Where to stay in Cartagena, Colombia using credit card points?
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Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most vibrant coastal cities, known for its colorful colonial architecture, Caribbean vibes, and the historic charm of the Walled City. If you’re wondering where to stay in Cartagena on points, this guide covers the top hotels you can book with programs like World of Hyatt, Hilton Honors, and Marriott Bonvoy.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family adventure, you’ll find great options to stretch your credit card rewards and enjoy luxury for less.
For our 5 nights in Cartagena, Colombia, we stayed at Hotel Movich Cartagena De Indias (Small Luxury Hotels of the World) right in the Walled City and Hyatt Regency Cartagena in Bocagrande. We booked both stays around 10 months ahead of time and redeemed our Hyatt Points. It’s important to note that when booking with points (Award stays), resort fees are not charged.
Location: Bocagrande Points Required: 12,000 to 18,000 World of Hyatt points per night (Category 3) How to Book: Transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards to World of Hyatt
Hyatt Regency Cartagena is one of the best value redemptions in the city. Located in the modern Bocagrande district, the hotel offers panoramic ocean views, infinity pools, a spa, and family-friendly amenities. It’s just a short ride from the Walled City, making it convenient for both beach time and sightseeing.
Hyatt Regency Cartagena, Colombia
We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Cartagena, a Category 3 Hyatt hotel, and redeemed 12,000 Hyatt Points points per night (though check cash rates, too; sometimes, it is more reasonable to use cash vs. points).
Hyatt Regency Cartagena, Colombia
It’s a relatively new hotel, built in 2016. As Globalists, we got upgraded to a One-Bedroom Suite. The suite was spacious and beautiful. The only minor issue was that the windows were dirty. Usually, this is not something we pay attention to, but being on the 22nd floor overlooking the sea was definitely obstructed by that.
Note that the hotel was about a 10-minute drive from the Old Town area of Cartagena, which felt like the place to be in the city, and the vibe In Bocagrande was completely different from the Old Town.
Hyatt Regency Cartagena has a Lounge with complimentary food and drinks, but due to some renovations, it was only open from 4-6 p.m. The access to the Lounge was complimentary for us as Globalists.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Hyatt’s partnership with Mr & Mrs Smith allows you to book boutique luxury hotels using World of Hyatt points. Two standout options in Cartagena fall under this partnership:
Casa Pestagua
Location: Historic Walled City Points Required: Around 30,000 to 45,000 World of Hyatt points per night How to Book: Log into your Hyatt account and search for Mr & Mrs Smith properties
Casa Pestagua is a restored 18th-century mansion and a Relais & Châteaux property. It offers high-end luxury, lush courtyards, a serene spa, and elegant colonial rooms. This is one of Cartagena’s most exclusive boutique hotels.
Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio
Location: Historic Walled City Points Required: Approximately 25,000 to 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night How to Book: Through Hyatt’s booking site under Mr & Mrs Smith listings
This eco-friendly boutique hotel blends modern design with Cartagena’s colonial history. Highlights include Colombian artwork, rooftop views, a small pool, and personalized service. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a stylish and authentic stay in the heart of the city.
💡 Good to know
How do you get Hyatt Points? By strategically opening Chase’s credit cards, meeting minimum spend requirements, and earning sign-up bonuses (Chase Ultimate Rewards). Chase Ultimate Rewards are transferrable to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio, maximizing the value of your points!
Don’t forget that you can only transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Hyatt if you have one of these premium credit cards first: Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Chase Ink Preferred.
You can earn a signup BONUS of 60,000 Ultimate Rewards Points when you sign up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card and spend $5,000 in the first three months of card membership. This bonus alone is worth at least $1,200 in travel rewards when transferred to travel partners such as Hyatt!
