Where to Stay in Cartagena 2025: Colonial Hotels from $11-665 Per Night
Complete Cartagena accommodation guide 2025. From $11 colonial hostels to luxury UNESCO mansions. Old City romance, Getsemaní culture, and Caribbean charm.
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Where should I stay in Cartagena, Colombia?
The best area to stay in Cartagena, Colombia depends on your budget and interests. Old Walled City is ideal for Romance seekers and history lovers with prices around COP$300,000-1,500,000/night ($80-400). Budget travelers should consider hostels in Getsemaní (COP$40,000-100,000 ($11-27)/night), while luxury seekers will find excellent options in Bocagrande (COP$600,000-1,500,000+ ($160-400+)/night).
Related questions:
- • What's the cheapest area in Cartagena?
- • Is Cartagena safe for solo travelers?
- • When should I book hotels in Cartagena?
Essential Cartagena Accommodation Info
TL;DR: Stay in Old Walled City for first-time visitors, book 2-3 months ahead, budget COP$100,000-250,000 ($27-66)-COP$250,000-600,000 ($66-160) per night for good value.
- 1 Budget accommodation in Cartagena ranges from COP$40,000-100,000 ($11-27) for hostels to COP$100,000-250,000 ($27-66) for budget hotels
- 2 Best neighborhoods include Old Walled City, Getsemaní, Bocagrande
- 3 Book 2-3 months in advance for best rates, especially during December-April
- 4 Mid-range hotels (COP$250,000-600,000 ($66-160)) offer the best value for most travelers
- 5 Consider location carefully - staying centrally saves on transport costs
💰 Cartagena, Colombia Accommodation Prices 2025
Prices vary by season, location, and booking timing. Peak season rates can be 50-100% higher.
Cartagena, the impossible Caribbean dream where accommodation ranges from COP$40,000 ($11) colonial hostels to COP$2,500,000+ ($665+) palace suites in UNESCO World Heritage mansions, offering the most magical colonial city in the Americas where flower-draped balconies overflow with bougainvillea, horse-drawn carriages clip-clop over 500-year-old cobblestones, and tropical breezes carry the scent of frangipani through streets where Gabriel García Márquez found inspiration for his most romantic tales. This fortified Caribbean port unfolds like chapters from a fairy tale - massive Spanish ramparts that once protected treasure fleets, rainbow-colored colonial mansions with interior courtyards cooled by sea breezes, and hidden plazas where salsa rhythms echo off ancient walls under star-filled tropical skies. Whether you're staying in restored 17th-century palaces with butler service, boutique hotels in converted convents, artistic hostels steps from street musicians, or simply wandering cobblestoned alleys where every corner reveals Instagram-worthy colonial perfection, Cartagena's accommodation matches its legendary romance. I'll guide you through this Caribbean jewel to find your perfect base in 2025, where every morning promises views of turquoise sea from ancient walls, and every evening offers sunsets that paint colonial facades in colors too beautiful to believe, all wrapped in tropical warmth that makes every moment feel like living inside a love letter.
Best Cartagena Hotels by Category
👑 Ultimate Colonial Palace: Casa San Agustín
COP$1,200,000-2,500,000/night ($320-665) • 17th-century mansion with world-class luxury
Location: Old Walled City
Why it's great: Butler service, rooftop pool, luxury spa, and unmatched colonial elegance in UNESCO setting
🏰 Best Historic Luxury: Hotel Charleston Cartagena
COP$600,000-1,200,000/night ($160-320) • Colonial architecture with modern luxury amenities
Location: Old Walled City
Why it's great: Pool, spa, historic charm, and perfect Old City location for exploring
⛪ Best Boutique Colonial: Casa del Arzobispado
COP$400,000-800,000/night ($106-213) • Restored colonial mansion with intimate luxury
Location: Old Walled City
Why it's great: Courtyard pool, historic details, boutique service, and authentic colonial atmosphere
🌙 Best Colonial Hostel: Media Luna Hostel
COP$50,000-90,000/night ($13-24) • Colonial building with rooftop terrace and social vibe
Location: Old Walled City
Why it's great: Historic setting, social atmosphere, rooftop views, and unbeatable Old City location
Quick Comparison of Top Accommodations
Casa San Agustín
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
Hotel Charleston Cartagena
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
Casa del Arzobispado
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
Media Luna Hostel
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
| Accommodation | Price | Location | Features | Pros | Cons | Best For | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casa San Agustín ★ 4.5 | COP$1,200,000-2,500,000/night ($320-665) | Old Walled City | Butler servicerooftop poolluxury spaand unmatched colonial elegance in UNESCO setting |
