1. General Information of Cartagena

Area: 609 km² (235 sq mi)
Elevation: 2 m (6.5 ft) asl
Population: 1 million inhabitants
Climate: Average temperature of 29°C (84.2 °F)

Cartagena de Indias is the capital city of the department of Bolivar, on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Its official name since 1991 is the Tourist and Cultural District of Cartagena de Indias, meaning it has independent jurisdiction over some fields and certain special features that set it apart from other cities in the country.

It was inhabited for centuries by several indigenous communities and then founded in 1533 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Heredia. Since then and throughout the Spanish empire, Cartagena was one of the most important ports in Spanish America. But before, it had been a victim of numerous pirates and corsairs’ attacks, so the Spanish ordered it be heavily walled and fortified. It would then become the sturdiest fortress in South America and the Caribbean.

The Walled City was declared as Colombia’s National Heritage in 1959 and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. Then, in 2007, the military architecture won 4th place in the 7 wonders of Colombia voting.

Today, Cartagena is one of the most touristic cities in Colombia and keeps its historical value, mainly expressed in the colonial architecture that contrasts with the urban development around it. Its economy is diversified in sectors such as industry, tourism, commerce, and logistics for international maritime trade.

2. MICE Information of Cartagena

Cartagena ranks 12th in America’s ranking of number of meetings per city made by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), just a few positions behind Bogota. It also is in position number 58 worldwide.

The city has a main international convention center and other smaller ones located in exclusive hotel chains. There are around 200 hotel establishments with meeting spaces of different capacities for all kinds of events (Cartagena de Indias Travel). According to Citur, by 2020 the Bolivar department had 44.411 beds and 24.948 rooms distributed in lodgings, mostly located in Cartagena, as the capital. Both the infrastructure of these convention centers and the number of luxury and boutique hotels in the city make Cartagena a great destination for hosting major events such as congresses, conventions, fairs, and business and political meetings.

It has already hosted large events such as the World Assembly of WTO in 2007, the World Economic Forum in 2010, Summit of the Americas in 2012, FIEXPO Latin America in 2020 and is expected to host the ICCA World Congress in 2021. In addition, several cultural events such as the International Festival of Literature ‘Hay Festival’, the International Music Festival, International Film Festival ‘FICCI’, and the National Beauty Pageant, among others, are held every year.

3. MICE venues in Cartagena

3.1 Convention Center – Centro de Convenciones Cartagena de Indias

https://www.pelecanus.com.co/trodat/cccartagena

LOCATION:

Cl. 24 #8A-344. It is 4 minutes walking from Centenario Park, 7 minutes walking from the Clock Tower, 9 minutes walking from the Walled City, less than a mile from the San Felipe Castle, and 4 miles from the city airport.

The Cartagena de Indias Convention Center is the main venue for business-related exhibitions and events of the city. Inaugurated in 1982, it has hosted many important national and international events due to its versatile infrastructure and strategic location – in the heart of the city, close to several landmarks.

Among the most important exhibitions and events held in Cartagena are:

• Gaming & Technology (GAT) Expo
• International Congress of ICT – ANDICOM
• UNWTO Tourism Tech Adventures – 2019
• FIEXPO Latin America – 2020
• ICCA World Congress – 2021

HALLS OF CCCI

The building has many closed and open spaces that can be adapted according to the event. Of all, San Francisco esplanade with 4000 m², El Gran Salón Barahona, and Claustro de las Animas, both with 1270 m² are the largest and most representative areas. Also, there is an auditorium for 1,462 people and 10 more rooms with different capacities.

Note: The rooms’ capacities may have been reduced due to Covid-19 biosafety protocols.

The meeting spaces at CCCI offer technological solutions for events, such as audio, digital microphones, wireless internet, simultaneous translation, interpreters, voting systems, projection, monitors, recordings, LED screens, video conferences, lighting, and IT.

3.2 Event Venue – Casa 1537

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR CASA 1537

LOCATION:

Calle del Colegio 34-75. It is 2 minutes walking from the Clock Tower and 3 minutes walking from Santo Domingo Square. The city airport is 15 minutes by car (6.7 km/3.6 mi).

Casa 1537 is a unique event venue located in the historic center of Cartagena. Offering 6 luxury spaces in a colonial building with state-of-the-art technology, it stands out from other venues. Also, it was declared a national monument in 2006.

Its name is due to the year in which the building of the Cathedral Church of Cartagena was finished since it is where the venue currently operates. The house spaces are easily adaptable to the events’ needs and provide a romantic colonial ambiance.

Casa 1537 has hosted around 500 events since its restoration completed in 2014. It promotes sustainable business tourism and works with local suppliers and Cartagena-Colombia as a preferred cultural and MICE destination.

EVENT SPACES

All spaces feature air conditioning and thermoacoustics adaptation. There is a highly trained work time at your disposal.

Note: The rooms’ capacities may have been reduced due to Covid-19 biosafety protocols.

3.3 Hotel Convention Center – Hilton Cartagena Hotel

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR HILTON CARTAGENA

LOCATION:

Avenida Almirante Brion, El Laguito. It is 10 minutes by car (2.8 km/1.8 mi) from Bocagrande Mall, 18 minutes from the Walled City (5 km/3 mi), and 20 minutes (9.7 km/6 mi) from the city airport.

Hilton Cartagena Hotel is located in El Laguito Peninsula, a zone with several beachside hotels and modern buildings. Among its long list of amenities are a pool complex with a slide, a well-being center, tennis courts, a business center, and an executive lounge.

The dining offer features 3 restaurants: Las Chivas serves buffet and fine dinners, there is also Pizza al Forno and the beachside casual Sunset Grill. Society Bar in the lobby is ideal for informal meetings and VIP guests have access to the Executive Lounge.

EVENT SPACES

Its meetings and events offer comprises a convention center of 25,831 square foot extension with a ballroom for up to 1500 attendees, 14 meeting rooms, a 24-hour business center, freight elevator, and exhibition hall.

Note: The rooms’ capacities may have been reduced due to Covid-19 biosafety protocols.

