Part of a popular South American hostel chain, El Viajero Cartagena Hostel is a budget-friendly property with 32 rooms. El Viajero can accommodate up to 100 guests in its six-, eight-, and 12-person dorms, as well as several private rooms. Twenty- and thirtysomethings from all over the world flock to El Viajero for its prime location within Cartagena’s walled city, excellent activities schedule, and rock-bottom rates. Plus freebies like breakfast and Wi-Fi, and excellent on-site security, make this place a no-brainer for backpackers. However, travelers interested in booking a private room should note that only some private rooms have bathrooms, and a few are located in an annex down the street from the main property. Those in search of a budget-friendly property that’s not a hostel might prefer nearby Hotel 3 Banderas, though nightly rates are pricier.
Part of a popular South American hostel chain, El Viajero Cartagena Hostel is a budget-friendly property with 32 rooms. El Viajero can accommodate up to 100 guests in its six-, eight-, and 12-person dorms, as well as several private rooms. Twenty- and thirtysomethings from all over the world flock to El Viajero for its prime location within Cartagena’s walled city, excellent activities schedule, and rock-bottom rates. Plus freebies like breakfast and Wi-Fi, and excellent on-site security, make this place a no-brainer for backpackers. However, travelers interested in booking a private room should note that only some private rooms have bathrooms, and a few are located in an annex down the street from the main property. Those in search of a budget-friendly property that’s not a hostel might prefer nearby Hotel 3 Banderas, though nightly rates are pricier.
Staying at Hotel Quadrifolio feels like staying at a friend’s house — you know, that friend who just so happens to own a marvelously restored 17th-century Colombian mansion. The stunning, upscale property feels like a private home, and staff members welcome guests like family. Eight individually decorated rooms are scattered across three floors, and overlook the gorgeous interior courtyard or Cartagena’s bustling city streets. On-site amenities include a pool, a rooftop hot tub and sundeck, and two multi-purpose common areas. However, the hotel doesn’t have a spa, fitness center, or restaurant. Travelers looking for a similar hotel with more amenities might prefer the nearby Bastion Luxury Hotel, but it’s a much larger property, so it lacks Quadrifolio’s personalized feel.
Staying at Hotel Quadrifolio feels like staying at a friend’s house — you know, that friend who just so happens to own a marvelously restored 17th-century Colombian mansion. The stunning, upscale property feels like a private home, and staff members welcome guests like family. Eight individually decorated rooms are scattered across three floors, and overlook the gorgeous interior courtyard or Cartagena’s bustling city streets. On-site amenities include a pool, a rooftop hot tub and sundeck, and two multi-purpose common areas. However, the hotel doesn’t have a spa, fitness center, or restaurant. Travelers looking for a similar hotel with more amenities might prefer the nearby Bastion Luxury Hotel, but it’s a much larger property, so it lacks Quadrifolio’s personalized feel.
Travelers who don’t care about aesthetics or amenities will find great value at Hotel Stil Cartagena, a 100-room budget hotel on the outskirts of Cartagena’s historic walled city. Housed in a 1970s-era 10-story building, Hotel Stil isn’t the prettiest on the block, and its interiors aren’t impressive either. Drab, dated rooms have tube TVs and spartan furnishings, and bathrooms lack hot water. The restaurant looks like a summer camp mess hall and serves mediocre food in mass quantities like it is one. The hotel’s claustrophobic, unfathomably slow elevators might be a deal-breaker for some (yes, they’re that bad), but freebies like breakfast and Wi-Fi and consistently rock-bottom rates still attract plenty of guests. Young budget travelers might prefer the nearby El Viajero Cartagena Hostel, which offers nightly on-site entertainment and similar freebies for comparable nightly rates.
Travelers who don’t care about aesthetics or amenities will find great value at Hotel Stil Cartagena, a 100-room budget hotel on the outskirts of Cartagena’s historic walled city. Housed in a 1970s-era 10-story building, Hotel Stil isn’t the prettiest on the block, and its interiors aren’t impressive either. Drab, dated rooms have tube TVs and spartan furnishings, and bathrooms lack hot water. The restaurant looks like a summer camp mess hall and serves mediocre food in mass quantities like it is one. The hotel’s claustrophobic, unfathomably slow elevators might be a deal-breaker for some (yes, they’re that bad), but freebies like breakfast and Wi-Fi and consistently rock-bottom rates still attract plenty of guests. Young budget travelers might prefer the nearby El Viajero Cartagena Hostel, which offers nightly on-site entertainment and similar freebies for comparable nightly rates.
