Cartagena is as legendary for its superb hotels as it is for its bougainvillea-draped buildings. There’s a wealth of family-friendly lodgings from which to choose, from beachfront resorts to intimate boutique hotels in the heart of the historic quarter.
## Family-Friendly Hotels in Cartagena: A Detailed Exploration
**Bantú Hotel by Faranda Boutique**
Nestled on the picturesque **Parque Fernández de Madrid**, the **Bantú Hotel** by Faranda Boutique offers a truly enchanting experience in the very heart of Cartagena’s captivating historic quarter. This boutique hotel is more than just a place to stay; it’s an immersion into the city’s charm and character. What sets this hotel apart and truly captures the hearts of its younger guests is the presence of three magnificent live toucans. These vibrant birds freely fly and playfully hop around the hotel’s premises, often making their presence known as they politely beg for delicious breakfast fruits. Imagine the delight on your children’s faces as they interact with these exotic creatures!
Beyond the toucans, the **Bantú Hotel** provides further opportunities for family fun and relaxation. The rooftop plunge pool is a particular highlight, offering a refreshing escape from the Caribbean heat and providing breathtaking panoramic views over Cartagena’s magnificent historic center. Picture yourselves lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun, and admiring the city’s architectural splendor.
The hotel itself is a beautifully restored mansion, showcasing the charm of exposed bricks and sturdy beams. This architectural detail is combined with modern and stylish décor and tropical pastels, giving the rooms a unique sense of place. The 27 rooms are spread across three levels, surrounding three enchanting tree-lined inner patios, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. While the hotel features a small restaurant, stepping outside onto the **Parque Fernández de Madrid** will open your eyes to the culinary delights that Cartagena has to offer with a host of great eateries. The lively plaza encourages guests to enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere and delicious cuisine alfresco at night.
**Hotel NH Cartagena Urban Royal**
The **Hotel NH Cartagena Urban Royal** enjoys an enviable location that is hard to beat for those seeking to immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant heart. Uniquely positioned on the bustling **Plaza de los Coches**, this hotel offers truly unforgettable views over the iconic **Torre del Reloj** (clock tower), which is a true landmark of Cartagena, and the expansive harbor beyond. These are postcard-perfect vistas that will create lasting memories of your stay in Cartagena.
For the most spectacular views, head to the rooftop pool terrace. From here, you can enjoy an unobstructed perspective of the cityscape and the glistening waters of the harbor. It’s a perfect place to relax and take in the sights. However, parents should note that children under 12 years of age must be supervised in the pool area to ensure their safety. This Dutch-owned hotel prides itself on providing comfortable and convenient accommodations. It features 28 well-appointed rooms, each equipped with desired amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected during your trip. The hotel staff is known for their friendly demeanor and willingness to assist with any needs or inquiries. Be aware that due to its prime location on **Plaza de los Coches**, the hotel can experience some street noise from the nearby bars during the evenings. This is a trade-off for being in the midst of the action, but light sleepers may want to consider bringing earplugs or requesting a room further away from the plaza-facing side of the hotel.
**Sofitel Legend Santa Clara**
The **Sofitel Legend Santa Clara** stands out as the most alluring chain hotel in Cartagena, seamlessly blending history, luxury, and family-friendly amenities. Housed within a meticulously renovated 17th-century convent, this remarkable hotel features a modern extension wrapped around a large and inviting swimming pool. Superbly managed by the prestigious French luxury Accord hotel group, the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara perfectly harmonizes Gallic sophistication with the city’s rich historical ambience.
The hotel’s old wing is a veritable treasure trove of architectural wonders and religious relics, offering guests a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the city’s fascinating past. One of the hotel’s most intriguing features is a crypt that has been transformed into a bar, providing kids with a unique and slightly spooky space to explore. The jungle-like courtyard cloister, adorned with a fountain and home to a resident toucan, creates a fun and whimsical atmosphere where children can enjoy playing hide-and-seek.
Beyond its historical charm and unique features, the **Sofitel Legend Santa Clara** offers impeccable service, ensuring that every guest feels pampered and well-cared for. Two excellent restaurants cater to diverse culinary preferences, while the spa provides a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation, offering indulgent treatments like a full-body chocolate treatment. Outside the hotel, one of the old quarter’s most lively squares awaits, lined with superb restaurants that offer a taste of Cartagena’s vibrant culinary scene.