Rooms

There are non-smoking and pet-friendly rooms as well as room service. The 341 guest rooms feature panoramic windows, social and work areas, air conditioning, minifridge, shower, coffee maker, LCD TV with cable, duvet covers, mini bar, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, telephone, among other amenities.

KING BED CITY/OCEAN VIEW

44 sq m / 473 sq ft. Up to 3 guests.

KING BED CORNER OCEAN/CITY VIEW

62 sq m / 667 sq ft. Private terrace with chaise lounge, social area with a lazy chair. Up to 3 guests.

2 QUEEN BEDS CITY/OCEAN VIEW

44 sq m / 473 sq ft. Up to 3 guests.

KING BED EXECUTIVE CITY VIEW

44 sq m / 473 sq ft. Executive lounge access, Wi-Fi, breakfast, private check-in, bathtub. Up to 3 guests.

2 QUEEN BEDS EXECUTIVE CITY VIEW

44 sq m / 473 sq ft. Executive lounge access, Wi-Fi, breakfast, private check-in, bathtub. Up to 4 guests.

KING EXECUTIVE SUITE CITY VIEW

95 sq m / 1022 sq ft. Executive lounge access, Wi-Fi, breakfast, living room with sofa, bathtub. Up to 3 guests.

KING BED ACCESSIBLE CITY/OCEAN VIEW

44 sq m / 473 sq ft. Lower floors, next to the elevators and evacuation stairs, roll-in shower. Up to 2 guests.

2 QUEEN ACCESSIBLE CITY/OCEAN VIEW

44 sq m / 473 sq ft. Lower floors, next to the elevators and evacuation stairs, roll-in shower. Up to 2 guests.

ACC PARLOR CITY VIEW

960 sq m / 10333 sq ft. Suite with panoramic view, dining room, seating area with sofa. Up to 3 guests.

KING SUITE WITH PARLOR CITY/OCEAN VIEW

95 sq m / 1022 sq ft. Corner suite, living area, private terrace. Up to 3 guests.

2 QUEEN SUITE WITH PARLOR CITY/OCEAN VIEW

95 sq m / 1022 sq ft. Corner suite, living area, private terrace. Up to 4 guests.

KING BED PRESIDENTIAL SUITE TOP FLOOR CITY VIEW

143 sq m / 1539 sq ft. Living and dining area, private terrace, bathtub, jetted tub. Up to 4 guests.

3.4 Hotel Convention Center – Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel & Convention Center

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR ESTELAR CARTAGENA

Location

Cra. 1 #11-116. It is next to Plaza Bocagrande Mall, 7 minutes by car (2.4 km/1.5 mi) from the Walled City, and 13 minutes (7 km/4.3 mi) from the city airport.

Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel & Centro de Convenciones is the most important hotel complex of the hotel chain and one of the main ones in Cartagena. It is in the beachside Bocagrande area next to a mall and close to the city’s landmarks.

It is a 52-story building with 338 rooms, 6 dining places including restaurants and bars, endless and children pools, beauty salon, gym, spa, steam bath and sauna. Among the services offered are concierge, laundry, recreational activities, Wi-Fi, business center, parking, and transportation.

EVENT SPACES

For meetings, there is the Estelar Convention Center with a space of 2000 sq m (21527 sq ft) for events, the ample rooms feature sea views and easy accessibility. There is direct independent access through escalators and programmable elevators.

Note: The rooms’ capacities may have been reduced due to Covid-19 biosafety protocols.

Rooms

All rooms are equipped with cable TV, mini-bar, safe box, Wi-Fi, telephone, hairdryer, ironing board and iron, and offer ocean views.

STANDARD

32 sq m / 344 sq ft. King or twin beds, work area. Up to 2 guests.

SUPERIOR

37 sq m / 398 sq ft. King bed, option for a terrace. Up to 2 guests.

JUNIOR SUITE BALCONY

37 sq m / 398 sq ft. Bedroom with balcony, living room with sofa bed and dining area, kitchenette, and guest bathroom. Up to 3 guests.

JUNIOR SUITE TERRACE

37 sq m / 398 sq ft. Bedroom with terrace, living room with sofa bed and dining area, kitchenette, and guest bathroom. Up to 3 guests.

3.5 Hotel Convention Center – Hotel Las Américas Cartagena de Indias

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR LAS AMERICAS

Location

Anillo vial sector Cielo Mar. It is 5 minutes by car (2.7 km/1.7 mi) from the city airport, 10 minutes by car (6.5 km/4 mi) from India Catalina monument, and 15 minutes by car (8.1 km/5 mi) from the Walled City.

Hotel Las Américas is a 5-star beachfront hotel in the Cielo mar sector of Cartagena with an adjacent convention center. It offers two types of accommodation in two different buildings, a tower and a villa-type complex.

Guests have direct access to 400 meters of beach, 6 pools including one with a waterslide, two children’s pools, an infinity one, and pools with waterfalls and Jacuzzis. The spa offers different treatments including a water circuit, there is also a fully-equipped gym, an 18-hole mini-golf course with an instructor, a tennis court with instructors and certified caddies, a children club, and an offer of recreational activities. Five bars with different ambiances await you inside the hotel and next to the pools and five restaurants serve varied menus for fine dining.

EVENT SPACES

Las Américas Cartagena Convention Center offers 6356 square meters (68415 sq ft) of versatile space. The rooms can host from 900 to 5000 guests and there are gardens and non-conventional venues.

Note: The rooms’ capacities may have been reduced due to Covid-19 biosafety protocols.

Convention Center

Casa de Playa

Torre del Mar Business Center

Rooms

These are the two types of accommodation:

Las Américas Casa de Playa

251-room Caribbean complex surrounded by vegetation.

SUPERIOR

33 sq m / 355 sq ft. Bedroom with a King-size bed and a bathroom.

DUPLEX

33 sq m / 355 sq ft. Two levels, master bedroom with King-size bed and a bathroom.

JUNIOR SUITE

61 sq m / 656 sq ft. Independent bedroom with a King-size bed, living room with sofa bed and dining table.

