surge in boutique properties and small inns, many of which are housed in historic buildings such as colonial mansions and palaces.

Best Hotels in Cartagena’s Centro Histórico

Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio
Best 5-star hotel
Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio

Located in the heart of the bustling historic center of Cartagena, this Boutique Hotel offers luxurious, fully-equipped lofts and rooms in a renovated 17th- century building. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Casa Claver Loft Boutique Hotel
Best 4-star hotel
Casa Claver Loft Boutique Hotel

Located in the heart of the bustling historic center of Cartagena, this Boutique Hotel offers luxurious, fully-equipped lofts and rooms in a renovated 17th- century building. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Casa India Catalina
Best 3-star hotel
Casa India Catalina

In Cartagena de Indias’s historic Walled City, this hotel set in a beautiful Republican building offers air-conditioned rooms with stylish décor. It features a swimming pool and free Wi-Fi as well.

Ayenda El Viajero #2
Best budget hotel
Ayenda El Viajero #2

Located in the Centro district in Cartagena de Indias, 200 m from Bolivar Park, Ayenda El Viajero #2 features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property.

Casa Pombo
Best tourist apartments
Casa Pombo

Featuring a fusion of chic colonial-style architecture and designer furniture, Sercotel Casa Pombo offers two outdoor swimming pools and air-conditioned apartments with free Wi-Fi in Cartagena’s historical center. The Cathedral is a 1-minute walk.

El Barrio Hostal
Best hostel
El Barrio Hostal

Attractively situated in the Centro district of Cartagena de Indias, El Barrio Hosta offers a shared kitchen, a shared lounge, and free WiFi throughout the property. The property is allergy-free.


2. Getsemaní: Best Location in Cartagena for Nightlife

Located just outside the walles of the Centro Histórico, Getsemaní offers a great mix of nightlife, urban art & colorful architecture
Getsemaní Accommodation Map
Getsemaní is the best area to stay in Cartagena de Indias for salsa lovers
Getsemaní is the best area to stay in Cartagena de Indias for salsa lovers
Barrio de Getsemaní could be considered Cartagena's hipster hangout
Barrio de Getsemaní could be considered Cartagena’s hipster hangout
If you like street art & graffiti, Getsemaní is the Cartagena neighborhood for you
If you like street art & graffiti, Getsemaní is the Cartagena neighborhood for you

Located just outside the walles of the Centro Histórico, Getsemaní offers a great mix of nightlife, urban art & colorful architecture.

    Why is this the best area to stay in Cartagena, Colombia:
  • Very central
  • Colorful architecture
  • Salsa bars & exciting nightlife
  • Great restaurants
  • Murals & street art
  • Boutique hostels & cheap accommodation

Getsemaní is a neighborhood located southeast of Cartagena de India’s historic center, just outside the city walls.

The city’s poorest neighborhood during colonial times was, until very recently, a no-go for tourists, and even the most experienced locals avoided it. That has all changed in recent years, and today, Getsemaní is one of the city’s most interesting and vibrant neighborhoods.

Considered one of the cradles of salsa music in Colombia, Getsemaní still has a strong musical tradition and is home to several famous salsa clubs and bars. The neighborhood is also known as one of the most diverse and colorful in Cartagena, with many restaurants, backpacker hostels, and design hotels.

Some of the most popular attractions in Getsemaní include Centenario Park, the Church of La Trinidad, Calle del Espíritu Santo and Plazuela del Pozo.

Besides its salsa bars and relaxed atmosphere, Getsemaní is also known for its thriving street art scene. The neighborhood is home to many talented street artists, and its everchanging murals are a testament to its diverse cultural heritage.

This Cartagena neighborhood has become the most popular spot in town for young travelers looking for a cheap, fun and exciting place to stay.

Best Hotels in Getsemaní

Arsenal Hotel
Best 5-star hotel
Arsenal Hotel

An outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi, and chic décor can be enjoyed at the Arsenal Hotel in Cartagena de Indias. The city’s convention center is located opposite the hotel.

Hotel Boutique Casa Isabel
Best 4-star hotel
Hotel Boutique Casa Isabel

Hotel Boutique Casa Isabel offers accommodation in Cartagena de Indias and has free WiFi and a hot tub. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar.

