Allure Chocolat Hotel by Karisma Hotels & Resorts is a four-pearl boutique hotel in the vibrant Getsemani neighborhood, right next to the Cartagena Convention Center. The historic walled city is a 10-minute walk west. The highlight of Allure is its rooftop infinity pool with a poolside bar and great bay and city views. The hotel also has a breakfast buffet (for a fee), steak and seafood restaurant, and massages on an outdoor relaxation deck. Some of the 33 rooms are a bit small, but they are contemporary and come with minibars, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Travelers who want a hotel with a swimming pool that's closer to the sea and historic center might consider the Hotel Quadrifolio instead.
Allure Chocolat Hotel by Karisma Hotels & Resorts is a four-pearl boutique hotel in the vibrant Getsemani neighborhood, right next to the Cartagena Convention Center. The historic walled city is a 10-minute walk west. The highlight of Allure is its rooftop infinity pool with a poolside bar and great bay and city views. The hotel also has a breakfast buffet (for a fee), steak and seafood restaurant, and massages on an outdoor relaxation deck. Some of the 33 rooms are a bit small, but they are contemporary and come with minibars, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Travelers who want a hotel with a swimming pool that's closer to the sea and historic center might consider the Hotel Quadrifolio instead.
Ananda Hotel Boutique is a good four-pearl option in Cartagena's walled city, a short walk from the Cathedral, Zenu Gold Museum, and other major attractions. The hotel serves a great breakfast with cooked-to-order items, and the on-site restaurant -- Carmen -- is a destination in its own right. A secluded courtyard swimming pool and rooftop hot tub with city views are nice perks as well. The 23 rooms and suites are spacious, and have a sharp, contemporary vibe. All come with minibars, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and DVD players. Some have balconies, and suites with jetted tubs are also available. Travelers who want a similarly attractive hotel, but prefer a rooftop swimming pool, might consider the nearby Bastion Luxury Hotel.
Ananda Hotel Boutique is a good four-pearl option in Cartagena's walled city, a short walk from the Cathedral, Zenu Gold Museum, and other major attractions. The hotel serves a great breakfast with cooked-to-order items, and the on-site restaurant -- Carmen -- is a destination in its own right. A secluded courtyard swimming pool and rooftop hot tub with city views are nice perks as well. The 23 rooms and suites are spacious, and have a sharp, contemporary vibe. All come with minibars, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and DVD players. Some have balconies, and suites with jetted tubs are also available. Travelers who want a similarly attractive hotel, but prefer a rooftop swimming pool, might consider the nearby Bastion Luxury Hotel.
Cartagena is often said to be “the place where South America vacations,” and nowhere is this more evident than at the 280-room, mid-range Decameron Cartagena. A bustling all-inclusive property, with nearly every South and Central American nationality represented on the guest list, the Decameron has a lot of things going for it. For starters, the hotel is located across the street from the beach, and is within walking distance of Bocagrande’s top nightlife attractions. On-site, there’s a lively pool with round-the-clock activities, multiple restaurants and bars, a nightclub, a small spa, and even a convention center. But, like many all-inclusive chains, the Decameron Cartagena has its drawbacks. The hotel is often insanely crowded, the food is mediocre, and most rooms have bland decor. Nearby Hotel Dann Cartagena has a similar family-friendly vibe, with nicer rooms and better food, but it’s not an all-inclusive property.
Cartagena is often said to be “the place where South America vacations,” and nowhere is this more evident than at the 280-room, mid-range Decameron Cartagena. A bustling all-inclusive property, with nearly every South and Central American nationality represented on the guest list, the Decameron has a lot of things going for it. For starters, the hotel is located across the street from the beach, and is within walking distance of Bocagrande’s top nightlife attractions. On-site, there’s a lively pool with round-the-clock activities, multiple restaurants and bars, a nightclub, a small spa, and even a convention center. But, like many all-inclusive chains, the Decameron Cartagena has its drawbacks. The hotel is often insanely crowded, the food is mediocre, and most rooms have bland decor. Nearby Hotel Dann Cartagena has a similar family-friendly vibe, with nicer rooms and better food, but it’s not an all-inclusive property.
There are a lot of great things about San Lazaro Art Lifestyle Hotel. Opened in 2015, San Lazaro is one of Cartagena’s newest hotels — and it shows. Fresh modern decor fills the bright, open spaces of this 36-room, upper-middle-range property, where local artwork hangs in the hallways and glass walls offer stunning vistas of Castillo San Felipe across the street. Top-notch amenities include an on-site restaurant and a sleek rooftop pool, as well as an auditorium that serves as a multipurpose room for local functions. The one glaring issue here is the hotel’s location in a developing area outside the walled city. The historic walled city is about a 20-minute walk from the hotel, but we’d recommend taking a taxi at night. Travelers looking for a property in a more established neighborhood might prefer Allure Chocolat Hotel by Karisma Hotels & Resorts. Though not within the walled city, Allure Chocolat is located in trendy Getsamani, but nightly rates are pricier than San Lazaro's.
