Santa Marta

If you're what the relaxed and attentive live-in owner calls 'a retired backpacker,' then this cute six-room spot...is for you. — Lonely Planet

The Museo Arqueológico Tayrona, in a handsome former customs house on the main square, has a small collection of Tayrona gold and pottery and a model of La Ciudad Perdida. — Fodor's

This 12-bedroom boutique hotel inside a mansion that dates from 1720 is run by the energetic Sandra, a Barcelona native who is quietly revolutionizing Santa Marta's hotel scene. — Lonely Planet

A block away from El Parque de los Novios, a focal point of Santa Marta's nightlife, this small boutique hotel has a cheerful design and plenty of greenery in the courtyard. — Fodor's

Despite its austere concrete-block appearance, this friendly hotel has huge, bright rooms with modern amenities. — Fodor's

The rooftop terrace is simply decadent, with a small spa and massage area, an oversized Jacuzzi, daybeds with flowing white curtains, and a lounging area. — Fodor's

This charming colonial home with just five rooms is furnished in a contemporary style. Rooms come with rain showers and all share access to a big roof terrace. — Lonely Planet

There’s a decent courtyard, free coffee, a very small swimming pool (you won’t be shattering any world records in here), and you’re three blocks from the waterfront. — Lonely Planet

A sleek, modern boutique hotel, Casa Carolina combines a whitewashed interior with wood and exposed brick details and a plant-fringed pool in the central courtyard. — Fodor's

Situated in El Rodadero, a resort area 5 km (3 mi) from Santa Marta, this 10-story hotel has large rooms with balconies, many facing the ocean. — Fodor's

With pleasant, spacious black-and-white rooms and a large roof terrace that boasts a bar, pool and jacuzzi, this is an excellent boutique spot to lay your head. — Lonely Planet

A kitschy mix of modern, indigenous and beachfront bygone, this is a great midrange choice in El Rodadero. — Lonely Planet

A comfortably priced offshoot of the polished Casa Carolina, this five-room retreat walks a perfect line between comfort and affordability. — Fodor's