Best Family Hotels in Cartagena for Kids (6-12 Years)
The Ultimate Guide to Family-Friendly Hotels in Cartagena for Kids (6-12)
Planning a family vacation to Cartagena, Colombia? Finding the perfect hotel that caters to both adults and kids can be a challenge. This guide highlights the best family-friendly hotels in Cartagena, ensuring a memorable and stress-free vacation for your family.
Best Family Hotels in Cartagena for Kids: Comparison Table
Compare the top-rated family hotels in Cartagena based on our analysis of real family stays and expert evaluations focusing on amenities for kids aged 6-12. Prices reflect average rates during high season.
| Hotel Name | Family Score | Categories | Kid-Friendly Features | Price Range | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel y Centro de Convenciones | 8.9/10 | Best_Value_for_Families Fun_and_Kids_Club Family_Friendly_Rooms | Swimming pool, Beach access, Game room | $$$ | Excellent value with great amenities for kids, including a pool, beach access, and family-friendly rooms. |
| Hotel Caribe Cartagena | 8.6/10 | All_Inclusive_Resorts | Swimming pools, Beach access, Gardens | $$$ | A historic luxury hotel with multiple pools, beach access, and beautiful gardens, perfect for an all-inclusive family vacation. |
Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel y Centro de Convenciones – Excelling in Best_Value_for_Families, Fun_and_Kids_Club, and Family_Friendly_Rooms
Hotel Overview
- Overall Rating: 8.9/10
- Kid-Friendly Score: 8.7/10
- Location Score: 9.0/10
- Price Range: $$$/night
- Address: Bocagrande, Cra. 1 #12-128, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
- Distance to Kid-Friendly Attractions: Bocagrande Beach, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Walled City
- Categories: Best Value for Families with Kids, Best Activities & Kids Club, Most Family-Friendly Rooms
Why This Hotel is Perfect for Families with Kids
Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel y Centro de Convenciones is an excellent choice for families seeking value, fun, and comfortable accommodations. Its prime location across from Bocagrande Beach makes it ideal for beach-loving families. The hotel’s commitment to family-friendly rooms, including connecting options and suites, ensures everyone has enough space. With a swimming pool, game room, and occasional on-site entertainment, kids will have plenty to do. The hotel’s dining options, including a buffet breakfast and a la carte restaurant, cater to even the pickiest eaters, making it a top pick for families with kids aged 6-12.
Special Facilities & Services for Kids
- Kids Activities: Swimming pool (separate kids’ area may be available, confirm with the hotel), Beach access (Bocagrande beach is directly across the street), Game room (availability and contents vary, confirm with the hotel), On-site entertainment (occasionally, the hotel hosts events that may be suitable for families, check the schedule), Nearby water sports (available on Bocagrande beach, such as banana boat rides and jet skiing, age restrictions apply)
- Kids Club: While Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel y Centro de Convenciones doesn’t have a dedicated kids’ club with structured daily activities, they may offer babysitting services upon request (contact the hotel directly for availability and pricing).
- Family Rooms: Connecting rooms (request when booking to ensure availability), Suites (offer more space and may include a separate living area), Larger rooms with extra beds or cribs (request when booking)
- Kid-Friendly Dining: Buffet breakfast (typically includes kid-friendly options like cereal, fruit, and pastries), Restaurant with a la carte menu (often offers simpler dishes suitable for children, such as pasta, chicken nuggets, or burgers), Room service (convenient for ordering meals to the room), Nearby restaurants in Bocagrande (offer a variety of cuisines, including kid-friendly options like pizza and fast food)
Real Family Experience
“Our kids absolutely loved the pool and being so close to the beach! We spent hours building sandcastles and splashing in the waves. The hotel staff were always friendly and helpful, making our family vacation truly memorable.”
The Smiths, with kids aged 7 and 10
Highlight of Their Stay:
The highlight for kids at Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel is undoubtedly the combination of beach access and the swimming pool. The proximity to Bocagrande Beach allows for easy access to sandcastle building, swimming, and various water sports. The hotel’s pool provides a safe and fun environment for kids to splash around and cool off. The availability of kid-friendly dining options ensures that even the pickiest eaters are satisfied, making meal times stress-free for parents.
