Cartagena de Indias isn’t just a historic destination but also a paradise of luxury and exclusivity. If you’re seeking accommodations that combine colonial elegance, first-class service, and unique experiences, this guide presents the 10 most luxurious hotels of Cartagena, carefully selected for travelers with the highest standards.
Cartagena’s most opulent retreats
Having cultivated an instinct for the extraordinary through years of exploration, I’ve curated the ultimate selection of Cartagena’s most luxurious sanctuaries where discerning guests like ourselves can indulge in unparalleled sophistication. These aren’t mere accommodations but rarefied havens where every detail whispers timeless elegance and discreet indulgence.
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Price: starting at 522 USD/night per couple
Location: Calle Del Torno 39-29, Barrio San Diego
This 17th-century convent transformed into a palatial 5-star hotel represents the pinnacle of historical luxury. The moment you pass through its hand-carved wooden doors, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere of colonial grandeur meets modern opulence.
This hotel has it all: luxury, elegance, exclusive service, safety, comfort, and unforgettable experiences. Built in 1621, you’ll experience staying in what was once a convent housing the Order of the Poor Clares—you can already imagine the architectural details.
Why it stands apart:
- UNESCO-listed architecture with original frescoes and stone arches
- 1,500 m² Valmont Spa offering 24-karat gold facials
- Michelin-starred dining in the former sacristy
- Private butler service for suite guests with anticipatory service
Pro Tip: Suite 141 – the converted confessional with its private plunge pool overlooking the cathedral – offers the most Instagram-worthy views in the city. Definitely one of the most luxurious hotels of Cartagena.
Casa San Agustín Hotel
Price: starting at 600 USD /night per couple
Location: Calle de la Universidad 3644, Centro Histórico
With only 31 exquisitely appointed rooms, this boutique hotel delivers unmatched privacy within the walled city. The 300-year-old fresco preserved in the lobby serves as a constant reminder of the property’s aristocratic heritage.
Signature Experiences:
- Private wine cellar dinners beneath original stone vaults
- Rooftop pool with panoramic views of Cartagena’s iconic domes
- Soundproofed suites featuring Frette linens and rainfall showers
- Library bar stocking rare Colombian spirits
Perfect for: Honeymooners seeking romantic seclusion without sacrificing five-star amenities.
Stay in their duplex room, with its beautiful private outdoor jacuzzi. A unique experience where you will have to make a difficult decision: spend the whole day enjoying this room or go out and explore the city center. Both options compete for your attention if you stay here.
Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa
Price: starting at 650 USD/night per couple
Location: Carrera 3 # 31-23 Centro histórico, Plaza Santa Teresa
This transformed convent has become the preferred address for international jet-setters and discerning travelers. The infinity pool blending into the Caribbean horizon creates the illusion of swimming into eternity.
Exclusive Privileges:
- Cigar lounge in the former crypt stocked with Cuban Cohibas
- Mixology masterclasses using exotic tropical fruits
- Private speedboat transfers to Playa Blanca
- Celebrity sightings at the rooftop bar during high season
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. Without a doubt one of the most luxurious hotels of Cartagena.
Hyatt Regency Cartagena
Price: starting at 275$/night
Location: Cra. 1 #12-118, Bocagrande
Rising majestically above Bocagrande’s golden beaches, this glass tower delivers uninterrupted ocean views from every room. The 24th-floor Regency Club sets the standard for elevated hospitality.
Take care of your body and fuel up after your workout at one of their three exclusive restaurants, which blend Caribbean creativity with culinary artistry. Don’t miss the in-house gelato shop!
Notable Distinctions:
- Six gourmet restaurants including authentic Nikkei cuisine
- Aqoral Spa’s signature treatments using Colombian coffee and chocolate
- Family-friendly amenities that maintain adult sophistication
- Direct beach access with personal cabana service
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of modern luxury, breathtaking ocean views, and first-class service, the Hyatt Regency Cartagena is an unbeatable choice.
Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, every detail is designed to make your stay unforgettable—inviting you to indulge, relax, and experience Cartagena at its finest.
