On Colombia’s Caribbean coast, one of Cartagena’s main draws is unsurprisingly its beaches and nearby islands. If you want to take full advantage of the beach, why not consider staying at a Cartagena, Colombia beach hotel? Read on to learn about the top 11 best beach hotels in Cartagena, Colombia.
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Top 11 Cartagena, Colombia Beach Hotels – Introduction
There’s no doubting that spending some time getting a tan and enjoying the Caribbean sea on the Beach is one of the top things to do in Cartagena. While I think the best areas to stay in Cartagena are in the historic center and Getsemaní, for the true beach bums, you might want to consider at least spending part of your time staying at one of the beach resorts in Cartagena. Here I am going to run down some of the best Cartagena, Colombia resorts on the beach.
This is a top 11 because, well, everyone does top 10s, 11 has a special significance for Cartagena since it declared its independence on November 11, 1811 (11/11/11), and I think you deserve just a bit more.
First a bit of advice. The beaches in Cartagena proper are ok, but the best beaches are outside the city in Barú and the Rosario Islands. That is where you will find white sand beaches and crystal clear blue Caribbean water. I think staying in the islands is the best place to stay in a hotel on the beach in Cartagena. It’s just prettier and there are fewer people and vendors. Therefore, the top places on this list of best beach resorts in Cartagena are located there. There is also a place on the closer island of Tierra Bomba if you want a Cartagena beach resort a bit closer to and shorter boat ride from town.
However, I also understand some people want to both have the beach and the convenience of being close to town. So if you want a place you can stay your whole trip and get both the beach and easily get in and out of town, consider the places just outside of town a bit lower down on this list of Cartagena beach resorts. I’m personally not crazy about Bocagrande due to the crowds, the touristy feel, and the vendors on the beach, but it is the most convenient area to stay and and where the most Cartagena hotels on the beach are located. Therefore, there are a few good Cartagena beach hotel options in Bocagrande that round out this list.
Ok, now without further ado, let’s get to this list of the best Cartagena, Colombia hotels on the beach!
*Planning a trip to Cartagena right now? Check out the current Covid restrictions in Cartagena and current requirements for entry to Colombia. Also, it’s a better idea than ever to get travel health insurance. World Nomads is a popular option. Learn more and get a quote here.
1. Hotel Las Islas – Amazing Resort in Barú
The first place on this list of the best Cartagena, Colombia beach hotels is located among the mangroves at the tip of the Island of Barú. Las Islas offers amazing, 5 star quality bungalows. Some are nestled in the forest, while others are waterfront. Some even have their own private pools or jacuzzis. All are the perfect mix of luxury, nature, and exclusivity. This place is pricey, but it is undoubtedly the cream of the cream for a beach hotel in Cartagena.
2. Hotel Isla del Encanto – Close Second Luxury Resort in Barú
Also, located on Barú, Isla del Encanto is also a spectacular option for a beach hotel in Cartagena, Colombia. While the bungalows aren’t quite as secluded and are townhouses, here, there are two great pools, and a wonderfully large beach area. Susana and I have stayed here (the photo at the top is there), and we loved it. Food was very good, and the room was one of the nicest we have every stayed in. Service was also great. There is a kids pool and playground, so this would be a good option for families too.
*If spending the night here is out of your budget or you are pressed for time, consider doing a day pass at Isla del Encanto.
3. San Pedro de Majagua – Nice Option in Rosario Islands
The places listed above are in Barú, at the end of a long peninsular south of Cartagena. However, the scenery of the Rosario Islands off the coast is even more amazing (you can read more about the islands here). Located on Isla Grande, San Pedro de Majagua is located amongst the trees just inland. There’s a big beach front lounge space here compared to many of the other Cartagena resorts in the Rosario Islands. The water is crystal clear and the rooms are gorgeous as well. This make it a great beach hotel in Cartagena, Colombia if you want to be in the Rosario Islands themselves.
*If you can live without a beach per sé, Coralina Island is another great option for a Cartagena, Colombia resort in the Rosario Islands. They have great facilities and a great swimming area off their dock. Learn more about them at Booking.com.
4. Islabela – Value Bungalows in the Rosario Islands
Also located on Isla Grande, Islabela has one of the best beach areas of any of the Cartagena beach hotels in the Rosario Islands. It also is a pretty good value compared to the other Cartagena resorts in the islands. There are pretty little bungalows here and this would be a great quiet escape whether with family or as a couple.
*If you would prefer to see the islands via a day trip, consider renting a private boat, doing this tour on a Catamaran, this tour that takes you to 4 islands, or a party boat to Cholón island. You can also book a day pass at the popular Bora Bora Beach Club.
5. Fenix Beach – On Isla Tierra Bomba Closer to Town
If spending an hour on a boat to get out to Barú or the Rosarios isn’t as appealing to you but you still want that island vibe, Fenix Beach might be the best Cartagena hotel on the beach for you. Fenix is located in the area known as Punta Arena on the Island of Tierra Bomba, only a 5 minute boat ride across the bay from Cartagena. It is off on its own and feels very exclusive and private. The view of the city is gorgeous. While the beach itself isn’t quite as beautiful as in Barú or the islas, there are great beach beds and facilities here. So if you are looking for a Cartagena beachfront hotel that isn’t too far away, this could be a great option.
