In this post, we give you all our advice on choosing the best area to stay in Cartagena, as well as our top tips on hotels offering the best value for money.
The question“where to stay in Cartagena” is worth asking, as it is in almost all of Colombia’s major cities. Cartagena is a huge city, and it can be hard to find your way around.
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Disclaimer: we apologize in advance for any grammatical or syntactic errors, as our native language is not English (we're a Colombian-French couple), so we hope you'll forgive us and still enjoy the information we share with you! Please note that all the information on our blog is based on our own experience, and is checked and updated regularly.
The best areas to stay in Cartagena
Where to stay in Cartagena
To prepare for your arrival in Cartagena de Indias, we strongly advise you tobook your accommodation in advance. Cartagena is Colombia’s most popular tourist destination, so places are hard to come by (and so are prices)! So you’ll have a hard time finding a good hotel if you book at the last minute.
When it comes to choosing where to stay in Cartagena, there are several choices. But if it’s your first time in Cartagena, we still advise you to stay close to the historic center . The idea is to get the most out of the city and the must-see sights in Cartagena!
The walled city
The most beautiful and central district, you can do everything here on foot, but it’s the most touristy and the most expensive. You’ll have to take a cab or bus to get to the beach.
Getsemani
Without doubt for us the best option for accommodation in Cartagena, central, cool and a little cheaper than inside the walls, here too you can do everything on foot. You’ll have to take a cab or bus to get to the beach.
Bocagrande
Miami style! The buildings, the beach a stone’s throw away and the historic center just a short cab ride away.
The best hotels to stay in the historic center of Cartagena
Where to stay in Cartagena de indias
Here are our top tips for hotels and hostels in the walled city of Cartagena de Indias. These are addresses tested by us, our readers or our friends, or whose reputation is well established.
Cartagena, Historic center
Hostal
El Barrio Hostel
Double room : $100.000 to $150.000 COP
A well-located, clean and welcoming hostal. A hostal yes, but without dormitories, a somewhat hybrid concept offering only private rooms with either a double bed, a single bed or two bunk beds.
Cartagena, Historic center
Hotel
Hotel Alfiz
Double room : $400.000 à $700.000
For those who want to pamper themselves and love beautiful hotels. This upscale hotel was recommended to us by a couple of friends who tested and approved it! Rooftop with jacuzzi and patio with swimming pool…
Cartagena, Historic center
Hostal
Maloka Hostel
Dormitory : $25.000 to $50.000/Double room : $150.000 to $200.000 COP
A hotel / hostal that offers really great facilities and one of the best value for money in Cartagena’s historic center. The small roof terrace can make all the difference in the evening!
Cartagena, Historic center
Hostal
El Viajero Hostel Cartagena
Dormitory : $50.000 to $100.000/Double room : $150.000 to $200.000 COP
This well-known hostal, which has made a name for itself elsewhere in Colombia, was tested by Sam during his trip in 2016. A word of advice: ask to stay in the “annex” if you want to be quieter.
Why stay in the historic center
The walled city is Cartagena’s historic center. Inside the walls you’ll find everything that makes Cartagena so charming: colorful alleyways, colonial architecture, bougainvillea. This is where you’ll find all the main monuments to visit.
Neighborhood life (going out)
This is the city’s most touristic district, with many restaurants, bars and places to party.
Location
The walled city is about 45 minutes by cab from the bus terminal. Cartagena airport is about 20 minutes away.
Gestemani: the best hotels
Best hotels to stay in Cartagena
Here are our recommendations for hotels and hostels in Getsemani. These are selected addresses, tested by ourselves, friends and blog readers, and whose reputation is well established. In other words, these are our good deals.
Cartagena, Getsemani
Hotel
Casa Pizarro Hotel Boutique
Double room : $300.000 to $350.000 COP
If you’re looking for fine services, our friends recommend this boutique hotel located just off the Plazuela del Pozo in Getsemani. Charm and pleasure on the agenda!
Cartagena, Getsemani
Hotel
Casa Villa Colonial
Double room : $250.000 to $300.000 COP
A little house that doesn’t look like much, but once inside the hotel Casa Villa Colonial offers, as its name suggests, the charm of a beautiful colonial house, with the added bonus of a rooftop and swimming pool! A slightly more expensive hotel, but still recommended by a reader
Cartagena, Getsemani
Hostal
One Day Hostel
Dormitory : $25.000 to $50.000/Double room : $150.000 to $200.000 COP
The One Day hostal in the south of Getsemani was recommended to us by a blog reader. Beyond the colorful facade, the interior is quite sober and modern, with beautiful double rooms.
Cartagena, Getsemani
Hostal
La Antigua capsula Hostel
Dormitory : $25.000 to $50.000/Double room : $100.000 to $150.000 COP
A low-budget hostal in the Getsemani district, a favorite with travelers.
Cartagena, Getsemani
Hostal
Mama Waldy Hostel
Dormitory : $25.000 to $50.000/Double room : $100.000 to $150.000 COP
This hostal in the Getsemani district was tested by Sam in 2013. Since then, a roof terrace with jacuzzi has been added. But don’t expect luxury: this hostal offers rooms with very basic comforts. But it’s perfectly located, right on Calle 9.
Why stay in Getsemani?
If you’re looking to stay in a neighborhood with a cooler vibe, then Getsemani is the place for you! Younger and a little more authentic than Cartagena’s inner walls. It’s a popular district that has been undergoing a major transformation in recent years.
Neighborhood life (going out)
Getsemani is the meeting place for Cartagena’s cool youth. The neighborhood comes alive when night falls around the Plaza de la Trinidad and the surrounding alleyways. There are plenty of trendy bars and restaurants, and street art everywhere.
Location
Located just a stone’s throw from the walled city, just exit via the Torre del Reloj and you’re there. Gestmani is about 40 minutes by cab from the bus terminal and about 25 minutes from Cartagena airport.
Bocagrande: The best hotels
Where to stay in Cartagena de indias
Here are our recommendations for hotels and hostales to stay in Bocagrande. These are our top tips, selected addresses, tested by ourselves, friends, blog readers or whose reputation is well established.
Bocagrande, Cartagena
Hotel
Morro City hotels
Double room : $400.000 à $700.000
The Bocagrande hotel par excellence, on the front line of the seafront, with its rooftop swimming pool and sea view, a must at sunset… to indulge yourself! 2-night booking required.
Bocagrande, Cartagena
Hotel
Oz Hotel
Double room : $200.000 to $250.000 COP
A beautiful second-line hotel in Bocagrande offering all the expected services and modern decor. Good value for money in Bocagrande.
Bocagrande, Cartagena
Appartement
Apartment Mar infinitum
Double room : $300.000 to $350.000 COP
Apartments in a huge building overlooking the sea in true Bocagrande style!
Why stay in Bocagrande?
Located right on the beach, Bocagrande is Cartagena’s upscale district. That’s why Bocagrande is home to luxury front-line hotels with sea views. However, there are also less expensive accommodations in the second and third lines. With its casino, shops and luxury boutiques, Bocagrande is like the Miami of Colombia.
Neighborhood life (going out)
Bocagrande is a great place to go out and eat , with beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea. Bocagrande has plenty to offer when it comes to partying at night.
Location
Bocagrande is a 5-minute cab ride from the historic center. The airport is about 20 minutes away by cab. And it takes about 1 hour to get to the bus terminal.
Guided tour of Cartagena in english
We recommend that you contact our local partner for a guided tour of Cartagena in english!
