If you’re visiting Cartagena for the first time, you must stay in the Old Town area, which is surrounded by a centuries-old wall and boasts some of the most well-preserved examples of colonial architecture in South America. There are literally dozens of hotels in Cartagena’s Old Town to choose from, from the most high-end ones like Hotel Amarla to the more affordable such as Hotel Boutique Casa Heredia.

The Manga neighborhood is a more secluded part of the city, making it great for couples or families. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe, but still a 15-minute drive from the Old Town. Accommodation is also much cheaper there, including Hotel Castel Cartagena.

Travelers looking to experience the bustling art and music scene of Cartagena, as well as its nightlife, should stay in the neighborhood of Getsemani, just outside the old walled city. Allure Chocolat, Hotel Casa Lola, and Hotel Casa Pizarro are all excellent and within walking distance to several bars and restaurants in the area, as well as to Old Town.

San Diego neighborhood is still inside the walled city but way less crowded than Old Town. The Plaza de San Diego is always alive with street performers, and boasts a variety of great restaurants. Right next to the square you’ll find the luxury hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, or for a cheaper stay, try Casa de Los Reyes.

Bocagrande is Cartagena’s answer to Miami. The strip of skyscrapers in this neighborhood is far less charming than Old Town, but great for families, shoppers, and people looking for a luxurious time. Hotel Cartagena Plaza and Hotel Capilla Del Mar are both by the beach and offer stunning seaside views.

FAQs when booking a hotel in Cartagena

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In the last 72 hours, users have found Cartagena hotels for tonight for as low as R165. Users have also found 3-star hotels from R106 and 4-star hotels from R212.

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If for any reason you need to say as close to Aeropuerto Internacional Rafael Nuñez as possible, you have a few options. Varanasi Hotel Boutique and Velik Ocean hotel are both right next to the airport and close to Marbella beach if you fancy a quick Caribbean dip.

Budget travelers need not to worry as Cartagena is filled with great hostels across all the main neighborhoods for those travelling on a shoestring. The following options are all central and affordable, feature a pool and good common areas to meet fellow travelers, plus free breakfast: Hostal Boutique Casa Escallon and Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia (Old Town), and Media Luna Hostel (Getsemani).

Cartagena has a warm, tropical climate all year round, and for many travelers, a pool is crucial when choosing their accommodation. Some hotels in Cartagena really mastered the art of terrace pools offering views of the city, including Allure by Chocolat, Bastión Luxury Hotel and Movich Hotel.

Many hotels in Cartagena are happy to arrange day tours for you to the Caribbean pearls, Playa Blanca and Isla Baru. Backpacker hostels often organize group tours, which is great to hop along if you’re traveling alone and looking to meet new people.