Hotel Casa San Agustin leads with a 9.7 rating and a 9.9 location score inside the Walled City. For a quieter beachfront stay, Cartagena, gran experiencia frente al mar scores a 9.9 overall with direct sea access in Manzanillo.
Cartagena’s heat hits different when your hotel pool is a rooftop escape. Here are 20 places to stay that actually deliver on the city’s promise.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed over 4,000 verified reviews across 20 properties in Cartagena to compile this list, focusing on cleanliness, location, and guest satisfaction scores.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Best for Walled City immersion: #2 Hotel Casona del Porvenir→ Rates
#11 Hotel Casa San Agustin→ Rates - Best beachfront apartments: #20 Cartagena, gran experiencia→ Rates
- Best for budget travelers: #3 Life is Good Cartagena Hostel→ Rates
- Best for families: #1 OZ Hotel Collection→ Rates
- Best luxury boutique: #8 Casa Pestagua Relais Châteaux→ Rates
- Best for couples (adults-only): #9 Amarla Boutique Hotel Cartagena→ Rates
Editor’s Note on Booking: We use smart routing to find you the best available rates. Clicking our availability buttons checks live pricing across trusted platforms to ensure you secure your stay.
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Quick Compare: Top Places To Stay
| Property | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OZ Hotel Collection | (1500+ Reviews) |
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| 2. Hotel Casona del Porvenir | (1050+ Reviews) |
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| 3. Life is Good Cartagena Hostel | (700+ Reviews) |
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| 4. Hotel Casa La Fe | (550+ Reviews) |
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| 5. Posada La Fe | (500+ Reviews) |
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| 6. Hotel Casa Don Luis by Faranda Boutique, a member of Radisson | (350+ Reviews) |
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| 7. Aqui me quedo | (300+ Reviews) |
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| 8. Casa Pestagua Relais Châteaux | (250+ Reviews) |
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| 9. Amarla Boutique Hotel Cartagena | (250+ Reviews) |
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| 10. Casa palma Cartagena de Indias, Colombia | (200+ Reviews) |
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| 11. Hotel Casa San Agustin | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 12. Hermoso apartamento (Edificio Morros Epic) | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 13. Apto en Morros Epic Cartagena | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 14. Caminando hacia la playa | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 15. Hermoso apartamento en la playa | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 16. Murano centro 1 – 25 Floor byIMZ | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 17. Bocagrande cerca del mar | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 18. Encantador Apartamento El Laguito Bocagrande | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 19. Cómodo apartamento con vista al mar y a las piscinas | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 20. Cartagena, gran experiencia frente al mar | (50+ Reviews) |
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Detailed Reviews: Best Places to Stay in Cartagena, Colombia — From the Walled City to the Beach
1. OZ Hotel Collection
The Vibe
Family-friendly hotel in Bocagrande with a rooftop swimming pool that overlooks the Caribbean. The sea views from the rooms are a genuine draw, and the 9.5 location score puts you steps from the beach strip and local restaurants. This is Cartagena without the cobblestone hassle.
What You Actually Get
Each room comes with air-conditioning, a private bathroom, a work desk, and a minibar — plus free WiFi that actually works. The rooftop pool is the main event, but the spa facilities, fitness centre, and sun terrace are solid extras. The on-site restaurant and bar mean you don’t have to wander far for dinner. Breakfast is a buffet-style spread. Note that the property has a strict no-hen, no-stag policy, so expect a calm atmosphere.
Choose this if: you want a reliable, amenity-rich hotel in a convenient beach-adjacent neighborhood with family-friendly vibes.
2. Hotel Casona del Porvenir
The Vibe
This is Centro living at its finest. With a 9.9 location score in the real heart of Cartagena, you’re between the plazas and the cathedral within minutes. The 5-star colonial hotel wraps around a swimming pool with a view, and the sun terrace is a quiet spot after the midday heat fades.
What You Actually Get
Five-star comfort that doesn’t feel stiff. The rooms are elegant, the spa is proper, and the pool actually has a view over the colonial rooftops. The restaurant serves Caribbean cuisine and covers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets — rare for the Walled City. Free WiFi, 24-hour front desk, and private check-in/out make the logistics painless. The breakfast spread includes continental, American, and buffet options, and they’ll pack a breakfast to go if you’re heading out early.
Choose this if: you want to wake up inside the Walled City’s historic center and walk everywhere.
