10 Best Hostels in Cartagena Colombia

Clock Hostel And Suites is a relatively new hostel in Cartagena and the idea behind it was to create a luxury but yet affordable experience for travelers on a budget. In general, Cartagena is safe for visitors but staying outside the old town is not advised. The best thing about this hostel is that it’s located in the heart of the walled city, so you can see the top attractions with just a few footsteps.

Aside from the grotesque interior and the endless attention to detail, the pool that greets you when you first walk in is definitely one of the main features of the hostel. Not to mention, the dorms are well air-conditioned and there are curtains on the bed units so you can have full privacy. Then when you’re ready to socialize you have access to communal areas as well as a kitchen. // Hostel recommended by Daniel from Layer Culture

The Maloka Boutique Hostal is a really great value hostel in the San Diego neighborhood of the Walled City and makes a great base for visiting Cartagena. There are some dorm rooms, but also a wide variety of very clean private rooms (king, queen, double, twin) with private bathrooms.

You can also enjoy the open-air courtyard (where you can take a complimentary breakfast of traditional Colombian foods), a rooftop terrace, and the lobby that also doubles as a trendy coffee bar. The bar is staffed 24 hours with English-speaking staff. Private rooms have a desk area, great air conditioning, and strong Wi-Fi. // Hostel recommended by Stephanie from The Unknown Enthusiast

Entering the Republica hostel from the streets of the Cartagena historic centre is like entering a cool oasis with a chill ambiance. The historic center was built inside a city wall in the 16th Century to protect Cartagena from looting pirates, and the Republica is situated right in the middle of restaurants, stores, and beautiful flowered historic houses.

You first meet an open-air courtyard with an airy interior, seating, and wifi zone. At the far end is the happy-hour heart, the bar, and the small pool area. The dorms’ beds are delicate small micro-studios, protected by curtains, and there are double rooms available. On the rooftop, you can have a drink at sunset before hitting the Cartagena nightlife.

You do need to like the party vibe to be happy here. It is not for secluded couples holidays, more for those who feel they can sleep when they get old! // Hostel recommended by Hege from The World by Hege

Casa de la Cruz is a quiet hostel in the bustling San Diego area of Cartagena making this a fabulous location to easily explore the Walled City on foot and you are spoilt for choice on where to eat close by. Having just landed in Cartagena port after sailing from Panama with little sleeping space, this serene double room was a much-needed haven.

Some of the best hostels in Cartagena Colombia are family-owned and Casa de la Cruz ticks this box. Expect to be greeted with a warm welcome, and they are happy to advise on tours and bus services to continue your trip. There is a range of rooms including double, triple, quadruple rooms, and rooms that sleep six people and the prices were amazing compared to other available hostels.

The WiFi worked well enabling me to catch up on work and emails, perfect space for digital nomads. To cook at Casa de la Cruz, you can use the compact kitchen area with a microwave, and enjoy food and drinks on the roof terrace with views across the city. // Hostel recommended by Vanessa from Wanders Miles

There are two Selina buildings in Cartagena which are right across each other and are in the best spot in the city. It’s a 3-minute walk to the plaza (where all the action nightlife happens) and also really close to the Old City.

The dorm rooms in Selina Cartagena have 4, 6, 8, and 12 dorm rooms and each room’s price varies. I always stay in the 6-bed dorm as I feel like it’s the best value. The 4-bed dorms are more expensive (around 45 USD) but of course, this is more comfortable and spacious since you are only sharing with 3 people.

Selina brands itself as accommodation for digital nomads in Cartagena because of its lovely coworking spaces that start at 15 USD per day. There is free wifi for all guests but this paid co-working plan is not only for using the space but also for connecting to a stronger WiFi connection. The password is only shared with those who avail of the daily co-work fee.

It can also be a party hostel as Selina has a rooftop bar and pool that can be loud till midnight. // Hostel recommended by Trisha from P.S. I’m On My Way

Casa Del Pozo Boutique hostel is a great choice for solo backpackers when visiting Cartagena.  Based in the Getsemani neighbourhood, the coolest part of town, it’s within walking distance of all the best places to visit.

