A visit to Colombia’s Caribbean coast is not complete without a stop in the vibrant city of Cartagena. If you want to experience beaches, culture, and history, then Cartagena is the perfect mix of all three. This city of nearly one million residents is less than three hours from Miami, making it an increasingly popular destination for many travelers, especially North Americans.
When deciding where to stay in Cartagena, there are several cool areas with some of the best hotels in Cartagena. With choices for every budget and travel style, we’ve found some of the best places to stay in Cartagena.
We will cover off all types of Cartagena accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Cartagena hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Cartagena, the best Cartagena hotels, best places in Cartagena to visit, the best places to stay in Cartagena, hotels near Cartagena attractions, Cartagena neighborhood guide and many more.
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Table of Contents
Centro – Where to Stay in Cartagena for Tourists
Centro is the old walled city of Cartagena and the best area for tourists that are visiting Cartagena for historical interest. Surrounded by the widest stone wall in South America, the Old Town area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Travelers looking for budget-friendly accommodations will find a good selection of hostels in the old city, and luxury travelers will also have plenty of choices where to stay in Cartagena walled city. As the hub of tourism in Cartagena, there are many cafes, shops, and attractions to keep you busy.
Where to Stay in Centro
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Centro
The Clock Hostel And Suites
Casa Roman
Bourbon St Hostal Boutique
Hotel El Viajero #2
Budget Hotels in Centro
Hotel El Viajero Centro
Casa Calamari
Hotel Auaecoco
Hotel San Felipe Plaza
Mid range Hotels in Centro
Santa Catalina Hotel
NH Cartagena Urban Royal
Alfiz Hotel
Hotel Boutique Casa del Coliseo
Family Friendly Hotels in Centro
Balcones de Alheli Hotel
El Marques Hotel Boutique
Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa
Casa Cordoba Estrella
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Centro
Sophia Hotel
Hotel Casa del Arzobispado
Hotel Amarla
San Diego – Where to Stay in Cartagena for Family
If you want to stay near the old town, but prefer a quieter atmosphere with fewer tourists, then San Diego is an excellent choice. It is located within the walled city, but just outside of the busy Centro area. Plaza San Diego is the center of this area, with many restaurants to check out.
Slightly more bohemian and less touristy than Centro, San Diego is a great place to shop for unique souvenirs or watch a Caribbean sunset from the city walls. If you are looking for a family-friendly Cartagena hotel, this is a great neighborhood with easy access to Centro.
Where to Stay in San Diego
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in San Diego
Viajero Hostel Cartagena
Republica Cartagena
Maloka Hostel Cafe-Bar Cartagena
Music Hostel Cartagena
Budget Hotels in San Diego
Hotel Boquilla Camping
Casa Jardin
Hotel Marie Real
Mid range Hotels in San Diego
Hotel Kartaxa Cartagena
Hotel Casa del Curato
Casa La Cartujita
Family Friendly Hotels in San Diego
Hotel 3 Banderas
Casa Bohemia Hotel
Hotel Boutique Casa Heredia
Hotel Casa la Fe
Affordable Luxury Hotels in San Diego
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena
Bovedas de Santa Clara Hotel Boutique
Tcherassi Hotel + Spa
Bastion Luxury Hotel
Getsemaní – Where to Stay in Cartagena for Nightlife
If you want to know where to stay in Cartagena for nightlife, Getsemani Cartagena is a great area! This is one of the up and coming neighborhoods of Cartagena that is quickly changing from a rough neighborhood to a haven for artists and hipsters.
Younger travelers flock here for budget-friendly accommodations, including hostels and affordable hotels. It’s a great area to find street art and street food, or you can splurge on some of the many bistros, cafes, and bars throughout the neighborhood.
