Capsule Hotels and Architectural Design Hostels: The New Frontier of Accommodation in Cartagena

The Boom of Minimalist Design in the Colombian Caribbean

Until a few years ago, coming to Cartagena on a tight budget meant resigning yourself to a moldy mattress in a Centro Histórico hostel smelling of humidity and a fan that sounded like a tractor. That era is over. Since 2023, the city has been experiencing a quiet revolution: capsule hotels and architecturally designed hostels are redefining what it means to travel cheaply in the Colombian Caribbean. You no longer have to choose between paying 400,000 COP for a hotel room or sleeping in a three-tier bunk bed where you can hear the German guy next door snoring. Now you can get a private capsule, with adjustable LED light, blackout curtain, and personal locker, for less than 80,000 COP a night. And the best part: in the same neighborhoods where there were only generic hostels before, today you find spaces designed by local architects, with rooftop terraces, tiny pools, and exposed concrete walls that rival any Brooklyn loft.

This change is no coincidence. Cartagena has become the most important hub for digital nomads in Colombia after Medellín. During 2025, the number of remote workers who spent more than two weeks in the city grew by 40%, according to data from the Chamber of Commerce. And those travelers don't want just any hostel: they need good internet, a desk to work from, and a space that looks good on video calls. Capsule hostels, with their Japanese aesthetic adapted to the tropics, have been the perfect answer. As of June 2026, there are at least a dozen established options spread between the Centro Histórico, Getsemaní, and Manga. Here I'll tell you which are the best and why they're worth trying.

The 5 Capsule and Architectural Design Hostels You Need to Know

1. Capsule Hostel Cartagena (Getsemaní)

This was the pioneer. It opened in 2023 in a restored colonial house on Calle de la Media Luna, and has been receiving travelers non-stop ever since. They have two types of capsules: single (from 65,000 COP per night in low season) and double (110,000 COP). Each capsule has an orthopedic mattress, reading light, two USB ports, and a curtain that blocks out quite a bit of noise. The design is minimalist but warm: polished concrete, recycled wood, and hanging plants in the hallways. The best part: the rooftop with a view of the Cathedral and a bar open until 11 pm. The worst part: the shared bathrooms are only four for the whole floor, and during peak hours you have to queue. However, the internet is among the fastest in the neighborhood (120 Mbps in real-world tests).

2. Selina Cartagena (Centro Histórico)

Selina is no secret to anyone, but its location in Cartagena deserves a special mention. It is housed in an 18th-century mansion on Calle del Sargento Mayor, and although it is not strictly a capsule hotel, they have a "capsule-style dormitory" area that is practically that: beds with wooden panels creating a semi-private cubicle. Each one has a curtain, light, and a small shelf. The difference lies in the common spaces: air-conditioned coworking, a rooftop pool, a restaurant with a set menu for 22,000 COP, and yoga and salsa events every week. The price: from 90,000 COP per bed in a 6-person shared room. However, privacy is not total; you can hear everything happening in the hallway. Recommended for those who prioritize networking over absolute silence.

3. Casa de la Trinidad (Getsemaní)

This is my personal favorite. It's not a capsule hotel in the Japanese sense, but a boutique hostel with tiny but impeccable private rooms, designed by Cartagena-born architect Simón Vélez. Each room is about 8 square meters, but they are so well thought out that you don't feel claustrophobic: the bed is elevated to leave storage space underneath, there's a foldable desk, and the window overlooks an internal patio full of bougainvillea. The bathrooms are private (yes, in a budget hostel!) but of the "wet room" type: the whole floor gets wet when you shower. Prices: from 120,000 COP per night in low season. It's located on Calle de la Trinidad, two blocks from Plaza de la Trinidad, the heart of Getsemaní. The internet is stable (80 Mbps) and breakfast is included: arepa with egg, juice, and coffee.

4. The Clock Hostel & Suites (Centro Histórico)

Half a block from the Torre del Reloj, this hostel is famous for its yellow facade and terrace overlooking Plaza de los Coches. They have a "premium capsule" section which are basically beds in shared rooms but with a design that mimics Japanese capsules: each bed has its own wooden panel, three-color adjustable LED light, locker with included padlock, and a small personal fan. The difference from others is that here the capsules are in rooms of only 4 people, so noise is lower. The price is 75,000 COP per night. A plus: the bar on the terrace has 2-for-1 deals on Águila beers on Thursdays. A downside: the internet sometimes goes down during peak hours (7 pm to 10 pm). If you need to work, it's better to use the coworking space on the first floor, which has a separate connection.

5. Bantu Hostel (Manga)

This is the newest on the list. It opened in December 2025 in the Manga neighborhood, a quiet residential area a 15-minute walk from the Centro. The building is a modern three-story house with an exposed brick facade and large windows. They have 10 single capsules (from 55,000 COP) and 4 private rooms. The capsules are the most spacious I've seen: 2 meters long by 1.20 meters wide, with a memory foam mattress, adjustable light, and an individual ventilation system that helps with the heat. The best part: the interior garden with hammocks and a small but functional pool. The worst part: it's a bit far from the nightlife scene, so if you want to go out partying, you'll need to take a taxi (about 8,000 COP to Getsemaní). Ideal for digital nomads seeking quiet for work. The internet is fiber optic with 200 Mbps.

