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Aroha Villana Hostel

Santa Marta , Calle 17 No 3-70, Centro Historico (Show on Map)

7.9

Good

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1 room2 guests 1 room, 2 guests

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Summary of reviewsAroha Villana Hostel is an excellent accommodation option located in the heart of Santa Marta, perfect for travelers eager to explore the city's vibrant historic center. The hostel offers easy access to key landmarks with the beach, popular nightlife spots and tourist attractions just a short walk away. Despite its central location, the property offers a tranquil retreat with clean and comfortable facilities, cozy rooms, excellent air conditioning and a welcoming atmosphere.

The hostel's breakfast has garnered positive reviews for its delicious offerings, particularly the scrambled eggs and coffee, although some guests have noted the variety could be improved and the service can sometimes be delayed. The dining experience is further enhanced with homemade pizzas, flavorful food and excellent cocktails, particularly praised for their taste and affordability.

Rooms at Aroha Villana Hostel are appreciated for their colonial charm, cleanliness and spaciousness. Air-conditioned rooms, comfortable beds with privacy curtains and ample storage make for a pleasant stay. However, some guests have reported issues with air conditioning, poor lighting and occasional water leakage in bathrooms, indicating room for improvement in these areas.

Cleanliness remains a priority at the hostel with diligent staff ensuring rooms, sheets and dormitories are well-maintained. However, some common areas and facilities like bathrooms, the pool and the kitchen need better upkeep with occasional reports of dirt, bugs and lack of proper maintenance.

The highlight of Aroha Villana Hostel is its exceptionally friendly and attentive staff, who are consistently praised for their warm reception and dedicated service. The hostel's team goes the extra mile to ensure guest satisfaction, enhancing the overall experience.

The hostel offers a solid internet experience with good and fast WiFi, although connectivity varies in different areas of the property. The outdoor pool, set in a vibrant courtyard, is a pleasant feature, although its cleanliness occasionally falls short of expectations.

Aroha Villana Hostel boasts an ideal location for beach enthusiasts with the shore just a few blocks away. Proximity to vibrant nightlife and a bustling city scene makes it a perfect choice for those seeking an energetic atmosphere, though the noise may be a drawback for light sleepers.

In summary, Aroha Villana Hostel offers a blend of comfort, convenience and a lively atmosphere. While there are areas needing improvement, particularly in cleanliness and maintenance, the friendly staff, cozy accommodations and prime location make it a popular choice for travelers visiting Santa Marta.
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Hostel near Nightlife Spots

Located in centro historico, this hostel provides easy access to the nightlife scene. Its proximity to Parque de Los Novios makes it a convenient base for exploring the area's bars and clubs.

Hostel near The Beach

Hostel with Swimming Pool

Outdoor Pool

Hostel with Outdoor Pool

Room Types

Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room This dormitory has air conditioning and shared bathroom.

Double Room This room has air conditioning and a private bathroom.

Superior Quadruple Room Guests will have a special experience as the quadruple room features a private pool. Offering free toiletries, this quadruple room includes a private bathroom with a shower. Guests will find a stovetop, kitchenware, an oven and a microwave in the well-equipped kitchen. The quadruple room also features a barbecue. The air-conditioned quadruple room offers a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a washing machine, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as garden views. The unit has 3 beds.

Deluxe Family Room This family room features a private pool. The spacious family room features air conditioning, a washing machine, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. Guests will find a stovetop, kitchenware, an oven and a microwave in the well-equipped kitchen. The family room also comes with a barbecue. The family room is furnished with a desk and a seating area and provides a private entrance, a tea and coffee maker and garden views. The unit has 3 beds.

Deluxe Triple Room This triple room features a private pool. Featuring free toiletries, this triple room includes a private bathroom with a shower. Guests will find a stovetop, kitchenware, an oven and a microwave in the fully equipped kitchen. The triple room also comes with a barbecue. The air-conditioned triple room features a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a washing machine, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as garden views. The unit has 2 beds.

Single Bed in Dormitory Room This bed in dormitory has a tumble dryer, private entrance and kitchenware.

Classic Quadruple Room This quadruple room offers a private pool. Guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven in the well-equipped kitchen. The quadruple room also has a barbecue. This air-conditioned quadruple room features a private bathroom, a washing machine, a tea and coffee maker as well as a patio. The unit offers 3 beds.

Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room This bed in dormitory has a barbecue, kitchenware and microwave.

About Aroha Villana Hostel

License: 100310

Guest Reviews

7.9

Good

Location

Nestled in the heart of Santa Marta, Aroha Villana Hostel boasts an enviable location that makes it a prime choice for travelers looking to explore the city. The hostel is conveniently situated within the vibrant historic center, offering guests unparalleled access to the best that Santa Marta has to offer. Just a few steps from popular bars, restaurants and nightlife spots, the hostel provides the ideal base for those keen on soaking in the local culture and entertainment scene.