REWARDS RATE
1x-5x
BONUS VALUE
$1,200
SIGN-UPBONUS
60,000 points
ANNUALFEE
$95
Book your stay in Cartagena with Hilton Points
Hilton Cartagena Hotel
Location: El Laguito peninsula Points Required: 40,000 to 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night How to Book: Directly through Hilton’s site using Hilton points or free night certificates
This larger resort-style hotel offers beach access, several pools, tennis courts, and activities for families. It’s ideal if you prefer a more traditional resort experience outside the Walled City.
You can book a Standard Room at the Hilton Cartagena Hotel using 50,000 Hilton Honors Points per night. This hotel is a tropical beachside resort that rises above El Laguito Peninsula, six kilometers from Cartagena’s ancient Walled City.
The great news is that when you book a Standard Room reward stay, every 5th night is free, so to make the most value out of your points – book at least 5 consecutive nights!
In addition to that, you can take advantage of the transfer bonus when transferring Amex Membership Rewards to Hilton, which Amex sometimes runs, to top up your account!
The cash rate per night at Hilton Cartagena is relatively reasonable, usually around $220-250 per night. Therefore, before redeeming points, it’s important to check the cash rate and select the best option.
Nacar Hotel Cartagena, Curio Collection by Hilton
Location: San Diego district, Walled City Points Required: About 50,000 to 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night How to Book: Through Hilton.com using points or free night certificates
Nacar Hotel combines colonial charm with modern touches. It has a rooftop pool, a serene courtyard, and easy access to Cartagena’s best restaurants and attractions. A great option for Hilton Honors members looking for a boutique-style stay.
Location: Inside the Walled City Points Required: Approximately 50,000 to 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night How to Book: Directly through Hilton using Hilton Honors points or via Hilton credit cards
The hotel is located in the heart of the Old City within walking distance of all the sightseeing, dining, and shopping. During our time there, we were impressed by the perfect blend of sophistication, coziness, and exceptional service.
The room at Hotel Movich Cartagena De IndiasRooftop pool at Hotel Movich Cartagena De Indias
Book your stay in Cartagena with Marriott points
Cartagena is home to some truly iconic Marriott properties, especially for travelers seeking luxury in a historic setting.
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena (Luxury Collection)
Location: Walled City Points Required: Approximately 70,000 to 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night How to Book: Use Bonvoy points or free night certificates on Marriott.com
Set in a former 17th-century convent, the Sofitel offers stunning architecture, a lush interior courtyard, gourmet dining, and a top-rated spa. It’s one of Cartagena’s most famous hotels and a great use of Bonvoy points for a luxurious stay.
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Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa (Luxury Collection)
Location: Walled City Points Required: Around 70,000 to 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night How to Book: Through Marriott Bonvoy site or app
This elegant hotel features a rooftop pool, stylish colonial decor, and views of Cartagena’s old city walls and harbor. It’s another top-tier choice for Marriott loyalists looking for history and refinement.
AC Hotel Cartagena
Location: Bocagrande Points Required: 30,000 to 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night How to Book: Via Marriott.com
For travelers seeking a modern, budget-friendly option, the AC Hotel offers beach proximity and easy access to shopping and nightlife.
How to book your stay using points
Here’s a quick overview of how to book these hotels using major credit card reward points:
World of Hyatt: Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. Points are best redeemed at Hyatt Regency Cartagena and Mr & Mrs Smith properties.
Hilton Honors: Earn Hilton points via Hilton Amex cards or transfer from Amex Membership Rewards (less value). Use Hilton’s fifth-night-free perk when staying 5 nights.
Marriott Bonvoy: Use Marriott-branded Amex or Chase cards. Points can be topped off with Amex Membership Rewards. Look for “Stay for 5, Pay for 4” deals.
Bottom line
Cartagena offers incredible opportunities to redeem credit card points for unforgettable stays. Whether you’re looking for a boutique hotel in the Walled City or a modern resort by the beach, Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, and Mr & Mrs Smith all provide valuable options for points travelers.
If you’re planning your first trip to Colombia, Cartagena is the perfect introduction—with its magical streets, welcoming locals, and now, exceptional hotels you can book on points.