Hotel Boutique La Artilleria
Best 3-star hotel
Hotel Boutique La Artilleria

Featuring an outdoor pool, Hotel Boutique La Artilleria is located in Cartagena de Indias. This accommodation offers a sun terrace and air conditioning. Free WiFi access is available.

Hotel Villa Colonial By Akel Hotels
Best budget hotel
Hotel Villa Colonial By Akel Hotels

Set in a charming colonial-style building, Hotel Villa Colonial offers rooms with free Wi-Fi overlooking Cartagena’s historic center. Guests are welcomed with a Colombian cup of coffee. Parque Centenario is a 2-minute walk away.

Posada La Fe by BespokeColombia
Best B&B
Posada La Fe by BespokeColombia

Featuring free WiFi and an outdoor pool, Posada La Fe by BespokeColombia offers pet-friendly accommodation in Cartagena de Indias, 700 m from Cartagena’s Gold Museum.

Life is Good Cartagena Hostel
Best hostel
Life is Good Cartagena Hostel

Life is Good Cartagena Hostel has a restaurant, bar, a shared lounge, and garden in Cartagena de Indias. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace.


3. Bocagrande: Best Location in Cartagena to Go to the Beach

Upscale and very safe, Bocagrande is a great beachside option packed with luxury hotels
Bocagrande Accommodation Map
Bocagrande is Cartagena's most modern area
Bocagrande is Cartagena’s most modern area
Bocagrande is the best area to stay in Cartagena, Colombia for business travelers
Bocagrande is the best area to stay in Cartagena, Colombia, for business travelers
Bocagrande Beach is the most popular in Cartagena
Bocagrande Beach is the most popular in Cartagena

Upscale and very safe, Bocagrande is a great beachside option packed with luxury hotels.

    Why is this the best area to stay in Cartagena, Colombia:
  • Relatively central
  • Safe area to stay in Cartagena
  • Cartagena’s modern area
  • Most popular beaches in the city
  • Luxury hotels & resorts
  • Great food scene
  • Shopping centers

Bocagrande is a Cartagena neighborhood located south of the city center, on a thin, L-shaped peninsula that stretches out into the Caribbean sea and the Bay of Cartagena.

The area is centered around Avenida de San Martín (Carrera 2) and is home to numerous restaurants, nightclubs, casinos, and hotels.

In sharp contrast to the central historic quarters, Bocagrande is a modern, developed part of the city home to some of the tallest highrise buildings in the country north of Bogotá; these include the Torre Estelar (202 m / 663 ft.) and the Hyatt Regency Cartagena (195 m / 640 ft.).

Attracting millions of local and foreign visitors each year, Playa de Bocagrande is perhaps the most popular beach in all of the Colombian Caribbean. The main urban beach in Cartagena is a fully-serviced beach with golden sands and a wide range of activities.

While the area may be lacking in the character and charm found in the historic center of Cartagena, it does make it up in the quantity and quality of its top-notch hotels and restaurants. It is a highly recommended neighborhood for business travelers

The district is also considered one of the safest areas to stay in Cartagena the Indias, and police presence is very high, particularly at night and on weekends.

Best Hotels in Bocagrande

Hyatt Regency Cartagena
Best 5-star hotel
Hyatt Regency Cartagena

Set in Cartagena de Indias, a few steps from Bocagrande Beach, Hyatt Regency Cartagena offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and room service with free WiFi.

Oz Hotel Luxury
Best 4-star hotel
Oz Hotel Luxury

Situated in Cartagena de Indias, 150 m from the nearest beach, Oz Hotel Luxury features air-conditioned accommodation and a bar. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, and free WiFi throughout the property.

Hotel Blue Concept
Best 3-star hotel
Hotel Blue Concept

Located in Cartagena’s Bocagrande area with various restaurants and bars, Hotel Blue Concept offers an outdoor swimming pool and a 24-hour front desk. Free WiFi access is available. A freshly made breakfast is offered in the restaurant or the pool facilities.

Hotel Playa Club
Best budget hotel
Hotel Playa Club

Hotel Playa Club offers bright accommodations in Cartagena de Indias. Situated in the Bocagrande district, with direct beach access. Facilities include an outdoor pool and free WiFi.

