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Hotel · Cartagena · Bolivar

Hotel Intercontinental Cartagena By Ihg

A seafront 5-star stay in Bocagrande with a 50-metre pool, spa, and direct beach access.

  • Ocean view rooms with private balconies
  • Heated outdoor pool with sun loungers
  • Full-service spa and wellness centre
8.6 Great 874 reviews Booking.com 8.6 · 874 reviews

About

Hotel Intercontinental Cartagena By Ihg

The Hotel Intercontinental Cartagena By Ihg holds a 5-star rating and sits directly on the beach in Bocagrande, Cartagena's main tourist strip. Guests rate it 8.6 out of 10 across 874 reviews, with standout scores for the rooms and service at 9.1 each. The property offers a long list of amenities including a heated outdoor pool, spa with massage and Turkish bath, fitness centre, and several dining options.

Rooms are described as spacious, tastefully decorated, and many come with ocean views. The hotel also provides club lounge access for certain room types, a business centre, and meeting facilities. Its location is about a 10-minute taxi ride from downtown Cartagena, and it is adjacent to Playa Blanca (the local beach area, not the famous island beach).

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

5 reasons to book
  • Beachfront location in Bocagrande — The hotel is directly on the main beach in Cartagena's tourist area, with easy access to the sand. Guests note it's about a 10-minute taxi ride to downtown.
  • Spacious, modern rooms with ocean views — Guests consistently praise the room quality, describing them as tastefully decorated, comfortable, and often with spectacular ocean views. Some rooms include club lounge access.
  • Excellent service from a well-trained team — Staff receive frequent compliments for being friendly, accommodating, and attentive. The service rating matches the rooms at 9.1.
  • Impressive pool and wellness facilities — The nearly 50-metre pool is ideal for serious swimming, and the spa offers a range of massages, a sauna, and a Turkish bath. There's also a fitness centre and yoga classes.
  • Strong breakfast with local touches — Breakfast is repeatedly highlighted as fantastic, with fresh fruits, juices, and local ingredients like chorizo. Guests appreciate the variety.

Worth weighing

5 to weigh
  • Price point is high — Starting at £322 per night, this is a premium property. While value scores 8.8, the price may be a consideration for budget-conscious travellers.
  • General rating is lower than individual categories — The overall 'General' rating sits at 8.1, lower than the 9.1 for rooms and service. This suggests some aspects of the experience may not fully match the high points.
  • No pets allowed — The hotel has a strict no-pets policy, which could be a drawback for guests travelling with animals.
  • Check-in window is limited — Check-in is only possible between 15:00 and 23:59, so late arrivals after midnight will need to plan ahead.
  • Distance from the historic centre — The hotel is in Bocagrande, about 10 minutes by taxi from downtown Cartagena. Those wanting to be in the old city will need to factor in travel time and cost.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Classic Queen Room Two Queen Beds Ocean View

  • 2 King Size Beds
  • Shower
  • Coffee machine
  • Air conditioning

King Suite Ocean View High Floor

  • 1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
  • Shower
  • Coffee machine
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

Classic King Room Ocean View High Floor

  • 1 King-size bed
  • Shower
  • Coffee machine
  • Air conditioning

Classic King Room Ocean View

  • 1 King-size bed
  • Shower
  • Coffee machine
  • Air conditioning

Classic King Smart Room City Bay View

  • 1 King-size bed
  • Shower
  • Coffee machine
  • Air conditioning

Classic King Room City View

  • 1 King-size bed
  • Shower
  • Coffee machine
  • Air conditioning

Premium Room

  • 2 Single beds
  • Shower
  • Coffee machine
  • Air conditioning

King Suite Ocean View

  • 1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
  • Shower
  • Coffee machine
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

Classic King Smart Room Ocean View

  • 1 King-size bed
  • Shower
  • Coffee machine
  • Air conditioning

Classic Queen Room Two Queen Beds Ocean View

  • 2 King Size Beds
  • Shower
  • Coffee machine
  • Air conditioning

Classic Room

  • 2 Single beds
  • Shower
  • Coffee machine
  • Air conditioning

Grand King Suite Ocean View

  • 1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
  • Shower
  • Coffee machine
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