3. Life is Good Cartagena Hostel
The Vibe
Getsemani’s best-rated hostel packs a lot into a historic building. The 9.8 location score puts you in the best-rated area of Cartagena, with a hot tub on the sun terrace and a restaurant-bar that draws both guests and walk-ins. It’s social without being a party hostel.
What You Actually Get
Private rooms with air-conditioning and hot water in the bathrooms (a real plus in Cartagena’s humidity). The sun terrace and outdoor seating area are where people hang, and the picnic spots in the courtyard are a nice touch. The on-site restaurant serves continental and vegetarian-friendly breakfast with grab-and-go options. Free WiFi is standard. The historic building means charm but also narrower staircases — pack light if you’re on an upper floor.
Choose this if: you’re a solo traveler or budget backpacker who wants a vibrant base in Getsemani without sacrificing comfort.
4. Hotel Casa La Fe
The Vibe
A charming republican house dripping with flowering plants, tucked into the historic centre. The rooftop pool and sun terrace overlook the Cartagena skyline, and the 9.8 location score means you’re near Plaza de la Trinidad and the best Getsemani bars. Guests consistently praise the very comfy beds.
What You Actually Get
The hotel is set in a restored republican house, and the flowering plants make the courtyard feel cooler than the street outside. Rooms have air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and flat-screen TVs. The rooftop pool is small but refreshing — a quick dip after walking the city walls works well. Bocagrande Beach is about a 5-minute drive, and San Felipe Castle is a 20-minute walk. Breakfast is vegetarian or American-style.
Choose this if: you want a quiet, character-filled stay in the historic center with easy access to Getsemani nightlife.
5. Posada La Fe
The Vibe
A small bed and breakfast on Callejón Ancho — a walking street in Getsemani that cars can’t access. The plunge pool is shallow but perfect for cooling down, and the 9.4 location score puts you 700 metres from the Gold Museum and San Felipe Castle. Couples particularly rate this one.
What You Actually Get
Each room is air-conditioned with a flat-screen TV and satellite channels. The private bathrooms are clean and well-maintained. The plunge pool is more of a dip pool — great for a quick cool-off but not for laps. The property is on a pedestrian-only street, so you’ll need to walk a block to a main road for taxi or Uber pickup. Breakfast is American-style. The very comfy beds are a recurring guest highlight.
Choose this if: you’re a couple looking for an intimate B&B with a plunge pool in a pedestrian-friendly pocket of Getsemani.
6. Hotel Casa Don Luis by Faranda Boutique, a member of Radisson
The Vibe
A Radisson boutique property in a historic building in Centro. The 9.8 location score is excellent, and the hot tub, fitness centre, and year-round outdoor pool are solid amenities for a property in the Walled City. The sun terrace is a good spot for afternoon reading.
What You Actually Get
Rooms come with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and balconies — some overlook the internal courtyard. The hot tub and fitness centre are well-maintained. Bicycle rental is available for exploring the city walls and nearby plazas. The property allows assistance dogs, guide dogs, and one emotional support animal at no charge. Check-out is a generous 13:00, giving you an extra morning to explore.
Choose this if: you want a reliable boutique experience with a well-known brand backing and bike-friendly exploration.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hotel Casa Don Luis by Faranda Boutique, a member of Radisson →
7. Aqui me quedo
The Vibe
A homestay in the Crespo neighborhood, close to the airport and offering private on-site parking — rare for Cartagena. The 9.7 location score reflects its walkability to the airport area, and the garden terrace is a quiet retreat. This is less touristy and more local living.
What You Actually Get
Family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and free WiFi. Each room has a work desk, wardrobe, and tiled floors. The garden and terrace are shared spaces, and the outdoor dining area is where guests eat breakfast. Paid on-site parking and a paid shuttle service are available — useful if you’re arriving by car or need an early airport run. Check-in starts at 7 AM, unusually early.
Choose this if: you have a car or need very early check-in and want a homestay experience near the airport.
8. Casa Pestagua Relais Châteaux
The Vibe
An 18th-century aristocratic mansion with 11 exclusive suites, rooftop hydromassage tub, and a level of service that justifies the Relais Châteaux badge. The 9.9 location score places you on Santo Domingo street, the heart of Centro. Caviar, chocolate, and wine are on the menu.
What You Actually Get
Eleven suites, each individually decorated in a classical style — think high ceilings, colonial-era furnishings, and modern bathrooms. The rooftop hydromassage tub is the prime spot. The hotel arranges personalized tours to Cartagena, the Baru Islands, and the Totumo Mud Volcano. Breakfast is vegetarian, vegan, or American-style. The property has a 24-hour front desk and offers parking.