Ayenda Casa Franco 1809
Best B&B
Ayenda Casa Franco 1809

Set in Cartagena de Indias and with Bocagrande Beach reachable within 400 meters, the Ayenda Casa Franco 1809 offers express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a garden, and free WiFi throughout the property, and a terrace.

Apartamentos Cartagena Oceano - Eliptic
Best tourist apartments
Apartamentos Cartagena Oceano – Eliptic

Featuring a year-round outdoor pool, Apartamentos Cartagena Oceano – Eliptic in Cartagena de Indias offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking for guests who drive.

Hostal Ocean View
Best hostel
Hostal Ocean View

Hostal Ocean View features air-conditioned rooms with cable flat-screen TV in the Bocagrande district of Cartagena de Indias. Featuring a shared lounge, the hostel is close to several noted attractions.


4. El Laguito & Castillogrande: Safest Area for Tourists in Cartagena, Colombia

Located on the tip of the L-shaped Bocagrande Peninsula, El Laguito & Castillogrande are the most exclusive areas to find accommodation in Cartagena
El Laguito & Castillogrande Accommodation Map
El Laguito is the safest area to stay in Cartagena for foreign travelers
El Laguito is the safest area to stay in Cartagena for foreign travelers
Playa de Las Velas is one of the best urban beaches in Cartagena
Playa de Las Velas is one of the best urban beaches in Cartagena
Both Castillogrande & El Laguito are home to some of the most luxurious condo buildings in Cartagena
Castillogrande & El Laguito are home to some of the most luxurious buildings in Cartagena

Located on the tip of the L-shaped Bocagrande Peninsula, El Laguito & Castillogrande are the most exclusive areas to find accommodation in Cartagena.

    Why is this the best area to stay in Cartagena de Indias:
  • Safest area to stay in Cartagena, Colombia
  • Luxury hotels & resorts
  • Upscale urban developments
  • Best beaches for water sports
  • Exclusive restaurants & bars
  • Lovely views of the sea
  • Fuerte de Santa Cruz

Occupying the southern end of the Bocagrande peninsula, El Laguito is the most exclusive residential area of Cartagena de Indias. This modern development is packed with luxury condos and experiences, chic boutiques, and some of the best-rated international hotels in the city. 

El Laguito is also where some of the most popular beaches in town, like La Veleta and Laguito, are located. Both these beaches are known for their golden sands, crystal clear waters, and water sports.

The area gets its name from a lagoon, redundantly called Lago del Laguito, located in the center of the neighborhood. The lagoon is a popular spot for locals and tourists, and it’s also the location of some of the most exclusive properties and businesses in Cartagena de Indias.

Further east lies Castillogrande, a mainly residential area home to the ruins of the Fuerte Santa Cruz, a colonial-era fort built in the 17th century to protect the city from pirate attacks.

Best Hotels in Laguito & Castillogrande

Hilton Cartagena
Best resort
Hilton Cartagena

For travelers seeking an everlasting beachside experience close to the magical realism of Cartagena’s walled city, the Hilton Cartagena is the perfect choice for memorable vacations and events.

Hotel Caribe by Faranda Grand, a member of Radisson Individuals
Best 5-star hotel
Hotel Caribe by Faranda Grand, a member of Radisson Individuals

Designed by the Cuban architect Manuel José Carrera Machado and located on the Caribbean beach, this luxurious hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, elegant colonial architecture, a gym, and a spa. Massage sessions and diving trips can be booked. WiFi is free.

Hotel Dann Cartagena
Best 4-star hotel
Hotel Dann Cartagena

Set in an impressive building with a swimming pool and direct beach access, Hotel Dann Cartagena offers some rooms with balconies overlooking the sea.

Hotel Oceania Cartagena
Best 3-star hotel
Hotel Oceania Cartagena

Set in Cartagena de Indias, Hotel Oceania Cartagena offers beachfront accommodation 100 m from Laguito Beach and features various facilities, such as a garden and a terrace. The property is around 300 m from Castillogrande Beach.

PyEnsa Cartagena
Best budget hotel
PyEnsa Cartagena

PyEnsa Cartagena is 100 m from Laguito Beach and features air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi and access to an outdoor swimming pool. Private parking is available on site.

Travelers Orange Cartagena
Best tourist apartments
Travelers Orange Cartagena

Located in Cartagena de Indias, Orange Cartagena offers free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and spacious accommodation. All apartments include a balcony with a seating area.