Where to Stay in Getsemaní
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Getsemaní
Casa del Pozo Boutique Hostel
Mi Llave Hostels Cartagena
One Day Hostel
Hostel Green House Getsemani
Budget Hotels in Getsemaní
Hotel Leyendas del Mar
Hotel Fegali Art Boutique
Hotel Casa de las Palmas
Zana Hotel Boutique
Mid range Hotels in Getsemaní
GHL Armeria Real
Hotel Casa Pizarro
Les Lezards Bed & Breakfast
Posada La Fe
Family Friendly Hotels in Getsemaní
Casa Mary Hotel
Hotel Boutique Casa San Miguel
Hotel Casa Pizarro
Hotel Capellan de Getsemani
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Getsemaní
Sophia Hotel
Hotel Amarla
Hotel Casa San Agustin
Bocagrande – Where to Stay in Cartagena for Beach Bums
If you are primarily visiting this region to enjoy a beach vacation, then Bocagrande is a great choice. Like Centro, Bocagrande is pretty touristy, but finding beachfront accommodation will not be a problem. The entire beach is lined with high-rise hotels.
Bocagrande is often compared to Miami Beach, in part due to the crowds, vendors and modern skyline along the beach. While it’s not the best beach in Colombia, you can still walk to Centro, making this a great spot for beach bums who might want to take in some historic sights during their trip.
Where to Stay in Bocagrande
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Bocagrande
Mi Llave Hostels Cartagena
El Arsenal Hostel Boutique
Hostel la Antigua Capsula
One Day Hostel
Budget Hotels in Bocagrande
Hotel Casa Ballarin
Hotel Bellamar
Hotel Amoek
Hotel Balcones de Bocagrande
Mid range Hotels in Bocagrande
Hotel Capilla del Mar
Apartamentos Palmetto
Hampton by Hilton Cartagena
Madisson Inn Hotel Cartagena
Family Friendly Hotels in Bocagrande
Atlantic Lux Hotel
Hotel Cartagena Plaza
Hotel San Martin
Gio Hotel Tama Cartagena
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Bocagrande
Hilton Cartagena
Hyatt Regency Cartagena
Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel & Convention Center
InterContinental Cartagena De Indias
Laguito – Where to Stay in Cartagena for Relaxation
Just south of Bocagrande is a small area called Laguito. At the center of the peninsula is a lake that is very popular for recreation. Laguito has some of the best beaches in Cartagena; the water is calmer, as is the atmosphere.
You won’t find as many vendors strolling the beach, and the additional distance from Centro helps to lessen the crowds of tourists and locals. If you aren’t visiting exclusively for the beaches, then keep in mind the additional travel time to other areas of Cartagena.
Where to Stay in Laguito
Budget Hotels in Laguito
Hotel Bahia
Coral Reef Hotel
Hotel Barahona 446
Hotel Marina Suites
Mid range Hotels in Laguito
Hotel Dorado Plaza
Playa Club Hotel
Hotel Kristal Tower
Hotel Regatta Cartagena
Family Friendly Hotels in Laguito
Hotel Dann Cartagena
Unik Cartagena Faro Tequendama
Hotel Caribe By Faranda Grand
Torres del Lago Apartamentos
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Laguito
Hilton Cartagena
Hyatt Regency Cartagena
InterContinental Cartagena De Indias
Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa
Manga – Where to Stay in Cartagena with Kids
Located on an island in a bay just east of Bocagrande and Laguito is the area called Manga. It is home to the city’s shipping port, as well as a marina filled with yachts. This area is decidedly less touristy but is a great place to find family-friendly accommodation. The waterfront promenade is a lovely place for a walk and ends at Pastelillo Park, which is an ancient fort with cannons overlooking the water.