Hotel Caribe is to Cartagena what The Plaza is to New York City -- a historic hotel that has become an icon of its city. When it opened in 1945, Hotel Caribe had a single building with 87 guest rooms. Today, the massive upscale hotel spans three buildings, has 363 rooms, three on-site restaurants, a semi-Olympic pool, and a beach club across the street. There’s a kids' club for the little ones, a spa and fitness center for adults, and nine different meeting rooms for business travelers. Plus, Hotel Caribe offers free Wi-Fi and excellent free breakfast, which have universal appeal. Though some rooms are starting to show signs of age, we love the Spanish Colonial architecture and excellent location in Bocagrande. Tourists who want to explore the walled city might prefer Alfiz Hotel, a smaller property with fewer amenities, but comparable nightly rates.
Hotel Caribe is to Cartagena what The Plaza is to New York City -- a historic hotel that has become an icon of its city. When it opened in 1945, Hotel Caribe had a single building with 87 guest rooms. Today, the massive upscale hotel spans three buildings, has 363 rooms, three on-site restaurants, a semi-Olympic pool, and a beach club across the street. There’s a kids' club for the little ones, a spa and fitness center for adults, and nine different meeting rooms for business travelers. Plus, Hotel Caribe offers free Wi-Fi and excellent free breakfast, which have universal appeal. Though some rooms are starting to show signs of age, we love the Spanish Colonial architecture and excellent location in Bocagrande. Tourists who want to explore the walled city might prefer Alfiz Hotel, a smaller property with fewer amenities, but comparable nightly rates.
The 313-room, mid-range Hotel Cartagena Plaza is an older property that has been refurbished with millennials in mind. The dated lobby now features glitzy Hollywood-esque furniture; in addition, Xbox consoles are set up in common spaces, Wi-Fi is free, and there are several “selfie corners” across the property. If possible, upgrade to the executive floor, which has its own breakfast room, a private concierge, and larger rooms with cool, locally inspired decor. Regular rooms aren’t as exciting as their executive counterparts, but they still feature modern furniture and bathrooms. The hotel has a rooftop pool and activities center, and is across the street from Bocagrande’s bustling city beach. It’s also within walking distance of Bocagrande’s famed shopping, dining, and nightlife. Families might prefer the nearby Hotel Playa Club, which has similar amenities and comparable nightly rates, but its rooms are smaller and a tad dated.
The 313-room, mid-range Hotel Cartagena Plaza is an older property that has been refurbished with millennials in mind. The dated lobby now features glitzy Hollywood-esque furniture; in addition, Xbox consoles are set up in common spaces, Wi-Fi is free, and there are several “selfie corners” across the property. If possible, upgrade to the executive floor, which has its own breakfast room, a private concierge, and larger rooms with cool, locally inspired decor. Regular rooms aren’t as exciting as their executive counterparts, but they still feature modern furniture and bathrooms. The hotel has a rooftop pool and activities center, and is across the street from Bocagrande’s bustling city beach. It’s also within walking distance of Bocagrande’s famed shopping, dining, and nightlife. Families might prefer the nearby Hotel Playa Club, which has similar amenities and comparable nightly rates, but its rooms are smaller and a tad dated.
Hotel Playa Club is a budget-friendly hotel located smack in the middle of Bocagrande, Cartagena’s popular shopping, nightlife, and entertainment district. The hotel is situated across the street from the beach, and is within walking distance of restaurants, bars, casinos, and shopping malls. Rooms are simply decorated, but they’re clean, and different types can accommodate families, couples, or solo travelers. However, street-facing rooms can be loud at night, and water pressure in the showers is dismal. Free breakfast and Wi-Fi are definite perks, but travelers looking for an all-inclusive property might prefer the nearby Decameron Cartagena, though rates are typically more expensive.
Hotel Playa Club is a budget-friendly hotel located smack in the middle of Bocagrande, Cartagena’s popular shopping, nightlife, and entertainment district. The hotel is situated across the street from the beach, and is within walking distance of restaurants, bars, casinos, and shopping malls. Rooms are simply decorated, but they’re clean, and different types can accommodate families, couples, or solo travelers. However, street-facing rooms can be loud at night, and water pressure in the showers is dismal. Free breakfast and Wi-Fi are definite perks, but travelers looking for an all-inclusive property might prefer the nearby Decameron Cartagena, though rates are typically more expensive.
Hotel Boutique Casa del Coliseo is a four-pearl property that feels more like a private residence than a hotel. Casa del Coliseo’s 12 individually decorated guest rooms and grand living and dining spaces feature sophisticated decor, but still feel homey and comfortable. A gorgeous rooftop pool and lounge area is a standout feature, but the hotel lacks amenities like an on-site restaurant, spa, or fitness center. Freebies include excellent daily breakfast and Wi-Fi, and the hotel’s central location in Cartagena’s walled city is a definite perk. But, the property has lots of stairs and doesn’t have an elevator or ground-floor rooms, which may be a problem for some travelers. Nearby Hotel Casa San Agustin is a larger, equally luxe property that has nicer amenities (including an elevator) but higher nightly rates.