Guests have repeatedly praised its proximity to key landmarks, including the beach, which is just a short walk away and other tourist hotspots like the Parque de los Novios, the cathedral and the Tayrona museum. Additionally, the hostel’s central position makes it easy for visitors to navigate the city with buses to Taganga and Rodadero beaches mere blocks away.

Not only is the hostel ideally located for convenient city exploration, but it also ensures a quiet retreat despite being in a lively area. The property's beautiful and clean facilities complement its strategic location, providing a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all visitors. With cozy rooms, excellent air conditioning and amiable staff, Aroha Villana Hostel stands out as a top choice for any traveler looking to experience the charm and liveliness of Santa Marta.

Breakfast

Aroha Villana Hostel garners a lot of praise for its breakfast offerings, consistently described as delicious by numerous guests. The breakfasts are not only tasty but also rich and complete with several reviewers highlighting their satisfaction with the quality and flavor. Scrambled eggs and coffee in the mornings stand out as particularly enjoyable elements.

While most visitors found the breakfast to be very good, there were some who mentioned that it lacked variety and was quite basic, though still satisfactory. The breakfast service also faced criticism for delays with some guests noting that it can take up to an hour to be ready or that it starts later than advertised. Despite these hiccups, the friendly and attentive breakfast staff received positive mentions for their personalized service.

For those who appreciate a well-prepared and satisfying meal to start the day, the breakfast at Aroha Villana Hostel seems to be a highlight, albeit with room for improvement in terms of variety and punctuality.

Dinner

Aroha Villana Hostel offers a delightful dining experience, consistently earning praise for its delicious homemade pizzas and flavorful food. Guests frequently highlight the scrumptious meals and the enticing cocktails mixed by Andrés, noting their quality and affordability. Lunch at the hostel also receives positive feedback, appreciated for both its taste and the serene setting around the swimming pool. The ambiance is calm and prices for meals are considered reasonable, ensuring good value for the culinary delights on offer. While there was a noted incident of sickness after consuming fish, which was potentially not fresh, the overall consensus rests on tasty and satisfying food and drinks. The hostel's bar also garners acclaim for its excellent cocktails available at great prices, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Rooms

Aroha Villana Hostel, located in Santa Marta, boasts a charming colonial-style building with an impressive courtyard. The rooms are appreciated for their cleanliness and spaciousness with many travelers finding them comfortable and well-equipped. Air conditioning is a common feature in most rooms, providing a cool retreat from the heat outside. Beds often come with separate curtains, offering a bit of privacy and the dormitories are noted for their size and comfort.

Private rooms are particularly spacious, often equipped with large bathrooms, fans and at times, their own balconies. Guests have access to ample storage with multiple cabinets and large lockers. The hostel’s quiet street location adds to the peaceful ambiance, despite its close proximity to the bustling nightlife.

However, the hostel does receive some criticism. Certain rooms are reported to have issues with air conditioning, poor lighting and occasional water leakage in bathrooms. Cleanliness can be inconsistent with some guests noting unclean bathrooms and old or torn linens. Noise can be a problem in rooms close to the bar or those facing the street. Additionally, some facilities are in need of renovation and there have been instances of rooms not being ready at check-in.

Despite these drawbacks, many travelers find Aroha Villana Hostel offers good value for money with friendly staff and a colorful, welcoming atmosphere. The mix of private and shared spaces ensures there’s accommodation to suit different preferences, making it a popular choice for those visiting Santa Marta.

Beds

At Aroha Villana Hostel, opinions about the beds significantly vary. Many guests have applauded the beds for being comfortable and some of the best in shared accommodations. The dorms feature beds with separate curtains, offering a sense of privacy, along with personal lights, shelves and charging ports, which are noteworthy conveniences.

However, several visitors have pointed out the firmness of the beds with some describing them as very hard or even "hard as rocks." There are also mentions of issues like dirty bedding, fleas and beds being in poor condition. Conversely, positive comments highlight efficient air conditioning, clean room environments with lockers and tidy sheets enhancing the comfort.

In summary, while the hostel offers beds with good amenities and general comfort, the firmness and occasional cleanliness issues might not appeal to every traveler.

Cleanliness

Aroha Villana Hostel presents a mixed picture when it comes to cleanliness. On a positive note, several guests have highlighted clean rooms, clean sheets and very clean and nice facilities. The hostel also boasts clean toilets and dormitories that are consistently cleaned by diligent staff, ensuring that beds and dormitories meet guests' expectations. The emphasis on maintaining cleanliness as a priority is evident and some travelers commend the hostel for its cleanliness and pleasant common areas.

However, despite these highlights, there are significant concerns about the cleanliness in various other aspects of the hostel. The bathrooms frequently appear dirty, often clogged and sometimes emit bad odors. Issues such as insufficient toilet paper, poor water pressure and broken facilities are recurring complaints. The pool, although described as good in some reviews, is often criticized for being dirty and not resembling the images advertised. Common areas, kitchen facilities and some rooms also attract critiques for neglect and lack of proper maintenance, leading to reports of bugs, cockroaches and even sightings of rats.

