THE BEST HOTELS IN THE HISTORIC CENTER OF CARTAGENA

When I think of Cartagena, the first image that comes to mind is that of a sunny street, with picturesque façades, grand doors, and large vines taking center stage. Yellow, pink, blue, and terracotta are the colors that have defined my annual walks through these cobbled streets. The historic center of Cartagena consists of two neighborhoods: Centro and San Diego, and today we’re going to explore the best hotels in the historic center

I hope that as you follow along on this journey, you’ll feel as I do now—walking the streets of a city full of history, resilience, and art. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cartagena is surrounded by a wall approximately 11 kilometers long, built between the 16th and 18th centuries to protect the city.

If you stay in this area, you’ll be able to enjoy countless activities and visit iconic places like the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, the Gold Museum, Bolívar Park, Santo Domingo Church and Plaza, San Pedro Claver Museum, the Caribbean Naval Museum, the striking Clock Tower Monument, and many other attractions you’ll love during your stay in the best hotels in the historic center.

Don’t go just yet—come explore with me the terraces, balconies, hallways, rooms, and stories offered by the colonial houses that have been transformed into luxurious accommodations. We’ve categorized them into 10 appealing types, keeping in mind the priorities and preferences people have when choosing the perfect place to stay for their next vacation. At La Carta, we have the best hotels in the historic center of Cartagena.

BEST HOTELS IN THE HISTORIC CENTER WITH BREAKFAST

If, beyond valuing comfort, service, and privacy, you also appreciate good food and love starting your day with a burst of flavors, then stay at these recommended places I’ve picked out for you among the best hotels in the historic center of Cartagena.

Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio

A paradise in a privileged location, surrounded by delicious restaurants, bars, and cafés. It offers accommodations with a garden, terrace, infinity pool, and a delightful culinary experience at its Costa restaurant.

• Location: Calle del Colegio #34-82 6, El Centro

• Average price per night: 380 USD per couple

• Costa Restaurant: Traditional coastal cuisine — fish, pastas, tacos, ceviche — all with Caribbean flavor

• On the beach: No

• Spa: In a rustic and private setting, massage services and relaxing baths

• View: Historic city center

• Hot water: Not specified

• Staff friendliness: Delightful service

• Unique features: Exceptional breakfast offerings and an infinity-edge pool. I have no doubt that it will be in my top 3 of the best hotels in the historic center

Sophia Hotel

Right on Plaza de la Aduana, on Street 32, Sophia Hotel offers a culinary experience with Italian and French influences, paired with Spanish wines that make for the perfect romantic dinner—or an enjoyable evening with friends. Stay here from 292 USD per couple, with à la carte breakfast included and 24/7 attentive service. You can also enjoy the rooftop, which boasts a stunning view and a cozy, intimate pool.

Three more options to delight your palate with top-tier cuisine:

• A delicious à la carte breakfast at Hotel El Marqués, served on its terrace or in its luxurious colonial-style restaurant.
  
• At Hotel Quadrifolio, each dish is a work of art crafted for your palate, made with the freshest regional ingredients.
• Hotel Delirio offers a buffet breakfast that includes coffee, fresh fruit, freshly baked bread, egg arepas, pancakes, or eggs made to order. You can enjoy this experience either in the privacy of your room or on the terrace. That is why I think you have to considerer a good breakfast in the best hotels in the historic center.

BEST HOTELS IN THE HISTORIC CENTER WITH A VIEW

In the historic center, you’ll find colonial houses and buildings that feature spaces as unique as their terraces, balconies, and nooks, perfect for enjoying a moment of tranquility and contemplation of the stunning landscape that is Cartagena. Here are the best hotels offering the most breathtaking views in the Walled City of “La Heroica.”