REINA ISABEL FAMILY SUITE

Two levels. Main bedroom with King-size bed and a bathroom, bedroom with two twin beds and separate bathroom, and jacuzzi. Living room with sofa bed and dining area.

Las Américas Torre del Mar

279-room complex.

SUPERIOR

39 sq m / 419 sq ft. Bedroom with a King-size bed, a bathroom, and a balcony with a seating area. Views of the Caribbean Sea or the Virgin’s swamp.

EXECUTIVE

39 sq m / 419 sq ft. Bedroom with a King-size bed, a bathroom, and view of the Virgin’s swamp.

JUNIOR SUITE

90 sq m / 968 sq ft. Two spaces, bedroom with a King-size bed and dining-living area with sofa bed.

PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

Main bedroom with King-size bed and a bathroom. Living room with sofa bed, dining area, and guest bathroom.

3.6 Hotel Convention Center – InterContinental Cartagena de Indias

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR INTERCONTINENTAL CARTAGENA

Location

Bocagrande Carrera 1 #5-01. It is located 12 minutes away (3.8km/ 2.7 mi) by car from the Walled City, driving to the Cartagena Convention Center from the hotel takes around 10 to 14 minutes by car (4.4 km/ 2.9 mi) and from the airport, the distance is 8.4 km/ 5.2 mi by car.

Hotel InterContinental Cartagena is in Bocagrande, a few steps from the beach and the commercial district of Avenida San Martín. It is part of the Nao Fun + Shopping Mall and Sun Nao Casino complex.

It offers 287 rooms, a club floor, café concierge, restaurant and bar service, a sunset pool terrace, a well-equipped fitness center, and meeting spaces. The InterContinental club offers benefits such as personalized registration, VIP assistance, exclusive access for VIPs and Club Room guests, courtesy breakfast, snacks and liquors, and free access to meeting spaces.

EVENT SPACES

InterContinental has a great ballroom and 8 meeting rooms equipped with audiovisual aids that can host events for up to 700 guests. You will receive a personalized assessment by the hotel's Social Event Manager.

Note: The rooms’ capacities may have been reduced due to Covid-19 biosafety protocols.

Rooms

The rooms are equipped with double pane and sound-proof windows, wood and carpet flooring, flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, private bathroom with shower, safe, mini-bar, coffee maker, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, iPod dock with alarm clock, and workspace. Some feature Caribbean Sea views and others Cartagena Bay views. There are connecting rooms available

STANDARD

34 sq m / 370 sq ft. Queen bed.

EXECUTIVE

89 sq m / 960 sq ft. Kitchen, dining and living rooms, bathroom with two sinks.

CLUB INTERCONTINENTAL SUITE

37 sq m / 398 sq ft. Access to the Intercontinental club lounge.

SUITES

89 sq m / 960 sq ft. Kitchen, dining and living rooms, bathroom with two sinks.

3.7 Hotel Convention Center – Almirante Cartagena Hotel & Convention Center

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR ALMIRANTE

Location

Bocagrande, Avenida San Martín, Calle 6 Esquina. It is around 10 minutes by car (3.9 km/2.4 mi) from the historic town, 3.3 km/2.1 mi from the Cartagena Convention Center, and 20 minutes (8.4 km/ 5.2 mi) from the airport.

Almirante Hotel is a modern building offering accommodation in front of the Bocagrande beach in Cartagena.

With 258 rooms, this hotel offers a pool with sea and old town views, solarium, 3 restaurants, 3 bars and a café, a tearoom with French pastry, wellness area with gym, sauna and spa, a rooftop viewpoint, children’s club, casino, and shopping passage. Guests also have preferential access to the TPC Cartagena at Karibana golf course.

EVENT SPACES

The hotel’s Convention Center has spaces for social and corporative events for up to 1000 people. There are 7 meeting rooms, a business center, and a boardroom, each of them with cutting-edge technology, Wi-Fi, and audiovisual aids. They also offer event planning assessment.

Note: The rooms’ capacities may have been reduced due to Covid-19 biosafety protocols.

Rooms

The rooms are equipped with A/C, Wi-Fi, work desk, satellite TV, mini-bar, fridge, safe, telephone, bathroom with hot water, thermo-acoustic windows, and digital temperature control. They feature views of the town or the sea.

STANDARD

27 sq m / 290 sq ft. Queen bed, city views. Up to 2 guests.

STANDARD TWIN

27 sq m / 290 sq ft. Two semi-double beds, city views. Up to 4 guests.

STANDARD TRIPLE

30 sq m / 323 sq ft. Three single beds, city views. Up to 3 guests.

EXECUTIVE

30 sq m / 323 sq ft. Queen, twin, and accessible accommodation. Includes bathtub and pillow menu. Up to 4 guests.

SUPERIOR BUSINESS

46 sq m / 495 sq ft. Queen bed, living area, connected rooms, includes bathtub, pillow menu, coffee maker, and iron. Up to 2 guests.

FAMILY SUITE

King suite (one Queen bed and two single beds, balcony with city views, living area) and Twin suite (two 1.20 m beds and two single beds, balcony with city views, living area).

JUNIOR SUITE

46 sq m / 495 sq ft. King suite (one Queen bed, living area, sea views, shower and bathtub), King suite with balcony (one Queen bed, living area, bathtub), and Twin suite (two semi-double beds, dressing room, living area, bathtub, sea or city views). Up to 4 guests.

MASTER SUITE

55 sq m / 592 sq ft. King bed, dressing room, living area, bathtub and Jacuzzi, sea views. Up to 4 guests.

3.8 Hotel – Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR SOFITEL LEGEND SANTA CLARA

Location

It is 3 minutes walking from Las Bóvedas dungeons, 10 minutes by car (2 km/1.1 mi) from San Felipe Fortress, and 12 minutes (5.2 km/3.2 mi) from the city airport.

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, in the San Diego neighborhood, is a symbol of French luxury blending colonial and contemporary architecture. This 5-star hotel was a 17-century convent but since 1995 offers its services. You find two different décor and architecture styles: colonial and republican.

