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Hello fellow travelers and welcome to my blog!Today I would love to share with you how me and my husband planned our 12 day wedding anniversary vacation to Colombia,Cartagena.Let me start off by saying that the most important piece you will need to start traveling internationally is of course your passport.It is important to do this well in advance of your travel dates as passport processing times can range from 6-8 weeks if you do not want to pay expedite fees.We also started looking at flights 3 months or more in advance of our travel dates and also researched when hurricane season would be in Cartagena.The nice thing about Cartagena is due to the proximity to the equator, Cartagena is not effected by hurricanes.This really attracted us to Cartagena since we were looking to fly in late September to celebrate our wedding anniversary.

 

We also were attracted to vacation in Cartagena due to its bright colors that decorate the city of Cartagena and it’s colorful coast line.The city has so much rich history and lively Latin culture which we were also excited to learn about and embrace

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When looking at dates to fly it is best to book on a week day as that’s when many of the flight deals are present.They even have an awesome loyalty program where you can receive 20% off all bookings!After we locked in our flight deals I started to research where to stay in Cartagena.

 

 

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I am a member of Amazon Associates, LLC and other affiliate programs and earn from qualifying purchases made after clicking those links. There is never any additional cost to you.

 

Where to stay in Cartagena Colombia Overview.

 

Best Luxury Hotel: Casa San Agustin

Best Boutique Hotel: Casona del Colegio

Best Waterfront High Rise Chain Hotel: Hyatt Regency

Best Midrange Hotel: Capellan de Getsemani

Best Value Hotel: Casa India Catalina

Best Hostel: La Movida

Best Overall Island Hotel: Sofitel Calablanca

 

Best Areas to Stay in Cartagena Summary

From my experience in vacationing in Cartagena I recommend staying in the Walled City, sometimes also called the Centro Histórico or just Centro and includes the neighborhood of San Diego. It’s walkable and you can see and do many activities and it is a safe neighborhood.It is such an experience staying in the walled city with all its bright colors and amazing street food.They also have a amazing pizza eateries that make the most delicious fruit pizza.Who would’ve known pizza and prunes go well together?

 

Another neighborhood called Getsemaní also makes a great choice and is within easy walking distance to everything in the Walled City and has lots to do and see as well. Getsemani has an artistic vibe that visually is really exciting to see.You will find Colorful umbrellas above you in the side streets of Getsemani which is a beautiful sight to see.

 

I recommend everyone, especially first time visitors to stay in one of those two areas, but there are an additional options which I recommend where I will discuss below too.

 

Here is a quick breakdown of the best areas for where to stay in Cartagena along with 1 high end, 1 midrange, and 1 value hotel pick in each.

 

Best Area Overall: The Walled City aka Centro (including San Diego)

 

Luxury Pick: Casa San Agustín

 

Midrange Pick: Casona del Colegio

 

Value Pick: Casa India Catalina

 

Best Area to Stay for Nightlife:Getsemaní

 

Luxury Pick: Capellán de Getsemaní

 

Midrange Pick: Arsenal Hotel

 

 

Value Pick: Casa Tere

 

 

Safest Area to Stay in Cartagena:Bocagrande

 

Luxury Pick: Hyatt Regency

 

Midrange Pick: Intercontinental

 

Value Pick: Oz Hotel

 

Best Areas for Budget Friendly Accommodations: El Cabrero and Marbella

 

Luxury Pick: Ermita

 

Midrange Pick: Castillo Ines Maria

 

Value Pick: Aixo Suites

 

Best Area for Beach Bums and Getting Away from it All: The Zona Norte aka La Boquilla

 

Luxury Pick: Las Americas

 

Midrange Pick: Radisson Ocean Pavilion

 

Value Pick: Makena Beach Hostel

 

Bonus Picks for Where to Stay in the Rosario Islands (to complement a stay in town)

 

Luxury Pick: Las Islas

 

Most Modern Resort Pick: 

Sofitel Calablanca

 

Best Value Pick: IslaBela

 

One of my most fulfilling experiences visiting Cartagena was going to nearby island called 

Cartagena’s Rosario Islands.This Island is one of the most beautiful islands with its crystal clear blue waters where you can snorkel by day and snorkel by night with lit up corral reefs.This island I recommend staying for at least 1 night to really experience Cartagenas tropical coast.The beaches are one the cleanest beaches in Cartagena and you definitely won’t regret experiencing this island.