Movich Cartagena Hotel

One of the hotels with a 360-degree view of the city, it boasts a privileged location that offers a panoramic experience of the historic center, the majestic Caribbean Sea, and a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

• Location: Calle de Vélez Danies, No. 4 – 39, Centro

• Average price per night: 317 USD per couple

• Restaurant: Alyzia – Mediterranean and Caribbean cuisine

• On the beach: No

• Spa: Rejuvenating massages and facial treatments for ultimate relaxation

• View: Overlooks the historic center and, in the background, the stunning Caribbean Sea with a full 360-degree panorama

• Hot water: Not specified

• Staff friendliness: Friendly and cheerful staff

• Unique features: 360° rooftop view with a pool and a great setting for a lively night out

NH Cartagena Urban Royal

With an impressive view of the Clock Tower, the Convention Center, and the Caribbean Sea, Urban Royal Hotel delivers a complete experience. Not only will you enjoy the view, but also its top-tier services: a rooftop pool, a restaurant specializing in traditional Colombian cuisine, and modern, comfortable, first-class rooms. It’s a strategic location with easy access to the most attractive sites in Cartagena’s historic center.

I could keep writing paragraphs to describe the majestic views of the best hotels in the historic center. Perhaps it’s the most difficult feature to choose from, among the thousands of options, but at La Carta, we always like to give you three more recommendations to help with your search:

• Hotel Casa La Merced, with a direct view of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea

• Santa Catalina Hotel, with its 360-degree view of the city

• Hotel Delirio, featuring private balconies and a modern terrace perfect for relaxation

BEST HOTELS IN THE HISTORIC CENTER WITH A POOL

From infinity pools, heated pools, and hydromassage pools, to even one made of gold! Yes, incredible things like this happen in the historic center. Because sometimes, being on vacation simply means spending the whole day cooling off in a pool with a signature cocktail and a spectacular view. Treat yourself on your next trip and stay at one of the best hotels in the historic center with a pool.

Leones de Alba Hotel Boutique

Discover a truly unique hotel in Colombia, known for its balconies and two swimming pools adorned with 24-karat gold leaf. This private luxury hotel offers 10 rooms and can accommodate approximately 30 guests. It’s an impeccably clean boutique hotel that I highly recommend booking right away.

• Location: Calle Santo Domingo #33-8, Centro

• Average price per night: 440 USD per couple

• Restaurant: The bar serves breakfast and top-notch cocktails, prepared by the best Colombian bartender in South America

• On the beach: No

• Spa: Massage rituals tailored to your individual needs

• View: Overlooks the cathedral and includes a private viewpoint of the beach

• Staff friendliness: Attentive and always ready to share information about the city and activities

• Unique features: Two pools with 24-karat gold leaf, rum and coffee tasting experiences

Bastión Luxury

This option will make a mark on your next Caribbean getaway—from its gourmet offering at El Gobernador, a restaurant serving Caribbean cuisine full of art and color, to the enjoyment of its spacious rooftop terrace with a multi-level pool. These are spaces the whole family can enjoy—including your pets. Stay here starting at  340 USD per couple, with breakfast included.

Two more beautiful stays by the boutique hotel chain, included in the best hotels in the historic center

• Hotel Casa La Factoria and Hotel Bantú, both colonial-style hotels featuring indoor pools and beautiful rooftop terraces. Expect delicious cuisine and flawless luxury service.

• Lastly, Hotel Amarla Boutique, where you’ll treasure unforgettable moments on the terrace with a refreshing dip, delicious pancakes, or a full traditional Caribbean breakfast.

BEST HOTELS IN THE HISTORIC CENTER FOR COUPLES

The magic of the historic center will always be an ideal destination for your next vacation with your partner—thanks to its privacy, exclusive services, and enchanting spaces that make love feel that much more special, specially at the best hotels in the historic center.

Hotel Casa del Arzobispado

A 4-star hotel that feels like a 5-star thanks to its beautiful details of stone, wood, and plants in every corner of this colonial house. It has 11 comfortable rooms, each with a unique charm, offering you a private and tranquil space.