Casa Pestagua
Price: starting at 405$/night
Location: Calle Santo Domingo #33-63, Centro Histórico
Once home to Cartagena’s wealthiest family, this 11-suite mansion makes guests feel like colonial nobility. The ancient well in the courtyard now serves as a chic dipping pool – a perfect metaphor for how the property reimagines history.
Unique Offerings:
- Personal shopping concierges with access to hidden ateliers
- Cooking classes in the original 18th-century kitchen
- Private jazz concerts in the music room
- Hand-painted tiles and period antiques throughout
This luxury hotel has an ancestral Caribbean cuisine in a Moroccan-style setting enhanced by colonial arches. Dishes range from cold starters like lobster ceviche to hearty entrees like rice dishes, fish, seafood stews, and beef tenderloin. Vegan options available.
Staying here isn’t just a visit—it’s an experience of timeless sophistication and romance, the perfect invitation to immerse yourself in the magic of Cartagena.
Quadrifolio Hotel
Price: starting at 361 USD /night per couple
Location: Calle del Cuartel (Cra. 5) No. 36-118, Centro Histórico
Since 2008, Quadrifolio has welcomed guests into a meticulously restored 17th-century colonial mansion, where timeless heritage meets refined sophistication.
With just eight exquisitely designed suites, expansive social spaces, and a dedicated team delivering personalized service, every detail is crafted to embody elegance and exclusivity.
This former archbishop’s residence offers unmatched privacy. The handcrafted beds dressed in 500-thread-count Colombian cotton ensure restorative sleep fit for royalty.
Ideal if you’re looking for a more intimate stay in the historic center, is an invitation to experience Cartagena with style, comfort, and a sense of timeless elegance.
Attention to Detail:
- Pillow menu with 12 luxurious options
- Private guided tours of off-the-beaten-path historical sites
- In-room spa treatments featuring gold and pearl extracts
- Original colonial artwork throughout the property
Quadrifolio Hotel is a hidden gem where intimate luxury meets colonial charm in Cartagena’s historic center.
Quadrifolio is the perfect retreat for travelers seeking sophistication and tranquility.
Bastión Luxury Hotel
Price: starting at 424 USD /night per couple
Location: Calle del Sargento Mayor # 6 – 87, San Diego Ciudad antigua
This 16th-century fortress has been transformed into a design masterpiece. The glass-bottom rooftop pool extending over the edge provides dizzying views of the city below.
You’ll be tempted to linger all day on the terrace, gazing at the sweeping views of the sea and Cartagena’s iconic walled city. Indulge in the dreamlike pool, then savor avant-garde flavors at El Gobernador, where renowned chef Liliana Liévano elevates cuisine into an art form.
Wake up in refined comfort with breakfast included and round-the-clock reception at your service. For life’s most unforgettable moments, the hotel transforms into a dream wedding venue—offering full event planning, photography, videography, and exquisite gourmet cuisine tailored to perfection.
Must-Experience:
- “Gin & History” tastings in the former ammunition room
- Nighttime explorations of preserved underground tunnels
- Private mixology lessons with Caribbean-inspired cocktails
- Fusion restaurant blending local flavors with global techniques
Every detail is crafted for comfort and exclusivity, making it an ideal choice for discerning travelers. At Bastión, you don’t just stay—you live the essence of Cartagena in style.
Movich Cartagena Hotel
Price: starting at 424 USD /night per couple
Location: Cra. 13 #No 15-71, Centro histórico
While many hotels claim spectacular vistas, Movich’s 360-degree rooftop truly delivers. The infinity pool by day transforms into Cartagena’s most exclusive nightspot after dark.
The rooftop terrace sets the stage for vibrant evenings with breathtaking views of Cartagena’s Historic Center—an exceptional venue for private celebrations.
Unwind in total harmony at the spa, then delight in a culinary journey of Mediterranean and Caribbean flavors at Alyzia restaurant.
Standout Features:
- Sunset yoga sessions with panoramic city views
- Ceviche bar serving fish caught that morning
- Artist-in-residence program showcasing local talent
- Floor-to-ceiling windows in every suite
Movich Cartagena Hotel is the ultimate spot to take in the most iconic views of the city. Its stunning rooftop terrace offers a 360° panorama of the Caribbean Sea, the walled city, and the modern skyline of Bocagrande—all in one breathtaking frame.
