Cartagena for the Executive: Hotels, Coworkings, and Networking in the Caribbean

Available Options

Executive Hotels

Cartagena offers a unique blend of boutique hotels with executive services and large international chains. For business trips, these are the most recommended:

• Hyatt Regency Cartagena in Bocagrande: features 12 meeting rooms, a 24/7 business center, and direct connection to the Convention Center.
• Hotel Dann Cartagena in El Laguito: ideal for executives seeking tranquility near the sea, with coworking spaces in the lobby.
• Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa in the Historic Center: combines history with technology, perfect for high-level meetings.

Coworking Spaces

For those who need to work outside the hotel, Cartagena has modern options:

• Selina Cowork in Getsemaní: daily memberships starting at $45,000 COP, with a panoramic terrace and weekly networking events.
• WeWork Cartagena in Bocagrande: open Monday to Friday from 7 am to 7 pm, day pass for $75,000 COP (prices April 2026).
• Ático Coworking in Manga: a quiet space with private call booths and a specialty coffee bar.

Updated Costs

Accommodation

Prices during high season (December-April) can increase by up to 40%:

• 5-star hotels: from $600,000 COP per night
• 4-star executive hotels: $350,000-$500,000 COP
• Premium Airbnb in safe areas: $250,000-$400,000 COP

Executive Transportation

• Taxi from the airport to the Historic Center: $25,000-$35,000 COP
• Chauffeur service per day: $200,000 COP (8 hours)
• Executive car rental: from $180,000 COP/day

Estimated Times

Key Travel Times

• Airport to the Historic Center: 15-25 minutes (depending on traffic)
• Bocagrande to Getsemaní: 10 minutes by taxi
• Convention Center to Manga: 7 minutes

Business Hours

The city has a more relaxed pace than Bogotá or Medellín:

• Business meetings: generally between 9 am-12 pm or 3 pm-5 pm
• Executive lunches: 12:30 pm-2:30 pm
• Shopping malls are open until 9 pm

Practical Tips

Connectivity

Most executive hotels offer high-speed internet included. For added security:

• Avoid public Wi-Fi in cafes in the Historic Center
• Consider a prepaid data plan from Claro or Movistar (from $30,000 COP for 5GB)

Appropriate Attire

Cartagena's climate requires adaptation:

• Formal meetings: linen guayabera or light long-sleeved shirt
• Avoid full suits unless strictly necessary
• Comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones

Places for Informal Meetings

• Época Café in the Historic Center: quiet atmosphere with spacious tables
• La Vitrola: a classic for business dinners with a local flavor
• Restaurante Candé: Caribbean fusion in an air-conditioned setting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay if I have meetings in different parts of the city?

Bocagrande offers the best balance: close to the Convention Center (5 min), 10 min from the Historic Center, and with all executive services readily available.

Is it safe to use Uber to get to meetings?

Yes, but yellow taxis are equally reliable and sometimes faster. Always ask to activate the meter or negotiate the price before getting in.

Are there spaces to work late?

The lobby of the Hyatt Regency is open 24 hours with good connectivity. In Getsemaní, Café del Mural often stays open until midnight and is safe.