Where To Stay in Cartagena (+ Best Cartagena Neighborhoods) in 2023

If you’re looking for a Caribbean vacation that combines history, culture, delicious food, and stunning beaches, look no further than Cartagena, Colombia. This unique coastal city is home to an impressive historic center, gleaming modern highrises, and a unique mix of cultural elements that make it attractive to travelers worldwide.

In this ultimate guide to where to stay in Cartagena, we share everything you’ll need to know about Cartagena neighborhoods and the best hotels in Cartagena as you plan your dream trip. Cartagena has everything from boutique hotels to backpacker hostels; keep reading this guide to where to stay in Cartagena to find the right place for you.

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Where To Stay in Cartagena

Cartagena comprises dozens of unique neighborhoods, and the city is much larger than most visitors ever realize.

With its impressive historic walled city, reminiscent of other Spanish colonial cities like Old Havana, Cuba, and Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, alongside more modern neighborhoods with stunning highrise apartment buildings and luxury homes, there is something in Cartagena for every visitor.

Looking for our top recommendations for the best hotels in the city? Here are our top picks – they’re all located in charming and safe neighborhoods and will provide some of the best experiences the city has to offer.

Best Hotels in Cartagena

• Selina Cartagena ($ – $$)
• Alfiz Hotel ($$)
• Hotel Capellán de Getsemani ($$ – $$$)
• Casa Pestagua ($$$)
• Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort ($$$)

For all the nuanced details about where to stay in Cartagena and the best neighborhoods in Cartagena for travelers, keep reading for all the details!

Cartagena Neighborhoods

There is no shortage of places to stay in Cartagena. From highrise apartment rentals along the beach to charming, historic boutique hotels, you’ll have your pick of great places to stay, no matter your travel budget.

Whatever type of accommodation you’re looking for, you’ll likely want to stay in one of these popular neighborhoods in Cartagena:

• El Centro: Where to stay in Cartagena for proximity to the city’s best attractions.
• Getsemani: Where to stay in Cartagena for the city’s hippest restaurants, bars, and clubs.
• San Diego: Where to stay in Cartagena for charm, history, and a bit of peace and quiet.
• Bocagrande: Where to stay in Cartagena for modern luxury.
• Manga: Where to stay in Cartagena for backpackers, budget travelers, and digital nomads in Cartagena.

Or, consider staying a bit further outside of the city along some of Cartagena’s best beaches at a true beach resort. Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort is located just a short drive outside of the city center and offers an all-inclusive luxury experience with gourmet dining and beautiful pools and beachfront spaces for a Caribbean-like getaway.

El Centro

El Centro is where to stay in Cartagena to be in the middle of all the action. El Centro is within the walled city and is home to most of the top tourist attractions, bustling plazas, and lively streets of the Old City. Generally, you’ll find that hotel and apartment rental prices are high in this neighborhood. However, bargains do exist, even in El Centro.

Where To Stay in El Centro

Clock Hostel & Suites ($)

The Clock Hostel & Suites is our choice for the best hostel in Cartagena. Located in the heart of the historic center of Cartagena, dorm rooms offer a lot of privacy with bed “pods” and roomy lockers; plus, there are several great and affordable private rooms available. The patio offers a small pool, bar, game room, and plenty of space to kick back and relax or meet other travelers.

Reviews and Bookings: The Clock Hostel & Suites

Alfiz Hotel ($$)

Alfiz Hotel is for those looking to soak in all of Cartagena’s history in the heart of the city’s historic center. You’ll be surprised that rooms are so affordable for such a lovely boutique hotel in a lovingly restored historic building. This hotel is a gem in the most walkable part of the city, perfectly located to take advantage of everything Cartagena has to offer.

Reviews and Bookings: Alfiz Hotel

Casa Pestagua ($$$)

With the impressive historic details and modern amenities in this 18th-century colonial palace considered by some to be the most beautiful house in historic Cartagena, you’ll never want to leave Casa Pestagua. The hotel was recently renovated and is now better than ever, with delicious dining and impeccable service. This is a favorite in the city, so book well ahead if you can!

Reviews and Bookings: Casa Pestagua

Getsemaní

The neighborhood of Getsemani is where to stay in Cartagena for restaurants, bars, and a vibrant evening scene. This formerly up-and-coming neighborhood has officially arrived and is now the place to be, and it’s a more youthful, vibrant neighborhood than El Centro.

Getsemani shares a lot of the history of El Centro, and you’ll feel it and see it as you explore the neighborhood. However, filled with both backpacker hostels and luxe boutique hotels, it offers something unique as well. These are some of our favorites.

Where To Stay in Getsemaní

Selina Cartagena ($ – $$)

The popular hostel group Selina also offers dorm accommodations, private rooms, and coworking and coliving spaces for long-term travelers, making Selina Cartagena easily one of the best places to stay in Cartagena if you’re traveling on a budget. Here, you’ll find attractive and comfortable rooms, tons of activities to help you get to know Cartagena and other travelers, and an incredible rooftop terrace with a pool.

Reviews and Bookings: Selina Cartagena

Hotel Casa Lola ($$)

Hotel Casa Lola is a lovely boutique hotel with just a few rooms available for guests, and the hotel offers incredible attention to guests. You’ll love the rooftop terrace, pool, and bar and be shocked that this lovely, modern hotel is so affordable compared to similar spots in Cartagena.