• Location: Calle del Arzobispado 34-52, Historic Center

• Average price per night: 390 USD per couple (standard room)

• Restaurant: Bar Época Café and Baluarte San Francisco Javier, known for high-quality products and a specialty coffee offering

• On the beach: No

• Spa: Las Indias – offering treatments from craniofacial massages to reflexology for a full relaxation experience

• View: Overlooks the historic center

• Staff friendliness: Boutique-level service, with a 9.5 rating on several booking platforms

• Unique features: 15-minute massage included at the spa and 10% discount at Isla Bonita by Casa del Arzobispado

Hotel Boutique Cinco Quintas

An unforgettable luxury experience for you and your partner starting at 340 USD including breakfast, air conditioning, hot water, and some rooms with terraces. Your romantic evening deserves a private room, a rooftop with a beautiful view, and a pool to unwind—and this hotel has it all.

Discover more romantic corners during your stay in Cartagena’s historic center and write a new chapter of your love story together in the rooms and hallways of Palmas de Alba, Nacar Hotel, and Hotel Boutique Casa LM. Some offer heated pools, delicious traditional cuisine, and others are decorated with lush plants that bring the colonial walls to life, promising to turn each experience into a memory worth cherishing.

BEST HOTELS IN THE HISTORIC CENTER WITH A SPA

I truly believe there’s no destination like Cartagena when it comes to wellness and relaxation. Hotels here offer a complete spa experience, with wet zones, traditional Eastern treatments using modern technology, and rituals of meditation and yoga, making your vacation a truly different and sensory journey. I know many of you are looking for exactly that, so here’s my top selection of the best hotels in the historic center with the best spa.

Charleston Santa Teresa

One of the few accommodations with such a complete wellness area. Featuring a hydromassage tub, relaxation and aromatherapy treatments, and luxurious decor with marble floors and stone columns

• Location: Carrera 3 # 31-23, Historic Center. Plaza Santa Teresa

• Average price per night: 707 USD per couple

• Restaurant:Harry’s Restaurant, by one of the best chefs in Colombia—Harry Sasson. High-level cuisine blending Cartagena’s culinary traditions with international flair

• On the beach: No

• Spa: A holistic experience with modern and traditional oriental techniques, including a hydromassage tub

• View: Overlooks both the historic center and the Caribbean Sea

• Staff friendliness: Luxury service by seasoned professionals

• Unique features: Home to a restaurant by one of Colombia’s top chefs. Offers private rum and coffee tasting experiences

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

At La Carta, we absolutely love this hotel—just like all the guests who’ve given it a perfect 10 rating for its flawless experience and generous range of services. The Sofitel Spa combines traditional techniques with modern treatments in first-class facilities, including seven state-of-the-art massage rooms, a Hammam (Turkish bath), and products by the renowned French brand SISLEY.

Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina offers a spa with Ayurvedic treatments, specialized pre- and post-surgery therapies, and a Yoga room to balance body, mind, and spirit. At Hotel Boutique Aguamarina, renew yourself with a hot stone massage, lymphatic drainage, or chocolate therapy in a special rooftop setting—they also offer in-room services.

BEST HOTELS IN THE HISTORIC CENTER WITH LUXURY

Luxury hotels are everywhere in the historic center—modern buildings and renovated colonial homes that preserve their essence and history, maintaining a unique blend of elegance, architecture, art, and style inspired by a historical area. Here we have the best hotels in the historic center and most luxurious of Cartagena.

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

This hotel has it all: luxury, elegance, exclusive service, safety, comfort, and unforgettable experiences. Built in 1621, you’ll live the experience of staying in what was once the convent of the Order of Saint Clare.

• Location: Calle del Torno #39-29, San Diego neighborhood

• Average price per night: From 490 USD (standard room) to 3.900 USD (presidential suite) per couple

• Restaurant: Two luxury restaurants and three bars in this dream hotel. “From simple brasserie-style options to high gourmet cuisine.”