There are a lot of great things about San Lazaro Art Lifestyle Hotel. Opened in 2015, San Lazaro is one of Cartagena’s newest hotels — and it shows. Fresh modern decor fills the bright, open spaces of this 36-room, upper-middle-range property, where local artwork hangs in the hallways and glass walls offer stunning vistas of Castillo San Felipe across the street. Top-notch amenities include an on-site restaurant and a sleek rooftop pool, as well as an auditorium that serves as a multipurpose room for local functions. The one glaring issue here is the hotel’s location in a developing area outside the walled city. The historic walled city is about a 20-minute walk from the hotel, but we’d recommend taking a taxi at night. Travelers looking for a property in a more established neighborhood might prefer Allure Chocolat Hotel by Karisma Hotels & Resorts. Though not within the walled city, Allure Chocolat is located in trendy Getsamani, but nightly rates are pricier than San Lazaro's.
The four-pearl Sonesta Hotel Cartagena is an excellent option for travelers seeking quiet beachfront accommodations in Cartagena. Located in La Boquilla, a popular tourist area best known for kite-surfing, the Sonesta is a 10-minute drive from the airport, and a 20-minute drive from the historic walled city — unless you’re traveling during rush hour, when traffic can be horrendous. Rooms are on the smaller side, but they’re clean and tastefully decorated with modern decor. The hotel has two pools, a small spa and fitness center, and a stylish restaurant. La Boquilla is quieter and less crowded than Bocagrande, but travelers who’d prefer to be closer to Bocagrande’s shopping and nightlife might prefer Hotel Dann Cartagena, though nightly rates tend to be pricier.
The four-pearl Sonesta Hotel Cartagena is an excellent option for travelers seeking quiet beachfront accommodations in Cartagena. Located in La Boquilla, a popular tourist area best known for kite-surfing, the Sonesta is a 10-minute drive from the airport, and a 20-minute drive from the historic walled city — unless you’re traveling during rush hour, when traffic can be horrendous. Rooms are on the smaller side, but they’re clean and tastefully decorated with modern decor. The hotel has two pools, a small spa and fitness center, and a stylish restaurant. La Boquilla is quieter and less crowded than Bocagrande, but travelers who’d prefer to be closer to Bocagrande’s shopping and nightlife might prefer Hotel Dann Cartagena, though nightly rates tend to be pricier.
Described by some guests as “the worst hotel ever,” Hotel Dorado Plaza isn’t a real winner. The budget-friendly all-inclusive is horribly dated and has major issues throughout. The restaurant’s food quality is poor, there’s no hot water, and the elevators have a tendency of breaking down. Rooms are a mixed bag; some are dated and others have a slightly newer feel. On the plus side, there is an outdoor pool with nice lounge chairs and a wooden pergola, but the pool is small and often crowded. A better bet is sister property, Hotel Cartagena Plaza, which has nicer rooms and amenities, but slightly pricier nightly rates.
Described by some guests as “the worst hotel ever,” Hotel Dorado Plaza isn’t a real winner. The budget-friendly all-inclusive is horribly dated and has major issues throughout. The restaurant’s food quality is poor, there’s no hot water, and the elevators have a tendency of breaking down. Rooms are a mixed bag; some are dated and others have a slightly newer feel. On the plus side, there is an outdoor pool with nice lounge chairs and a wooden pergola, but the pool is small and often crowded. A better bet is sister property, Hotel Cartagena Plaza, which has nicer rooms and amenities, but slightly pricier nightly rates.
The Holiday Inn Express Cartagena Bocagrande is a mid-range hotel that punches above its weight. Modern rooms are spacious and equipped with great amenities, plus there’s a rooftop pool, a fitness center, a small spa, and even a tiny mini-market in the lobby. The hotel also has over 250 square feet of meeting space and can host events for up to 140 people. From the Holiday Inn Express, guests can easily walk to shops, restaurants, bars, and the beach, or take a 10-minute taxi ride to Cartagena’s historic walled city. Breakfast and Wi-Fi are free for all guests, but some complain that breakfast options lack variety. Travelers looking for a similar property within the walled city might prefer Delirio Hotel, which has a an equally contemporary feel and comparable nightly rates but fewer amenities.
The Holiday Inn Express Cartagena Bocagrande is a mid-range hotel that punches above its weight. Modern rooms are spacious and equipped with great amenities, plus there’s a rooftop pool, a fitness center, a small spa, and even a tiny mini-market in the lobby. The hotel also has over 250 square feet of meeting space and can host events for up to 140 people. From the Holiday Inn Express, guests can easily walk to shops, restaurants, bars, and the beach, or take a 10-minute taxi ride to Cartagena’s historic walled city. Breakfast and Wi-Fi are free for all guests, but some complain that breakfast options lack variety. Travelers looking for a similar property within the walled city might prefer Delirio Hotel, which has a an equally contemporary feel and comparable nightly rates but fewer amenities.