I recommend staying at 

Eco Hotel LUXURY Islas del Rosario

 

This Luxury Beach Club, is in the heart of the Corales Islas del Rosario Natural Park, just 45 minutes away from Cartagena.They offer a private VIP beachfront with your own lounger.This property also has a restaurant that serves exquisite fried sea bass fish and plantains a traditional dish in Colombia.Upon your stay you will have sun loungers, hammocks, kayaking and a spectacular beach available to you. You also have the option of snorkeling, playing volleyball, watching the stunning sunsets that grace the sky every evening.It truly is a special experience staying at the Eco Hotel LUXURY Islas del Rosario.

 

 

 

In addition to the above recommendations I’ll expand on the pros and cons of each area along with giving you detailed descriptions of these hotels, additional picks for places to stay at different price points, plus hostel and apartment picks in each area in the sections below.

I’ll also cover a few additional areas towards the end of the post.

At the very end, you can also see some picks for places to stay in Cartagena’s Rosario Islands.

This is an absolute must to see during your time in Cartagena!

I generally recommend spending a night in the islands only if you have more than 4 nights total. Otherwise, stick to one of my picks for the best Rosario Islands day trips.

 

Please do read on for a more detailed description of each area and some more options for where to stay in each of the best areas of Cartagena.

 

 Please note while I can earn commission if you make a reservation after clicking a link here, I have researched these recommendations , and do not receive any special compensation from any hotel for being featured or mentioned here.

 

The Walled City – Overall Best Place to Stay in Cartagena

 

The historic charming Walled City is the best place and safest place to stay in Cartagena Columbia, known as the Centro Histórico in Spanish or the Historic City Center in English. 

It is walkable and has fantastic restaurants and museums.There are many artistic murals scattered throughout the city and the city is adorned with venders that sell the best souvenirs at a very affordable price.

 

 

 

Pros

Tons of restaurants, nightlife, and the historic charm that embodies Cartagena.

Very walkable.

Close to many of the major attractions.

Very safe, even late at night, plus the wall keeps you safe from pirate attacks.

Cons

It can get crowded during peak seasons.

Though not far away, it is not on the beach.

Can be pricey 

 

The downsides are there are many street venders who can be pushy about making a sell and pan handlers and rappers but one your favorite words you will learn to say while visiting the Walled city is “No”.If you’re not interested simply stating this will help! To be certain you will be spending time here and have to deal with them anyway.

 

Even though it can get crowded in walled city during peak traveling time you can find some great value places to stay as well.

 

The environment is definitely a party city with the horse drawn carriages and the vibrant music so if your a light sleeper I recommend getting nicer larger hotel or book one of the high rises in bocagrande. 

 

Best Luxury Cartagena Hotels in the Old City

Here are my picks for the two best high end hotels for where to stay in Cartagena inside the Walled City, which are arguably the finest hotels in Cartagena.

Casa San Agustín – Most Luxurious Hotel in Cartagena

 

The Casa San Agustín is considered the finest hotel in Cartagena. This luxurious 5 star quality hotel is located in several former colonial era houses that have been linked together.

This hotel offers the finest and most exclusive hotel experience in Cartagena. If you are looking for a luxury hotel that will take care of you this is the place. There is an onsite restaurant called Alma, and it is one of Cartagena’s best restaurants. There is also an amazing pool here where you can relax and get away from the heat if you so choose, and the rooms are large and very comfortable.

 

If you are looking for luxury, you should definitely book here as it is one of the best places to stay in Cartagena, Colombia!