Cartagena's coastline offers a mix of high-rise beachfront hotels in Bocagrande, resort-style complexes in the quiet area of Marbella, and isolated properties along Barú Island. Staying on the waterfront here means waking up to views across the Caribbean, having a swimming pool steps from the sand, and being able to walk straight onto the beach without crossing busy roads. Most beachfront hotels in Cartagena cluster around Bocagrande and Laguito, where you'll also find restaurants, nightlife, and easy access to the historic walled city.
For this list, we selected 52 beachfront hotels in Cartagena, ranging from mid-range stays like Hotel Cartagena Plaza (guest score 89, 'Fabulous') to all-inclusive resorts such as Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort (guest score 87, 'Fabulous'). The best-value options sit in Bocagrande, with nightly rates from $129, while the exclusive Sofitel Barú Cartagena offers a more secluded beach experience a short drive from the city. All the hotels featured have direct beach access, outdoor pools, and family-friendly facilities; some, like Hyatt Regency Cartagena (guest score 90, 'Superb'), also include casino, spa, and golf options.