The hotel features 125 rooms and suites, a 260 m² outside pool, a fitness center with a personal trainer, a Hammam (Turkish bath), 8 massage rooms, and boutique shops. There are two gourmet restaurants and lounge and pool bars for exclusive and refreshing drinks. Other services include concierge, parking, transportation, tours, currency exchange, and sports activities.

EVENT SPACES

For business needs, there is Wi-Fi and high-speed internet, a business center, and 6 meeting rooms equipped with high-end technology. The largest space can host up to 300 people. The Inspired Meeting team will be in charge of planning your event.

Note: The rooms’ capacities may have been reduced due to Covid-19 biosafety protocols.

Rooms

The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV and sound system, signature bed, Nespresso coffeemaker, and some with butler service. You can choose views of the pool, the courtyard, the city, or the sea.

CLASSIC

26 sq m / 280 sq ft. King-size bed, interior views. Up to 2 guests.

SUPERIOR KING OR TWIN

34 sq m / 366 sq ft. King-size or twin beds, balcony or terrace, pool views. Up to 3 guests.

DELUXE

34 sq m / 366 sq ft. King-size bed, high ceilings, wooden beams, balcony, pool or sea views, butler service. Up to 3 guests.

JUNIOR SUITE

70 sq m / 753 sq ft. King-size bed, balcony with sea or pool views, two spaces: bedroom and living area, butler service. Up to 3 guests.

COLONIAL SUITE

43 sq m / 463 sq ft. Colonial area, King-size bed, oriented to the garden with the old town views, butler service. Up to 3 guests.

DUPLEX SUITE

70 sq m / 753 sq ft. Colonial area, duplex, King-size bed, oriented to the garden or courtyard with the old town views, butler service. Up to 3 guests.

SPA SUITE

73 sq m / 786 sq ft. Duplex, King-size bed, terrace with Jacuzzi and vertical garden, bathroom with bathtub and space for spa treatments, living area, butler service. Up to 3 guests.

GRAU SUITE

73 sq m / 786 sq ft. Duplex, King-size bed, terrace with sea views, living area, whirlpool bathtub, décor of Master Grau, transfer. Up to 3 guests.

LEGEND SUITE

73 sq m / 786 sq ft. King-size bed, sea views, shower and bathtub, VIP service, butler service, private transfer. Up to 3 guests.

AMARAL SUITE

216 sq m / 2325 sq ft. King-size bed, terrace with sea views and Jacuzzi, VIP service, butler service, private transfer. Up to 3 guests.

FERNANDO BOTERO PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

147 sq m / 1582 sq ft. Colonial area, King-size bed, oriented to the city with sea views, balcony, shower and bathtub, two ambiances, VIP service, butler service, private transfer. Up to 3 guests.

3.9 Hotel – Anandá Hotel Boutique By Cosmos

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR ANANDA

Location

Cra. 5 #36-77. It is 5 minutes on foot from the Clock Tower, 10 minutes by car (2.1 km/1.3 mi) from the San Felipe Fortress, and 15 minutes by car (5.7 km/4.2 mi) from the city airport.

Anandá Hotel Boutique is set in the very Walled Old Town, which is a strategic location in Cartagena. With a colonial style characteristic of the 16^th century, it offers elegance and deluxe service to its guests.

The facilities feature a terrace with day beds and a Jacuzzi, an outdoor pool and an indoor heated one, a wellness center, a spa, and a restaurant bar serving Colombian and international fusion cuisine. The hotel offers 24-h front desk, Wi-Fi, tour information, laundry, scanner and photocopying services, leisure activities, among other services.

EVENT SPACES

There is one room for events.

Note: The rooms’ capacities may have been reduced due to Covid-19 biosafety protocols.

Rooms

The hotel has 23 rooms designed for executive travelers with modern and antique décor. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a work area, flat-screen TV, safe box, mini-bar, and room service.

SUPERIOR

25-30 sq m / 269-323 sq ft. Queen size beds. Up to 2 guests.

DELUXE KING

35-45 sq m / 376-484 sq ft. King size bed and single extra bed, whirlpool tub on demand, double-height ceiling. Up to 3 guests.

DELUXE TWIN

55-65 sq m / 592-699 sq ft. 2 Queen size beds, views of the courtyard or the hotel interior. Up to 4 guests.

JUNIOR SUITE

99 sq m / 1065 sq ft. One-level suite: living area with balcony towards Calle del Cuartel, guest bathroom, mezzanine in the bedroom, main bathroom, and terrace. Two-level suite: living area, terrace, and solarium. Up to 3 guests.

3.10 Hotel – Movich Cartagena de Indias Hotel

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR MOVICH CARTAGENA

Location

Calle de Vélez Danies #4-39. It is next to the Plaza de la Aduana and two blocks from the Clock Tower, 3 blocks from Santo Domingo Square, and 16 minutes by car (6.8 km/4.2 mi) from the airport.

Movich Cartagena de Indias is the only hotel in Cartagena part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. This colonial-style boutique hotel has a rooftop terrace with a pool offering a 360° view of the city, a gym, a spa, a restaurant specialized in Mediterranean and Caribbean cuisine. Also, it has partnered with Karibana TPC, the only TPC golf course in Latin America.

Among its services, there is Wi-Fi, concierge, airport shuttle, medical services, air conditioning, and business center.

EVENT SPACES

It offers a lounge for meetings and the terrace can hold events for up to 120 people.

Note: The rooms’ capacities may have been reduced due to Covid-19 biosafety protocols.

Rooms

The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, soundproofed windows, desk, TV, minibar, safe, closet, 24-h room service, among other amenities.

SUPERIOR KING/TWIN

20 sq m / 215 sq ft. Twin rooms have a fan and A/C. Up to 2-3 guests.

LUXURY

33 sq m / 355 sq ft. King size bed, fan, seating area with sofa and coffee table. Up to 2 guests.

PREMIUM

62 sq m / 667 sq ft. King size bed, fan, seating area with sofa and coffee table. Up to 2 guests.

BAYSIDE SUITE

62 sq m / 667 sq ft. Private balcony with city views, bathroom with hydromassage tub, King size bed, two chairs, and a coffee table. Up to 2 guests.

