Cartagena is a tropical paradise city located on the Caribbean coast of the incredible country of Colombia. It is known for being the gateway to a plethora of stunning islands including the San Bernandos Islas and is home to some of the most spectacular colonial architecture. The city is also packed full of incredible sites to see including Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas and Santo Domingo Square, both of which are magical destinations.
Cartagena is also one of the safest cities in Colombia with very low crime rates and a warming atmosphere. This makes it a great place to visit for families as you can wander the streets of the Old Town with little worry.
However, the city is packed full of expensive resorts which can often break the bank. A cheaper alternative is staying in a hostel and Cartagena is packed full of them. Some of these are party hostels though so you will want to make sure you find a chilled one if you’re traveling as a family. To help you out a little we have created this guide to the three coolest hostels in Cartagena for families.
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Cartagena for Families
#1 The Overall Best Hostel in Cartagena for Families – Casa Zahri Boutique Hostel
#2 The Best Cheap Hostel in Cartagena for Families – Casa Mama Waldy
#3 The Best Luxury Hostel in Cartagena for Families – Selina Cartagena
#1 – Casa Zahri Boutique Hostel
The Overall Best Hostel in Cartagena for Families
- Cost – $$
- Location – Cl. 24 #10-13, Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Casa Zahri Boutique Hostel…
The design of Casa Zahri is out of this world and as you step foot in the building you will feel like you’re in a fairy tale with beautifully carved colonial walls and gorgeous decorations. The hostel also has a stunning pool area which is surrounded by comfortable lounging areas where you can even enjoy your free à la carte breakfast every single morning.
Upstairs you will also find a bright and cozy common room that stretches out onto a beautiful balcony area that overlooks the harbor. This is the perfect place to grab a morning coffee and watch the sunrise!
Casa Zahri Boutique Hostel is perfect for…
Casa Zahri is a perfect all-rounder for families with it not being a party hostel but having plenty of things to do to keep the kids entertained. On-site you will find an amazing outdoor pool which you can spend all day dipping in and out along with this it is just a 5-minute walk to the old walled city where there are plenty of things to do.
Cartagena, on the whole, is a super safe city and the hostel is also located in one of the safest districts making it a great place for families. You will also find a good selection of family rooms at Casa Zahri Boutique Hostel ranging from 3-6 beds.
Colombia is amazing! And the best hostels in Cartagena will blow you away!
#2 – Casa Mama Waldy
The Best Cheap Hostel in Cartagena for Families
- Cost – $
- Location – Cl. de la Sierpe #29-03, Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Casa Mama Waldy…
We love the location of Casa Mama Waldy with it being located in the chilled-out but happening neighborhood of Getsemani. The hostel is nestled in a corner of the historic and culturally rich neighborhood of Calle de la Sierpe, which is packed full of things to do from the bustling Plaza de la Trinidad all the way to the laid-back Parque Centenario.
The hostel also has a beautiful rooftop area that is funkily designed and has an outdoor hot tub which will definitely impress the family. Here is the perfect place to have a coffee, cocktail, or mocktail and watch over the nearby neighborhood of Getsemani.
Casa Mama Waldy is perfect for…
Cartagena is one of the pricier destinations to head to in Colombia so this property is great for those families heading to the city on a budget. The hostel offers several very reasonably priced family rooms equipped with double beds and bunk beds for the kids.
Inside you will find a beautifully modern en-suite along with comfortable beds and free Wi-Fi. Oh, and all the family rooms are air-conditioned which will come in very handy as Cartagena can get very hot!
No plans tonight? Check into one of Cartagena’s party hostels for more than just a place to sleep!
#3 – Selina Cartagena
The Best Luxury Hostel in Cartagena for Families
- Cost – $$$
- Location – alle Larga (25, Cra. 8b #148, Cartagena de Indias,
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Selina Cartagena…
The location of Selina Cartagena is magical with the hostel being surrounded by brightly colored buildings complete with playful balconies, windy cobbled streets, bustling market stalls along with a friendly old-world charm.
On your doorstep is the beautiful marina, which is the gateway to so many cool activities from sunset cruises, island hopping tours, and snorkeling trips. It is also an epic place to grab a bite to eat overlooking the waterfront.
Selina Cartagena is perfect for…
Those families looking for a fancy place to stay in but don’t want to splash out on a lavish resort or boutique apartment in the hotel district. The chain of Selina is well-known for having beautifully designed and modern rooms all of which come with clean and boutique facilities.
The hostel is also very big and offers one of the largest selections of private rooms for a hostel in Cartagena meaning you will have plenty to choose from so you’re bound to find somewhere that fits your family size.
Selina Cartagena also has fantastic common areas including an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the ocean, a rooftop restaurant and bar area along with cozy common rooms scattered across the hostel.
Short on time in Cartagena? Doesn’t matter we have trips from Cartagena you can do in one day!
Conclusion to the Best Hostels in Cartagena for Families
Cartagena really is a fantastic destination to visit for families. It offers so many fun activities, gorgeously sunny weather, and ultra-safe streets to explore. As you can probably tell from this article, it also offers a good selection of family-friendly hostels so you don’t have to break the bank on a fancy hotel.
We really hope this article has helped you navigate the hostel scene in the beautiful coastal city, if you do end up booking any of the hostels we’ve listed above do let us know, it’s great to hear from you guys.
So get those flip-flops ready and prepare yourself for days exploring the stunning Caribbean coast – Cartagena is awaiting your arrival!
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