Price Comparison: Capsule vs. Private Room vs. 3-Star Hotel

To give you a clear idea of what you're paying for, here are the reference prices for June 2026 in Cartagena, in mid-season (neither high nor low):

• Capsule in hostel (single bed): 55,000 – 90,000 COP per night. Includes locker, light, shared fan or air conditioning, and access to kitchen and common areas.
• Private room in hostel (double bed): 120,000 – 180,000 COP per night. Shared or private bathroom depending on the hostel. Includes basic breakfast in some.
• Room in 3-star hotel (double bed): 200,000 – 350,000 COP per night. Private bathroom, air conditioning, TV, breakfast included. No notable common spaces.
• Room in premium capsule hotel (double capsule): 100,000 – 140,000 COP per night. Two single beds stacked, shared bathroom but with more privacy than a traditional hostel.

The big advantage of the capsule over the hostel private room is the price: you save between 30% and 50%, and you gain privacy compared to a bed in an 8-person shared dormitory. Compared to a 3-star hotel, the savings are up to 70%, but you lose services like included breakfast or 24-hour reception. For a digital nomad who spends the day working in cafes and only returns to the accommodation to sleep, the capsule is unbeatable.

User Experience: Privacy, Noise, and Common Spaces

I've slept in capsules in Tokyo, Singapore, and Berlin, and I can tell you that the Cartagena version has its peculiarities. First: the noise. In the capsule hostels of Getsemaní, like Capsule Hostel or The Clock, the soundproofing is decent but not perfect. The thick curtains block the light, but sounds from the hallway seep in. If you are a light sleeper, bring earplugs (at Capsule Hostel they sell them for 5,000 COP). At Bantu Hostel, being in Manga, outside noise is almost non-existent, but guests returning from parties at 3 am can ruin your night if your capsule is near the entrance.

Privacy is the strong point. In a well-designed capsule, you have your own enclosed space, with adjustable light and a place to leave your things. You can change clothes, read, watch Netflix on your phone, or work without anyone seeing you. However, the bathroom is still shared, so don't expect a hotel experience. In all the hostels I mentioned, the bathrooms are clean (they are cleaned twice a day) but during peak hours (7-9 am and 7-9 pm) there is a queue. My recommendation: shower before 7 am or after 10 pm to avoid it.

The common spaces are where these places shine. The rooftop at Capsule Hostel fills up at sunset with travelers drinking beer and watching the sun set behind the Cathedral. At Selina, the coworking space has ergonomic chairs and free filter coffee until 10 am. At Bantu, the garden hammocks are perfect for reading or a nap. They all have a well-equipped shared kitchen, allowing you to save on meals if you cook. In June 2026, the Getsemaní market sells vegetables and fruits at local prices: a mango 1,500 COP, a pound of tomatoes 3,000 COP.

Where to Find Them: Map by Neighborhood

Here is a quick guide to where each one is located, so you can choose based on your plans:

• Centro Histórico: Selina Cartagena (Calle del Sargento Mayor) and The Clock Hostel (Calle 35 near the Torre del Reloj). Ideal if you want to be close to the city walls, the Palacio de la Inquisición, and tourist restaurants. Higher prices, but everything is within walking distance.
• Getsemaní: Capsule Hostel Cartagena (Calle de la Media Luna) and Casa de la Trinidad (Calle de la Trinidad). The epicenter of nightlife and alternative culture. Two blocks from Plaza de la Trinidad, with its bars, restaurants, and the famous Thursday "Chill Out". More affordable than the Centro.
• Manga: Bantu Hostel (Calle 26, near Parque de Manga). Quiet residential area, with large houses and trees. A 15-minute walk from the Centro, but safer and quieter. Ideal for working or resting. Near the Cementerio de Manga and the Club de Pesca.

To move between neighborhoods, use the route buses (2,300 COP) or walk: Getsemaní to the Centro is 10 minutes, Manga to the Centro is 15-20. Taxis from Manga to Getsemaní cost about 8,000 COP, and from the Centro to Manga about 10,000 COP. If you come in June 2026, the weather is hot (average 32°C), so bring water and sunscreen.

Conclusion or Final Recommendation

If you are planning to come to Cartagena on a tight budget but without wanting to sacrifice design, privacy, or a good internet connection, capsule hotels and architecturally designed hostels are your best option. Don't expect the luxury of a five-star hotel, but rather an authentic, well-thought-out experience that leaves you money to spend on ceviches, beers in Plaza de la Trinidad, and a boat trip to the Islas del Rosario. My personal recommendation: if you come alone and want to meet people, go to Capsule Hostel in Getsemaní. If you come to work, choose Bantu Hostel in Manga. If you want to be in the heart of everything and don't mind the noise, The Clock Hostel is unbeatable for its location.

And since you made it this far, I have a gift for you. I have prepared an updated price list of all the capsule hostels in Cartagena, with data from June 2026, including exact addresses, contact

Numbered List (Minimum 5 Items with Mini-Review)

1. Selina Cartagena

   This hostel features a modern and vibrant design, ideal for digital nomads. In addition to private and shared rooms, it offers coworking spaces and cultural activities. Insider Tip: Don't miss the live music nights on the rooftop, perfect for socializing and enjoying the sunset view over the city.

Map or How to Get There

Selina Cartagena

Located in the Getsemaní neighborhood, Selina combines comfort and style at an affordable price. This space offers both beds in shared dormitories and private rooms with a modern design. Insider Tip: Take advantage of the activities they organize, such as yoga classes and movie nights, to socialize with other travelers and learn about the local culture.

Casa Jaguar

This hostel stands out for its artistic design and vibrant atmosphere. Located near Plaza de la Trinidad, Casa Jaguar is ideal for those seeking a place with personality. Insider Tip: Don't miss its rooftop bar, where parties and cultural events are held, perfect for meeting other travelers and enjoying local music.