3.11 Hotel – Santa Catalina Hotel

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR SANTA CATALINA

Location

Carrera 6, Calle del Candilejo #32-62. It is next to Plaza de Los Coches and the Clock Tower, the Cartagena Convention Center is 7 minutes on foot, and the airport is 5.5 km (3.4 mi) from the hotel.

Santa Catalina Hotel pays homage to India Catalina’s legacy and blends antiqueness and modernity in its architecture. La Cata rooftop is the highlight of the place for social events since it offers a pool, a Jacuzzi, and a menu of snacks and cocktails. It hosts events of up to 100 people.

This boutique hotel services include a mobile spa, massage service, concierge, 24-h room service, a fine Peruvian-Colombian restaurant, hair salon, airport shuttle, Wi-Fi, and leisure activities.

Rooms

There are 40 rooms equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, mini-fridge, a desk, and a coffee maker.

SUPERIOR

27 sq m / 290 sq ft. King size bed and balcony. Up to 3 guests.

SUPERIOR TWIN

32 sq m / 344 sq ft. Two Queen size beds. Ideal for business and group travelers. Up to 4 guests.

CLASSIC

40 sq m / 430 sq ft. King size bed and colonial door window. Up to 3 guests.

DELUXE

32 sq m / 344 sq ft. King size bed, sofa bed, and balcony. Up to 4 guests.

SUITE

50 sq m / 538 sq ft. 3 suites available. King size bed, sofa bed, living area, balcony, bathtub, and private terrace with views of the Clock Tower. Up to 4 guests.

3.12 Hotel – Casa del Coliseo Boutique Hotel Cartagena

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR CASA DEL COLISEO

Location

Calle del Coliseo #35-23. It is 3 minutes on foot from Santo Domingo square, 650 meters (0.4 mi) from Cartagena Convention center, and 15 minutes (5.3 km/3.3 mi) from the airport.

Casa del Coliseo is located in the heart of the old town set in a 17^th-century restored colonial building. It has 5 shops on the first floor, 2 common areas for meetings and events on the second floor, and the third floor features a terrace with a pool, a BBQ area, and chaise lounges.

Vintage décor is a highlight in this hotel, and the guests can book single rooms or the entire house.

Rooms

There are 12 rooms equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, minibar, safe box, hairdryer, and complimentary breakfast.

STANDARD

16 sq m / 172 sq ft. 2 rooms. Queen size bed, with a balcony overseeing the city or interior views.

SUPERIOR

19-26 sq m / 204-280 sq ft. 8 rooms. Queen size bed, interior views.

SUPERIOR TWIN

21 sq m / 226 sq ft. 1 room. Two single beds.

COLISEO SUITE

50 sq m / 538 sq ft. 1 suite. King size bed, bathroom with two showers and two sinks, balcony with city views.

3.13 Hotel – Sophia Hotel

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR SOPHIA HOTEL

Location

Centro Calle 32 # 4 – 45 Plaza de la Aduana. It is less than 10 minutes walking (700 m/0.4 mi) from the Cartagena Convention Center and 15 minutes (6.7 km/4.2 mi) from the airport.

Sophia Hotel has a prime location in front of the Aduana Square of Cartagena and operates in an elegant Republican building.

The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, an exclusive meeting room, a restaurant with a wine menu, a massage service, and a rooftop terrace with a pool and a bar featuring panoramic views of the city. Other services are concierge, transfer, and laundry. It is pet-friendly.

Rooms

There are 15 rooms equipped with a TV, desk, minibar, coffee maker, safe, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi.

SUPERIOR

28 sq m / 301 sq ft. Queen size bed.

DELUXE

35 sq m / 376 sq ft. King size bed, sofa.

JUNIOR SUITE

55 sq m / 592 sq ft. Two rooms: bedroom and living area, interior terrace.

SUITE HAGIA SOPHIA

90 sq m / 968 sq ft. Three rooms: bedroom with King size bed, living and dining area, terrace with bay views.

3.14 Hotel – Dorado Plaza Casa del Arsenal Hotel Boutique

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR CASA DEL ARSENAL

Location

Calle Del Arsenal #58B-58, Getsemani. It is 5 minutes walking from the Cartagena Convention Center, 6 minutes on foot (450 m/0.3 mi) from Getsemani Shopping Mall and Parque del Centenario, 11 minutes (900 m/0.6 mi) from the Clock Tower, and 15 minutes by car (5.9 km/3.7 mi) from the airport.

Casa del Arsenal is a boutique hotel part of the chain Dorado Plaza, it is set in a restored colonial house on Arsenal Street in the Getsemani neighborhood. It offers 8 Republican-styled rooms with luxury décor and exclusive customer service.

Services include a 24-hour front desk, breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a Jacuzzi with views of the Cartagena skyline. Additionally, guests can require laundry service, domestic and international calls, tours, airport transfer, and early check-in or late checkout.

Rooms

The 8 rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, fan, TV, safe, bathroom with shower, hairdryer, and toiletries.

SUPERIOR DOUBLE

28 sq m / 301 sq ft. Rooms with one double bed or two single beds, deluxe duvet, and cushions.

BERTHA

390 sq m / 968 sq ft. Suite on the 2nd floor with King size bed and balcony.

3.15 Hotel – Allure Chocolat Hotel By Karisma

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR ALLURE

Location

Calle Del Arsenal #8B-58. It is around the corner from Cartagena Convention Center, 5 minutes walking from Parque del Centenario, 8 minutes on foot (650 m/0.4 mi) from the Clock Tower, and 15 minutes by car (5.9 km/3.7 mi) from the airport.

Allure Chocolat Hotel is a 4-star boutique hotel that offers a Gourmet Inclusive® experience. The building has a modern décor and amenities such as Wi-Fi, full concierge service, aromatherapy, fitness center, pillow menu, luxurious bathrobes, room service, and more. Optional features include car rental and limousine service, transportation, laundry, minibar, high-speed wireless internet, and Lending Program for Business Travelers, among others.

The hotel features a rooftop pool with bar service and two restaurants, one for buffet breakfast on the terrace and the other one for gourmet dining.

