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Cartagena has three main places to stay: the colonial Walled City, the bohemian Getsemaní and the beach district of Bocagrande. Each has a distinct feel and price range, and all three are within a 10-minute taxi of one another. Below are the standout areas and three hotels per area across luxury, mid-range and budget tiers. Match your dates to the annual events and festivals calendar.
Where to Stay in Cartagena: The Walled City (Centro Histórico)
Staying inside the walls puts museums, restaurants and the sunset walls on your doorstep. It is the priciest area, with colonial boutique hotels in restored 16th and 17th century houses, but it is the best base for a short first visit because everything is walkable. Plan your days with the full things to do list, which covers hours and entry costs.
Suggested Hotels in the Walled City
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena
A 17th-century convent converted into a five-star hotel, with a spa, a pool facing the old cloister walls and the fine-dining 1621 restaurant on Santo Domingo Square. Best for couples who want historic architecture and a central, quiet courtyard. Check rates and availability
Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena
A restored convent two blocks from San Pedro Claver Church, with a rooftop pool, spa and Harry Sasson’s restaurant, plus rooms in colonial and republican wings. Best for travelers who want colonial luxury with a rooftop view over the old town. Check rates and availability
Hotel Monterrey Cartagena de Indias
A four-star in a French-designed republican building facing the Clock Tower, with a small pool, rooftop terrace and colonial courtyard. Best for first-time visitors who want a central, lower-cost base right at the old town entrance. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay in Cartagena: Getsemaní
Getsemaní is the arts district south of the walls, packed with murals, street food and live music on Plaza de la Trinidad. It is the value option, with hostels and small guesthouses, and it suits solo travelers and anyone who wants nightlife within a 10-minute walk of the historic center. To weigh weather against price, check the best time to visit guide.
Suggested Hotels in Getsemaní
Hotel Casa San Agustin
A five-star boutique set in a 17th-century colonial house with three courtyards, a pool and a spa, on the edge of Getsemaní near Plaza de los Coches. Best for couples who want intimate, high-end colonial design without the crowds of the main squares. Check rates and availability
Viajero Cartagena – Getsemaní Hostel
A social hostel with a rooftop pool, bar and both dorms and private rooms, a short walk from Plaza de la Trinidad. Best for young travelers and digital nomads who want a lively scene and easy access to the old town. Check rates and availability
Media Luna Hostel Cartagena
A two-star hostel on Calle Media Luna with a courtyard pool, shared kitchen and a mix of dorms and private rooms. Best for backpackers who want a social, budget stay near the Getsemaní nightlife. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay in Cartagena: Bocagrande
Bocagrande is the modern beach strip south of the old town, a grid of high-rise hotels facing the gray-sand beach and the Caribbean. It is generally cheaper than the Walled City and the best pick for families and beach-focused travelers who want a pool and the sea on the doorstep. For exact monthly rainfall and sea temperatures, see the weather by month data table.
Suggested Hotels in Bocagrande
InterContinental Cartagena de Indias
A five-star beachfront tower on Bocagrande’s seafront with an infinity pool, spa and rooms facing the Caribbean, about 150 feet from the sand. Best for beach-focused travelers who want direct sea access and resort amenities. Check rates and availability Bookmark the full Cartagena guide for the complete overview.
Hotel Cartagena Plaza
A four-star on Avenida San Martín with a rooftop pool, disco and 382 rooms, a five-minute walk from Bocagrande beach. Best for families who want a beach location with free breakfast and easy parking. Check rates and availability Sort the logistics with the travel tips and FAQ guide.
Hotel Bocagrande Cartagena
A three-star on Avenida San Martín about 50 meters from the beach, with air-conditioned rooms and free Wi-Fi. Best for budget travelers who want a Bocagrande address without resort prices. Check rates and availability Decide on a base with the neighborhoods breakdown and average hotel rates.