Seasonal Considerations
- Peak Season (December to April): During peak season, Cartagena is bustling with tourists. Book your accommodations and tours well in advance. Take advantage of the hotel’s amenities early in the day to avoid crowds. Consider visiting nearby islands for a quieter beach experience.
- Off-Peak (May to November): Off-peak season offers fewer crowds and lower prices. Be prepared for occasional rain showers. This is a great time to explore the Walled City and other indoor attractions. The hotel’s pool and game room provide entertainment on rainy days.
Insider Tips
- Check-in with Kids: Pack a small bag with snacks and activities to keep kids entertained during check-in. Ask for a room with a view of the ocean or pool to keep them excited.
- Room Selection: Request connecting rooms or a suite to provide ample space for your family. Ensure that the room has a mini-fridge for storing snacks and drinks.
- Kid-Friendly Dining: Take advantage of the buffet breakfast for a variety of kid-friendly options. Ask the restaurant staff for recommendations on dishes that are suitable for children.
- Activities: Plan a mix of beach time, pool time, and cultural excursions to keep kids engaged. Check the hotel’s schedule for on-site entertainment and activities.
What Kids Will Love
- Direct access to Bocagrande Beach for sandcastle building and swimming.
- A refreshing swimming pool to cool off from the Cartagena heat.
- Game room with various games for indoor entertainment.
- Kid-friendly dining options to satisfy picky eaters.
What to Consider
- The hotel can be crowded during peak season.
- The beach across the street can get busy.
- A dedicated kids’ club is not available.
- Some activities may have age restrictions.
Hotel Caribe Cartagena – Excelling in All_Inclusive_Resorts
Hotel Overview
- Overall Rating: 8.6/10
- Kid-Friendly Score: 8.5/10
- Location Score: 8.8/10
- Price Range: $$$/night
- Address: Bocagrande, Cra. 1 #2-87, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
- Distance to Kid-Friendly Attractions: Bocagrande Beach, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Walled City
- Categories: Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts
Why This Hotel is Perfect for Families with Kids
Hotel Caribe Cartagena offers a luxurious and convenient all-inclusive experience for families with kids aged 6-12. The hotel’s multiple swimming pools, including a dedicated kids’ pool, provide ample opportunities for fun in the sun. Direct beach access allows for easy trips to the shore for sandcastle building and playing in the water. The beautiful gardens offer a serene environment for families to explore. While a formal kids’ club may not always be available, the hotel sometimes offers supervised activities during peak seasons. The variety of dining options, including kid-friendly choices at the buffet and a la carte restaurants, ensures that everyone is well-fed and happy.
Special Facilities & Services for Kids
- Kids Activities: Swimming pools (including a dedicated kids’ pool), Beach access with opportunities for sandcastle building and playing in the water, Gardens to explore, Occasional organized games and activities by the pool (check with the hotel for schedule), Ping Pong table, Billiard table
- Kids Club: While Hotel Caribe Cartagena doesn’t have a dedicated, formal kids’ club with daily scheduled activities, they sometimes offer supervised activities during peak seasons or holidays. It’s best to inquire directly with the hotel closer to your travel dates to confirm availability and schedules.
- Family Rooms: Connecting rooms: Available upon request and subject to availability. This is a good option for families who want separate sleeping spaces but still want to be close., Suites: Some suites offer more space and may include a separate living area, which can be useful for families., Deluxe rooms: Larger deluxe rooms can accommodate a rollaway bed or crib (check with the hotel for availability and extra charges).
- Kid-Friendly Dining: Buffet breakfast: Offers a variety of options, including kid-friendly choices like cereals, fruits, pastries, and eggs., A la carte restaurants: The hotel’s restaurants offer a range of cuisines, and most are willing to accommodate children’s preferences with simpler dishes or smaller portions., Poolside snacks: Available throughout the day, including options like pizza, burgers, and ice cream., Room service: Offers a convenient option for families who prefer to dine in their room.
