A small colonial boutique hotel in the heart of the Walled City with only 13 rooms, a heated rooftop pool, a spa and breakfast included – the Clock Tower is a three-minute walk away.
from $150 / night
Guest-friendly hotels in Cartagena
Cartagena is Colombia’s Caribbean jewel: a colorful colonial old town inside massive walls, warm nights, rooftop bars and beaches just minutes away. Most travelers stay in the Walled City, in lively Getsemaní or by the beach in Bocagrande. These hotels are reported to welcome visitors without extra fees – from a practical city hotel to a colonial boutique gem.
5hotels listed
$50from / night
$0visitor fee
All guest-friendly hotels in Cartagena
5 hotels
A modern, highly rated hotel in Bocagrande, about 150 m from the beach: soundproofed rooms, free breakfast buffet and a rooftop bar with city views.
from $70 / night
A large, good-value city hotel in La Matuna, right between the Walled City and Getsemaní: air-conditioned rooms with city or bay views, breakfast buffet and 24-hour reception.
from $50 / night
A colonial-style hotel around a palm courtyard inside the Walled City, with a pool, rooftop terrace and restaurant – one of the most affordable ways to sleep within the walls.
from $60 / night
A small boutique hotel in Getsemaní with a pool, pool bar and rooftop terrace, three minutes on foot from Plaza de la Trinidad – Cartagena’s best area for bars, street art and nightlife.
from $80 / night
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Photo credits
- Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio – Photo: Angela bustosc91, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Oz Hotel Luxury – Photo: Pedro Szekely, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Hotel Stil Cartagena – Photo: Joe Ross from Lansing, Michigan, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia – Photo: Jacir, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Hotel Boutique La Artillería – Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Compare at a glance
| Hotel | Area | Class | From | Best for | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio | Walled City (Centro Histórico) | Luxury | $150 | Romantic luxury | |
| Oz Hotel Luxury | Bocagrande | Mid-range | $70 | Beach & value | |
| Hotel Stil Cartagena | La Matuna (Centro) | Budget | $50 | Lowest budget | |
| Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia | Walled City (Centro Histórico) | Mid-range | $60 | Old town on a budget | |
| Hotel Boutique La Artillería | Getsemaní | Mid-range | $80 | Nightlife on foot |
Prices are indicative starting rates per night and change with dates. Check live prices before you book.
Where to stay in Cartagena
Walled City (Centro Histórico)
The colonial heart with plazas, balconies and rooftop bars. Beautiful and walkable, with the highest hotel prices.
Getsemaní
The liveliest neighborhood for bars, salsa and street art, around Plaza de la Trinidad. Good value and a short walk to the old town.
La Matuna (Centro)
Business area between the old town and Getsemaní. Practical, central and often cheaper.
Bocagrande
Modern high-rises along the beach, with restaurants and shopping. A short taxi ride to the old town.
El Laguito & Castillogrande
Quieter peninsula at the end of Bocagrande, calm and residential, good for longer beach stays.
Smart & safe: tips for bringing a guest
- Your visitor will usually need to show a valid ID at reception. See it as protection, not a hassle.
- Only bring guests you know are adults (18+). Cartagena enforces the laws against the exploitation of minors very strictly, and hotels check IDs.
- Lock cash, passport and valuables in the room safe before your guest arrives.
- Drugging with scopolamine (“burundanga”) is a known risk in Colombia’s tourist areas. Never accept a drink you did not see being prepared.
- Cartagena taxis have no meters: agree the price before you get in, or use an app. Be firm but polite with beach and street vendors.
Frequently asked questions
What does “guest-friendly hotel” mean?
A guest-friendly hotel lets you bring a visitor to your room without charging a guest fee or making you upgrade to a double room. Visitors usually register with an ID at the front desk.
Do guest-friendly hotels in Cartagena charge a visitor fee?
The hotels on this page are reported not to charge a visitor fee. Some hotels in Cartagena, especially resorts, charge for an “extra person”, so check the latest traveler reviews on each hotel page or confirm with the hotel before booking.
Does my visitor need an ID in Cartagena?
Yes, almost always. Hotels register visitors at reception with a valid ID (Colombian cédula or passport), and visitors must be adults. This is standard practice and protects you, your guest and the hotel.
Can my visitor stay overnight?
Often yes, but some hotels register an overnight visitor as an additional guest, which can change the price. Ask at check-in or confirm with the hotel in advance.
Which area of Cartagena is best for guest-friendly hotels?
Getsemaní for nightlife on foot and good value, the Walled City for colonial atmosphere, La Matuna for a central budget stay, and Bocagrande if you want the beach.
How do I know a hotel is really guest-friendly?
Look at the guest policy, the verification level and the “Guest check” on each hotel page: it shows how many travelers were able to bring a visitor without problems. After your stay, add your own review.
Where can I find companions in Cartagena?
Independent companions in Cartagena mostly advertise on Colombian classified sites. These are external websites that we do not operate or check. Only meet adults (18+), and read our safety tips above before you invite anyone to your hotel.
Missing a hotel?
Do you know a guest-friendly hotel in Cartagena that is not listed here? Tell us – we will check it and add it if it fits.