Choosing where to stay in Cartagena is a delightful task. The city doesn’t even seem to belong to this world.
Its colorful streets, with colonial facades and curtains of flowers, are so magical that they have inspired great names in literature, such as Gabriel García Márquez.
To experience all this magic, the best thing to do is to stay in the neighborhoods of the historic center of Cartagena de Indias. There you will be close to the city’s main attractions and enjoy everything Cartagena has to offer.
Best hotels in Cartagena de Indias
If you haven’t found your favorite option, take a look at all the accommodation options there.
Best neighborhoods to stay in Cartagena de Indias
When looking for accommodation, the best areas to stay in Cartagena de Indias are:
- Inside the Walled City
- Gethsemane
- San Diego
- Bocagrande
- Manzanillo region, close to the beaches
The walled city is a favorite place for tourists, but the offer is small and accommodation is much more expensive than average.
Getsemaní is a nearby option, also in the Historic Center, which is not lacking in charm and excitement, in addition to offering more reasonable prices, just like San Diego.
Bocagrande is the modern part, the commercial center of the city, which has several corporate and chain hotel options.
And there are also hotels close to the beaches, a less popular option, but which may appeal to some people.
See too: What to do in Cartagena de Indias
1. Walled City of Cartagena de Indias
It’s easy to choose the best place to stay in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. However, staying close to the historic center will not exactly be the most economical option for your trip.
But if you’re going to spend a few days in the charming colonial city bathed by the Caribbean Sea, this is an investment you’ll want to make.
It’s within the walls that the magic happens, and you’ll want to wake up to the atmosphere that has enchanted and inspired thousands of people from all over the world.
Find hotels in the Historic Center of Cartagena
Hotels in the Walled City of Cartagena de Indias
There are several accommodation options within the Historic Center of Cartagena de Indias. Among them are luxury hotels like the one we selected:
Those looking for something more affordable, but without losing charm, can opt for one of the several boutique hotels in the region.
Budget travelers also find their place in the center. Among the cheapest options are:
Find hotels on sale on the date of your trip
2. Budget accommodation in Cartagena: Getsemaní neighborhood
If the prices within the walls of the historic center are a bit steep for you, try looking for accommodation in the Getsemaní neighborhood.
This region is adjacent to the citadel and is not part of the walled city but is attached to it and is the most affordable area of the historic center.
There, the architecture is still colonial, but much simpler than in the neighborhoods of old Citybut none the less charming and interesting.
The colorful houses are home to bars and restaurants, as well as many hostels and bed & breakfeast hotels for backpackers and hard-core travelers. It is a picturesque and lively region, as well as very well located.
On my second visit to Cartagena, in 2018, I stayed in the Getsemaní neighborhood and fell in love with the place. The murals on the streets exude art and the cultural and nightlife leave nothing to be desired.
Hotels in Getsemani, Cartagena
Find accommodation in Getsemaní
3. San Diego
San Diego is another historic neighborhood in the city of Cartagena, Colombia. It is known for its Spanish colonial architecture and narrow, colorful streets.
It is one of Cartagena’s oldest neighborhoods and is a popular destination for tourists due to its central location and its many restaurants, shops and historical attractions.
Some of the most popular places to visit in San Diego include San Diego Square, San Pedro Claver Church, and San Felipe de Barajas Fort.
Furthermore, the neighborhood is famous for its lively nightlife, with many bars and clubs to enjoy. It is a little more expensive than Getsemaní, but cheaper than the walled city.
Find accommodation in San Diego
Hotels in San Diego, Cartagena
4. Bocagrande
Okay, but with so many historic houses that look like something from a Latin American fairy tale, where do people live and work?
Cartagena is not a small city and it also has its modern area, full of tall commercial buildings.
Bocagrande is one of these places, and there is also a lot of hotel offer there, especially international chains.
The region does not have much tourist appeal, but it is relatively close to historic areas and is well served by public transport. Despite that, has a good range of seasonal apartments for rent, if that’s what you’re looking for.
Although it is the most common option for those who travel there for work, it can be an alternative for those looking for luxury accommodation as it is outside the historic center.
Hotels in Bocagrande
Find accommodation in Bocagrande
5. Best beach to stay in Cartagena: Manzanillo
Although it is considered part of the Colombian Caribbean, the beaches are not Cartagena’s biggest attraction.
The dark water of the sea may disappoint those who associate the color turquoise blue with the word Caribbean and the area suitable for swimming is far from the historic center, which can make getting around difficult.
Still, the Manzanillo region is the best beach area to stay in Cartagena, as it is quieter and cleaner.
In addition to the beach, the neighborhood also has some local restaurants, bars and shops to enjoy.
Manzanillo is a good choice for those looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, but still want to be close to all the amenities Cartagena has to offer.
Hotels in Manzanillo
If this is your choice and if you want to have a Punta Cana experience in the heart of Colombia, an alternative is to stay at the all inclusive Estelar Grand Playa, with daily rates starting at US$300. SEE PRICES.
The hotel is far from the center, but offers free transfers to guests at different times, as well as all the amenities you would expect to find in a resort.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, it’s worth checking out El Chiringuito Hostel, a beach-style family hostel, just a few steps from the sea, with a swimming pool. Daily rates from US$27. SEE PRICES.
Find other hotels near the beach
Charming hotels in Cartagena de Indias
In Cartagena, there are countless charming hotels for you to have an unforgettable stay. See some:
How much does it cost to stay in Cartagena?
The cost of staying in Cartagena varies greatly depending on the type of accommodation you choose. Some options include:
- Hostels: prices start at US$20 per night.
- Budget hotels: prices start at US$30 per night.
- Luxury hotels: prices from US$100 per night.
- Houses and apartments for rent: prices from US$40 per night.
Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the time of year and availability. It’s always a good idea to do careful research before booking and compare different options to find the best deal.
Travel insurance for Colombia
Travel insurance is optional for Colombia, but our recommendation is that you never travel without it, because in the event of any medical emergency, theft, lost luggage or the need to interrupt your trip due to some major unforeseen event, you will be protected. .
To quote your insurance, we recommend Seguros Promo, a search engine that compares the best prices and coverage on the market and helps you find the best cost/benefit for your trip.
Click here to get your quote and use the coupon 360MERIDIANOS05 to get up to 25% off on travel insurance!
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