• On the beach: No

• Spa: The Sofitel Spa offers seven modern massage rooms, a relaxation area, and products from the renowned French brand SISLEY

• View: Stunning views of the Caribbean Sea or the charming historic city, depending on your room choice

• Parking: Yes, included in the accommodation rate

• Staff friendliness: Famous for its perfect guest reviews, with attention that is elegant, warm, and truly flawless

• Unique features: More than ten room categories, tailored to your service preferences, and exclusive experiences such as:

  • Pomegranate Ritual

  • Detox Ritual

  • Couple’s Connection (a unique romantic experience)

  • Cooking classes, tastings, and the perfect wedding destination

Ananda Boutique Hotel

A luxurious restored colonial mansion from the 17th century, originally built by military engineer Antonio de Arévalo, who also worked on the iconic Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. Stay for an average of 341 USD per couple, breakfast included, and let yourself be captivated by the flavors of Vedana Restaurant, one of the city’s finest. Its comfortable rooftop jacuzzi promises the most magical sunsets for couples.

Casa del Gobernador hotel, with its refined design and luxury, has been the venue of intimate weddings, featuring a lounge-style pool, restaurant, lobby bar, reading room, and other exceptional services.
Hotel Casa San Agustín, a five-star hotel, offers the luxury of staying in a suite with a private balcony and pool, an experience starting at  490 USD per couple, including breakfast.

BEST HOTELS IN THE HISTORIC CENTER FOR FAMILIES

If you’re planning to visit with your whole family, a place with both child-friendly and adult experiences is the best choice for a mix of relaxation, bonding, and fun. Stay in a room that fits everyone together or choose options where you can watch your kids enjoy activities while you sip a refreshing cocktail under the radiant sun. Here we have the best hotels in the historic center for families. 

Casa San Agustín Hotel

Stay in the Suite del Virrey, a spacious two-story suite that accommodates up to four people, featuring two private terraces and a jacuzzi. The hotel offers two delicious dining options and even a library for book lovers.

• Location: Calle de la Universidad No. 36 – 44, Historic Center

• Average price per night: From 490 USD per couple to 2.195 USD per family, depending on the room

• Restaurant: Alma and Animare, two restaurants offering a gastronomic experience rooted in ancestral recipes and local ingredients

• On the beach: No

• Spa: AURUM Spa, with rituals designed to connect, restore, and completely relax your body

• View: Overlooking the historic streets; some rooms have balconies and terraces

• Staff friendliness: 10/10 service to make your stay flawless

• Unique features:

  • Afternoon tea and library time starting at 5:00 PM

  • One of the few hotels to boast two restaurants

  • Duplex rooms with private jacuzzi

Family-friendly hotels are more commonly found in other neighborhoods such as Bocagrande, El Laguito, or Zona Norte, where larger complexes often include children’s water areas, kid-focused activities, and safe zones. If you’re heading to the Historic Center and want additional activities to enjoy as a family, we also recommend Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena and Sofitel Santa Clara — both offer spacious rooms, outdoor areas, and some even have youth activity programs. But without a doubt, the best hotels in the historic center will offer something special for your family.

BEST PET-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN THE HISTORIC CENTER

Don’t travel without your pet! At La Carta, we look for the best hotels in the historic center that are fully equipped to host you and your loyal companions, offering spacious and exclusive areas that ensure a peaceful, home-like environment. With secure outdoor zones, these hotels make sure your pet gets a break too, in the best possible conditions.

Hotel Santa Catalina de Indias

• Location: Carrera 6, Calle del Candilejo #32 – 62

• Average price per night: 185 USD per couple

• Restaurant: Traditional Caribbean cuisine with Indigenous and African heritage: ceviches, salads, tacos, and rice dishes

• On the beach: No

• Spa: No spa, but massage services are available

• View: 360-degree panoramic view

• Staff friendliness: Very attentive and responsive to guests’ needs

• Unique features: Pet-friendly, event and wedding spaces

Many hotels welcome pets — some for free, some with a fee, and a few with restrictions (like dogs only). But here at La Carta, we highlight the ones that truly care about your pets’ well-being. At Hotel Sophia, you’ll find bowls for food and water, towels, and everything your pet might need. Hotel Casa Don Luis is also pet-friendly, and there are many more options in the historic center. We’re sure your next vacation with your furry companion will be truly unforgettable.