|
| Ultimate Colonial Palace | View |
| Hotel Charleston Cartagena ★ 4.5 | COP$600,000-1,200,000/night ($160-320) | Old Walled City | Poolspahistoric charmand perfect Old City location for exploring |
|
| Historic Luxury | View |
| Casa del Arzobispado ★ 4.5 | COP$400,000-800,000/night ($106-213) | Old Walled City | Courtyard poolhistoric detailsboutique serviceand authentic colonial atmosphere |
|
| Boutique Colonial | View |
| Media Luna Hostel ★ 4.5 | COP$50,000-90,000/night ($13-24) | Old Walled City | Historic settingsocial atmosphererooftop viewsand unbeatable Old City location |
|
| Colonial Hostel | View |
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Cartagena, Colombia
🏛️Old Walled City
UNESCO colonial center with boutique hotels and luxury mansions
Best for:Romance seekers and history lovers
Average cost:COP$300,000-1,500,000/night ($80-400)
Vibe:Colonial fairy tale with Caribbean romance
Pros:
- UNESCO heritage
- Walking to everything
- Colonial luxury
- Historic atmosphere
🎨Getsemaní
Artistic neighborhood with vibrant street art and nightlife
Best for:Art lovers and nightlife seekers
Average cost:COP$150,000-500,000/night ($40-133)
Vibe:Bohemian creativity with authentic energy
Pros:
- Street art
- Local culture
- Nightlife
- Better value
🏖️Bocagrande
Modern beach district with resort-style accommodations
Best for:Beach lovers and modern comfort seekers
Average cost:COP$200,000-700,000/night ($53-186)
Vibe:Modern beach resort with urban amenities
Pros:
- Beach access
- Modern amenities
- Shopping
- Resort facilities
🏝️Rosario Islands
Tropical islands with day trip access and some accommodations
Best for:Island paradise seekers
Average cost:COP$300,000-1,000,000/night ($80-265)
Vibe:Caribbean island paradise with pristine nature
Pros:
- Pristine beaches
- Snorkeling
- Island life
- Day trip access
Staying in Old Walled City
Pros
- UNESCO heritage
- Walking to everything
- Colonial luxury
- Historic atmosphere
Cons
- Can be pricey
- Tourist crowds
- Limited parking
Staying in Getsemaní
Pros
- Street art
- Local culture
- Nightlife
- Better value
Cons
- Can be pricey
- Tourist crowds
- Limited parking
Budget Hotels & Hostels in Cartagena
Cartagena most expensive Colombian city due to UNESCO status and luxury properties. Old City premium but worth the experience. Getsemaní offers better value. Bocagrande moderate pricing. Peak season (Dec-Mar) sees dramatic price increases.
Top Hostels (COP$40,000-100,000 ($11-27)/night)
Colonial Hostels
Historic buildings, social atmosphere, cultural immersion
Beach Hostels
Beach access, modern facilities, party atmosphere
Boutique Hostels
Design focus, cultural area, better amenities
Budget Hotels (COP$100,000-250,000 ($27-66)/night)
Colonial Boutiques
Restored buildings, historic charm, central location
Beach Hotels
Beach access, pools, modern amenities, ocean views
Luxury Heritage Hotels
Palace accommodations, world-class service, UNESCO setting
When to Book: Seasonal Price Guide
Tropical Caribbean climate with year-round warmth but distinct wet/dry seasons. Dry season busiest and most expensive. Wet season still pleasant with afternoon showers. Trade winds provide cooling throughout year.
🔥 High Season: December-April
Dry season with less humidity and minimal rain. Peak tourist season with highest prices and most crowds. December-January absolute peak requiring 6+ month advance booking. Perfect weather but expect premium pricing and crowded attractions.
💰 Low Season: May-November
Wet season with afternoon showers and higher humidity but still warm (80-90°F). Significantly lower prices and fewer crowds. September-November particularly good value. Rain usually brief but heavy. Still excellent for exploration.
Essential Booking Tips for Cartagena
⚠️ Old City vs Alternative Areas
Old Walled City offers maximum colonial charm but highest prices. Getsemaní provides authentic culture with better value. Bocagrande modern comfort with beach access. Choose Old City for first visit despite cost - the UNESCO experience is unmatched. Book 6+ months ahead for peak season.
ℹ️ Colonial Heritage Experience
Many accommodations in restored 16th-17th century buildings with period details. Confirm amenities like air conditioning and WiFi. Courtyards provide natural cooling. Some rooms small due to historic constraints. Embrace the colonial character - modern hotel chains can't replicate this atmosphere.
💡 Peak Season Planning
December-January books solid 6+ months ahead with minimum stays enforced. Christmas/New Year especially crowded. Shoulder seasons (Nov/April) offer better value with good weather. Consider staying in Getsemaní or Bocagrande during peak times for availability and value.
