Choosing where to stay in Cartagena can completely shape your experience of the city. Want to wake up inside a colorful colonial town? Prefer beach views? Want nightlife at your doorstep? Cartagena has neighborhoods for every mood and every style of traveler.

This guide covers the best areas to stay in Cartagena, plus hotel recommendations for luxury, midrange, and budget travelers — all based on firsthand experience and real traveler feedback.

Whether you’re visiting for beaches, culture, romance, or nightlife, here’s how to choose the perfect base for your Cartagena trip.

⭐ Best Areas to Stay in Cartagena (Quick Summary)

Let’s dive into each area.

🟡 1. Centro Histórico (Walled City) — Best for First-Time Visitors

If it’s your first time in Cartagena, this is the place to stay.

The Walled City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of:

• Multicolored colonial mansions

• Flower-filled balconies

• Cobblestone streets

• Boutiques and cafés

• Historic landmarks

• Plazas full of life

It’s the most atmospheric part of Cartagena and the most walkable.

Why Stay Here?

• Close to all major attractions

• Safe, lively, and picturesque

• Endless restaurants and cafés

• Great for couples and photographers

Downside

Hotels are pricier due to demand.

Best Hotels in Centro Histórico

⭐ Luxury

• Hotel Casa San Agustín — often ranked the best boutique hotel in Colombia. Colonial mansion, stunning pool, exceptional service.
• Sofitel Legend Santa Clara — former convent turned into a world-class luxury resort.

⭐ Midrange

• Casa Claver Loft Boutique Hotel — rooftop pool + spacious rooms.
• Casa India Catalina — charming décor, great value, perfect location.

⭐ Budget

• Santuario Getsemaní Hostel (near the edge of the Walled City)
• Casa Movida Hostal — stylish, clean, great breakfast.

🟡 2. San Diego — A Quieter, Stylish Part of the Old City

San Diego is technically part of the Walled City but feels calmer and more refined.

Expect:

• Chic boutique hotels

• Beautiful plazas

• Art galleries

• Stunning architecture

It’s quieter than Centro, making it ideal if you want beauty without the crowds.

Why Stay Here?

• Colonial charm with fewer tourists

• Beautiful boutique accommodations

• Close to beaches and city walls

Downside

Limited nightlife.

Best Hotels in San Diego

⭐ Luxury

• Hotel Quadrifolio — historic mansion, small and intimate.
• Movich Cartagena de Indias — amazing rooftop views.

⭐ Midrange

• Bantu Hotel by Faranda — tropical, colorful, fantastic design.
• Casa La Fe — colonial style with a great pool.

⭐ Budget

• República Hostel Cartagena — social but quiet at night.
• Viajero Cartagena — central, modern, and traveler-friendly.

🟡 3. Getsemaní — Best for Budget Travelers & Nightlife

Getsemaní is Cartagena’s hip, artistic neighborhood — once gritty, now vibrant and full of murals, cafés, street food, and independent bars.

If you want Cartagena’s coolest neighborhood with tons of character, this is it.

Why Stay Here?

• Affordable hotels and hostels

• Amazing street art

• Great nightlife and food

• Authentic local vibe

Downside

Can be loud at night near Plaza Trinidad.

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Best Hotels in Getsemaní

⭐ Luxury

Getsemaní isn’t the luxury zone, but:
• Casa Lola Deluxe Gallery Hotel — boho-chic, rooftop pools, excellent design.

⭐ Midrange

• Hotel Capellán de Getsemaní — a favorite for stylish comfort.
• Casa Canabal Hotel Boutique — two pools and gorgeous architecture.

⭐ Budget

• Life is Good Hostel — clean, modern, rooftop.
• Hostal Callejón Tripita — friendly staff, colorful décor.

🟡 4. Bocagrande — Best for Beaches & Modern Comfort

If you prefer a beachfront, modern experience, Bocagrande is Cartagena’s “mini Miami.”