The mid-range Hotel Cabrero Mar, located in a residential neighborhood outside the walled city, is a stylish 14-room property offering great bang for the buck. Rooms, many of which have balconies, feature modern decor and include such amenities as smart TVs, well-stocked minibars, and sleek bathrooms with rainfall walk-in showers. The hotel’s two apartments have full kitchens and separate living spaces -- a good choice for families, groups, and guests on extended stays. Though it doesn’t have a pool, Cabrero Mar has an eighth-floor terrace with a large hot tub and awesome ocean views. Freebies include daily breakfast and fast Wi-Fi, along with 24-hour reception. The hotel is located one block from the beach and is a five-minute drive from both the airport and the historic walled city. There aren’t many shops or restaurants within walking distance, and the neighborhood may feel too residential for some. Travelers looking for a more tourist-oriented neighborhood with more action could consider Zalmedina Hotel in Bocagrande, but rates tend to be higher.
The mid-range Hotel Cabrero Mar, located in a residential neighborhood outside the walled city, is a stylish 14-room property offering great bang for the buck. Rooms, many of which have balconies, feature modern decor and include such amenities as smart TVs, well-stocked minibars, and sleek bathrooms with rainfall walk-in showers. The hotel’s two apartments have full kitchens and separate living spaces -- a good choice for families, groups, and guests on extended stays. Though it doesn’t have a pool, Cabrero Mar has an eighth-floor terrace with a large hot tub and awesome ocean views. Freebies include daily breakfast and fast Wi-Fi, along with 24-hour reception. The hotel is located one block from the beach and is a five-minute drive from both the airport and the historic walled city. There aren’t many shops or restaurants within walking distance, and the neighborhood may feel too residential for some. Travelers looking for a more tourist-oriented neighborhood with more action could consider Zalmedina Hotel in Bocagrande, but rates tend to be higher.
Zalmedina Hotel is a budget-friendly boutique in Cartagena’s lively Bocagrande neighborhood. Its 50 stylish rooms are equipped with amenities like flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, but bathrooms are tiny, and some rooms are subject to lots of street noise at night. Zalmedina’s location — one block from the beach and within walking distance of tons of shops, bars, and restaurants — attracts all types of travelers, from families with children, to backpackers, to couples. There are two on-site conference rooms, and the hotel draws many business travelers. With perks like free breakfast and Wi-Fi, many guests can overlook the hotel’s minor wear and tear. But those looking for a property in tip-top shape might prefer the nearby Hampton by Hilton Cartagena, which is slightly pricier but has more amenities, like a pool and a fitness center.
Zalmedina Hotel is a budget-friendly boutique in Cartagena’s lively Bocagrande neighborhood. Its 50 stylish rooms are equipped with amenities like flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, but bathrooms are tiny, and some rooms are subject to lots of street noise at night. Zalmedina’s location — one block from the beach and within walking distance of tons of shops, bars, and restaurants — attracts all types of travelers, from families with children, to backpackers, to couples. There are two on-site conference rooms, and the hotel draws many business travelers. With perks like free breakfast and Wi-Fi, many guests can overlook the hotel’s minor wear and tear. But those looking for a property in tip-top shape might prefer the nearby Hampton by Hilton Cartagena, which is slightly pricier but has more amenities, like a pool and a fitness center.
A charming boutique housed in a colonial mansion, Casa Pestagua Hotel Boutique, Spa is an upscale option in Cartagena’s walled city that's within walking distance of the Torre del Reloj. Each of the hotel’s 11 massive rooms are individually decorated with antique furnishings. Some have frescoed ceilings and original tapestries, or balconies overlooking the city streets -- but the hotel’s ornate decor might not appeal to all travelers. The hotel’s grand courtyard has a beautiful pool surrounded by lush foliage, and there’s also a rooftop deck with a small hot tub. Amenities include a small spa and restaurant, plus free made-to-order breakfast and Wi-Fi. Hotel Boutique Casa del Coliseo is a similar property with a more modern feel, but rooms are much smaller.
A charming boutique housed in a colonial mansion, Casa Pestagua Hotel Boutique, Spa is an upscale option in Cartagena’s walled city that's within walking distance of the Torre del Reloj. Each of the hotel’s 11 massive rooms are individually decorated with antique furnishings. Some have frescoed ceilings and original tapestries, or balconies overlooking the city streets -- but the hotel’s ornate decor might not appeal to all travelers. The hotel’s grand courtyard has a beautiful pool surrounded by lush foliage, and there’s also a rooftop deck with a small hot tub. Amenities include a small spa and restaurant, plus free made-to-order breakfast and Wi-Fi. Hotel Boutique Casa del Coliseo is a similar property with a more modern feel, but rooms are much smaller.