Enjoy cooling down in the courtyard pool or watch a movie in the TV room.  There is plenty of opportunities to meet fellow travellers and make new friends. At the front of the hostel is a cute café that serves free breakfast every morning.  Take your pick from a few delicious options available each day.

The beds all have a privacy curtain and personal reading light and USB plugs which is always a nice bonus to have. On top of that, the staff is friendly and helpful so all in all a great place to stay for a few nights. // Hostel recommended by Wes from walkaboutwes.com

Life is Good Hostel is ideally located in the heart of Getsemani near the lively Plaza de la Trinidad and a short walk from the Walled City.  Life is Good Hostel has a chilled-out vibe, not a crazy party place, although you are never far away from the nightlife in Getsemani.

The highlight of Life is Good Hostel has to be the rooftop terrace and the bubbling jacuzzi to relax after a hard day exploring. Overall, the hostel is comfortable, feels homely, and offers a tasty breakfast – the pancakes were a big hit.

The staff is super friendly with English-speaking skills, and are devoted to making your stay the best possible. There is a handy travel agency to book any tours for your trip.

Hostal Casa de las Americas is the best of all worlds with easy access to the historic Walled City, San Felipe de Barajas Castle, vibrant Getsemani, and Marbella Beach. It’s located on a quiet street in the Getsemani area, allowing you to avoid the nightlife noises.

The hostel is family-run and they put their heart and soul into making your stay a comfortable one. The building has bags of character and the walls have been decorated with captures of Cartagena. There is a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared lounge, air-conditioning and free WiFi throughout the property.

This party hostel features a refreshing pool for Cartagena’s steamy days and a bar that creates fresh fruit cocktails. The central patio glows at night with neon Alice in Wonderland-inspired wall art. And if you just want to chill, there is a Netflix room with couches and large television.

Staying at Wonderland Hostel gives you an opportunity to get out of the tourist hub and experience a different area of the city. Located in the neighborhood of Crespo, one of several places to stay in Cartagena, Wonderland is just five minutes from the beach and five minutes walking from the airport. And when you do want to venture into the city, it’s just a quick taxi ride away. // Hostel recommended by Julien from Cultures Traveled

Hostal El Bando is the answer for sea-lovers as it’s located a short walk from Crespo Beach and Marbella Beach. For travellers that don’t like salty hair, the hostel has an outdoor swimming pool with a bar, BBQ, restaurant, and sun terrace.

This pet-friendly hostel has sociable areas with a shared lounge and table games to get involved with. Amazing facilities at this accommodation from the shared kitchen, tea + coffee, luggage lockers, AC and good WIFi connection.

If you don’t fancy making your own breakfast or wandering out to the beachside restaurants, take advantage of the delicious buffet-style or continental breakfast available every morning.

Final thoughts…

Have you visited this incredible Caribbean city? Did you stay in one of the best hostels in Cartagena Colombia, or have another option to add? Please comment below.

PLAN AHEAD FOR CARTAGENA

Useful links for your trip to Cartagena

🚌 LINKS TO BOOK COOL CARTAGENA TOURS

• For group multi-day trips including Cartagena, try G Adventures Colombia Tours
• Excursion to Rosario Islands
• Day trip to Totumo Mud Volcano & Pink Sea of Galerazamba
• Street Food Tour of Cartagena
• Cartagena Sightseeing Walking Tour
• Cartagena Bike Tour

🏨 ACCOMMODATION LINKS FOR CARTAGENA

• Find the best ACCOMMODATION deals with Booking.com
• Find the best HOSTEL deals with Hostelworld

✈️TRANSPORT LINKS FOR CARTAGENA

• Book onward buses with BusBud
• Hire your own wheels with Discover Cars
• Best flight deals with Skyscanner
• Private transfer to/from Rafael Núñez International Airport