Choose this if: you want a luxury, ultra-boutique stay in a historic mansion with personalized concierge service.
9. Amarla Boutique Hotel Cartagena
The Vibe
A perfect 10.0 location score in Centro, adults-only, and housed in a historic building. The rooftop pool is small but intimate, and the garden terrace is where you’ll have breakfast. This is for couples who want peace, quiet, and a romantic atmosphere within walking distance of everything.
What You Actually Get
All rooms have air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and balconies. The minibar is stocked, and free WiFi is strong. The on-site restaurant and bar serve breakfast and evening drinks. Check-in closes at 22:00, so plan your arrival accordingly. If you’re booking 3 rooms or more, special conditions apply and payment is required via bank transfer before arrival. The property provides a quiet, adults-only sanctuary from Cartagena’s heat.
Choose this if: you’re a couple seeking a romantic, adults-only boutique in the absolute center of the Walled City.
10. Casa palma Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
The Vibe
A homestay in La Boquilla with an indoor swimming pool and shared kitchen. Free private parking is available on-site. This feels more like a rental apartment than a hotel — suited for families or groups who want space and don’t need daily housekeeping.
What You Actually Get
Family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, free WiFi, a kitchenette, TV, and dining area. The indoor swimming pool is a year-round bonus, and there’s a sun terrace and outdoor seating area. The shared kitchen and lounge are available for guests who want to cook. Private entrance adds a layer of privacy. Check-in is a tight 15:00–18:00 window, so you must coordinate your arrival.
Choose this if: you’re traveling as a family and want a homestay with kitchen facilities and an indoor pool in La Boquilla.
Check Tonight’s Price for Casa palma Cartagena de Indias, Colombia →
11. Hotel Casa San Agustin
The Vibe
The highest-rated hotel on this list at 9.7, set in a restored colonial house with a library and meeting room. The outdoor pool is set in a leafy courtyard, and the 9.9 location score on Calle de la Universidad is prime Centro real estate. Guests consistently praise the very comfy beds.
What You Actually Get
Rooms decorated in Colonial style with iPod docking stations, LCD TVs, and minibars. Some rooms overlook the internal courtyard and pool. The library is a quiet spot away from the heat. Continental breakfast is included, with vegetarian and vegan options available. The 16% VAT applies unless you’re a tourist with qualifying visa types. The colonial architecture means some rooms have high ceilings — request one if possible.
Choose this if: you want the highest-rated hotel in Centro with a pool, library, and exceptional beds.
12. Hermoso apartamento con todas las comodidades acceso directo a la playa ubicado en el edificio Morros Epic
The Vibe
Direct beachfront access at the Morros Epic building in La Boquilla. The private beach area and swimming pool are the main draws. La Boquilla Beach is a few steps away, and the airport is 8 km down the road. This is a full apartment setup for beach lovers.
What You Actually Get
A fully equipped apartment with direct beach access. The building has a swimming pool and the apartment comes with a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and living area. Free private parking is included. Pets are allowed. Check-in is between 15:00 and 18:00, and you must inform the property of your arrival time in advance. The 9.7 location score is specific to the beachfront area.
Choose this if: you want a private apartment on the beach with parking and the flexibility to bring your pet.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hermoso apartamento con todas las comodidades acceso directo a la →
13. Apto en Morros Epic Cartagena
The Vibe
Another Morros Epic apartment, this one with a 1-minute walk to La Boquilla Beach. The recently renovated unit has one bedroom and Caribbean Sea views from the sun terrace. The seasonal outdoor swimming pool is a bonus.
What You Actually Get
A spacious, recently renovated one-bedroom apartment with direct beachfront access. The kitchen is fully equipped, and the living room is comfortable for two guests. Free private parking is on-site. The seasonal outdoor pool is open during the warmer months. Check-in runs until midnight, which is more flexible than many apartments. The 9.5 location score reflects the La Boquilla beach proximity.
Choose this if: you want a recently renovated beachfront apartment with late check-in options in La Boquilla.
14. Caminando hacia la playa
The Vibe
Bocagrande beachfront with an infinity swimming pool and direct sea views. The 9.7 location score places you on Carrera 1, the main beach road. The infinity pool is the highlight — it blends into the Caribbean horizon.
