Best Hostel Santa Marta Colombia
When strangers become friends and friends become family
Santa Marta Colombia
One of Colombia’s most popular destinations. A working class community squeezed along the beach and between the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
First Impressions of Santa Marta
Honestly, after the 16 hour bus ride from Medellin it didn’t matter where we were as long as we were getting out of those seats! Exiting the bus station and here came the overly familiar taxi negation for a fair priced ride to the center. The city is big but dwarfed by the memory of Medellin in comparison. It’s busy but relaxed at the same time. Good vibes all around.
Turispanish Hostel – The Best Hostel Santa Marta
After getting dropped off we nearly walked right by the hostel. It’s a small one floor house, more of a bed and breakfast than a traditional hostel (minus the breakfast). Soon we would be greeted by the owners Ruben and Lourdes. Little did we know that by the time we got around to leaving Santa Marta the couple would be no less than extended members of our family.
Turispanish Hostel- The Good
Ruben and his wife are great people. Ruben knows everything going on in and around Santa Marta. He can help you plan anything in the region. Turispanish Hostel is made up of six private rooms suitable for 1-3 people. Two of which have private bathrooms. Making any room in the house perfect for traveling couples, or anyone that appreciates privacy over a dorm room.
- Strong Wifi – for you digital nomads or netflix addicts.
- Beverages – fresh squeezed juice from the fruit tree in the yard & water included.
- Location – 15-20 minute walk from the beach. Great location to be far enough away to get a good night’s sleep but close enough to walk to the attractions.
- Laundry Services- Best price in town.
- Cleanliness – the house is cleaned on an ongoing basis by the couple or the morning time house keeper.
Chique The Hostel Dog
Turispanish Hostel – The Bad
Having stayed at the hostel for about four weeks in total I think it’s fair to say that nearly all the guests at the hostel come in groups. Most notably traveling couples. Depending on your personality this might not be the best place to stay if you are a solo traveler or a traveler looking to meet people to travel with.
Turispanish Hostel – Room for Improvement
The only thing that comes to mind is extending your booking. Most of the reservations come via Airbnb. The hostel is small and if you extend your booking verbally there’s a chance that the room might get booked online. Keep in mind that the hostel was about a year old at the time of my visit. Ruben was still getting accustomed to a smooth working flow. An easy fix is to extend your reservation online or reminding Ruben to block out the room out on the website. This happened to us twice. The first time Ruben let us stay in his personal room and the second time we adjusted our plans to leave a day earlier. No big deal especially after considering the room upgrade he gave us twice. Thanks again, Ruben!
Ruben & I
Turispanish Hostel – Personal Experiences
Ruben and Lourdes go above and beyond for guests. We happened to be there during Christmas. My first Christmas away from my immediate family. Ruben and his wife treated the guests to a traditional Christmas dinner.
On another occasion I caught the worst food poisoning of my life. Ruben and his wife went to the pharmacy to get medicine to help me get back on my feet.
A German couple adopted a stray dog from nearby Minca and Ruben allowed them to stay at the hostel with the pup. He even called the neighborhood veterinarian and found out about the process of relocating the pet.
Prior to Turispanish Hostel I never understood how people get stuck in the same place for months on end. After Santa Marta it’s become clear that people get stuck in a particular place because of the people they meet along the way. Those precious moments in life when strangers become friends and friends become family.
Reservations & Contact
Turispanish Hostel on Booking.com
Turispanish Hostel on facebook
The Hostel Turtle
*This article is true of my personal experience and opinion during my stay at Turispanish Hostel. I have not received compensation before, during or after the stay.
