2026 Ranking

The 10 Best Hotels in Cartagena, Colombia (2026)

From the country's most awarded stay to a private-island beach escape — no filler, the good and the not-so-good of each one.

Cartagena, Colombia 10 hotels compared Boutique, colonial & beachfront Updated July 2026

Cartagena de Indias blends two very different worlds: the boutique hotels inside its UNESCO-listed walled city, and the beachfront properties in Bocagrande, La Boquilla and Isla Barú. This ranking compares both with the same honest standard as always — real room counts, real dining, and who each one is actually for — so you can decide with information, not just pretty photos.

Charleston Santa Teresa

Set inside a restored late-1600s convent right within the walled city, this hotel's biggest draw is its rooftop pool with 360-degree views over the colonial rooftops and the Caribbean Sea. It has 87 individually furnished rooms decorated in deep blue tones blending colonial and contemporary style, plus three on-site restaurants, including a concept from acclaimed chef Harry Sasson. A solid pick for travelers who want to stay inside the walls without giving up modern comfort.

17th-century convent inside the walled city
87 rooms + 360° rooftop pool
3 restaurants, including a concept from chef Harry Sasson
Classic rooms run smaller than photos suggest

Rooms overlooking the plaza and the rooftop suites tend to sell out first during high season.

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The next one doesn't stand out for what it has, but for its view.

Movich Hotel Cartagena de Indias

Tucked on a cobblestone street in the historic center, just steps from Plaza de la Aduana, this hotel is built around intimacy — only 32 rooms compared to the hundreds at other city properties. Its rooftop terrace, with an infinity pool and 360-degree views, is one of the most photographed spots in Cartagena. Oceanika, the on-site restaurant, pairs Colombian cuisine with an Argentinian, Chilean and Spanish wine list. It's a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Only 32 rooms — one of the most intimate hotels on this list
Rooftop infinity pool with 360° views
Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Limited common areas — not ideal for travel with young kids

With only 32 rooms, availability disappears quickly around long weekends.

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From here on, the ranking moves up a level.

Hyatt Regency Cartagena

Right on Bocagrande Beach, this is one of the largest hotels on this list, with more than 300 rooms, suites and residences. It spreads several outdoor pools across family zones and an adults-only area, and the 30th-floor Regency Club offers complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails with bay views. Two signature restaurants, Kokaú and Amacagua, round out the dining, and the hotel connects directly to nearby shopping. It's one of the most kid-friendly properties on this list.

Right on Bocagrande Beach, 300+ rooms, suites & residences
Multiple pools, including an adults-only area
30th-floor Regency Club with complimentary breakfast & cocktails
The adults-only pool feels small during peak season

Regency Club rooms with bay views are the first category to sell out.

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Cartagena Excursions

Cartagena has more than the walls and the beach

The best experiences are just outside the hotel. Book ahead for better times and prices.

A walking tour of the walled city with a local guide, a beach day at the Rosario Islands, and a trip to the Totumo Mud Volcano are among the most-booked experiences for visitors to Cartagena. Each takes anywhere from half a day to a full day, and for most travelers, getting out of the hotel to experience them is the best part of the trip.

Recommendation: Best to book before you arrive: hotel pickup, instant confirmation and free cancellation. That way you lock in good times and get the most out of Cartagena beyond the beach.

Tours & excursions The best excursions in Cartagena — book in advance

Walled city, Rosario Islands and the Totumo Mud Volcano — with hotel pickup and free cancellation.

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The next one proves that a great night's sleep doesn't always cost a fortune.

InterContinental Cartagena de Indias

This hotel is part of a mixed-use complex in Bocagrande that includes a shopping mall and a high-end casino — something no other hotel on this list offers. Its 287 rooms are spread across 26 oceanfront floors, just minutes from the walled city. It has a full spa, sauna, steam room and outdoor pool. Rates here run across one of the widest ranges on this list, making it just as practical for a business trip as for a vacation.

287 rooms across 26 oceanfront floors in Bocagrande
Connected to a shopping mall and high-end casino
Minutes from the walled city
Feels more corporate than the colonial hotels on this list

Rooms with a direct ocean view sell out first, especially during convention weekends.

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This hotel is hiding a restaurant that almost nobody in Cartagena knows about.

Las Américas Torre del Mar

On the tenth floor of this hotel sits Erre, the restaurant from Spanish chef Ramón Freixa — holder of two Michelin stars, something no other hotel in Cartagena can claim. The hotel has 279 rooms with private balconies and spreads guests across five pools and several bars, right on La Boquilla Beach north of the city. It's built for large families or big groups who'd rather not leave the property.