*Another great spot in Tierra Bomba is Blue Apple Beach House. Book a day pass at Blue Apple here.
6. Estelar Playa Manzanillo – Great All Inclusive Outside of Town
Next up on this list of Cartagena beach hotels, is the Estelar Playa Manzanillo. An all inclusive Cartagena beach resort, it is located about half an hour outside of the city on the beach of Manzanillo. While again not as pretty as the beaches out in the islands, the beach here is large and much less crowded than the beaches in town. There are also 3 pools, and the property is gorgeous overall. This is a great beach hotel in Cartagena, Colombia for escaping it all for a few days. However, for those looking to do more in town, you might want to consider another place on this list of Cartagena hotels on the beach.
7. Raddison Ocean Pavillion – Great Luxury Option Closer to Town
Located north out of the city proper, the Raddison Ocean Pavillion is located much closer to town. You can still reach downtown in 10 minutes from this beach hotel in Cartagena though. The rooms here are very nice, there is a pool, a spa, and you can enjoy the beach just outside the hotel. This makes it a great option for a Cartagena hotel on the beach that is a luxury experience while providing a happy medium between beach tranquility and being close to the attractions in town.
8. Las Americas – All Inclusive Close to Town
Las Americas have two adjacent properties just north of the airport in Cartagena. This is one of the best known Cartagena, Colombia resorts and is a good idea for families or those looking for a relaxed and all inclusive beach resort in Cartagena (you can choose to do the all inclusive option or not). It’s a huge complex and has several restaurants, pools, and bars. I recommend the Casa de Playa property which is a bit smaller and has a more exclusive feel, but the Torre del Mar is a great option as well and has a more modern, sophisticated feel.
9. Hotel Hilton – Best Cartagena Beach Hotel in Town
The Hilton was one of the first luxury hotels in Cartagena, and it remains amongst its very finest. It is located on the far end of El Laguito lagoon and has a great beach area overlooking the bay of Cartagena. There are several pools and even tennis courts at this Cartagena beach hotel as well. It’s a good oceanfront hotel in Cartagena for families, couples, or even solo travelers.
*While not directly on the beach, you might also consider staying at the Hampton by Hilton sister property, which is closer to downtown and the many shopping and dining options on the main strip in Bocagrande.
10. Hotel Caribe – Classic Option in Bocagrande
Similar in design to the Hotel Nacional in Havana, the Hotel Caribe is a classic Cartagena beachfront hotel. The architecture is gorgeous, and guests can enjoy a big pool inside the courtyard or enjoy the best section of beach in Bocagrande just across the street. I guess that means this technically does not qualify as a hotel on the beach in Cartagena, but the private beach club, lovely atmosphere, and great location make up for it not being directly on the beach.
11. Hotel Intercontinental -Beachfront in the Heart of Bocagrande
The Hotel Intercontinental is another great luxury hotel on the beach in Cartagena. It is located right in the heart of Bocagrande, near lots of dining and shopping options. It also has a great pool overlooking the beach and a nice beach area with chairs and shade available for guests. The rooms at this Cartagena beach hotel are also fantastic.
Bonus Picks: 2 great hotels just a short walk from the beach
I wanted to include 2 more terrific options. They are just across the street from each other and are two of Cartagena’s newest and finest hotels. Located near the entrance of Bocagrande, they are not beachfront as the shore here is rocky. However, you can get to the beaches of Bocagrande by foot in 5 minutes and the hotels both have amazing rooms and facilities. Check them out below if you think you can manage being a short walk from the beach.
Hyatt Regency – Great Rooftop Pools
The Hyatt Regency has an incredible set of rooftop pools overlooking the Caribbean. The sunset here is spectacular since it’s one of the highest points of Cartagena. The backside of the roof also has a nice bar and view of the bay. We’ve come up here just to hangout and enjoy drinks with the view before. The rooms are also amongst the nicest in the city. So, if you want a great oceanfront hotel in Cartagena but can stand walking a few minutes to the beach, this is a great option.
Estelar Cartagena – Great Rooftop Bar
The Hotel Estelar has a great pool of its own overlooking the Caribbean although it’s not all the way on the roof. It’s the in town sister property of the Estela Manzanillo above. Here, you’ll find 51 Sky Bar, which has gorgeous panoramic views of the Caribbean and the bay. It’s on my list of the best places to get sunset drinks. The rooms here are also gorgeous, making this another great Cartagena waterfront hotel that is just a short walk to the beach.
Which Cartagena, Colombia beach hotel will you book?
There you have it, a complete guide to the top 11 best beach hotels in Cartagena, Colombia. I hope you found it useful and regardless of where you stay, you enjoy your stay beach bumming it up in Cartagena! If you did stay at a place on this list of the best Cartagena beach hotels (or another beach hotel in Cartagena for that matter) share your experience in the comments below.
Cheers and Happy Exploring Beach Bumming!
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Practical Guide to the Best Beaches in Cartagena
Planning your trip to Cartagena?
Check out the top resources listed below:
Complete Guide to the Best Areas to Stay
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Complete Cartagena Packing List
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