Where to stay in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia:Best Hotels

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

Wondering where to stay in Cartagena during your Colombia trip? Choosing the right area and accommodation can really shape your travel experience – especially for independent and solo travelers. Do you feel drawn to the charm of colonial architecture, beach vibes and sea views, or local life?

In this mini-guide, you’ll discover the best areas to stay in Cartagena de Indias – plus handpicked hotels that offer great value, comfort, and character for every budget. From cozy Old Town boutique hotels to stylish beach resorts with panoramic views and trendy local hostels, here’s everything you need to know to choose your base in Cartagena.

Best Areas to Stay In Cartagena, Colombia

Discover Cartagena’s best neighborhoods – perfect also for independent explorers and solo travelers:

  • Ciudad Amurallada/Walled City (Historic Center): Immerse yourself in Cartagena’s colonial heart, where cobbled streets lead to iconic sights, cozy cafés, and buzzing bars – all within walking distance. Solo travelers love the convenience, though nights here hum with energy (those rooftop parties in colonial mansions are hard to resist!). Note: Budget and mid-range hotels cost slightly more than in Getsemaní.
  • Getsemaní: This artsy quarter full of vibrant murals, soulful caribbean live music, delicious restaurants and bohemian cafés, lies just beyond the old walls and dazzles with stylish stays for every budget. Its magic? The unbeatable mix of local flavor and value – arguably Cartagena’s best price-to-experience ratio.
  • Manga: A peaceful escape with historic charm, this bayside residential area sits just minutes from Getsemaní’s action – ideal for travelers who appreciate quiet mornings by the water.
  • Bocagrande: Picture this: Waking up to ocean views and stepping onto golden sand. Bocagrande delivers classic beachfront luxury with Cartagena’s sights still within reach (even by foot – if you enjoy leisurely walks).
  • El Laguito & Castillogrande: For those who crave Bocagrande’s seaside ease but prefer quieter lanes, these polished extensions offer serene retreats without sacrificing convenience.

Tip: Zoom in on the map and click on the colored shapes to learn more about each area.

Best Hotels in Cartagena de Indias

Cartagena offers great hotels and hostels for every need and budget. Here are some of the nicest and coolest hotels in Cartagena.

Top Upscale & Luxury Hotels

You can find excellent upscale and luxury hotels in all the nice areas of Cartagena starting from around 150 USD per night.

Bocagrande

  • In the 5-star Hotel Estelar in Bocagrande, you’ll wake up to a great ocean view. The breakfast buffet is very varied and delicious – and you can enjoy it on the panoramic terrace! (Booking.com* | Expedia.com*)
  • The comparable Hyatt Regency is located right next door and features the same amazing sea views, a wonderful pool and a great rooftop bar. (Booking.com* | Expedia.com*)

Getsemaní

In Getsemaní, you’ll find beautiful upscale boutique hotels.

  • Hotel Casa Canabal (Faranda) offers nice, spacious rooms, a spa and a rooftop pool (Booking.com* | Expedia.com*).
  • Casa Jaguar is a cozy small boutique hotel with friendly, nicely decorated rooms, outdoor pool and a garden (Booking.com*).

Walled City (Historic Old Town)

  • The luxury Hotel Movich not only offers super comfortable rooms but also a rooftop bar with unbeatable views of the historic old town and the sea. (Booking.com*) | MovichHotels.com*)
  • Amarla Boutique Hotel is a fantastic option for travelers loving the cozy and intimate atmosphere of boutique hotels. Stunning building, great location (close to everything, yet quiet), delicious breakfast and a nice little pool with views on the roof. (Booking.com* | Expedia.com*)

Nice Mid-Range Hotels

You can get nice mid-range hotels in Cartagena starting from approximately 50 USD per night. Around Getsemaní you get the best price-quality ratio.

Getsemaní & Manga

  • The charming Boutique Hotel Casa Gracia offers lovingly furnished private rooms with bathrooms in a quiet location in Manga. (Booking.com*)
  • In Getsemaní, the pretty Cartagena Legends offers friendly rooms, a great location, and a swimming pool. (Booking.com* | Expedia.com*)
  • Casa Moraira is a charming 4-star hotel offering beautiful, air-conditioned rooms in a quiet street in the heart of Getsemaní. (Booking.com* | Expedia.com*)

Walled City (Historic Old Town)

  • If you’d like to stay directly in the old town, check out the hotel Casa India Catalina. It’s located in a beautiful historic building, and the location is excellent (Booking.com* | Expedia.com*)
  • Emma Hotel San Diego is a friendly family-run hotel offering bright, clean rooms with little balconies right next to Plaza San Diego. Be aware that the area is very lively in the evening, if you are noise sensitive. (Booking.com*
  • Hostal Casa Torres: This adult-only hostal offers mid-range rooms with private bathroom and cheaper dorms in an excellent location, ideal for solo travelers. (Booking.com*)

Cool Budget Hotels and Hostels

Affordable private rooms with bathroom can be found especially in Getsemaní (around 40 USD per room and night; dorms and rooms with shared bathroom are cheaper).
  • The popular Hostal Casa de las Americas in Getsemaní offers cheap rooms with bathrooms and is top rated by solo travelers. (Booking.com* | Expedia.com*)
  • The characterful Casa Belia is another great option for solo travelers who prefer to have their own room and private bathroom in Getsemaní. (Booking.com*)
  • Hotel Amoek as an affordable private option in Bocagrande, 3 minutes from the beach. Ask for a quiet room with window. (Booking.com*)
  • While private budget rooms are a bit hard to get in the historic center (at least price-wise), Art Deco Casa Movida Hostel (Booking.com* | Expedia.com*) and cool Viajero Hostel (Booking.com* | Expedia.com*) offer dorms with capsules/pods (beds with curtains) in a stylish ambience for less than 20 USD.

Read more about things to do in Cartagena  – with special tips for solo travelers. Enjoy your stay in beautiful and vibrant Cartagena de Indias!

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Last Update: April 25, 2025

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Nicole
Curious Solo Traveler - living in Colombia

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