Reviews and Bookings: Hotel Casa Lola

Hotel Capellán de Getsemani ($$ – $$$)

For a luxury stay in Getsemani, Hotel Capellán de Getsemani is by far the best choice. Rooms are large and comfortable, which is challenging to find in historic buildings in this charming neighborhood. You’ll love the rooftop pool, spa services, and the perfect location for exploring El Centro and Getsemani neighborhoods.

Reviews and Bookings: Hotel Capellán de Getsemani

San Diego

San Diego, located just north of El Centro, is where to stay in Cartagena for charm, history, and a bit of peace and quiet. Located within the old city walls, yet a bit off the beaten path, you’ll enjoy all the benefits and easy accessibility of El Centro without the crowds and noise.

Most places in San Diego share elevated prices, being so close to El Centro, but if you’re concerned about the hustle, bustle, and street noise of El Centro, this is an excellent compromise.

Where To Stay in San Diego

Viajero Hostel ($)

One of the most popular hostels in Cartagena, Viajero Hostel is the clear choice if you’re looking for a great time meeting other travelers. Dorm rooms are comfortable and clean – and inexpensive for Cartagena! – and the large patio and bar make socializing easy. It can get a bit noisy at times, but not overwhelmingly so.

Reviews and Bookings: Viajero Hostel

Hotel Casa Gloria ($ – $$)

Hotel Casa Gloria is the perfect spot to stay in Cartagena if you’re looking for an apartment-style stay and a bit of privacy: you’ll find standard hotel rooms alongside family rooms, suites, and apartments. You’ll also get a lot more value here than you would in a stand-alone apartment rental, with two pools, a rooftop terrace, and housekeeping and staff.

Reviews and Bookings: Hotel Casa Gloria

Hotel Quadrifolio ($$$)

For a luxury stay in a lovingly restored historic building, look no further than Hotel Quadrifolio. Rooms are stunning and spacious, and the hotel’s two pools, a rooftop terrace, and beautiful common spaces are an added bonus. On-site dining is delicious, but just steps away from the best of the Historic Center and San Diego neighborhoods, you’ll have your pick of excellent restaurants, cafes, and bars nearby.

Reviews and Bookings: Hotel Quadrifolio

Bocagrande

Bocagrande is a favorite! It’s where to stay in Cartagena for a bit of luxury and modernity. Think of high-rise apartment buildings, luxe international hotels, and stunning ocean views. Most hotels here are along the beachfront or just a few blocks from it, so if you’re planning to hit the sand while in town, this is the place for you.

Granted, the beaches in Cartagena proper aren’t as stunning as the other beautiful beaches in Colombia just a few miles away, but they’re still perfect for a relaxed beach day. These hotels in Bocagrande are some of the best.

Where To Stay in Bocagrande

Hotel Pueblito Playa ($)

The small Hotel Pueblito Playa is easily the best option if you’re looking for where to stay in Cartagena on a budget and prefer to stay by the beach! While the decor is a little outdated, the rooms are super clean and cozy, the staff friendly (delicious cooks!), and you just can’t beat being less than a block from the beach.

Reviews and Bookings: Hotel Pueblito Playa

Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel ($$)

Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel is the definition of modern and luxury along the beach in Bocagrande. This soaring, modern hotel tower offers guests all the amenities, including a massive pool deck, delicious buffets, and everything else you can imagine. Plus, beautiful views await if you request a room on an upper floor.

Reviews and Bookings: Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel

Hyatt Regency Cartagena ($$$)

The Hyatt Regency Cartagena is one of the nicest hotels in the city, and when you stay here, you can expect a perfect visit. Stunning views over the ocean and beach, excellent attention, delicious food, and a lovely pool and bar. This is a spot you won’t soon forget.

Reviews and Bookings: Hyatt Regency Cartagena

Manga

Manga is an often overlooked but excellent choice for where to stay in Cartagena for backpackers and budget travelers. Or, if you’re looking to stay in Cartagena as a digital nomad or for any more extended period, the neighborhood of Manga is a perfect and affordable choice.

One of the many upsides of staying here is that you’ll get more of a true neighborhood feel than you would elsewhere in the city. Grocery stores, markets, local food options, and great spots for people-watching abound. Here’s where to stay in Manga.

Where To Stay in Manga

San Jacinto Hostel ($)

San Jacinto Hostel is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a budget stay in Cartagena. Slightly out of the way in the Manga neighborhood, you’re still not far from the city’s major attractions but much closer to local spots to eat, grocery stores, and more, which will help you enjoy Cartagena on a budget. This place is homey, friendly, and comfortable, and you’ll enjoy staying here.

Reviews and Bookings: San Jacinto Hostel

Casa Hotel Manga Mar ($ – $$)

This small guesthouse in Manga is a great place to stay on a budget with a bit more privacy than a hostel or typical hotel. At Casa Hotel Manga Mar you’ll find a variety of room configurations for families and groups of friends traveling together. The price is great, the neighborhood is excellent, and the rooms are comfortable and clean.

Reviews and Bookings: Casa Hotel Manga Mar