Cartagena’s accommodation scene covers everything from sleek business hotels on the waterfront to family-run guesthouses in the Old Town and resort-style apartments out at La Manga. The city centre is compact and walkable, so your choice of area matters more for atmosphere and amenities than for proximity to sights. Here’s where to stay in Cartagena, broken down by district with specific hotel recommendations at each budget level. For more, read our Cartagena travel tips guide.
Where to Stay in Cartagena: Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
The Old Town is the most convenient place to stay in Cartagena, putting you within a 5-minute walk of the Roman Theatre, Calle Mayor, and the best tapas bars. Streets are pedestrianised in the core, and the area is flat and accessible. This is where you will find the highest concentration of hotels, from 4-star business properties to simple hostales. The main trade-off is that some streets can be noisy on weekend nights due to the bar scene around Plaza San Francisco. For more, read our Cartagena neighborhoods guide.
Suggested Hotels in the Old Town
Sercotel Carlos III
A 4-star hotel in a restored 19th-century building on Calle Carlos III, a quiet street 3 minutes from Calle Mayor. Modern rooms with parquet floors, a rooftop terrace with city views, and a good breakfast buffet with local Murcian products. Best for couples wanting a central, comfortable base with character. Check rates and availability
NH Campo Cartagena
A reliable 4-star chain property in a modern building near the Plaza de Espana, on the border between the Old Town and Ensanche. Rooms are larger than average for the city centre, and the hotel has a small fitness room and secure parking (a plus in Cartagena). Best for business travellers and those arriving by car who need parking. Check rates and availability
Posadas De Espana Cartagena
A modern 3-star hotel on the edge of an industrial estate about 2km from the city centre. Clean, functional rooms with free parking and an on-site restaurant serving affordable Spanish food. It’s a practical budget choice for road trippers who don’t mind a 5-minute drive or 25-minute walk to the Old Town. Best for budget-conscious travellers with a car. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay in Cartagena: Port and Waterfront
The waterfront district stretches along the Muelle de Alfonso XII from the cruise terminal to the yacht marina. It’s quieter than the Old Town at night, with harbour-view rooms and easy access to the Naval Museum and ARQUA. This area is especially convenient for cruise passengers with an overnight stay. For more, read our Cartagena events and festivals guide.
Suggested Hotels near the Port
AC Hotel Cartagena by Marriott
A stylish 4-star hotel directly on the waterfront with floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobby overlooking the marina. Rooms are modern and well-insulated against street noise, and the rooftop pool (seasonal, June-September) is a rare find in central Cartagena. Superior rooms on upper floors have private terraces with harbour views. Best for couples and business travellers wanting a premium waterfront stay. Check rates and availability
Hotel Los Habaneros
A mid-range 3-star hotel on Calle San Diego, equidistant from the port and the Old Town. Family-run with attentive service, a decent on-site restaurant, and a small rooftop terrace. Rooms are straightforward but well-maintained, and the location works for both sightseeing and port access. Best for families and travellers wanting a good-value central option. Check rates and availability
Pension Balcones Azules
A simple, clean guesthouse in a traditional building 5 minutes from the port. Rooms are basic but air-conditioned, with private bathrooms in most units. The owner speaks good English and provides useful local recommendations. Best for solo travellers and backpackers wanting a no-frills central stay. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay in Cartagena: La Manga and Beach Resorts
If your main priority is beach time and you are happy to drive 25 minutes to see Cartagena’s historical sites, La Manga and the surrounding coastal developments offer resort-style accommodation. The area has two distinct sides: the calm, shallow Mar Menor and the open Mediterranean. Most properties are apartment-style with kitchenettes, making them practical for families. For more, read our things to do in Cartagena guide.
Suggested Hotels in La Manga
Hotel Los Delfines
A 4-star beachfront resort on the Mediterranean side of La Manga with direct beach access, two outdoor pools, tennis courts, and an all-inclusive option. Rooms are spacious and many have sea views. The buffet restaurant covers international and Spanish cuisine. Best for families wanting a self-contained beach resort holiday. Check rates and availability
Hotel Entremares
A mid-range aparthotel on the Mar Menor side of La Manga, with studio and one-bedroom apartments featuring kitchenettes and balconies overlooking the lagoon. The shallow, warm water right outside makes it ideal for families with young children. There’s a pool, a kid’s club in summer, and a supermarket across the street. Best for families wanting self-catering convenience on the calm lagoon. Check rates and availability
Hotel Mangalan
A budget-friendly hotel on the Mar Menor side with simple rooms and a swimming pool. It’s a 5-minute walk from the beach and surrounded by casual restaurants and bars. No frills, but the price is hard to beat for a beach-adjacent stay in high season. Best for budget beach holidaymakers who plan to eat out. Check rates and availability See our best time to visit Cartagena guide for more details. Check our Cartagena weather by month guide for month-by-month climate data.
