5 Best Hotels in Cartagena Colombia for Every Budget

Cartagena de Indias is one of the most seductive cities in the Americas. Behind its massive colonial walls, you will find candy-colored buildings draped in bougainvillea, horse-drawn carriages clattering over cobblestones, rooftop bars with Caribbean Sea views, and a food scene that is exploding with creativity. The heat is intense, the music is everywhere, and the energy is infectious.

Whether you want to stay in the historic walled city, the trendy Getsemani neighborhood, or the modern Bocagrande district, here are five hotels that showcase the best of Cartagena.

Colorful colonial street in Cartagena with balconies covered in flowers

Widely considered the finest hotel in Cartagena, Casa San Agustin occupies a beautifully restored colonial mansion in the heart of the walled city. The 31 rooms and suites blend 17th-century architecture with contemporary design, featuring original frescoes alongside modern art. The courtyard pool is a peaceful oasis, and the restaurant serves refined Colombian cuisine. Rates start around 350 to 500 USD per night, but for a special occasion, it is absolutely worth it.

A smaller, more intimate luxury option in the San Diego quarter of the walled city, Quadrifolio has just eight suites arranged around a gorgeous courtyard with a plunge pool. The decor is a sophisticated mix of colonial grandeur and modern minimalism. The rooftop has sweeping views over the city's church domes and out to the sea. Rooms start around 250 to 350 USD per night.

In the increasingly popular Getsemani neighborhood, Casa Lola is a stylish boutique hotel with a younger, more bohemian vibe. The rooms are colorful and well-designed, the rooftop pool has great views, and the surrounding streets are filled with street art, trendy cafes, and live music venues. Getsemani is where much of Cartagena's creative energy lives these days. Rooms go for about 100 to 160 USD per night.

A charming mid-range option in the walled city, Casa del Curato is a restored colonial house with just six rooms, each named after a different Colombian region. The decor is warm and traditional, with terracotta tiles and wooden balconies. The included breakfast features fresh tropical fruits and Colombian coffee that will ruin you for any other coffee forever. Rooms start at around 80 to 120 USD per night.

Rooftop pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea in Cartagena

For budget travelers, Selina in Getsemani offers a mix of private rooms and dorms in a beautifully converted colonial building. There is a pool, coworking space, bar, and regular social events. The location is perfect for exploring both Getsemani and the walled city, which is just a five-minute walk away. Private rooms start from about 45 USD, and dorm beds from 15 USD.

A few Cartagena tips worth knowing. The heat and humidity are intense, especially between June and August. Stay hydrated, take afternoon siestas like the locals, and save your exploring for early morning and evening. Do not miss a day trip to the Rosario Islands, where you can snorkel in crystal-clear Caribbean water and eat fresh ceviche on the beach. And make sure you try the street food, especially the arepas de huevo and fresh fruit juices from the Palenqueras, the women in colorful dresses who carry fruit bowls on their heads.

Cartagena is a city that engages all your senses at once. The colors, the music, the food, the heat. It is overwhelming in the best possible way.

Ready to experience Cartagena? Let Goatodeer help you find the perfect hotel and plan an unforgettable Colombian adventure.