Hotels in Cartagena, Colombia: Where to Stay in 2025
Updated 21 August 2026 · 384 real hotels
Cartagena's two main bases are the historic walled city (Ciudad Amurallada) for colonial atmosphere and walkable culture, and Bocagrande for beachfront convenience with a modern resort feel. Travelers seeking romance or authenticity lean toward the old town; those who want sand at their doorstep prefer Bocagrande.
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| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Puerto Vigia Inn ★★★ | Carthagène | ★ 3 | 19 €/nuit |
| Alcaré Rooms Cartagena ★★ | Malecón Bahía de las Ánimas à 4 min à pied | ★ 4.8 | 46 €/nuit |
| HOTEL CASA OBED ★★ | Plage de Marbella à 7 min à pied | ★ 4.5 | 49 €/nuit |
| Hotel Galería la Trinidad ★★★ | Getsemani | ★ 4 | 54 €/nuit |
| Casa Emma Hotel Boutique ★★★ | Ville fortifiée de Cartagena | ★ 4.3 | 58 €/nuit |
| Hotel Hernandez CTG ★★★ | Plage de Bocagrande à 2 min à pied | ★ 3.9 | 59 €/nuit |
| Casa Noa Colonial Rooms ★★★ | Centre-ville de Cartagena | ★ 4.6 | 62 €/nuit |
| Hermoso alojamiento centro | Appartement entier | — | 69 €/nuit |
| Hotel Boutique La Artillería ★★★ | Getsemani | ★ 4.3 | 72 €/nuit |
Cartagena de Indias sits on Colombia's Caribbean coast as one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the Americas. Its walled historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, is a maze of cobbled streets, flower-draped balconies, and churches that have stood since the 16th century. Staying here means stepping out of your hotel directly into living history, with some of the country's finest restaurants, boutique shops, and plazas all within a short walk.
Beyond the walls, the city opens up into a different rhythm. Bocagrande is a slim peninsula lined with high-rise hotels and a long public beach, functioning as Cartagena's resort strip. The bay, the islands of the Rosario Archipelago visible in the distance, and a steady sea breeze make this Caribbean city genuinely magnetic year-round. Understanding which pocket of the city suits your travel style will make the difference between a good trip and a great one.
Which area to stay in Carthagène?
- Ciudad Amurallada (Walled City): Best for first-time visitors and culture seekers. The historic center holds the highest concentration of restaurants, bars, and landmarks. Boutique hotels here tend to be converted colonial mansions with interior courtyards. Walkability is excellent, but streets are narrow and taxi access can be limited at peak hours.
- Getsemaní: For independent travelers and those on a tighter budget. Directly adjacent to the walled city, this formerly working-class neighborhood has become a hub for street art, creative restaurants, and affordable guesthouses. It is vibrant at night but can feel less polished than the historic center.
- Bocagrande: For beach-focused travelers and families. This modern peninsula district offers the widest selection of mid-range to upper-range hotels, direct beach access, and a full lineup of restaurants and supermarkets. It trades colonial charm for practical comfort and easy beach access.
- La Boquilla: For travelers wanting a quieter, more local beach experience. North of the main city along a thin strip of land between the sea and the Ciénaga de la Virgen lagoon, La Boquilla has a more residential feel. The Sonesta Hotel Cartagena is positioned here, close to the beach and away from the crowds.
- Manga and Pie de la Popa: For repeat visitors who know the city well and prefer residential calm with easy access to both the old town and Bocagrande. These areas are mainly used by longer-stay travelers and business visitors.
Good to know
- Book beach-area hotels early for high season: Cartagena's peak season runs from December through March and again in July and August, coinciding with Colombian national holidays. Hotel rates in Bocagrande and the walled city can rise significantly during these windows, and properties with direct beach access fill fast.
- Factor in the heat: Cartagena sits close to the equator and is warm year-round, with temperatures typically between 28 and 34 degrees Celsius. Hotels with strong air conditioning and a pool are worth prioritizing. The dry season (December to April) is the most comfortable, with lower humidity.
- Getting from the airport to the city: Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG) is located northeast of the historic center, about 15 to 20 minutes by taxi or app-based ride (Uber and InDriver both operate in Cartagena). There is no direct metro or train link. Taxis from the official airport rank are metered or negotiated; agree on a price before departing.
- Use app-based rides or negotiate fares: Regular street taxis in Cartagena do not always use meters. InDriver and Cabify are reliable alternatives with upfront pricing. For short hops between Bocagrande and the walled city, a ride typically costs the equivalent of a few euros.
- Stay near your priorities: If you plan to spend most evenings dining and exploring the old town, a hotel inside or immediately next to the walls will save you significant transport time. If beach mornings and resort pools matter more, Bocagrande is the logical base. Trying to commute between the two multiple times a day gets tiring in the heat.
What to know about hotels in Carthagène?
What is the best area to stay in Cartagena for first-time visitors?+
The walled city (Ciudad Amurallada) is the top choice for first-timers because it puts you within walking distance of Cartagena's most iconic sights, restaurants, and nightlife. If direct beach access is a priority, Bocagrande is a strong alternative with several well-rated hotels just steps from the water.
When is the best time to visit Cartagena?+
The dry season from December to April offers the most reliable sunny weather with lower humidity, making it the most popular and most expensive period to visit. The shoulder months of November and May can offer a good balance of decent weather and better hotel availability. Cartagena receives rain year-round, but heavy downpours are most common between September and November.
What is the average budget for a hotel in Cartagena?+
Based on currently available options, budget-conscious travelers can find well-rated guesthouses in the historic center from around 58 euros per night. Mid-range beach hotels in Bocagrande start around 96 to 122 euros per night, while upscale boutique hotels in the old town reach 162 euros per night. Prices increase noticeably during Colombian public holidays and the December to January peak season.
How do I get from Cartagena airport to the city center?+
Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG) is roughly 15 to 20 minutes from the walled city by road, depending on traffic. The most practical options are app-based rides (InDriver or Cabify) or an official airport taxi. No rail or metro connection exists between the airport and the city. Expect to pay a modest fare; always confirm the price before getting in a street taxi.
Is Bocagrande or the walled city better for beach access?+
Bocagrande wins for beach convenience: several hotels sit two to five minutes on foot from a long public beach on the Caribbean Sea. The walled city itself has no beach directly adjacent to it, though short boat trips or a brief taxi ride can get you to nearby beaches and island day trips. Travelers who want to walk out of their hotel onto the sand should choose Bocagrande or La Boquilla.
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