Whether you’re enjoying a sunset cocktail by the infinity pool or savoring fine cuisine under the stars, the atmosphere is simply unmatched.
Staying at Movich means experiencing Cartagena from the very top, where every moment comes with a view you’ll never forget.
Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort
Price: starting at 499 USD /night per couple
Location: Anillo Vial KM 12 Between Manzanillo del Mar and, Vía Punta Canoa
At La Carta, we can’t get enough of this beachfront gem in Manzanillo. Dreams Karibana is a one-of-a-kind luxury all-inclusive resort in Cartagena, where breathtaking Caribbean views meet serene, family-friendly elegance.
Relax, soak in dreamy sunsets, and experience one of the city’s most unforgettable stays with a view.
Spread across 145 beachfront acres, this resort feels like a self-contained kingdom. The Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course features holes that play along the ocean’s edge.
- Private beach cabanas with dedicated butlers
- 90-minute “Caribbean Rhythm” massage
- Bioluminescent bay kayaking at moonlight
- Eight distinct restaurants catering to every craving
Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort is the perfect destination for those seeking both excitement and privacy. This luxury all-inclusive resort offers a wide range of activities, from relaxing spa treatments and golf on its exclusive course to water sports and family-friendly adventures along its pristine beach.
With secluded villas and serene corners throughout the property, guests can enjoy quiet moments away from the crowds while still having access to endless entertainment.
At Dreams Karibana, every day is a chance to indulge, play, and unwind in total comfort and exclusivity. Without a doubt one of the most luxurious hotels of Cartagena.
Estelar Cartagena Hotel
Price: starting at 253$/night
Location: Bocagrande
This sleek high-rise proves Cartagena isn’t just about colonial charm. The rooftop infinity pool that becomes a chic nightclub demonstrates how seamlessly business and pleasure intertwine here.
Executive Advantages:
- 100 Mbps internet for seamless connectivity
- 24-hour business center with translation services
- Quick airport access without sacrificing luxury
- State-of-the-art conference facilities
The rooftop of the Estelar Cartagena is home to 51 Sky Bar, the highest rooftop bar in Colombia. Located on the 51st floor, this exclusive venue offers a 360° panoramic view of Cartagena’s skyline, the Caribbean Sea, and the historic walled city.
Guests can enjoy signature cocktails, international and local cuisine, and a sophisticated ambiance, making it an ideal spot for sunset cocktails or evening gatherings.
The Art of Selection: Matching Property to Preference
For history enthusiasts, the Sofitel Legend or Casa Pestagua deliver authentic colonial splendor. Romantic souls will find Casa San Agustín or Quadrifolio perfectly intimate. Social butterflies thrive at Charleston Santa Teresa or Movich, while beach lovers should consider the Hyatt Regency or Conrad.
Having experienced these properties firsthand, I can attest that Cartagena’s luxury hotel scene stands apart by offering more than beautiful accommodations – each tells a compelling story through its architecture, service, and attention to detail.
This would be my top 3 most luxurious hotels in Cartagena:
-
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
-
Casa Pestagua
- Quadrifolio Hotel
Remember: True luxury here isn’t measured in thread counts alone, but in how these establishments make you feel – like temporary royalty in Cartagena’s golden age. Many offer combination packages allowing you to sample multiple properties during your stay.
Insider Advice: While December-April offers perfect weather, May-November provides better value and a more authentic local experience. The occasional tropical shower rarely lasts more than an hour and often provides dramatic beauty to photograph.
Whichever exquisite property you choose, prepare to be pampered beyond expectation. As I often say, life’s too short for ordinary hotels – especially in a city as extraordinary as Cartagena.
Would you like personalized recommendations based on your specific travel preferences? I’d be delighted to share more exclusive insights about these remarkable properties. After all, true luxury is best enjoyed when perfectly tailored to one’s tastes.
La carta: The most luxurious hotels of Cartagena