✅ Cultural Immersion Optimization
Old City accommodations often include cultural experiences - cooking classes, historical tours, music performances. Many hotels in buildings with fascinating histories. Rooftop terraces offer sunset views over colonial rooftops. Choose properties that enhance the magical colonial experience.
Getting Around Cartagena
Cartagena's Old Walled City is completely walkable - everything within 15-20 minutes on foot over historic cobblestones. Wear comfortable shoes for uneven surfaces. Horse-drawn carriages offer romantic tours but negotiate prices first. Taxis for longer distances to Bocagrande or airport - always use official taxis or Uber. No metro or public transport within tourist areas. Walking tours excellent for discovering hidden corners and colonial details. From Rafael Núñez airport: taxis or Uber 15-20 minutes to Old City. Many hotels provide airport transfers. Getsemaní walkable from Old City (10 minutes). Bocagrande requires taxi from Old City (15 minutes). Day trips to Rosario Islands via organized tours from tourist docks. Avoid walking alone outside tourist areas after dark. Most attractions, restaurants, and nightlife within Old City walking distance. Spanish helpful but tourist areas have English speakers. Download offline maps as WiFi spotty in some historic buildings. Most importantly, embrace the slower pace - Cartagena rewards those who wander leisurely through its magical colonial streets!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cartagena Accommodation
1 Where should I stay in Cartagena?
Old Walled City for maximum colonial charm and luxury - walking distance to everything but most expensive. Getsemaní for artistic vibe and nightlife with better value. Bocagrande for modern beach hotels. Choose Old City for first visit despite higher prices. Book well ahead for peak season.
2 What makes Cartagena accommodation special?
Restored colonial mansions from 16th-17th centuries turned into luxury hotels. Many feature courtyards, balconies, and period details. UNESCO World Heritage setting. Several world-class luxury properties. Unique combination of colonial architecture, Caribbean beaches, and tropical atmosphere.
3 When is the best time to visit Cartagena?
December-April is dry season with less humidity but highest prices. July-August also good. Avoid September-November rainy season. Year-round tropical heat (80-90°F). Trade winds provide some cooling. December-January peak season requires advance booking.
4 Is Cartagena safe for tourists?
Tourist areas very safe, especially Old City which is well-patrolled. Getsemaní generally safe but use caution at night. Don't venture far outside tourist zones alone. Petty crime possible - secure valuables. Hotels provide current safety advice. Much safer than other Colombian cities.
5 How do I get around Cartagena?
Old City completely walkable on foot - everything within walking distance. Taxis for longer distances or airport. Horse carriages for romantic tours. Avoid walking outside tourist areas after dark. No metro or public transport in center. Most attractions accessible on foot from Old City accommodations.
Where should I stay in Cartagena?
What makes Cartagena accommodation special?
When is the best time to visit Cartagena?
Is Cartagena safe for tourists?
How do I get around Cartagena?
Final Thoughts
Cartagena doesn't just meet expectations of colonial Caribbean perfection - it surpasses every romantic fantasy with beauty so overwhelming it feels stolen from dreams where impossible colors exist and time moves to salsa rhythms rather than clocks. This is accommodation inside fairy tales: sleeping in 400-year-old palaces where Spanish viceroys once planned conquests, waking to flower-scented courtyards cooled by Caribbean breezes, exploring cobblestoned streets where every balcony drips with bougainvillea and every plaza echoes with music that seems composed by tropical angels. Your accommodation choice determines your Cartagena story - luxury colonial mansions for ultimate romance, boutique hotels for historic immersion, artistic hostels for cultural connection, or modern beach properties for contemporary comfort. The city rewards with moments of pure magic: sunset views from ancient ramparts while ship bells echo across turquoise waters, discovering hidden courtyards where time stopped centuries ago, dancing to street musicians whose rhythms capture Caribbean soul. Yes, it's expensive during peak season. Yes, crowds can overwhelm popular areas. Yes, some tourist traps exist. But Cartagena delivers experiences impossible elsewhere - where else can you sleep in UNESCO-listed mansions, wake to horse carriage sounds on colonial cobblestones, and feel transported to centuries when pirates and conquistadors shared these same magical streets? Pack light summer clothes, romantic spirit, and sense of wonder. Welcome to the most beautiful colonial city in the Americas!
Helpful Resources
About the Author
Isabella Rodriguez
Born in Buenos Aires and raised across Latin America, Isabella brings 15 years of travel writing experience to WanderTheWorld. Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, she specializes in uncovering authentic South American experiences beyond the tourist trail. When not exploring new neighborhoods in Lima or sipping wine in Mendoza, she's teaching tango in her adopted home of Montevideo.
