There were multiple points when I fell in love with Cartagena: while wandering through the vibrant and colorful streets of Getsemani, listening to a saxophonist while watching the sunset, and when exploring the colonial architecture of the Old Town. This must-see destination in South America offers the best of both worlds – the ocean on one side and bustling city life on the other. Luckily, there is also an endless array of incredible places to stay in Cartagena, and we’ve rounded up all of the best hotels in the city below!
Casa San Agustin
Casa San Agustin is a luxury boutique hotel in the historic center of Cartagena, Colombia, made up of three instantly recognizable white-washed houses that date back to the 17th century in that quintessential Colombian style. A smaller hotel with impressive attention to detail to match, it’s home to a couple dozen rooms and suites, each complete with its own unique charm and decor style. This is a place just as suitable for those looking to relax as it is for people looking to explore, complete with a spa, a private beach, a library, a pool, and a delicious restaurant. If you’re hoping to soak up that unbeatably vibrant Caribbean atmosphere, this is the place to stay in one of Colombia’s most beautiful cities.
Key Amenities:
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Access to a pool and private beach
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Full of cozy spots to relax, including a spa and library
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On-site restaurant
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena is a luxury five-star hotel in the heart of Cartagena, Colombia, originally built as a convent back in 1621. This legendary landmark combines the allure of history with local hospitality and the art of French savoir-faire. Each room or suite here comes with its own balcony or terrace overlooking the hotel’s interior or the Caribbean Sea. This is a place where you can experience the rich history and culture of Cartagena while enjoying the exquisite cuisine, exceptional service, world-class spa, and state-of-the-art technology. It doesn’t matter what brings you to Cartagena; you’re sure to love this spot.
Key Amenities:
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Balcony or terrace off every room, some with ocean views
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Fine dining on-site
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World-class spa with state-of-the-art technology and treatments
Hyatt Regency Cartagena
Cartagena is renowned in Latin America for its gorgeous beaches and Caribbean vibe, and when you check into Hyatt Regency Cartagena, you’ll have easy access to both of the above. The hotel has four outdoor pools, including an infinity pool on the 12th floor that overlooks the ocean and the city skyline. Spend your days here relaxing on the sun loungers, sipping a cocktail from the pool bar, or taking a cooling dip in the water under the warm sunshine. Looking for more relaxation? The hotel has a full-service spa, Aqoral Spa, as well as a sauna, a steam room, a jacuzzi, and a fitness center. Feeling hungry? Savor seafood dishes at Kokaú Restaurant, enjoy Mediterranean specialties at Amacagua Grill & Bar, or taste international favorites at Amacagua Lounge & Bar.
Key Amenities:
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Multiple restaurants on the property
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Access to a full-service spa with sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and fitness center
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Four outdoor swimming pools with sun loungers and a pool bar
Cra. 1 #12-118, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia— +57 605 6941234
Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort
Okay, so you’ll have to head out of the center of Cartagena to reach this spot, but it’s well worth the adventure, especially if you’re a beach lover. Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort is a five-star hotel in the eastern part of Barú Island, just off the Caribbean coast. The perfect place to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of Barú, as well as the French art de vivre and hospitality of Sofitel. Check-in here to admire stunning views of the sea or the tropical forest on a 24/7 basis while soaking up the warm rays of the sunshine. Looking for entertainment? You’ll find a great variety of services and amenities, like a spa, a private beach, a restaurant, a bar, and a kids’ club.
Key Amenities:
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Located in its own private cove
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Kids’ club available
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Access to a spa, private beach, and restaurant/bar
Km 7 Sector, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia— +57 605 6466020
Bastión Luxury Hotel
Right in the center of Cartagena, you’ll find Bastión Luxury Hotel, a true fusion of the old and the new that’ll have you appreciating this historic city like never before. Built in the style of a 16th-century building, it has a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and a shared lounge, as well as an on-site gourmet restaurant. Wander through its grounds to admire its contemporary decor, reflecting the colonial past of the city. Never one to forget a premium amenity, you’ll find bathrobes, slippers, and L’Occitane toiletries for your comfort when you check into this sophisticated spot.
Key Amenities:
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On-site gourmet restaurant
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Rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and shared lounge
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Bathrobes, slippers, and L’Occitane toiletries in every room
Amarla Boutique Hotel
Check into Amarla Boutique Hotel Cartagena if you’re all about the little details. You’ll find this beautiful boutique hotel located in the heart of the old town in a restored colonial house with seven suites and guest rooms, each named after a native bird and decorated with local art and crafts. With amenities including a rooftop pool, a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar, you’ll struggle to find yourself bored while staying here. But, if you do fancy venturing out, this hotel is excellent at arranging experiences, including sailing, snorkeling, birdwatching, cooking classes, yoga, and spa treatments. It’s also an ideal venue for weddings and events if you’re looking for something special in one of the world’s most romantic destinations.