What You Actually Get
A spacious one-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a comfortable living room. Free WiFi is strong. The infinity pool is shared with the building and is the main attraction. Free private parking is included. The apartment has direct beachfront access — walk out of the building and you’re on the sand.
Choose this if: you want a Bocagrande apartment with an infinity pool and direct beach access.
15. Hermoso apartamento en la playa
The Vibe
Another La Boquilla beachfront apartment, this one with two bedrooms and a swimming pool with a view. The 9.6 location score makes it one of the best-positioned in the area. Good for a small group or family wanting direct beach access.
What You Actually Get
Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a living room with air-conditioning throughout. The kitchenette is equipped for basic cooking. The pool view from the terrace is the main feature. A damage deposit of COP 100,000 is required on arrival via cash, refunded at check-out. No hen or stag parties allowed. Check-in runs until 9 PM.
Choose this if: you’re a small group or family wanting a two-bedroom apartment with direct beach access in La Boquilla.
16. Murano centro 1 – 25 Floor byIMZ
The Vibe
A high-rise apartment on the 25th floor in El Cabrero, offering panoramic views of the city and Caribbean. The building has a rooftop swimming pool, spa facilities, fitness centre, and sun terrace. This is for travelers who want modern high-rise living in Cartagena.
What You Actually Get
Two bedrooms and three bathrooms — rare for an apartment rental. The living room has a sofa bed and dining area, sleeping up to 4 guests. An additional charge of COP 150,000 applies per adult beyond the maximum occupancy of 4. The rooftop pool and spa are shared with the building. Free WiFi and free private parking are included. Check-in runs until 11:30 PM.
Choose this if: you want a high-floor apartment with city views and building-wide spa facilities in El Cabrero.
Check Tonight’s Price for Murano centro 1 – 25 Floor byIMZ →
17. Bocagrande cerca del mar
The Vibe
Direct beachfront access in Bocagrande with a 9.8 location score — one of the highest on this list. The outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace are standard, but the sea views from the apartment are the real selling point.
What You Actually Get
The apartment includes air-conditioning, a kitchenette, a private bathroom, and a dining area. TV and free toiletries are provided. Pets are allowed. Quiet hours are enforced between 8 PM and 8 AM — no late-night noise. Check-in is a tight 15:00–16:00 window, so you must arrive in that hour. No hen or stag parties are allowed.
Choose this if: you want a quiet, pet-friendly beachfront apartment in Bocagrande with strict noise limits.
18. Encantador Apartamento El Laguito Bocagrande
The Vibe
An apartment in the Laguito area of Bocagrande with sea views and a year-round outdoor swimming pool. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom layout is ideal for couples or small families who want the Bocagrande beach lifestyle.
What You Actually Get
Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, and a fully equipped kitchenette. The garden and terrace are shared spaces, and the year-round outdoor pool is the main amenity. Free WiFi and free private parking are included. Pets are allowed. The property is in the Edificio Cristoforo Colombo building — a known landmark in Laguito. Check-in runs until midnight.
Choose this if: you want a pet-friendly apartment in the quieter Laguito pocket of Bocagrande with a reliable pool.
Check Tonight’s Price for Encantador Apartamento El Laguito Bocagrande →
19. Cómodo apartamento con vista al mar y a las piscinas
The Vibe
La Boquilla beachfront with a private beach area and a year-round outdoor swimming pool. The recently renovated apartment offers sea views from both bedrooms. This is a dedicated beach vacation setup.
What You Actually Get
Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a living room — recently renovated and spacious. Air-conditioning throughout. The private beach area is a section of the complex’s beachfront, less crowded than the public beach. A wristband supplement of COP 17,850 per person per stay is not included in the booking price. Free private parking is available. Check-out runs until noon.
Choose this if: you want a recently renovated beachfront apartment with a dedicated private beach area in La Boquilla.
Check Tonight’s Price for Cómodo apartamento con vista al mar y a las piscinas →
20. Cartagena, gran experiencia frente al mar a 20 minutos del centro histórico y 13 minutos del aeropuerto
The Vibe
The highest-rated property on this list at 9.9, with a matching 9.9 location score in Manzanillo. Direct beachfront access, a sauna, a year-round outdoor pool, and a lush garden. Manzanillo Beach is a 19-minute walk away. This is a beachfront apartment that rivals luxury hotel experiences.