EVENT SPACES

There is a 24-hour business center that serves as a support office for events. The Chocolate Meeting Space can host conferences or board meetings of up to 25 guests and is equipped with high-tech. The Event Terrace Mirador is ideal for social events of up to 110 people. Allure Chocolate offers an experienced team in event planning.

Rooms

There are 72 rooms equipped with satellite TVs, Wi-Fi, Bath & Body Works amenities, and iPod docking stations.

STANDARD

19 sq m / 205 sq ft.

SUPERIOR

20 sq m / 215 sq ft. Queen or twin beds, garden views.

LUXURY

24 sq m / 258 sq ft. King size bed, views of the old town.

LUXURY BAY VIEW

24 sq m / 258 sq ft. King size bed, views of the Cartagena Bay.

3.16 Hotel – Capilla del Mar Hotel

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR CAPILLA DEL MAR

Location

Bocagrande Cra 1 #8-12. It is located 10 minutes (3.1 km/ 1.9 mi) by car from the Walled City, the distance to the Cartagena Convention Center is around 12 minutes (3.7 km/ 2.3 mi) by car, and to the Rafael Nuñez airport is 16 minutes (7.8 km/ 4.8 mi) by car.

Hotel Capilla del Mar is a beachfront hotel that belongs to Las Américas Hotel Group and is located in the Bocagrande sector. Surrounded by shops, restaurants, and clubs, this 5-star modern hotel is known in the city as a flagship and traditional hotel that 30 years ago hosted the kings of Spain.

Among its amenities, there is a terrace pool with bar service, beach with restaurant service, a sea-food and a buffet restaurant, a fitness center with spa, and a 24-hour business center.

For business travelers, the hotel offers meeting planning and management service, rooms, audiovisual equipment, catering with varied options of menus, and transportation. There is high-speed internet allowing VPN use, and the business center features offices and boardrooms with secretary service. Additional services for executives include shoe shining, ironing, laundry, pillow menu, and breakfast box.

EVENT SPACES

On the 21st floor, there are 3 rooms for conferences, conventions, and social events, equipped with audiovisual aids and a capacity for up to 200 people.

Rooms

The rooms are equipped with A/C, hot water, Wi-Fi. Telephone, minibar, cable TV, hairdryer, pillow menu, work desk, electronic safe.

SUPERIOR

44 sq m / 473 sq ft. Two double beds, balcony. Suitable for family or friend groups, up to 3 guests. Can be connected with other Superior rooms or a Junior or Special Suite.

JUNIOR SUITE

69 sq m / 743 sq ft. King bed, balcony, dining and living room with sofa bed. Suitable for couples, can be connected with a Superior room.

SPECIAL SUITE

89 sq m / 958 sq ft. Two bedrooms, one with a Queen bed and one with a double bed, 2 bathrooms, dining and living room with sofa bed. Suitable for families or workgroups.

ACCESSIBLE

Two double beds.

3.17 Hotel – Holiday Inn Express Cartagena Bocagrande

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS CARTAGENA

Location

Avenida San Martin Cra 2 #9-54. It is located 10 minutes (3 km/ 1.8 mi) away from the Walled City by car, the distance from the Cartagena Convention Center is 10-15 minutes (3,5 km/ 2.2 mi) by car, and the distance to the Rafael Nuñez airport is 15 minutes (7.6 km/ 4.7 mi) by car.

Hotel Holiday Inn Express Cartagena Bocagrande is a block from the beach in the Bocagrande tourist sector. The hotel’s service is ideal for both pleasure and business travelers.

Guests can find a fitness center with the old city views, a breakfast bar on the 14^th floor, a spa, a rooftop pool and children’s pool, and a business center with high-speed internet. There is on-site parking, accessible hotel areas, and additional services such as language interpretation.

EVENT SPACES

Holiday Inn Express Cartagena offers 6 meeting rooms for events of up to 110 people on the 2nd floor with audiovisual equipment and catering service. The total area of meeting space is 250 sq ft (23 sq m).

Rooms

The 200 rooms are equipped with A/C, sound-proof windows and black-out shades, LED TV, private bathroom with shower, safe, mini-fridge, coffee maker with coffee and tea supplies, telephone, and work desk with lamp. There are connecting rooms available.

STANDARD

23 sq m / 247 sq ft. Queen bed.

DOUBLE

27 sq m / 290 sq ft. Two double beds.

SUPERIOR

32 sq m / 344 sq ft. King bed.

3.18 Hotel – Radisson Cartagena Ocean Pavillion Hotel

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR RADISSON CARTAGENA

Location

Carrera 9 #22-850. It is located 18 minutes away (7.4 km/ 5.1 mi) from the Walled City by car, the distance to the Cartagena Convention Center is 18-20 minutes (8.6 km/ 6.1 mi) by car, and the distance to the Rafael Nuñez airport is 6 minutes (2.8 km/ 1.7 mi) by car.

Hotel Radisson Cartagena Ocean Pavillion stands out by its modern building with direct access to the beaches in La Boquilla, in northern Cartagena, close to the airport.

The facilities comprise 233 rooms, a terrace featuring an outdoor pool with an ocean view, a children’s pool, several hot tubs, shaded daybeds and pool chairs, a fitness center and spa, on-site dining with various restaurants and bars, and a hair salon. Concierge, Wi-Fi, parking, laundry, 24-hour business center, and room service are also available. There are special programs such as Radisson Rewards and Radisson Rewards for Business.

EVENT SPACES

The hotel offers 1052 m2 (11323 sq ft) of multifunctional space for social and corporative events, that includes a ballroom and outdoor space. The 7 meeting rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, high-tech audiovisual equipment, notepads, pens, and a catering service specialized in the Kosher menu.

Note: The rooms’ capacities may have been reduced due to Covid-19 biosafety protocols. The numbers after (/) correspond to the biosafe capacities of the spaces.

Rooms

The rooms are equipped with A/C, floor-to-ceiling windows, Wi-Fi, 400-thread-count linens, iPod dock station, LCD TV, safe, mini bar, coffee machine, bottled water, and work desk with ergonomic chair. There are accessible rooms available.