Classic Queen Room Two Queen Beds City View

  • 2 King Size Beds
  • Shower
  • Coffee machine
  • Air conditioning

Classic Smart Queen Room Two Queen Beds City View

  • 2 King Size Beds
  • Shower
  • Coffee machine
  • Air conditioning

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

Pool & Wellness

  • Heated swimming pool
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Pool with view
  • Shallow end
  • Sun loungers
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Sauna
  • Turkish bath
  • Back massage
  • Head massage
  • Full body massage
  • Foot massage
  • Fitness centre
  • Yoga class

Food & Drink

  • Restaurant
  • Poolside snack bar
  • In-room breakfast
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus
  • Happy hour
  • Welcome drink
  • Coffee shop

Services

  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Grocery shopping service
  • Shops/Commercial services
  • Currency exchange
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe deposit box

Business & Events

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Room Amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Mini-bar
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Sitting area
  • Dressing area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table
  • Ironing facilities
  • Free toiletries
  • Electric kettle
  • Flat-screen TV

Family & Accessibility

  • Cots
  • Babysitting/Child services
  • Children's buffet
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

8.6
Great 874 reviews

Guest-rated 8.6/10 from 874 reviews

Booking.com · 8.6 · 874 reviews
8.6Verified guest

“Rooms were nicely furnished and had a great view; it really felt like home. There was an electric kettle and fridge ready when I arrived.”

8.6Verified guest

“The staff were incredibly friendly and went out of their way to help.”

8.6Verified guest

“Third stay at this Intercontinental in Cartagena and still very happy. Rooms are large and comfortable, the team is well trained and welcoming, and the pool – nearly 50 metres long – is perfect for proper swimming. Breakfast was impressive, with lots of fruit and fresh juices.”

8.6Verified guest

“Breakfast was fantastic and the hotel sits right on the beach. It's about 10 minutes by taxi to central Cartagena – everything is convenient and comfortable.”

8.6Verified guest

“I had a newly decorated room with club lounge access, a stunning view, and ice. Breakfasts were delicious and generous, with chorizo and pre-cooked eggs on the buffet. The hotel is right next to Playa Blanca.”

8.6Verified guest

“The rooms are stylish, very new, and offer a wonderful ocean view. The whole atmosphere of the hotel is special.”

04 — Location

Getting around Cartagena

The property sits in Cartagena.

Bocagrande: The hotel sits in Bocagrande, Cartagena's main tourist and beach district. Expect high-rise hotels, shopping, and restaurants along the waterfront. The beach is right outside.

Downtown Cartagena: The historic walled city is about 10 minutes away by taxi. Plaza Fernandez de Madrid is roughly 3.2 km from the hotel. The old town is known for its colonial architecture and vibrant streets.

Playa Blanca: Guests mention the hotel is adjacent to Playa Blanca – in this context, the local beach area in Bocagrande, not the famous island beach. It's convenient for a quick swim.

Bocagrande Carrera 1 No.5-01, Cartagena, Bolivar, 130013, Colombia

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05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 15:00-23:59
Check-out
By 12:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
285 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 15:00 to 23:59, and check-out is at 12:00.

Is parking available at the hotel?

Yes, parking is available on site.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed at this hotel.

Does the hotel offer airport transfers?

Yes, there is a paid shuttle service available.

Is there a spa on site?

Yes, the hotel has a spa and wellness centre with a sauna, Turkish bath, and various massage treatments.

What breakfast options are available?

The hotel offers in-room breakfast, a restaurant, and a poolside snack bar. Guests have praised the breakfast buffet for its fresh fruits and juices.

The bottom line

A genuinely well-reviewed beachfront 5-star in Cartagena, with strong service, spacious rooms, and a pool that impresses. If the price works and you're happy to be in Bocagrande rather than the old town, it's a safe bet.

8.6Based on 874 reviews and an 8.6 rating.

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