BEST AIRBNB IN THE HISTORIC CENTER

Cartagena is also a great destination for travelers seeking a practical, budget-friendly, and independent experience. Through Airbnb, you can find cozy, homey stays at competitive prices. The Heroic City offers a wide range of options for light, worry-free vacations. So here you can find not just the best hotels in the historic center but the best AIRBNB. 

Al Alma Apart Suites

Experience the best of both worlds: hotel-style comfort and the privacy of a stylish apartment. Designed with an Eclectic Chic touch, this apartment features a private rooftop jacuzzi, fully equipped kitchen, hair dryer, hot water, and everything you need for a comfortable and independent stay.

• Location: Edificio Piñeres, 2nd Floor, #33-02, Historic Center

• Average price per night: 1.878 USD for the entire unit

• Restaurant: Yes — Al Alma, a luxury dining experience with over 20 locations across Colombia and Panama

• On the beach: No

• View: Overlooks both the beach and the historic center

• Staff friendliness: Friendly and helpful hosts

• Unique features: Private jacuzzi on the terrace, daily cleaning and housekeeping included, brunch included

San Pedro Claver Luxury

A private residence in the heart of the historic center, ideal for families or groups. With six bedrooms, three bathrooms, and capacity for six guests, this property requires a minimum two-night stay.
It includes access to the rooftop and pool of the Hotel Casa del Gobernador, located in the same building.
Equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, kitchen utensils, and TV, it’s a perfect blend of comfort and independence.

• Location: Calle San Pedro Claver, Historic Center

• Minimum stay: 2 nights

• Price: 2.926 USD for 6 guests (2 nights minimum)

BEST HOSTEL IN THE HISTORIC CENTER

Cartagena, the Heroic City, is especially attractive for those who enjoy free-spirited, simple, and often budget-friendly travel experiences. With a wide variety of hostels, Cartagena is a top destination for travelers looking to explore historic streets while enjoying a light, carefree stay. So here you can find not just the best hotels in the historic center but the best hostel.

El Viajero Hostel

El Viajero is a well-known hostel chain offering safety, fun, and a chill-out atmosphere for your next vacation.

• Location: Calle 38 #9-45, San Diego

• Average price per night: 20 USD per person

• Restaurant: Focused on breakfast, drinks, and snacks

• On the beach: No

• View: No notable view

• Staff friendliness: Very friendly and attentive

• Unique features: Yoga and dance classes, women-only rooms, karaoke nights, and food tours around the city

Casa Movida

At Casa Movida, you’ll enjoy a luxury experience in a hostel format — who said only five-star hotels can feel this upscale?
Choose between suite-style rooms with private bathrooms or capsule beds that let you share a global cultural experience with your roommates.
Enjoy spa services, a delicious pizza-focused restaurant, and even a coworking space if you’re traveling for business.

Cartagena is a must-visit destination for backpackers and digital nomads, and we at La Carta know that a comfortable and secure place to rest is key.
Other great hostel options in the city include: República Hostel, Maloka, The Clock Hostel, and Casa Torres Hostel. You can find all these services not only in the best hotels in the historic center, but also in the best hostels. 

By now, you already know: my favorite place in Cartagena is the Historic Center. Its architecture, beauty, history, and atmosphere are simply unmatched, making it nearly impossible to choose a Top 3 of the best hotels in the historic center. But here it is:

• Hotel Casa San Agustín

• Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio

• Leones de Alba

Come and discover their magic.

Thank you for making it this far! I hope this guide has inspired your next journey, helping you choose the perfect destination according to your preferences and plans.

La Heroica is waiting to make your next vacation unforgettable in one of the best hotels in the historic center.

La carta blog: the best hotels in the historic center of Cartagena.

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