Erre restaurant by chef Ramón Freixa — 2 Michelin stars
279 rooms with private balconies, 5 pools
Right on La Boquilla Beach
Removed from the walled city — built for staying on property

Oceanfront rooms and tables at Erre book up weeks ahead during high season.

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Flight + hotel Flight + hotel package to Cartagena

For some dates, booking your flight and hotel together may cost less than booking them separately. Compare the total before deciding.

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Here the experience changes completely — we're leaving the walled city behind for the ocean.

Sofitel Barú Cartagena

Getting here means leaving the city behind: this hotel sits on Isla Barú, with a private beach and a completely different vibe from the rest of this list. It has four infinity pools, several restaurants and bars, and an adults-only pool area. Even the standard rooms come with ocean-view balconies. It made Condé Nast Traveler's 2022 Hot List. Ideal for anyone who wants a real beach, not just a pool that faces the ocean.

Private beach on Isla Barú, 4 infinity pools
Adults-only pool area
Featured on Condé Nast Traveler's 2022 Hot List
Transfer from Cartagena takes 40 minutes to an hour

Oceanfront suites with a terrace and jacuzzi are the first category to sell out during high season.

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The next one combines history and luxury in a way that genuinely surprises.

Bastión Luxury Hotel

What sets this hotel apart is its architecture: inspired by British nobility, but built inside the walls of a Spanish colonial city. It has 51 rooms, a full spa blending Indigenous treatments with international techniques, and a rooftop pool with one of the most photographed sunset views in the city. Its restaurant, El Gobernador, includes breakfast. It's one of the highest-rated hotels in all of Cartagena.

British-inspired architecture inside the walled city
51 rooms, spa blending Indigenous & international treatments
Rooftop pool with sunset views over the city walls
Only 51 rooms — book months ahead

With only 51 rooms in the whole property, availability disappears fast during peak dates.

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From this point on, every hotel here is competing for the top spot.

Casa San Agustín

At this hotel, the food is just as much of a draw as the rooms: Alma, led by chef Heberto Eljach, focuses on traditional Colombian coastal cooking. It occupies three restored 17th-century mansions, with just 20 rooms and 11 suites, some with private jacuzzis or tropical gardens. It's a member of the Leading Hotels of the World and made Condé Nast Traveler's 2020 Gold List. Built for travelers who value privacy and food over the size of the property.

Alma restaurant by chef Heberto Eljach — Colombian coastal cuisine
20 rooms + 11 suites across three 17th-century mansions
Leading Hotels of the World member, Condé Nast's 2020 Gold List
No big pools or lively social scene — not for everyone

Suites with a private jacuzzi and garden are the first to sell out, especially for weddings and anniversaries.

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This building is over four hundred years old, and today it's a hotel.

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

Few hotels anywhere in the world can say they were, at different points in history, a convent, a hospital, a prison and a medical school before becoming a luxury hotel. Founded in 1621 next to Plaza de San Diego, it still holds onto original crypts, wells and confessionals. Its spa is set inside what used to be the convent's infirmary. Butler service is available on the higher-tier categories, a rare touch even among the luxury hotels on this list.

A 1621 former convent next to Plaza de San Diego
Original crypts, wells and confessionals still on site
Butler service on higher-tier room categories
Best-located rooms carry the highest price on this list

Rooms with a balcony and ocean view, and the butler-service categories, sell out further ahead than the rest.

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Airport transfer Arriving by plane? Book your airport transfer

Private and shared transfers from Rafael Núñez International Airport to any hotel in this ranking. Check options for your dates, passengers and luggage.

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Car rental Move at your own pace in Cartagena — compare cars from the airport

With your own car you explore Cartagena and surroundings on your own schedule. Booking ahead helps secure availability.

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And we've reached the hotel that's ranked number one in Cartagena today.

Casa Pestagua

This 18th-century palace, originally home to the Count of Pestagua, now ranks first among Cartagena's more than 280 hotels according to the guests who've actually stayed there — and it's no accident. Fully restored in 2022, it's part of Relais & Châteaux and holds a distinction almost no other hotel in the world can claim: Two Michelin Keys, awarded in 2025. It has just 11 suites, including the flagship Conde de Pestagua Suite with a private terrace and jacuzzi. AniMare, the on-site restaurant, celebrates Caribbean and Colombian Pacific cuisine, and the Acasí beach club is reached by boat. This isn't a hotel for every budget, but for anyone chasing the highest tier Cartagena has to offer, this is the finish line.