5. Marbella Beach: Quiet & Budget-Oriented Location Close to the Beach and the Center

Located north of the old town, Marbella is home to one of the most popular beaches in Cartagena de Indias
Playa Marbella Accommodation Map
Playa Marbella, Cartagena, Colombia
Playa Marbella, Cartagena, Colombia
Marbella Beach is one of the best areas to stay in Cartagena near the beach
Marbella Beach is one of the best areas to stay in Cartagena near the beach
Cartagena sign on Marbella Beach
Cartagena sign on Marbella Beach

Located north of the old town, Marbella is home to one of the most popular beaches in Cartagena de Indias.

    Why is this the best area to stay in Cartagena, Colombia:
  • Relatively central
  • Marbella Beach
  • Modern area
  • Close to the airport
  • Budget hotels with views

Marbella is a popular beach destination in Cartagena de Indias, located a couple of kilometers north of the historic city center, on a thin stretch of land between the Caribbean Sea and the Juan Angola stream.

Playa de Marbella is an extensive golden sand beach stretching over 2 kilometers. It is far more popular among the locals and, as such, tends to be far less crowded than the one in Bocagrande, both in terms of people and street vendors.

While Marbella beach is lined with a few upmarket apartment condominiums, hotels, and restaurants, the area has a far more relaxed and down-to-earth feel than the upscale districts in the city’s south.
Thanks to its location near the airport, this neighborhood is a convenient option for travelers on a short trip to Cartagena. Hotels in this area are also noticeably cheaper than those in other beachside districts, making it a good option for budget travelers.

Best Hotels in Marbella, Cartagena de Indias

ibis Cartagena Marbella
Best 3-star hotel
ibis Cartagena Marbella

 Ibis Cartagena Marbella offers air-conditioned rooms and a bar. This property’s facilities include a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, a business center, and free WiFi.

Hotel Isla Capri
Best budget hotel
Hotel Isla Capri

Set in the Marbella district in Cartagena de Indias, 900 m from Cartagena’s Walls, Hotel Isla Capri boasts a restaurant, bar, and free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant.

Hostal Marbella 47
Best hostel
Hostal Marbella 47

Boasting a shared lounge, terrace, and free WiFi, Hostal Marbella 47 is set in Cartagena de Indias, 150 m from Marbella Beach and 1 km from Crespo.


6. La Boquilla: Best Location for a Quiet Seaside Vacation in Cartagena

Set in North Cartagena, La Boquilla is a great and quiet seaside neighborhood to stay closer to nature in Cartagena de Indias
La Boquilla Accommodation Map
La Boquilla beach is a quieter alternative to those located on the Bocagrande peninsula
La Boquilla beach is a quieter alternative to those located on the Bocagrande peninsula
La Boquilla used to be a fishermen's settlement
La Boquilla used to be a fishermen’s settlement
La Boquilla is a great area to look for accommodation in Cartagena
La Boquilla is a great area to look for accommodation in Cartagena

Set in North Cartagena, La Boquilla is a great and quiet seaside neighborhood to stay closer to nature in Cartagena de Indias.

    Why is this the best area to stay in Cartagena, Colombia:
  • Best area for nature lovers
  • Mangrove tours
  • Up-and-coming district
  • Less touristy than the southern beach areas
  • La Boquilla Beach
  • Upscale hotels & tourist apartments

Located about 6 km (3.7 mi.) north of Cartagena’s Old Town, on a narrow peninsula bordered by the sea on one side and the Tesca lagoon on the other and on the Cartagena – Barranquilla Highway, La Boquilla is an increasingly popular seaside tourist destination in the Bolívar capital.

Its main beach, Playa de La Boquilla, is a wide stretch of golden sand especially popular among the locals. A promenade with restaurants and hotels backs the beach.

Traditionally an Afro-Colombian fishing community, it is still possible to see the area’s fishermen and women getting their daily catch with their nets early in the mornings.

Contrary to the beachside developments in the city’s south, La Boquilla is a quiet place. It is not nearly as developed as the Bocagrande neighborhoods, and its natural beauty is still relatively unspoiled.
Not far from the beach, the Ciénaga de Tesca offers many eco-tourism activities, such as kayaking and mangrove tours on artisanal boats. These tours provide a great way to experience the area’s natural wonders and showcase the local culture and traditions.

