Where To Stay in Cartagena: The Boutique Hotel That Feels Like A Tropical Garden Inside a Colonial Mansion
Stay steps from Cartagena’s best attractions in a boutique hotel that feels like a secret tropical garden inside a colonial mansion in the Walled City.
For the best Cartagena experience, stay right in the heart of it all — the Walled City.
One of the most common questions when planning a trip to Cartagena is: where should we stay? After all, the city offers several distinct neighborhoods — from the beachy high-rises of Bocagrande, to the buzzing nightlife in Getsemaní, to the historic beauty of the Walled City. Each has its own charm, but the hardest part is making that final decision on the best place to call home during your stay. Cartagena is a city overflowing with things to do — from historic attractions to live music, world-class dining, colorful street art, and lively plazas. But if there’s one factor that makes all the difference, it’s location.
A colonial mansion reborn as a boutique hotel, La Passion opens into a lush courtyard oasis.
The Walled City is perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike because it’s close to literally everything: Restaurants, bars, shops, museums, parks, and the most iconic landmarks. And what better way to experience it all than by staying in a gorgeous boutique hotel right in the heart of the Walled City? Enter La Passion Cartagena, the colonial mansion-turned-boutique-hotel that feels like a tropical garden oasis you’ll never want to leave.
First Impressions at Check-In
exterior:
beautiful 17 th-century architecture
interior:
gorgeous courtyard + colonial details
hotel staff:
friendly, very helpful
rooms:
spacious, with a romantic boutique feel
amenities:
rooftop pool + courtyard; limited extras
Cleanliness:
fresh, well-maintained
location:
walkable to everything
The Rooms
La Passion Cartagena’s rooms are exactly what you’d hope to find in a boutique hotel: spacious, full of style, and thoughtfully designed. High ceilings, exposed beams, and antique furnishings give each room a colonial charm, while modern comforts balance it out so it feels both historic and inviting.
The atmosphere is romantic and cozy, with soft light shining in from the patio and the outdoor shower just steps from the bedroom. Showering under the open sky with the Caribbean breeze drifting in feels refreshing and almost indulgent. In Cartagena’s heat, those long, cool showers quickly became a highlight of my mornings. I stayed in the junior suite, which included a living room with a smart TV, a private bathroom with the outdoor shower, and a desk. Mornings started slow and easy, with breakfast waiting and the city just beginning to stir outside.
Food and Drink
Who can say no to free breakfast? Here it feels less like a hotel perk and more like part of the experience: strong Colombian coffee or fresh juice, a plate of just-cut fruit, eggs the way you like them, toast, and warm arepas, all served in the leafy courtyard under the palms. Breakfast here makes you want to slow down and enjoy it, but it’s also practical since you don’t have to think about where to eat before a day of sightseeing or a full-day excursion.
By the afternoon, the same rooftop space shifts into a tropical hideaway. Tables are tucked beneath the shade of tropical greenery, the city hums faintly in the distance, and a soft breeze drifts through while you sip a cocktail or share a quiet meal. It invites you to slow down and take in the moment, with Cartagena’s golden light setting the mood and the world-class dining scene waiting just beyond the hotel doors.
Amenities
The rooftop of La Passion Cartagena is absolutely stunning. It features a pool with sweeping views of the Cartagena skyline—truly breathtaking, and the best spot to just lounge all day. There’s also a cozy colorful cabana area surrounded by lush flowers and greenery, which makes the space feel tropical, romantic, and inviting. We spent an entire day relaxing up there, and it was so worth it after several busy days of excursions.
Downstairs, the hotel also has a charming little café, perfect for grabbing a quick coffee or light bite before heading out to explore. While amenities are limited beyond the rooftop, courtyard, and café, the hotel’s unbeatable location in the heart of the city means there’s no shortage of restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions just steps away.
Accessibility
Part of the hotel’s charm lies in its sweeping stone floors, antique finishes, and winding staircases, details that add character but can also make accessibility a little tricky. All of the suites are located on the second floor, which means you’ll be climbing a set of steep, narrow stairs each time you come and go. There’s no elevator here, so carrying luggage up and down can be a bit of a challenge.
The rooftop restaurant, one of the most beautiful spots in the hotel, also requires a few more flights of stairs to reach — but once you’re up there, the views and breezes are worth it. It’s all part of the romance of staying in a centuries-old building, though definitely something to keep in mind if accessibility is a concern.
Cost
La Passion Cartagena sits in the mid-to-upper boutique range, but it delivers major value compared to larger luxury hotels. You’re paying for style, atmosphere, and location – which is exactly what makes this boutique hotel special. exactly what it is. For travelers who want style, intimacy, and a sense of place, it’s worth every peso.
Tips
Want the best rates at La Passion Cartagena?
Book during Cartagena’s rainy or shoulder season—typically May through November—when hotel prices often drop by 20–40%. That said, September is especially wallet-friendly, with both flights and rooms seeing some of the lowest prices of the year—just be prepared for occasional afternoon rain.
Location
Probably my favorite thing about this hotel—besides the beautiful courtyard and romantic design—is the location. La Passion Cartagena couldn’t be better positioned. Right in the center of the Walled City, it puts you within walking distance of everything: Plaza Santo Domingo, the Cathedral, boutique shopping, museums, and nightlife. One of the biggest perks was how much money we saved on transportation.
We only used Uber twice, and that was just for excursions outside the city (San Basilio de Palenque and Volcano Totumo, both over an hour away). Otherwise, we literally walked everywhere. Exploring Cartagena on foot was not only the best way to see the city, but also a workout. (I’m pretty sure I lost a couple pounds just from all the walking and the fresh, healthier food we ate).
And honestly, just walking around Cartagena is an experience in itself. Cobblestone streets, horse carriages, street vendors, and some of the city’s most stunning historic sites—like the Santo Domingo church, the Plaza, and the iconic Clock Tower—are all just steps away. Free tours even begin right at the Clock Tower, less than a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Our Rosario Islands boat tour also left from the docks nearby, making things even more convenient.
The city walls are only a block away, and Café del Mar (a must for sunset cocktails) is an easy stroll. We even walked over to Getsemaní, a vibrant neighborhood full of street art, music, and nightlife. Cartagena really is best explored on foot, and staying at La Passion makes it easy. Of course, when you do want to venture farther—like to Bocagrande’s beaches—taxis and Ubers are affordable and reliable. Safety was also a big plus. We felt completely comfortable walking home from a bar or nightclub after midnight, with plenty of police presence around the Walled City both day and night. Convenience is everything when traveling, and the location alone would make me stay here again.
Things To Do Near The Hotel
explore cartagena’s most popular landmarks and attractions(All within walking distance from the hotel)
Now that you’ve found the perfect place to stay in Cartagena, check out my How to Spend 96 Hours in Cartagena, Colombia: A Day-by-Day Travel Itinerary to help you plan for your upcoming trip to the Heroic City.