What You Actually Get
The apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and living area. The building has a year-round outdoor swimming pool, sauna, and garden. Free private parking is included. The location is 20 minutes from the historic center and 13 minutes from the airport — a strategic spot for beach lovers who still want Centro access. Check-in runs from 3 PM to 7 PM, and you must inform the property of your arrival time in advance.
Choose this if: you want the best-rated beachfront apartment in Cartagena with sauna access and proximity to both the airport and OLD CITY.
Check Tonight’s Price for Cartagena, gran experiencia frente al mar a 20 minutos del centro →
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#11 Hotel Casa San Agustin
The highest-rated hotel at 9.7 with a 9.9 location score in Centro, comfy beds, and a colonial pool courtyard.
💰 Best Value
#3 Life is Good Cartagena Hostel
A 9.2 rating, 9.8 location score in Getsemani, and a hot tub — all at a fraction of hotel prices.
🏖️ Best Beach Access
#20 Cartagena, gran experiencia frente al mar
A perfect 9.9 overall rating with direct beach access, sauna, and only 13 minutes from the airport.
Check Tonight’s Price for Cartagena, gran experiencia frente al mar a 20 minutos del centro →
How We Ranked These Cartagena Hotels
We evaluated 20 properties across Cartagena’s key areas — Centro, Getsemani, Bocagrande, La Boquilla, and Manzanillo — using verified guest data and location analysis. Only properties with 50+ reviews and an 8.0+ overall rating made the cut.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 8.0+ overall and 50+ verified reviews
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized location, cleanliness, and value — the categories that drive repeat bookings
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities (pools, kitchens, parking) against guest review patterns
- Location signals: Proximity to Walled City attractions, beach access, and airport convenience for strategic positioning
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there hotels in the Walled City with good pools?
Yes — several. Hotel Casa San Agustin (#11) has an outdoor pool in a leafy courtyard with a 9.7 rating. Amarla Boutique Hotel Cartagena (#9) offers an adults-only rooftop pool with a perfect 10.0 location score. Hotel Casa La Fe (#4) has a rooftop pool overlooking the skyline. If you want a larger pool, the OZ Hotel Collection (#1) in Bocagrande has a rooftop swimming pool with sea views.
Which Cartagena hotels offer free cancellation?
Cancellation policies vary by property and booking date. Most hotels on this list offer flexible cancellation options, but we recommend checking the specific terms during booking. Properties like Hotel Casona del Porvenir (#2) and Casa Pestagua Relais Châteaux (#8) often have flexible rates. Always verify the cancellation deadline before confirming — many properties
What’s the best area to stay in Cartagena for first-time visitors?
Centro (the Walled City) is ideal for first-timers — you’re steps from the cathedral, plazas, and restaurants. Properties like Hotel Casona del Porvenir (#2) with a 9.9 location score and Hotel Casa San Agustin (#11) are top picks. Getsemani is a more vibrant, budget-friendly alternative with excellent hostels like Life is Good Cartagena Hostel (#3). Bocagrande suits beach lovers who want modern high-rises and direct sea access.
How do I get from Rafael Núñez International Airport to my hotel?
Taxis from CTG airport to Centro or Getsemani cost around COP 20,000–30,000 and take 15–20 minutes. For hotels in Bocagrande or Crespo, the ride is shorter. Properties like Aqui me quedo (#7) in Crespo offer a paid shuttle service — arrange it 24 hours in advance. For apartment rentals in La Boquilla or Manzanillo like Cartagena, gran experiencia (#20), the airport is only 13 minutes away, making taxis the most convenient option.
Are pets allowed at these Cartagena hotels?
It varies. Hotel Casa Don Luis by Faranda Boutique (#6) allows assistance dogs, guide dogs, and one emotional support animal at no charge. Several apartments — Hermoso apartamento en el edificio Morros Epic (#12), Bocagrande cerca del mar (#17), and Encantador Apartamento El Laguito Bocagrande (#18) — allow pets. Most hotels in Centro, including Hotel Casona del Porvenir (#2) and Casa Pestagua (#8), do not mention pets in their policy, so check directly before booking.
What’s the best time to visit Cartagena?
December to April is the dry season with the most sunshine and least humidity — peak tourist season. May to November sees more rain but fewer crowds and lower rates. If you’re booking an apartment with a seasonal pool like Apto en Morros Epic (#13), confirm the pool’s operating months. The Cartagena heat is intense year-round, but properties with rooftop pools like OZ Hotel Collection (#1) or air-conditioning throughout make any season comfortable.