Best Hotels in La Boquilla, Cartagena

Holiday Inn Cartagena Morros, an IHG Hotel
Best resort
Holiday Inn Cartagena Morros, an IHG Hotel

This luxurious hotel in the Morros area offers free Wi-Fi with an outdoor swimming pool and direct beach access. Rafael Núñez International Airport is a 10-minute drive away.

Radisson Cartagena Ocean Pavillion Hotel
Best 5-star hotel
Radisson Cartagena Ocean Pavillion Hotel

In La Boquilla Beach, Radisson Cartagena Ocean Pavillion Hotel features a swimming pool, and the Palenques Restaurant serves gourmet dishes. Free Wi-Fi and an on-site boutique are available.

Sonesta Hotel Cartagena
Best 4-star hotel
Sonesta Hotel Cartagena

This luxurious hotel offers three swimming pools surrounded by palm trees and comfortable sun loungers. Rooms have private balconies and free WiFi.

Hotel La Yarolina Cartagena
Best budget hotel
Hotel La Yarolina Cartagena

Hotel La Yarolina Cartagena features air-conditioned rooms with cable flat-screen TV in the La Boquilla district of Cartagena de Indias. The property is located a few steps from La Boquilla Beach.

Posada Kalea
Best B&B
Posada Kalea

Situated in the La Boquilla district in Cartagena de Indias, 6 km from Cartagena’s downtown, Posada Kalea boasts a restaurant, beach bar, and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy a cup of coffee every morning and beach views.

Morros Suites Apartamentos
Best tourist apartments
Morros Suites Apartamentos

Situated in Cartagena de Indias, 100 m from La Boquilla Beach and 800 m from Crespo, Morros Suites Apartamentos features accommodation with free WiFi, a garden with an outdoor swimming pool, pool views, and access to a fitness room and a sauna.

MAKENA Beach House Hostel
Best hostel
Makena Beach House Hostel

Located in Cartagena de Indias and with La Boquilla Beach reachable within a few steps, Makena Beach House Hostel provides concierge services, allergy-free rooms, a shared lounge, a garden, and free WiFi.


7. Crespo: Closest Area to Cartagena International Airport

Located next to CTG, Crespo is a convenient area to stay in Cartagena near the airport
Crespo Accommodation Map

Located next to Aeropuerto Internacional Rafael Núñez, Crespo is a convenient area to stay in Cartagena near the airport.

    Why is this the best area to stay in Cartagena, Colombia:
  • Relatively central
  • Near the airport
  • Crespo beaches
  • Cheap accommodation

Located between Marbella and La Boquilla, Crespo is a popular Cartagena district.

This popular district is home to the Rafael Nuñez International Airport (CTG), the busiest airport in the Caribbean region and the fourth-busiest airport in Colombia after Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali.

As an important tourist destination, this important air hub provides frequent connections to most cities in Colombia via carriers such as Avianca, Viva Air, and LATAM Airlines, as well as many international services to cities in the rest of Latin America, the USA, and Europe.

But Crespo is more than just an airport. This Cartagena district is also home to several beaches and parks, including the Parque Lineal de Crespo and Parque Lineal Caño Juan Angola.

Its airport and beachside location make Crespo a convenient area to stay in Cartagena. The whole district is packed with budget and mid-range accommodation options and a few restaurants and bars.

Needless to say, Crespo is the best district to look for accommodation in Cartagena for budget-conscious travelers or those who need to take an early flight.

Best Hotels near Cartagena Airport (CTG)

GHL Corales de Indias
Best 4-star hotel
GHL Corales de Indias

Offering an outdoor pool and a restaurant, GHL Corales De Indias is located in Cartagena de Indias. The spacious, modern rooms here feature a flat-screen TV and are totally air-conditioned. They also come with a desk and boast amazing views of the ocean.

Mucura Hotel & Spa
Best 3-star hotel
Mucura Hotel & Spa

Located in Cartagena de Indias and with Crespo reachable within 300 meters, Mucura Hotel & Spa features express check-in and check-out, allergy-free rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi throughout the property, and a bar.

