Where to Stay in Cartagena with Kids (3 Easy Picks)
Updated August 2025 • We haven’t stayed here yet, this is the shortlist we’d book today based on location, family amenities, and consistent parent reviews. We’ll update after our Colombia leg in Oct 2025.
We’re a slightly overwhelmed family of four who care about two things: short walks and early bedtimes. Cartagena is gorgeous, and hot, so our plan is mornings in the old city, siesta/pool in the afternoon, and sunset wanders. These are the three stays we’d actually choose: a walkable base inside the walls, a pool-forward option for energy burn, and a best-value pick that keeps the budget happy.
Cartagena neighbourhoods at a glance (for families)
Centro Histórico (Walled City): postcard lanes, plazas, and easy food runs. If you want short strolls with little legs or a stroller, this is prime.
Getsemaní: colourful street art and cafés; fun by day, a bit livelier at night, great if your kids sleep through anything.
Bocagrande/El Laguito: modern high-rises, big pools, beach access, and a quick taxi into the old city, good if pool time is your anchor.
The 3 Easy Picks (we’d book one of these, no endless lists)
1) Best Walkable Base: Casa Claver Loft Boutique Hotel (Centro Histórico)
Why we picked it: Inside the walls, with loft-style suites that give you actual living space and kitchens for simple kid meals. There’s also a rooftop pool for that crucial cool-down after sightseeing. Recent guests highlight both the rooftop pools and the convenience of an elevator, gold with sleepy kids and bags. (Plus what kids does not like pressing the elevator buttons)
Good to know: It’s a beautifully restored historic house; some kitchen areas are semi-open and can feel warm if you’re doing real cooking, fine for pasta nights, maybe not roast dinners.
2) Pool Time for the Kids, Hyatt Regency Cartagena (Bocagrande)
Why we picked it: Resort-style downtime without leaving the city. The Hyatt lists multiple outdoor pools including a children’s pool, plus big-hotel conveniences (cribs, laundry, snacks). You’re beach-adjacent and a quick taxi to the old town for dinners. (Ubers are always a cheaper lifesaver)
Good to know: You’re swapping cobblestones for sea views, Bocagrande is modern high-rise living with space to sprawl. Families consistently praise the pool setup for burning energy before naps.
3) Best Value Under £50: Hotel Beijing Cartagena (Bocagrande)
Why we picked it: Wallet-friendly in a central, beach-adjacent area, with Standard Family Room options and simple amenities. Rates regularly dip well under £50 on off-peak dates (shoulder/weekday windows).
Good to know: Rooms are basic; filter/search for family or multi-bed categories and double-check breakfast on your rate. Location in Bocagrande means easy taxis and predictable services.
How we choose (quickly, like parents do)
Walkability: food/play within 10–15 minutes
Room setup: doors that close or loft space so lights can go out for kids
Cool-down: pool or easy shade
Food: in-room kitchen or kid-friendly options nearby
Recent family reviews: we prioritise consistent parent mentions, not one-off raves
Safety & practical stuff for families
Heat plan: Cartagena is hot + humid. Do mornings out, siesta/pool, then sunset strolls. Your future self will be less melty.
Noise: Centro is lively on weekends—ask for rear-facing/upper floors if you’ve got light sleepers.
Stairs: Many boutique buildings are stairs-heavy; confirm lifts if you need them (Casa Claver: elevator noted by guests).
Taxis & seats: Use official taxis/ride apps; bring a compact booster/ride vest if needed.
Airport → hotel: Expect roughly 15–20 minutes by taxi depending on area/traffic.
Getting around & when to book
Getting around: We’ll Uber between neighbourhoods; walking inside Centro is easy with frequent snack stops. We’re generally walkers though so again if you want to walk, thats fine.
When to book: Expect heavier crowds and higher rates mid-December to mid-January and during Holy Week; shoulder months usually offer better value.
Flights: Compare options here
Family logistics near each area (quick hits)
Centro Histórico: pharmacies and bakeries dotted through the lanes; shaded plazas for sit-downs.
Getsemaní: cafés, murals, and plaza life; expect more evening buzz.
Bocagrande: beach promenade, bigger supermarkets, chains and coffee for predictable kid snacks.
FAQ (for parents, by parents)
Is Cartagena safe with kids?
Stick to Centro/Getsemaní/Bocagrande, keep valuables tucked away, and use ride apps after dark, standard big-city sense.
Which area is best with younger kids?
If you want big pools and easy downtime: Bocagrande. If you want short wanders and pretty plazas: Centro.
Can we get bigger rooms or kitchens inside the walls?
Yes, Casa Claver’s lofts with kitchens are a rare find in the historic center and great for simple meals.