SUPERIOR QUEEN

32 sq m / 344 sq ft. Up to 2 guests.

SUPERIOR TWIN

32 sq m / 344 sq ft. Two twin or queen beds. Up to 4 guests.

STUDIO SUITE – KING BED

66 sq m / 710 sq ft. Separate living area with a sofa bed and two bathrooms. Accessible suites are available. Up to 4 guests.

STUDIO SUITE – 2 KING BEDS

Two king beds and a separate living area with a sofa bed. Up to 4 guests.

STUDIO SUITE – KING BED+2 TWIN BEDS

King bed and two twin beds, separate living area. Up to 4 guests.

MASTER SUITE

109 sq m / 1173 sq ft. Dining area, separate living room with a double sofa bed, two bedrooms (one with a king bed and the other with a queen bed), 3 TVs, terrace with 180° ocean and beach views. Up to 6 guests.

3.19 Hotel – Sonesta Hotel Cartagena

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR SONESTA CARTAGENA

Location

Carrera 9 #35-104 Anillo Vial, Zona Norte. It is located 20 minutes away (8.7 km/ 4.9 mi) from the Walled City by car, the distance to the Cartagena Convention Center is 22 minutes (9.1 km/ 6.4 mi) by car and the distance to the Rafael Nuñez airport is 6 minutes (3.3 km/ 2 mi) by car.

Hotel Sonesta Cartagena is a full-service hotel in Los Morros beach, also in the northern area of Cartagena. It offers direct access to the public beach, 24-hour guest service, on-site restaurant and lobby bar, buffet breakfast, 3 pools (1 for children), a wellness area with spa and sauna, a gym, a tennis court, a business center, Wi-Fi and event rooms. Additionally, there is free parking and airport transfer available at a cost.

Frequent guests can belong to Sonesta Travel Pass, the hotel chain reward program for guests that provides them privileges and exclusive service.

EVENT SPACES

There are 2 meeting rooms at Hotel Sonesta Cartagena that feature access to the business center, audiovisual equipment, Wi-Fi, and event planning assessment.

Note: The rooms’ capacities may have been reduced due to Covid-19 biosafety protocols.

Rooms

The 118 rooms of the hotel are equipped with A/C, Wi-Fi, LCD TV, electronic safe, alarm clock, iPod dock station, minibar, telephone, desk and chair, and shower. All offer views of Cienaga de la Virgen and 115 rooms feature a private balcony.

STANDARD KING

35 sq m / 377 sq ft. King bed.

STANDARD TWIN

40 sq m / 430 sq ft. Two double beds.

EXECUTIVE SUITE

80 sq m / 861 sq ft. Bedroom with king bed and a bathroom with hydromassage shower, separate living area.

3.20 Hotel – Capellán de Getsemaní

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR CAPELLAN DE GETSEMANI

Location

Calle de La Sierpe Cra 9 #29-52. It is located 4 minutes walking (290 m/0.2 mi) from the Cartagena Convention Center, 9 minutes on foot (700 m/0.4 mi) from the Walled City, and around 15 minutes by car (6.3 km/3.9 mi) from the airport.

Hotel Capellán de Getsemaní is a 5-star boutique hotel in the historic neighborhood of Getsemaní. The restored colonial building in which the hotel works boasts a rustic and elegant design with decorative vegetation.

It features a restaurant, a rooftop terrace with bar service, a spa, a pool and a hot tub overlooking the city, and a tea room. There is a concierge, Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and room service. Its romantic facilities are ideal to host small meetings, weddings, and other events.

Rooms

There are 30 rooms equipped with A/C, Wi-Fi, safe, TV, wall closet, mini bar and mini-refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and 100% fine cotton linens.

SUPERIOR

25 sq m / 270 sq ft. Queen bed, up to 2 guests.

SUPERIOR TWIN

25 sq m / 270 sq ft. 2 Queen beds, up to 4 guests.

PREMIUM

30 sq m / 325 sq ft. King bed, private Jacuzzi, up to 2 guests.

JUNIOR SUITE

50 sq m / 540 sq ft. King bed, separate living room.

SUITE

55 sq m / 595 sq ft. King bed, separate living room.

FAMILY LOFT

90 sq m / 970 sq ft. 1 King bed and 2 twin beds, mezzanine, 2 bathrooms.

3.21 Hotel – Hotel Caribe by Faranda Grand

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR CARIBE BY FARANDA GRAND

Location

Bocagrande, Cra. 1a #2-87. It is located 14 minutes away (4.3 km/ 2.7 mi) from the Walled City by car, the distance to the Convention Center is 16 minutes (4.9 km/ 3.1 mi) by car and to the Rafael Nuñez airport is 19 minutes (9 km/ 5.6 mi) by car.

Hotel Caribe by Faranda Grand is in the Bocagrande sector of Cartagena, in front of the beach, and boasts an emblematic neocolonial style that has been declared a National Monument.

The facility offers a semi-Olympic pool and a children’s pool, a solarium, a café, a bar and restaurant, a spa with wet areas, a hair salon, a garden, a children’s playroom and playground, and a chapel. Among the services, guests can find a 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi and parking, a business center, transfers, room service, laundry, infirmary, minigolf, diving lessons, and more.

Hotel Caribe follows some sustainable practices such as using solar panels, sheltering fauna confiscated from illegal traffic, and promoting gender equity and social inclusion in Cartagena.

EVENT SPACES

Hotel Caribe has spaces for events with a maximum capacity of 280 people, equipped with cutting-edge technology.

Note: The rooms’ capacities may have been reduced due to Covid-19 biosafety protocols.

Rooms

The 363 rooms are equipped with A/C, Wi-Fi, light dimmer, satellite TV, hairdryer, shower, desk, telephone, mini-fridge, safe, among other amenities. There are 16 accessible rooms.

KING

30 sq m / 323 sq ft. Laguito tower, views of the garden or Laguito.

CLASSIC

20 sq m / 215 sq ft. King bed.

COLONIAL DELUXE

29 sq m / 312 sq ft. King bed, sea views.

PREMIUM LAGOMAR

35 sq m / 377 sq ft. King or queen bed, bathtub, sea views.