Hotel Boutique Casa del Coliseo is a four-pearl property that feels more like a private residence than a hotel. Casa del Coliseo’s 12 individually decorated guest rooms and grand living and dining spaces feature sophisticated decor, but still feel homey and comfortable. A gorgeous rooftop pool and lounge area is a standout feature, but the hotel lacks amenities like an on-site restaurant, spa, or fitness center. Freebies include excellent daily breakfast and Wi-Fi, and the hotel’s central location in Cartagena’s walled city is a definite perk. But, the property has lots of stairs and doesn’t have an elevator or ground-floor rooms, which may be a problem for some travelers. Nearby Hotel Casa San Agustin is a larger, equally luxe property that has nicer amenities (including an elevator) but higher nightly rates.
Casa Canabal Hotel Boutique is a contemporary three-and-a-half-pearl hotel in the hip Getsemani neighborhood, about a five-minute walk from the historic walled section of Cartagena. The hotel has just enough charm and character to make it a cozy option in this hyper-trendy part of town. It features a center atrium courtyard, a small rooftop pool, a spa and sauna, and restaurant serving Colombian and international cuisine. The 18 rooms have blend rustic and modern styles, and include drip coffeemakers, minibars, iPod docks, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Keep in mind that some are a bit small or lack windows. Travelers looking to stay Getsemani for less money might consider the nearby Hotel Still Cartagena, though it's more basic and doesn't have a pool.
Casa Canabal Hotel Boutique is a contemporary three-and-a-half-pearl hotel in the hip Getsemani neighborhood, about a five-minute walk from the historic walled section of Cartagena. The hotel has just enough charm and character to make it a cozy option in this hyper-trendy part of town. It features a center atrium courtyard, a small rooftop pool, a spa and sauna, and restaurant serving Colombian and international cuisine. The 18 rooms have blend rustic and modern styles, and include drip coffeemakers, minibars, iPod docks, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Keep in mind that some are a bit small or lack windows. Travelers looking to stay Getsemani for less money might consider the nearby Hotel Still Cartagena, though it's more basic and doesn't have a pool.
A member of Colombia’s mid-range Dann Hotels chain, Hotel Dann Cartagena is a solid pick for Cartagena vacationers. The high-rise building is located directly on the beach in a quiet section of Bocagrande, making it ideal for families or couples seeking a relaxing getaway. The hotel’s 80 rooms feature modern decor with a tropical flair, and are equipped with nice amenities like flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and fully stocked minibars. Hotel Dann has a beautiful beachfront pool, a contemporary restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and event space that can be used for conferences or large functions. Freebies include daily breakfast and Wi-Fi, but travelers looking for an all-inclusive property might prefer the nearby Decameron Cartagena, though its rooms aren’t as nice and the food is mediocre.
A member of Colombia’s mid-range Dann Hotels chain, Hotel Dann Cartagena is a solid pick for Cartagena vacationers. The high-rise building is located directly on the beach in a quiet section of Bocagrande, making it ideal for families or couples seeking a relaxing getaway. The hotel’s 80 rooms feature modern decor with a tropical flair, and are equipped with nice amenities like flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and fully stocked minibars. Hotel Dann has a beautiful beachfront pool, a contemporary restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and event space that can be used for conferences or large functions. Freebies include daily breakfast and Wi-Fi, but travelers looking for an all-inclusive property might prefer the nearby Decameron Cartagena, though its rooms aren’t as nice and the food is mediocre.
Meaning “House of the Archbishop” in English, Casa del Arzobispado is an upper-middle-range boutique hotel located across the street from Cartagena’s famous cathedral, Catedral de Santa Catalina. During the 17th century, the hotel building was used by priests and bishops, in a time when the church played an important role in everyday society. Casa del Arzobispado’s religious background is evident throughout the property, and many of the building’s original art pieces (read: paintings of Jesus) are still on display. For those who don’t mind the ecclesiastical references, Hotel Casa del Arzobispado is a real gem, with 10 spacious, individually decorated rooms, a beautiful pool and courtyard, and free breakfast and Wi-Fi. It also has a prime location in the center of Cartagena’s walled city. Travelers who’d prefer something a bit more secular might prefer Hotel Boutique Casa del Coliseo, where rooms have nicer decor but are much smaller.
Meaning “House of the Archbishop” in English, Casa del Arzobispado is an upper-middle-range boutique hotel located across the street from Cartagena’s famous cathedral, Catedral de Santa Catalina. During the 17th century, the hotel building was used by priests and bishops, in a time when the church played an important role in everyday society. Casa del Arzobispado’s religious background is evident throughout the property, and many of the building’s original art pieces (read: paintings of Jesus) are still on display. For those who don’t mind the ecclesiastical references, Hotel Casa del Arzobispado is a real gem, with 10 spacious, individually decorated rooms, a beautiful pool and courtyard, and free breakfast and Wi-Fi. It also has a prime location in the center of Cartagena’s walled city. Travelers who’d prefer something a bit more secular might prefer Hotel Boutique Casa del Coliseo, where rooms have nicer decor but are much smaller.