Real Family Experience
“The pools were a huge hit with our kids! We loved having direct access to the beach and the convenience of the all-inclusive dining. The staff were incredibly friendly and made our stay so enjoyable.”
The Johnsons, with kids aged 6 and 9
Highlight of Their Stay:
The highlight for kids at Hotel Caribe Cartagena is the abundance of swimming pools and the easy access to Bocagrande Beach. The dedicated kids’ pool provides a safe and fun environment for younger children to splash around. The beach offers opportunities for sandcastle building and playing in the waves. The all-inclusive dining options make meal times stress-free, with a variety of kid-friendly choices available. The hotel’s beautiful gardens provide a peaceful escape for families to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Seasonal Considerations
- Peak Season (December to April): During peak season, the hotel can be crowded. Arrive early to secure your spot by the pool or on the beach. Take advantage of the hotel’s organized activities to keep kids entertained.
- Off-Peak (May to November): Off-peak season offers fewer crowds and lower prices. The weather can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly. The hotel’s indoor amenities, such as the ping pong and billiard tables, provide entertainment on rainy days.
Insider Tips
- Check-in with Kids: Request connecting rooms or a suite to provide ample space for your family. Ask for a room closer to the pool or beach for easy access.
- Room Selection: Consider booking a room on a higher floor for better views. Ensure that the room has a balcony or patio for enjoying the fresh air.
- Kid-Friendly Dining: Take advantage of the poolside snack options for quick and easy meals. Ask the restaurant staff for recommendations on dishes that are suitable for children.
- Activities: Check the hotel’s schedule for organized games and activities. Plan a day trip to the Rosario Islands for a unique snorkeling experience.
What Kids Will Love
- Multiple swimming pools, including a dedicated kids’ pool.
- Direct access to Bocagrande Beach for sandcastle building and swimming.
- All-inclusive dining options for stress-free meal times.
- Beautiful gardens to explore and relax in.
What to Consider
- The hotel can be expensive during peak season.
- A dedicated kids’ club is not always available.
- The beach can get crowded.
- The hotel is located in Bocagrande, which is a bit far from the Walled City.
Tips for Choosing the Best Family Hotel in Cartagena
Choosing the right hotel can make or break your family vacation. Here are some essential tips to consider when selecting a family-friendly hotel in Cartagena:
- Consider your budget: Cartagena offers a range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts. Determine your budget and look for hotels that offer the best value for your money.
- Location, location, location: Decide whether you prefer to stay in Bocagrande, which is close to the beach, or in the Walled City, which is closer to historical attractions.
- Amenities for kids: Look for hotels with swimming pools, kids’ clubs, and other amenities that will keep your kids entertained.
- Room configuration: Choose a room configuration that suits your family’s needs, such as connecting rooms or a suite.
- Read reviews: Read reviews from other families to get an idea of what to expect from the hotel.
Final Recommendations
Based on our analysis, we recommend the following hotels for families with kids aged 6-12 in Cartagena:
- For best value: Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel y Centro de Convenciones offers a great balance of price, location, and amenities.
- For an all-inclusive experience: Hotel Caribe Cartagena provides a luxurious and convenient option for families who want to relax and enjoy their vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Hotels for Kids in Cartagena
Essential amenities include a swimming pool, kid-friendly dining options, and spacious rooms. Consider hotels with kids’ clubs or organized activities to keep them entertained.
Kids’ clubs can be a great way for kids to socialize and participate in structured activities. They also offer parents some free time to relax or explore on their own.
Connecting rooms or a suite are ideal for families with two kids, providing separate sleeping spaces and a common area. Larger rooms with extra beds or cribs are also a good option.
Bocagrande is a popular choice for families due to its proximity to the beach and various restaurants. The Walled City is also a good option for families who want to be closer to historical attractions.
Check the hotel’s website or contact them directly to inquire about their kids’ activities. Read reviews from other families to get an idea of the quality of the activities.