Where to Stay in Manga
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Manga
Quintas de la Real by Maos
One Day Hostel
Mi Llave Hostels Cartagena
El Castillo del Marques By Biscanna Hostels
Budget Hotels in Manga
Hotel Puerto De Manga
Hotel Casa Vargas
Casa Hotel Galeones
Hotel Casa de las Palmas
Mid range Hotels in Manga
GHL Armeria Real
Cartagena Legends
Hotel CASA LOLA Deluxe Gallery
Patio de Getsemani
Family Friendly Hotels in Manga
Holiday Inn Express Cartagena Manga
Hotel Casa Pizarro
Hotel El Pedregal
Hotel Casa Cytia Cartagena
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Manga
Hotel Capellan de Getsemani
Hyatt Regency Cartagena
Sophia Hotel
San Pedro Hotel Spa
El Cabrero – Where to Stay in Cartagena for an Authentic experience
On the northern side of the walled city, the neighborhood of El Cabrero is a great choice for those seeking a more residential area to stay. Only ten minutes from Centro, you’ll find a much quieter atmosphere in this traditional neighborhood. Tree-lined streets wind past colonial mansions, and there are many parks to explore, including Park Apolo. The Cabrero Lagoon is also a great place to relax or go for a run.
Where to Stay in El Cabrero
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in El Cabrero
Posada Kalea
Hostal Happy Day
Budget Hotels in El Cabrero
Manzanillo Beach
Palmera Beach Hotel
Mid range Hotels in El Cabrero
Melia Cartagena Karmairi
Kohsamui Cartagena
Family Friendly Hotels in El Cabrero
Casa El Mangle
Aria Hotel & Spa
Affordable Luxury Hotels in El Cabrero
Conrad Cartagena by Hilton
Marbella – Where to Stay in Cartagena on a Budget
Continuing north along the coast, we now come to Marbella. A large district containing several beaches and beachfront hotels, this is a great place to stay if you want to stretch your budget a bit. Being a 15-minute walk from Centro means you’ll save some money over the more expensive central hotels without losing out on convenience and location. If you are looking for a long-term stay in Cartagena, an apartment rental in Marbella might be a perfect choice.
Where to Stay in Marbella
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Marbella
Wonderland Party Hostel
Hostal Casa Cano
Coccoloba Hostel
Budget Hotels in Marbella
Casa Crespo Beach 65-148
Mucura Hotel & Spa
Hotel Peira House
Astrasuite 427
Mid range Hotels in Marbella
Summer Hotel
Hotel Cabrero Mar
Radisson Cartagena Ocean Pavillion Hotel
Holiday Inn Cartagena Morros
Family Friendly Hotels in Marbella
Varanasi Hotel Boutique
Hotel Manglar 421
Corales de Indias
Hotel Las Americas Casa de Playa
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Marbella
Hotel Las Americas Torre del Mar
San Pedro Hotel Spa
Bovedas de Santa Clara Hotel Boutique
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Crespo – Where to Stay in Cartagena near the Airport
Further north past Marbella is the district of Crespo. The main attraction of this neighborhood is the international airport. Naturally, there are many hotels around the airport, however, it’s not the best choice for tourists who want to be near the center.
You’ll need to use public transportation or hire a taxi to explore the other areas of Cartagena. Crespo is a great choice for business travelers or those who have an early morning departure or late night arrival and want to be close to the airport. Outside of the airport hotels, the neighborhood is largely residential.
Where to Stay in Crespo
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Crespo
Quintas de la Real by Maos
One Day Hostel
Mi Llave Hostels Cartagena
Budget Hotels in Crespo
Hotel Casa Vargas
Casa Hotel Galeones
Hotel Puerto De Manga
Hotel Casa de las Palmas
Mid range Hotels in Crespo
Holiday Inn Express Cartagena Manga
GHL Armeria Real
Patio de Getsemani
Hotel G Cartagena SAS
Family Friendly Hotels in Crespo
Hotel Casa Pizarro
Posada La Fe
Hotel Casa Cytia Cartagena
Hotel Leyendas del Mar
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Crespo
Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel & Convention Center
Hyatt Regency Cartagena
Hotel Capellan de Getsemani
Sophia Hotel
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