Bantú Hotel by Faranda Boutique
The Bantú Hotel on Parque Fernández de Madrid is a boutique dream in the heart of the historic quarter. Children will love the three live toucans that fly and hop around, often begging for breakfast fruits. Kids can also enjoy the rooftop plunge pool, which affords views over Cartagena's historic center. The restored mansion features exposed bricks and beams, and its 27 rooms—on three levels around three tree-lined inner patios—are done up in elegant contemporary décor and tropical pastels. It has a small restaurant, but the plaza outside has several great eateries that will encourage you to enjoy Cartagena alfresco at night.
Hotel NH Cartagena Urban Royal
You can't beat the location of the quaint NH Cartagena Urban Royal. It's uniquely situated on the Plaza de los Coches and offers fantastic views over the Torre del Reloj (clock tower) and the harbor beyond. The best vistas are from the rooftop pool terrace, where children under 12 must be supervised. This Dutch-owned hotel features 28 rooms with the desired amenities, including complimentary wifi, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Note that this hotel does catch plenty of nighttime street noise from the bars that line the plaza.
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
The most appealing chain hotel in town, the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara occupies a beautifully renovated 17th-century convent with a modern extension wrapped around a large swimming pool. Superbly run by France's luxury Accord hotel group, it melds Gallic sophistication with a historic ambience. The old wing is a trove of architectural treasures and religious relics. There's even a crypt-turned-bar for kids to explore, while the jungle-like courtyard cloister, with its fountain and resident toucan, is a fun place to play hide-and-seek.
Its other pluses include impeccable service, two excellent restaurants, and a spa where you can indulge in a full-body chocolate treatment. Outside you'll find one of the old quarter's liveliest squares, lined with superb restaurants. The hotel provides extra beds, has connecting rooms perfect for families, and babysitters can be arranged. Just know this is Cartagena's most popular option, so book ahead.
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Hotel Casa San Agustín
Cartagena has many divine boutique properties, but we recommend the Hotel Casa San Agustín for its cheery welcome. Looking like it fell from the pages of Vogue (in which it's been featured), this gorgeous retreat unites three former townhomes. Artfully preserved architectural details, such as exposed timber beams and Moorish tiles, combine with chic contemporary décor to wow guests.
For a place so elegant and serene, its child-friendly atmosphere is impressive. Kids can swim in the mosaic-tiled plunge pools in the courtyard and rooftop terrace while parents get coffee and volcanic mud treatments in the spa. 10-year-olds and under stay free, a sofa bed accommodates two children in the Junior Suites, and the restaurant has high chairs and a kids' menu. Plus, babysitters are available for an extra fee. The San Agustín also offers complimentary use of bicycles for exploring the old city with your family
Hotel Boutique Bóvedas de Santa Clara
We like the intimacy of the Hotel Boutique Bóvedas de Santa Clara, located a stone's throw from the namesake sightseeing attraction, Las Bóvedas. You'd never guess that behind its shuttered Republican-style façade, this recently upgraded hotel is futuristically high-tech, with an almost industrial chic ambience. Some of its 18 rooms have ocean views, including family rooms done up in cool white contemporary décor. Babysitters are available if you want to put the tots to bed and hit the town. Note: guests here can also indulge in the facilities at the deluxe Hotel Sofitel Santa Clara, a sister property nearby.
Hotel Pueblito Playa
If a beach location takes priority, but you still want the historic city close by, then the Hotel Pueblito Playa may be for you. A stone's throw from the silvery sands of Cartagena's upscale Bocagrande neighborhood, on the third floor of a commercial building, it has cozy, air-conditioned rooms done in tropical Crayola colors. Brian, the British ex-pat owner, is a retired professional chef; you'll love his gourmet American-style breakfasts. For kids, the big draw is the four guest-friendly dogs and two cats that Brian and his Colombian wife Esther rescued off the street.
Hotel Las Américas
For a beach resort, you can't beat Hotel Las Américas, a stylish 10-story property at Cielo Mar, just north of the airport and about four miles from the old town. Principally serving Colombian middle-class families, it's a great chance for your kids to interact with locals as they splash around in the hotel's eight pools. They can also play mini-golf and enjoy the Club del Capitán Estrella children's club. It features a climbing wall, trampolines, arts and crafts classes, and more. Adolescents can try kite surfing and other watersports.
Meanwhile, parents might rekindle some romance with a his-and-hers massage in the spa or sipping cocktails at the top-floor Infinito bar. Guest rooms are state-of-the-art and sleek and include family suites with extra bedrooms or pull-out couches for the little ones. A la carte purchases can really add up, so if you wish to spend a few days here, consider the optional all-inclusive package.