In the hot, sticky port city of Barranquilla, you'll find accommodation options in every price bracket. It's best to look for air conditioned lodgings if you want to get a decent night's sleep.

Hotels During Carnival

Little-visited by tourists throughout the bulk of the year, the city overflows with visitors during its annual carnival. Held over the four days preceding lent, usually in February, Barranquilla's carnival is one of the biggest in South America. It's wise to book hotel rooms well in advance if you plan to join the colorful festivities. Expect prices to spiral over this time, and many hotels will have a minimum stay requirement.

Located between the 'gringo trail' coastal cities of Cartagena and Santa Marta, Barranquilla is not a major tourist city outside of Carnival season, which makes finding decent accomodation a breeze. Locals here are famously friendly, and, as you might expect from a city who's most famous daughter is Shakira, the rumba (nightlife) is very lively. Pick a hotel close to the city center to be nearby bars and nightclubs.

Hostels

While the bulk of the visitors to Barranquilla are business travelers staying in the city’s many four and five-star hotels, the city’s reputation for partying is gradually putting it on the backpacker trail, but at present there is a notable lack of backpacker hostels. If you are looking for very cheap options, be wary of places that charge by the hour. 

Motels

Similarly, ‘motels’ in Barranquilla, as in much of South America, are a different type of accomodation than you would expect to find in the united states. Typically located on the outskirts of the city, these are also available by the hour, or by the night, and are they type of spot that provides couples much needed privacy. If you do decide to book one, don’t be surprised if the ceiling is mirrored and the bed vibrates!

Cheap Lodging

If your budget is tight and you can afford only the cheapest options, that much-coveted A/C might be too much to ask for, but do check that your room has a decent fan. The cheapest rooms in Barranquilla will typically cost upwards of US$10, with five star options costing up to US$400 a night – much more over carnival. 

Luxury Hotels

Of the top-end options, one of the best the city has to offer is the very central Hotel Majestic, which has a good restaurant and, crucially, a large pool for cooling down in.