Expect:

• High-rise hotels

• Big beaches

• Shopping malls

• International restaurants

It’s ideal for families, beach travelers, and anyone who wants a modern, convenient base.

Why Stay Here?

• You can walk straight to the beach

• Great for families

• Modern hotels with amenities

• Close to the Walled City (10 min by taxi)

Downside

Not the most authentic Cartagena experience.

Best Hotels in Bocagrande

⭐ Luxury

• Hyatt Regency Cartagena — infinity pools, ocean views, amazing service.
• Estelar Cartagena de Indias — polished, modern, great value.

⭐ Midrange

• Hotel Capilla del Mar — beachfront, well-known classic.
• Holiday Inn Express Bocagrande — consistent comfort.

⭐ Budget

• Oz Hotel — stylish and inexpensive.
• Hotel Playa Club — beachfront budget option.

🟡 5. Castillogrande — Quiet, Upscale & Local

Castillogrande is a peaceful peninsula next to Bocagrande, perfect if you want:

• Safe, quiet streets

• Clean beaches

• Residential vibes

• Good jogging paths and parks

It’s a favorite among long-term travelers and digital nomads.

Why Stay Here?

• Calm and safe

• Kid-friendly beaches

• Upscale and clean

Downside

Fewer restaurants and nightlife compared to Bocagrande.

Best Hotels in Castillogrande

Most accommodations are apartments, but great picks include:

• Hotel Regatta House — modern, well-located, great value.
• Casa Román — boutique vibe with personalized service.

🟡 6. Laguito — Best for Relaxed Beachfront Views

Laguito is a pocket of Bocagrande located near the lake and Hilton. It’s more relaxed and ideal if you want:

• Great sunsets

• Lots of apartment-style rentals

• Easy beach access

• A chilled local vibe

Why Stay Here?

• Affordable ocean-view apartments

• Peaceful atmosphere

• Great beach walks

Downside

Not as central as Bocagrande.

Best Hotels in Laguito

• Hilton Cartagena — private beach, pools, everything you need.
• Hotel Dann Cartagena — beachfront rooms, great value.

🟡 7. Rosario Islands or Tierra Bomba — Best for Beach Resorts

If your main goal is beach, relaxation, and turquoise Caribbean water, consider staying on an island.

Best for:

• Honeymooners

• Couples

• Wellness trips

• Getaways away from city noise

Downside

You’ll need a boat to reach Cartagena.

Best Island Resorts

⭐ Rosario Islands

• Hotel San Pedro de Majagua
• Isla del Encanto
• Coralina Island

⭐ Tierra Bomba

• Blue Apple Beach House — eco-friendly + great food.
• Fenix Beach Cartagena — boho paradise.

🟢 Which Neighborhood Should You Choose? (Quick Recommendations)

• First-time visitors: Centro Histórico

• Couples: San Diego or Centro Histórico

• Budget travelers: Getsemaní

• Nightlife lovers: Getsemaní

• Families: Bocagrande / Castillogrande

• Beach lovers: Bocagrande or the islands

• Relaxation: Islands (Tierra Bomba / Rosario)

• Long-term stays: Castillogrande or Getsemaní

• Luxury experience: Centro Histórico

Final Tips for Booking Accommodation in Cartagena

✔ Book early for December–April — hotels fill up fast.
✔ Many hotels include breakfast (a big plus in the heat).
✔ Airbnbs are popular but confirm AC and water pressure.
✔ Always choose places with good reviews for Wi-Fi if you work online.
✔ For beaches, avoid staying directly on Playa Blanca (day-trip only).

Final Thoughts

Cartagena is a city of vibrant neighborhoods, each offering a different flavor of the Caribbean lifestyle. Whether you want cobblestone streets and colonial romance, beach sunsets, lively nightlife, or a quiet upscale retreat, there’s a perfect area waiting for you.

No matter where you stay, Cartagena’s charm, color, and warmth will be right outside your door.