Where To Stay In Cartagena – Including Hotel Recommendations

Where To Stay In Cartagena: The Options

Colombia is one of my favorite countries in the world. I’ve spent several months here at different occasions, and traveled through most of it.

I often get questions about where to stay in Cartagena. I’ve been twice and tried different accommodations and neighborhoods. The common areas people often recommend are:

• The historic center (also referred to as ‘within the walls’ or ‘the old town’)
• Getsemani (the colorful, more alternative neighborhood. A 10 min walk from the old town)
• Close by the center, in areas such as Cabrero or Nariño (many of my local friends live here)
• Bocagrande and Laguito (Close by the beaches, more quiet. If you come here for beaches, you should rather visit the islands, or other places closeby such as Santa Marta, Palomino etc).

I’ve stayed in all of these and recommend to stay in the historic center. It’s not usually my style to recommend the most touristy neighborhood, so let me explain why.

Why The Historic Centre Is The
Best Place To Stay In Cartagena

The old town, inside the walls, is the best base to experience what Cartagena has to offer. Cartagena is very popular and full of tourists throughout the year (even if it has its peak seasons too, like major holidays, when it gets even more crowded).

 You come here to feel like you’re walking around in a colorful fairytale.

With cute architecture, incredible restaurants, live music, cocktails on rooftops, and so on, you’re all set to enjoy life. You’re up for a bit of a touristy experience, which can be nice for a few days, as long as you have the right expectations.

If you come here, the charm is really in the old town. If you don’t want that kind of ambience at all, you should consider other destinations in Colombia.

Cartagena’s old town is probably the most Instagrammed place in Colombia. The food is amazing, and many Colombians love it here, too.

Hotels In Cartagena’s Old Town

The following hotels are great, more upscale options to base yourself for a few days when exploring Cartagena. You’ll be walking distance to everything in the center – from cute squares to museums, cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Casa Claver Loft Boutique Hotel

 The rooftop terrace at Hotel Claver is worth coming here for alone.

Casa Claver is a colonial-style house constructed during the XVII century. It has been completely restored into 5 exclusive lofts and 2 extra rooms for both shorter and longer stays.

It’s beautiful, dreamy, and chic. The spacious rooms have everything you may need, including a lovely aroma which never seems to go away. The interior is modern and simple, while the service is personal and accommodating on just the right level.

The highlight is the rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.  Start your day by having breakfast here, or your evening by watching the sunset with a glass of wine. Yes, it is as amazing as it sounds.

Book Your Stay at Casa Claver Loft Boutique Hotel

Mansion Hotel Boutique By HMC

 The rooftop at Mansion Hotel is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring Cartagena.

While Mansion Hotel Boutique By HMC isn’t as exclusive as Casa Claver, it’s charming and perfectly located right by my favorite square in Cartagena, San Diego. The rooms are comfortable, the service is lovely, and the pretty rooftop spoils you with a jacuzzi. You’ll be surrounded by great restaurants, such as El Pescadito, on of those places you will remember once you’ve left. We spent a few nights here and it offers great value for money in comparison with other options in Cartagena.

Book Your Stay at Mansion Hotel Boutique By HMC

Cartagena Is Not Just A Perfect
Fairytale, This How You Can Help

While the historic center of Cartagena may look perfect, the reality is different.

As soon as you explore areas outside the walls, you will see that poverty is a big problem. Many locals are living on a bare minimum, in simple neigborhoods surrounded by piles of trash.

While it’s fine to enjoy exclusive experiences (I do sometimes too, the recommended hotels above are), I think it’s important to be aware of what the reality looks like. I encourage you to learn about the inequality that exists.

Tourism is the most important contributor to the economy in Cartagena. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the main reasons why locals have been pushed out from the historic center, to make space for more hotels, etc.

Many conflicts exist in other areas of Cartagena, as well.

Prostitution is more visible now, in comparison with my first visit in 2016. Many girls are selling themselves to (mostly) foreign men coming here to have a good time. Most of these girls live in other parts of Colombia and only spend a few days in Cartagena every week. Some of the men who come here makes me question the belief in humanity for how little respect they show these women, but let’s not get into that now.

I’m not bringing this up to say that you shouldn’t go. I’m just saying that there is more to Cartagena than the perfect picture often presented to tourists.

Luckily, there are many ways one can help. Ranging from donations to volunteering, and supporting local businesses. Domino Volunteers is one organization that is locally run (I’ve not tried their programs yet).

I also recommend visiting other places in Colombia to experience different sides of the authentic culture. Cabo de la Vela and Cali are great options to add to your itinerary.

Have you been to Cartagena? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments, or feel free to contact me directly.