Recognizing the needs of families, the hotel provides extra beds and offers connecting rooms, ideal for keeping families close. Babysitting services can also be arranged, allowing parents to enjoy some quality time together. However, it’s important to note that the **Sofitel Legend Santa Clara** is Cartagena’s most popular option, so booking well in advance is highly recommended to secure your desired accommodations.
**Hotel Casa San Agustín**
Cartagena boasts a wealth of divine boutique properties, but the **Hotel Casa San Agustín** stands out for its particularly cheery welcome and elegant ambiance. Looking as if it has stepped directly from the pages of Vogue, in which it has been proudly featured, this gorgeous retreat harmoniously unites three former townhomes. Artfully preserved architectural details, such as exposed timber beams and intricate Moorish tiles, beautifully complement chic contemporary décor to create an atmosphere that wows guests from the moment they arrive.
Despite its elegant and serene ambiance, the **Hotel Casa San Agustín** maintains a remarkably child-friendly atmosphere. Children can frolic and play in the mosaic-tiled plunge pools located in the courtyard and on the rooftop terrace, while parents enjoy a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation with coffee and volcanic mud treatments in the spa. Families with young children will also appreciate the hotel’s generous policy of allowing children 10-years-old and under to stay free of charge. The Junior Suites feature a sofa bed that can comfortably accommodate two children, and the restaurant provides high chairs and a dedicated kids’ menu, ensuring that even the littlest guests are well catered to. For parents seeking a night out, babysitting services are available for an extra fee. Adding to the convenience and appeal of the Hotel Casa San Agustín is the complimentary use of bicycles for exploring the enchanting old city with your family.
**Hotel Boutique Bóvedas de Santa Clara**
The intimacy of the **Hotel Boutique Bóvedas de Santa Clara** makes it particularly appealing. The hotel is located just a stone’s throw from the namesake sightseeing attraction, **Las Bóvedas**, historic vaults that once served as dungeons and now house artisan shops. You’d never imagine that behind its discreet, shuttered Republican-style facade, this recently upgraded hotel is futuristically high-tech, boasting an almost industrial chic ambience. Some of its 18 rooms offer breathtaking ocean views, including family rooms that are decorated in a cool, white contemporary style. For parents looking to enjoy Cartagena’s nightlife, babysitters are readily available. The Hotel Boutique Bóvedas de Santa Clara offers guests the opportunity to indulge in the facilities at the deluxe Hotel Sofitel Santa Clara, a sister property nearby, adding an extra layer of luxury to your stay.
**Hotel Pueblito Playa**
If a beach location is a top priority for your family vacation, while still maintaining convenient access to the historic city center, then the **Hotel Pueblito Playa** may be the perfect choice for you. Situated just a stone’s throw from the silvery sands of Cartagena’s upscale **Bocagrande** neighborhood, this hotel offers the best of both worlds. Located on the third floor of a commercial building, the **Hotel Pueblito Playa** features cozy, air-conditioned rooms decorated in vibrant, tropical Crayola colors, creating a cheerful and inviting atmosphere. Brian, the British ex-pat owner, is a retired professional chef, and guests consistently rave about his gourmet American-style breakfasts. For children, the biggest draw of the **Hotel Pueblito Playa** is undoubtedly the presence of four guest-friendly dogs and two cats that Brian and his Colombian wife Esther have lovingly rescued from the streets. These adorable animals add a warm and welcoming touch to the hotel, making it feel like a home away from home for animal-loving families.
**Hotel Las Américas**
For a truly unforgettable beach resort experience, the **Hotel Las Américas** is hard to beat. This stylish 10-story property is located at **Cielo Mar**, just north of the airport and approximately four miles from Cartagena’s historic old town. Principally serving Colombian middle-class families, this hotel offers a wonderful opportunity for your children to interact with local children as they splash and play in the hotel’s eight swimming pools. The **Hotel Las Américas** also provides endless entertainment options for children of all ages, including a mini-golf course and the Club del Capitán Estrella children’s club, featuring a climbing wall, trampolines, arts and crafts classes, and more. Older children and adolescents can try their hand at kite surfing and a variety of other exciting watersports.
Meanwhile, parents can take the opportunity to rekindle some romance with a relaxing his-and-hers massage in the spa or enjoy sipping cocktails at the top-floor Infinito bar, taking in the stunning panoramic views. Guest rooms are state-of-the-art and sleek, and include family suites with extra bedrooms or pull-out couches for the little ones, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay for families of all sizes. While the base price may seem attractive, be aware that a la carte purchases can quickly add up. Therefore, if you plan to spend several days at the Hotel Las Américas, it is highly recommended to consider the optional all-inclusive package, which offers excellent value for money.
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