Key Amenities:
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Access to a rooftop pool and terrace
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On-site restaurant and a bar
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Support arranging local experiences
Radisson Cartagena Ocean Pavillion Hotel
You’ll find the Radisson Cartagena Ocean Pavillion Hotel located on the beautiful La Boquilla Beach in Cartagena. It’s a true tropical escape in one of the most affordable winter holiday destinations. It comes with a swimming pool, a spa and wellness center, a fitness center, and three bars. One of the larger hotels in the city and about 15 minutes away from the historic Walled City of Cartagena, offering a great midpoint for easy exploring without sitting right in the center. Here, you’ll check into rooms with ocean or pool views, air conditioning, minibars, and cable TV, as well as free Wi-Fi, free parking, and an airport shuttle service for a seamless experience. Bonus points: it’s also close to Calle del Arsenal, famed for its bars and nightclubs.
Key Amenities:
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Rooms feature ocean or pool views, air conditioning, and minibars
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Home to a fitness center, swimming pool, spa, and multiple bars
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Airport shuttle service and free parking available
Carrera 9 #22-850, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolivar, Colombia— +57 605 6569071
Hotel Boutique Casa del Coliseo
A stay at the Hotel Boutique Casa del Coliseo takes you back in time in the best way possible. This is a hotel that sits inside a 17th-century house that’s been restored to perfection, combining its historical style with the comfort of the 21st century and all of the necessary amenities to match. The hotel was decorated by the internationally recognized Colombian interior designer Juan Carlos Arcila-Duque and comes complete with local materials, antiques, and art pieces. The best part about staying here? The rooftop pool that overlooks the city and the sea, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning sunsets on a daily basis.
Key Amenities:
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Rooftop pool overlooking the city and sea
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Designed from head-to-toe by Colombian designer Juan Carlos Arcila-Duque
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Access to a terrace for taking in the sunsets
Hotel Capilla del Mar
If you’re looking to maximize your time in one of the best international getaway destinations for a long weekend, you’ll fall in love with Hotel Capilla del Mar. This hotel is located in front of the beach of Bocagrande, one of the most popular areas of Cartagena. That means it’s also close to shops, restaurants, bars, and casinos, ticking all the boxes for a fun-filled stay. But don’t feel like you’re too far from the center while staying here: it’s within easy walking distance from the Walled City, too. And that’s if you ever get tired of what’s inside, which includes a rooftop terrace with a panoramic pool, a solarium, and a cocktail bar. It also has a spa with a sauna, Turkish bath, massage rooms, and a beauty salon. You’ll never want to leave!
Key Amenities:
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Rooftop terrace with panoramic pool, solarium, and cocktail bar
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Luxury spa on-site with sauna, Turkish bath, massage rooms, and a beauty salon
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Beachfront in Bocagrande, one of Cartagena’s most popular areas
Cra. 1 #812, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia— +57 605 6517001
CASA LOLA
Cartagena has a colorful past, and you’ll get to appreciate all of its influences properly when you check into CASA LOLA. This boutique hotel is located in the historic city and offers a unique and eclectic range of decor that reflects the influence of the different cultures that shaped the city through the centuries. As well as all of the essentials, you’re free to explore its two pools, chillout zone, solarium, cocktail bar, spa, and restaurant that serves authentic Caribbean food. Staying here also puts you in a prime position to explore the Walled City, the San Felipe Castle, the Clock Tower, and the Plaza de la Trinidad.
Key Amenities:
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Home to a spa, solarium, and cocktail bar
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Two on-site swimming pools
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Restaurant serving authentic Colombian Caribbean cuisine
Calle del Guerrero 29-108, Getsemaní, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia— +57 320 547 7317
Hotel Caribe By Faranda Grand
There’s a lot to mention when it comes to Hotel Caribe By Faranda Grand, especially if you’re a luxury lover. This impressive spot was designed by Cuban architect Manuel José Carrerá Machado and was the first beach resort in the area. It has a never-ending list of amenities, starting with its semi-Olympic outdoor swimming pool and continuing with its spa, gym, chapel, and games room. If that wasn’t enough, it also has an exclusive beach club, Kala Beach Club, where you can sunbathe under private cabanas. When you’re hungry, check out the hotel’s range of restaurants that offer regional and international cuisine, or head to the pool bar for a quick snack.
Key Amenities:
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Multiple restaurants on-site serving regional and international cuisine
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Semi-Olympic outdoor swimming pool with a bar
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Home to a spa, gym, chapel, and games room
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Access to its exclusive beach club with private beachfront cabanas
Cra. 1 #2–87, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia— +57 605 6501160
Casa Pestagua
Looking to feel like royalty while in Cartagena? You’ll definitely want to make a reservation for a few nights at Casa Pestagua. This exclusive spot sits inside a renovated 17th-century mansion that belonged to the Count of Pestagua, a rich and powerful aristocrat of the colonial era. If that doesn’t convince you, keep in mind that this hotel is also part of the prestigious international brand Relais & Châteaux and comes with the sophistication to match. Here, you’ll find a restaurant, a spa, a gym, a rooftop jacuzzi, and a garden with exotic plants and royal palms to wander through after a busy day of exploring this colorful city.
Key Amenities:
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On-site restaurant
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Access to a spa, gym, and rooftop jacuzzi
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Home to a garden full of exotic plants and royal palms
