Cartagena, Colombia, also famed Jewel of the Indies, is known for a lot, including its unique blend of culture, high-end eateries, and an unusually artistic vibe. It’s a magical city that never fails to steal the hearts of many, from history buffs ready to learn about invasions from pirates to those who want to explore the culture of champeta.

Fortunately, travelers don’t need to break the bank to spend a week in Cartegena. The city is loaded with top-tier hotels where vacationers get pampered like the royalties they are. But with so many options, settling for one with the finest amenities and applaudable services can be overwhelming. Here are the top options where vacationers can enjoy the finer things in life.

10 Melia Cartagena Karmairi

Located along the Manzanillo del Mar coastline, Melia Cartagena Karmairi is an adults-only five-star hotel offering ultimate luxury and relaxation to vacationers. Besides getting royal treatment from the friendly staff, guests soothe their minds and have rejuvenating body treatments from the on-site spa.

The iconic poolside bar Chiringuito serves refreshing drinks to visitors as they soak up the sun or swim in the pool. Food lovers looking for eccentric international and Caribbean cuisines get it from the casually decorated on-site Merkado Restaurant.

Related: 11 Important Tips For First-Timers Visiting Colombia

9 Hotel Casona Del Colegio

Hotel Casona del Colegio offers thoughtfully decorated rooms, a rooftop pool with gorgeous views, and impeccable services from the attentive staff. The rooftop pool makes an ideal place to relax after a long day of exploring as guests sip on signature cocktails and admire the gorgeous sunset.

Guests choose from seven types of exclusive accommodations with distinct designs and layouts based on Colombian culture. Not only is this hotel family-friendly, but it also has suites with private seating areas and hot tubs perfect for couples.

8 Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena

Nestled in the heart of the magnificent Walled City is the elegant Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena Hotel. This hotel maintains a calm atmosphere amid the chaos and bustle of the city with its carefully designed rooms. Unlike some hotels in Cartagena city, Santa Teresa only allows guests in the pools, meaning there’s a lot of privacy and space for travelers to unwind.

Visitors get pampered in the spa, which offers Turkish baths, body wraps, deep tissue, and hot stone massages in a relaxed monochrome setting.

7 Bastion Luxury Hotel

The Bastion Luxury Hotel is one of the finest hotels in the center of historic Cartagena, offering luxurious rooms and suites with contemporary decor reminiscent of the colonial era. For instance, the spacious Bastion Suite has a charming colonial vibe, a full bedroom with a private bathroom, and a hydromassage tub.

The Mirador Terrace is a magical place to revel in the stunning views as guests savor refreshing cocktails. In addition to having versatile furnishings, the terrace has direct access to the solarium and outdoor pool.

Related: 10 Exciting Things To Do In Colombia For First Timers

6 Hyatt Regency Cartagena

Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the Hyatt Regency is one of Cartagena’s newest and tallest hotels, with four outdoor pools, two bars, and an elegant restaurant. Vacationers stay in modern but stylish rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offering gorgeous ocean views.

On hot days, visitors relax and cool down in one of the four swimming pools, one of them being a children’s pool. In the evening, the Amacagua Restaurant serves up delectable culinary creations in an outdoor setting where visitors can marvel at the breathtaking sunset.

5 Las Americas Torre Del Mar

Sitting along La Boquilla Beach, Las Americas Torre Del Mar offers cozy rooms overlooking the sea, Cartagena, or the Cienaga de la Virgen. Las Americas has direct access to 400 meters of shoreline where guests can stroll with their loved ones or rest as the endless waters lap at their feet.

There are four restaurants to choose from, but guests looking for something unique head to the Erre de Ramon Freixa on the 10th floor to indulge their senses with the Spanish chef’s creations.

4 Movich Hotel Cartagena de Indias

Movich Hotel Cartagena de Indias is known for its incredible rooftop pool and bar, where guests can enjoy classic cocktails while watching the awe-inspiring sunset. In addition to the sunset views, the bar offers staggering views of the city and the bay of Cartagena, which guests are sure to enjoy.

To round out a wonderful stay at this fancy hotel, vacationers can pamper themselves with a relaxing massage at the spa. Lovebirds will enjoy a couple’s massage in a fantastic spa cabin.

3 Hotel Casa San Agustin

Housed in what were once three colonial mansions, Hotel Casa San Agustin has 20 plush rooms and ten refined suites. The hotel also features a lovely pool and one of the best restaurants in town, the Alma Restaurant. In addition to the mouth-watering seafood and steak, the Alma Restaurant has an elegant ambiance that’s perfect for a date.

The Aurum Spa offers a variety of treatments using local ingredients that promote tranquillity and body awakening. Specialty body treatments such as reflexology, body wraps, and scrubs are also available.

Related: What Cartagena, Colombia Is Known For, Plus A Few Hidden Gems

2 Hotel Las Islas

The combination of lush greenery, sandy beaches, and crystal clear turquoise waters at Hotel Las Islas promises an exceptional vacation. This hotel has luxurious oceanfront and treetop bungalows featuring air conditioning, furnished decks, Wi-Fi, and bathrooms with premium bath products. Select accommodations have private pools or a jacuzzi with panoramic sea views, where guests can leisurely soak.

Vacationers satisfy their sweet tooth at the Los Mangos Cafeteria and Ice Cream Bar. The other three restaurants offer fresh and seasonal cuisines from locally sourced produce.

1 Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena

Sitting in a former convent in the much quieter and calmer part of Cartagena city is the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena. There are 125 guestrooms, including 25 palatial suites to choose from, with a selection having private terraces.

The hotel’s Presidential Suite Botero has a magnificent sitting room and bedroom with a French-inspired tub and steam shower. While in this suite, guests enjoy using Hermes bath products, a home theater, butler service, and a remarkable view of the outdoor pool.