Where to Stay

There are several options for lodging in Cartagena, from budget backpacker places to luxurious boutique hotels. Instead of reserving a block of rooms at a single place, we feel its better to give each guest the option per their choice of location and budget. If you need any help at all in selecting or reserving a hotel, we'll be happy to help.

We've researched a small number of places, but ultimately we recommend reading reviews online. Lodging prices in Cartagena vary widely and each neighborhood, type of accommodation has its own benefits.

A great option instead of your typical hotel is to rent a vacation home or apartment. If traveling in a large group, the cost benefit and value can far exceed the amenities afforded by a traditional hotel.

The best place to start looking is on TripAdvisor for hotels and its own FlipKey for vacation rentals. HomeAway, VRBO, VacationRentals, and Airbnb also have rentals. The rankings put the most expensive places at the top, to be expected. Sort by your price range, read the reviews, and visit hotel sites to find your best value.

When reviewing prices, high season generally only falls during December and January. May is considered low season and the prices should reflect. Often prices published on the internet for independent places (the majority) are higher than reserving, negotiating over the phone. If you require any help in booking accommodations, please let us know.

The majority of the McCarthy family and friends are renting apartments in Bocagrande at Palmetto (Uno). If you are interested in renting an apartment in the same building, please contact us.

Places

Vacation Rentals

3-4 Stars - $75+

This is the largest class of hotels found in Cartagena. Prices very greatly and its tough for us to recommend any specific, but here are a few we took a look at, one in each neighborhood.

Budget 1-2 Stars - $25+

Budget hotels can be a good bargin if you are willing to give up a few amenities. Most have no hot water, typical in a tropical climate. Bed quality and cleanlines can very greatly. A/C is often priced separately at about $5+ per day to cover additional electricity costs. A/C is highly recommended in Cartagena. Noise depends on the location and the hotel won't tell you if there is a nightclub below or not. Read the reviews.

Hostel - $10+

Most hostels are designed for budget seeking backpackers, but there is a new generation of hostels appearing that offer clean, affordable lodging options. While still catering to dorm-room mentalities, many have private rooms or group/family rooms. HostelWorld is always our go-to choice for reviews. Prices are often a little cheaper if you book directly, especially for private rooms.

Resort 4-5 Stars - $200+

Boutique 5-6 Stars - $250+

There are more boutique hotels than we imagined. The ones listed below we've visited while scouting reception locations. If staying for more than a 2-3 days, we recommend contacting the hotels directly to negotiate a better rate. Many ask upwards of $400+ per night!

Neighorhoods

There are many neighorhoods in Cartagena, but the three listed below are the best options for proximity to tourist areas. You also will find a handful of hotels outside these main areas, particularily in the north near the airport.

The Old City

Also known as The Walled City or La Ciudad Amurallada, this is the tourist area of Cartagena. The highest priced boutique hotels exist here, but if you look hard enough you can find a great location for a great price, minus the luxurious amenities.

Bocagrande

Across from the beach, most of the hotels in this neighborhood are corporate, highrise styles. If you want to spend most of your time playing in the sand, swimming in the ocean, this is the place to be.

Getsemini

Just outside the walled city, this area is up and coming. Typically reserved in the past for backpacker type places, new hotels/old houses are opening up their doors with prices lower than The Old City only 5 minutes by foot.

Bed Types

In Colombia, hotel bed options vary from the United States. Options typically available are:

  • Single (Sencillo) - 1 Person - 1 Single or Double Sized Bed
  • Double (Doble) - 2 Persons - 1 Double Sized Bed
  • Triple (Triple) - 3 Persons - 3 Single Sized Beds
  • Quadruple (Cuadruple or Familiar) - 4 Persons - 4 Single or 2 Double Sized Beds (very difficult to find)