Hotel Ayenda Cartagena Blue 1804
Best budget hotel
Hotel Ayenda Cartagena Blue 1804

Located in Cartagena de Indias, within 300 m of Crespo and less than 1 km of Marbella Beach, Hotel Ayenda Cartagena Blue 1804 provides accommodation with an outdoor pool and free WiFi throughout the property, as well as free private parking. 

Casa Crespo Beach 65-148
Best B&B
Casa Crespo Beach 65-148

Casa Crespo Beach 65-148 offers an outdoor pool in the Crespo district in Cartagena de Indias.

Hostal El Bando
Best hostel
Hostal El Bando

Hostal El Bando has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and a shared lounge in Cartagena de Indias. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk, a shared kitchen, and free WiFi throughout the property.


8. Manga: Quiet Location Near the Cruise Ship Terminal

Not far from Getsemaní, the Old Town & Bocagrande, Manga is a convenient district to stay in Cartagena, Colombia
Manga Accommodation Map

Not far from Getsemaní, the Old Town & Bocagrande, Manga is a convenient district to stay in Cartagena, Colombia.

    Why is this the best area to stay in Cartagena, Colombia:
  • Relatively central
  • Near the cruise ship terminal
  • Best area to stay in Cartagena if you arrive on a cruise
  • All kinds of accommodation

Located southeast of Getsemaní and the Old Town, on an island, lies the Cartagena district of Manga.

Dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this area is one of the oldest in the city and is characterized by its wealth of Republican and Modernist architecture and many contemporary highrise condo buildings.

Manga is connected to Calle del Arsenal in Getsemaní by Puente Román and some of its main attractions include Fuerte de San Sebastián del Pastelillo, an 18th-century fortress, the Avenida de Miramar promenade and the colonial-era Santa Cruz de Manga Cemetery.

Manga’s western shore is home to many of the city’s marinas and nautical clubs, while the southern portion of the island is dominated by the Port of Cartagena

Puerto de Cartagena is the most important in the Colombian Caribbean and one of the busiest in South America. It is also one of the main cruise ship ports in the region, serving over 30 different cruise lines. 

Thanks to its great location near the cruise port and the city center, Manga is a great option when considering where to stay in Cartagena de Indias.

Best Hotels near the Cartagena Cruise Terminal

Holiday Inn Express Cartagena Manga, an IHG Hotel
Best 4-star hotel
Holiday Inn Express Cartagena Manga, an IHG Hotel

The Holiday Inn Express Cartagena Manga, an IHG Hotel, provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center, and a shared lounge.

Bahia 79 Apartasuites Cerca al Centro
Best 3-star hotel
Bahia 79 Apartasuites

Located in the Manga district of Cartagena, Bahia 79 Apartasuites offers an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge, and air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi.

Apartamentos y Estudios Manga Real
Best budget hotel
Apartamentos y Estudios Manga Real

Apartamentos y Estudios Manga Real offers free bikes, a terrace, and air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi.

Ayenda Cadam Boutique
Best B&B
Ayenda Cadam Boutique

Set in Cartagena de Indias, 1.6 km from Bocagrande Beach and 1.9 km from Marbella Beach, CADAM Hotel Boutique offers accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, a shared lounge, and a garden.

Peregrinos Hostel Cartagena de Indias
Best hostel
Peregrinos Hostel Cartagena de Indias

Peregrinos Hostel Cartagena de Indias features air-conditioned rooms with cable flat-screen TV in the Manga district of Cartagena de Indias. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk, a shared kitchen, and free WiFi throughout the property.



Where to Look for Accommodation in Cartagena de Indias: Useful Info

Cartagena de Indias, also known simply as Cartagena by Colombians, is one of South America’s most spectacular coastal cities.

Bathed by the Caribbean Sea and with an incredibly rich cultural and architectural heritage, the product of its intense and eventful history and its importance in the development of the Spanish colonies in Latin America, Cartagena de Indias is a place that exudes elegance and culture.

Its fantastic white sand beaches and its proximity to paradisiac Caribbean islands make Cartagena an all-time favorite destination for sun-seeking travelers.

But Cartagena is much more than history and beaches. The Caribbean city is also considered one of the cradles of salsa music, and in no neighborhood is this fact more evident than in Getsemaní.

One of the best things that Cartagena has in terms of accommodation is that you can find all types of hotels, hostels, or apartments of all categories and at very reasonable prices.