FAMILY ROOM

1 Queen bed and 2 bunk beds.

JUNIOR SUITE

39 sq m / 420 sq ft. Bedroom, bathroom and living-dining area, garden views.

CASA DEL MAR SUITE

110 sq m / 1184 sq ft. King bed, dining area, seating area, 2 bathrooms. Ideal for wedding nights.

LAGOMAR SUITE

60 sq m / 646 sq ft. King bed, living-dining area with capacity for 6 people, sea views.

CARIBBEAN SUITE

69 sq m / 743 sq ft. Two bedrooms, living-dining room.

4. Airport and Connections to Cartagena

International Airport Rafael Nuñez (CTG)

https://aeropuertocartagena.com.co/

The airport is within the urban area of the city in the Crespo neighborhood, just 10 minutes from the historic center and the Convention Center of Cartagena de Indias and 15 minutes from the hotel zone of the city.

NATIONAL FLIGHTS

• Bogota – Avianca, LATAM, Wingo, Viva Air
• Bucaramanga – EasyFly, GCA Airlines
• Cali – Avianca, LATAM, Wingo, GCA Airlines
• Medellín – Avianca, LATAM, Viva Air
• Montería – ADA
• Pereira – Avianca
• San Andrés – Avianca, LATAM, Wingo, Viva Air

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

• Amsterdam – KLM
• Atlanta – Delta
• Fort Lauderdale – Spirit, JetBlue
• Lima – LATAM
• Mexico City – Interjet
• Miami – Avianca, American Airlines
• Montreal – United Airlines
• New York – JetBlue
• Orlando – Spirit
• Panama City – Copa Airlines, Wingo, Air Panama
• San Salvador – Avianca
• Toronto – Air Canada

5. Incentive Travel in Cartagena – Activities and experiences

5.1 Historic Center tour

The magic of Cartagena is of course in the old town. Walking by the streets of the Walled City and other historic areas you will think that time has stopped since the colonial time, but the ambiance is lively and romantic. Many shops, cafés, bars, restaurants, and hotels can be found here.

There are walking, biking, and carriage tours around the city. It is also possible to tour the city in a Chiva, a local party bus. For those interested in local history, Cartagena has plenty of interesting museums and monuments. Among the most important is the Palace of the Inquisition, the Zenú Gold Museum, the Naval Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art.

The walls that date back to the 16^th century enclose various monuments such as the San Francisco Javier and Santa Catalina Bastions, the once jail facilities that are now a crafts market, called The Vaults, the Santo Domingo bulwark, and the India Catalina monument.

At night, the ideal plan is to visit the several squares in the city that come alive with lights and music. Some of the most popular are Plaza de la Aduana, Plaza Bolivar, Plaza de los Coches, Plaza de la Paz, Plaza San Diego, Plaza Santo Domingo and Plaza Trinidad.

5.2 San Felipe de Barajas Castle

It was built by the Spaniards during the colonial period as a military fortress and endured large enemies’ attacks. The San Felipe fortress is a must-visit landmark in the city because of its interesting history and the great view it offers.

5.3 Beach day

Traveling to Cartagena without enjoying the beach? The city has a couple of beaches in the modern tourist areas of Bocagrande, El Laguito, and La Boquilla. These offer water sports and a convenient wide selection of restaurants and bars around. However, these are usually crowded and not so clean, that is why we recommend visiting a near island for having a remarkable Caribbean beach day.

5.4 Island fun

For a fun day trip, there are a couple of good islands near Cartagena. The Barú peninsula is very popular and has mostly private beaches beside Playa Blanca. The archipelago of Rosario islands belongs to a national park and coral reef reserve, so there is no need to give more reasons to visit. Its beaches are awesome and water sports such as snorkeling and diving can be practiced. Another option is Tierra Bomba Island.

5.5 Connection with nature

The surroundings of Cartagena are full of natural wealth characteristic of the tropical dry forests and marine ecosystems. An interesting look at the region’s biodiversity is provided at the National Aviary, about 1 hour from the city. Another cool activity is visiting the Totumo volcano for a mud bath. The botanical garden and a tour around La Boquilla mangroves should be considered too.

5.6 Golf

Golf is getting more and more popular in Colombia. Today, there are over 50 golf courses all around the country, one endorsed by the TPC. This is called TPC at Karibana and boasts a unique golf experience with biodiversity and incredible sights. Another golf course is Cartagena Country Club. Golf is a great activity for improving strategic thinking, focus, and keeping an active body.

6. Why Cartagena?

According to Invest in Cartagena, below are 7 reasons why you should choose Cartagena as your next MICE destination.

1 Strategic location.

Cartagena has a strategic location in the Caribbean and Latin America. It is in the heart of the American continent, 265 nautical miles from the Dique Canal, in one of the safest zones of the Caribbean Sea.

2 Good connectivity.

Cartagena has the largest air connectivity in the Colombian Caribbean region, with over 10 international connections. It is 1-hour from Panama, 3 hours from Miami, 3 days by boat from the Florida coast, and 5 days by boat from the US Eastern coast. It also has river transportation by the Magdalena River.

3 World Heritage Site.

The Walled City was declared as Colombia’s National Heritage in 1959 and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. The military architecture is the 4th of the 7 wonders of Colombia.

4 A leading tourist and corporative destination in Colombia.

Cartagena is the second most visited city in the country after Bogota. Cartagena ranks 12th in the ICCA ranking of number of meetings per city in the American continent and 58th worldwide.

5 World-class Port.

Cartagena’s port zone is the 4th most important in Latin America in terms of container movement and the main one in Colombia. Local ports handle more than 60% of the country's containerized cargo and more than 50% of customs operations.

6 Experience in events.

Cartagena hosts the oldest film festival in Latin America – one of the most important in the continent. It also has hosted large international events such as the World Assembly of WTO in 2007, the World Economic Forum in 2010, the Summit of the Americas in 2012, and FIEXPO Latin America in 2020.

7 Diverse experiences.

Cartagena and its surroundings offer a variety of sights, activities, and experiences of high value and for diverse interests: culture, history, nature, and business.