Hotels in Cartagena
Most foreigners choose to stay in the historic Old Town. Midrange and expensive lodging options are found in the inner walled city, while the backpacker crowd heads to Getsemaní, the slightly dilapidated but much cheaper outer walled city. If you're looking for all-inclusive resorts, head to Capilla del Mar, Carrera 1 no. 8-12, Bocagrande (tel. 5/665-1140; www.capilladelmar.com); Americas Global Resort, Anillo Vial Sector Cielo Mar (tel. 5/656-7222; www.hotellasamericas.com.co); or the Decameron, Carrera 1 no. 10-80 Bocagrande (tel. 5/665-4400; www.decameron.com).
Cartagena is jam-packed in December and January, with tourism slowly tapering off by April. July and August are busy again because of summer break. Throughout the year, various events, notably the Miss Colombia Pageant in November, fill the city. During these times, it's wise to book your hotel ahead of time. The city can also be pretty busy during mid-October, when students have a week off. You should note most Cartagena budget hotels don't usually have hot water. With the heat and humidity, though, this shouldn't be too much of a problem.
I recommend you avoid Cartagena from mid-October through the end of November; the city often floods then, making it difficult to sightsee or head to the beach.
Inexpensive -- In addition to the Hotel El Viajero, several decent budget choices are in the Getsemaní neighborhood, the poorer, less glamorous part of Cartagena's Old Town. Even though this neighborhood isn't particularly picturesque and can get a bit seedy at night, it is popular with backpackers, and foreigners rarely encounter problems here. In addition, hotels in this area are only a 5-minute walk from the inner walled city. Don't expect hot water, however. One good option in Getsemaní is the lovely Hostal Baluarte, at Calle de la Media Luna no. 10-81 (tel. 5/664-2208). The 24 rooms are small and plain, but each is clean and well kept, and comes with a TV. A double with air-conditioning costs COL$60,000, while rooms with only a fan go for COL$35,000. You might also consider the excellent Hostal La Casona de Getsemaní, at Calle Tripita y Media Carrera 10 no. 31-32 (tel. 5/664-1301). All rooms come with en suite bathroom and cable TV, and some come with air-conditioning. Expect to pay COL$39,000 for a double without air-conditioning, COL$53,000 with air-conditioning. I prefer the hotels in this area because, compared to hotels in the inner walled and modern sections of town, you get more amenities for your money.
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- Hotel
Casa Claver Loft Boutique Hotel
An intimate, friendly, and great-value hotel with a terrific location and excellent amenities—including kitchenettes and dining rooms—Casa Claver is one of the best options in the walled city for families or longer-stay guests. The sleek, light-filled rooms—many overlooking the leafy…$Old Town
- Hotel
Casa Don Sancho
In a lovely part of town, close to Teatro de Heredia, an aristocratic aura and artistic sensibility prevails at Casa Don Sancho, named after the governor who resided here during the 17th century. The six bright rooms in soothing neutral tones balance rustic period charm with ornate…$$Just Outside Walled City - Hotel
Casa Lola
There’s nothing formulaic about this edgy, eclectic hotel at the heart of Getsemaní’s thriving cultural scene. Zen water features, vibrant foliage, flamboyant textiles, striking artworks, and finds from the well-traveled owner’s personal collection decorate every nook and cranny of…$Getsemani - Hotel
Casa Pestagua
This gorgeous boutique hotel, which occupies a magnificent 18th-century palace, marries colonial charm and modern élan with aplomb. Spacious rooms—some of the largest rooms in the walled city—ooze colonial splendor, with antiques, gilded mirrors, polished wooden floors, hand-woven…$$$Old Town - Hotel
Casa San Augustin
Despite growing competition, the 30-room Casa San Augustin, which opened in 2012, is Cartagena’s most desirable small hotel. Three 17th-century colonial mansions combine to form an exquisite and intimate space with a soothing Andalusian theme. Romantic white-on-white rooms with…$$$Old Town - Hotel
Casa San Pedro
Casa San Pedro feels rather like staying in the home of your rich aristocratic uncle. Pleasantly tucked away in the old town’s quieter San Diego district town, this Andalusian-style mansion is one of Cartagena’s most evocative hotels. Behind the colossal Roman Doric door, a…$$Old Town - Hotel
Hotel Agua
Behind a magnificent wooden doorway, this 17th-century whitewashed colonial mansion is a sophisticated labyrinth of tasteful rooms, intimate sitting areas, and outdoor spaces that triumph the art of relaxation. Beautifully appointed rooms are scattered with Colombian artworks…$$$Old Town - Hotel
Hotel Casa La Fe
If your decorative tastes sway more toward the Republican epoch than the colonial, then Casa La Fe (part of the Kali boutique hotel brand) provides a fine riff on the period’s Belle Epoque. Tiled stairways and floors, stately wooden furniture, brass lamps, gilded picture frames, and…$$Old Town - Hotel
Tcherassi Hotel & Spa
Owned by Colombian fashion designer Silvia Tcherassi, this super-stylish boutique hotel carved from a 250-year-old mansion is a perfect expression of the owner’s creative spirit. Behind a monumental studded doorway, contemporary black-and-white portraits, flamboyant furnishings,…$$$Old Town - Hotel
The Sofitel Santa Clara
There’s magic in the air at this gorgeous, faithfully restored Clarissa convent (built in 1621), which combines the soul, mystery, and colonial charm of Cartagena with the luxury, amenities, and flawless service that you would expect of a luxury resort hotel. A lush courtyard…$$$Old Town