In summary, while Aroha Villana Hostel has several commendable points regarding cleanliness and maintenance in some areas, particularly in the rooms and dormitories, there are substantial areas that need improvement, including the bathrooms, pool and shared spaces. This mixed experience suggests that potential customers should weigh the positives against the negatives when considering a stay here.

Staff

Aroha Villana Hostel is renowned for its exceptionally friendly and attentive staff. Guests frequently highlight the warm and cordial reception they receive with personnel like Daniel, Antonio and Andres earning specific praise for their helpfulness and dedicated service. The hostel's team consistently goes above and beyond to accommodate guest needs, described as extremely friendly, very kind and always attentive. Many visitors noted the excellent customer service with some even mentioning small gestures like receiving gifts or helpful suggestions for exploring the area.

The reception staff, in particular, are characterized as friendly, efficient and available to assist at any time. Guests appreciated the warm welcome and consistent support throughout their stay, from baggage storage to navigating local attractions. Additionally, the bar and breakfast staff are noted for their friendliness and exemplary service, contributing to a pleasant stay overall.

Despite a few negative mentions about unresponsive or unfriendly behaviors, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a genuine commitment to guest satisfaction. The hostel's team stands out for its adaptability and willingness to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all.

Wi-Fi

Aroha Villana Hostel offers a solid internet experience for its guests with many reviews highlighting the good and fast WiFi. Notably, the hostel boasts remarkable speeds with one guest mentioning an impressive 150 upload and 120 download speed. The high-speed internet is frequently praised, ensuring a reliable and efficient connection in common areas. However, it appears that the WiFi can be weaker within the rooms and some guests noted the lack of connectivity in certain areas of the property such as in rooms that face the street. Despite these few instances, the consistent positive feedback on the internet quality and the fact that it's free, makes Aroha Villana Hostel a great choice for travelers who need dependable web access.

Pool

Guests at Aroha Villana Hostel had mixed experiences with the pool facilities. While many appreciated the pool as a perfect spot for relaxation after a day in the heat, citing it as a nice communal area that added pleasant ambiance and harmonized well with other facilities like the bar and TV room, multiple reviews highlighted significant cleanliness issues. Some described the pool as green, dirty and even moldy, suggesting that the pool's maintenance could be improved. Despite the pool's inviting appearance in pictures, several guests found it unusable due to dirty or black water. Nevertheless, some found the clear and cool water enjoyable and loved having a pool as an added bonus. However, the general consensus indicates a need for more consistent and thorough maintenance to enhance the overall guest experience.

Beach

Aroha Villana Hostel boasts an enviable location for beach lovers, situated just a few blocks from the shore. Guests consistently praise the easy access to the beach, which is only a 3-minute walk away. The proximity to Bahía de Santa Marta beach, as well as a variety of restaurants and the bustling city center, makes it a convenient choice for travelers. For those looking to explore further, additional beaches like Taganga and Rodadero are only a short drive away, providing opportunities to join organized tours. While the closest beach may lack appeal for some, the overall accessibility to the area's coastal attractions remains a strong point for this hostel.

Nightlife

The Aroha Villana Hostel is ideally situated for those who are looking to immerse themselves in a vibrant nightlife scene. Located on a bustling party street, the hostel is surrounded by lively bars, nightclubs and restaurants, making it a perfect base for evening excursions and nightlife activities. The bar at the hostel itself creates a great atmosphere at night with music and events, such as DJ parties by the pool, adding to the overall energetic vibe.

However, the lively surroundings do come with their drawbacks. Guests often mention the extremely loud music playing until late at night, which can sometimes be disruptive for those seeking a quiet night's sleep. Street parties, bar noise and music from nearby establishments persist well into the early hours of the morning. Even within the hostel, the common areas can stay active with guests socializing until late, making it challenging for some to find peace and quiet.

Despite the noise challenges, the hostel has many redeeming qualities. The location is excellent for those who want to experience the local nightlife and the staff are punctual and praised for their service. The common areas are inviting and provide a relaxing space for guests to unwind. Overall, Aroha Villana Hostel is a great choice for travelers who prioritize location and nightlife, but it might not be the best fit for light sleepers or those seeking a tranquil retreat.

Outdoor Pool

Nestled in a vibrant courtyard adorned with flowers and palm trees, the Aroha Villana Hostel offers a beautiful outdoor pool area perfect for cooling off on hot days. The pool, complemented by a refreshing jacuzzi, provides a relaxing retreat for guests looking to unwind after a day of exploring or intense heat. The pool looks great and harmonizes well with the surrounding common areas, which are notably clean and inviting. Despite occasional concerns about the pool's cleanliness with water sometimes appearing greenish, the overall enjoyment of the pool area is evident. The atmosphere created by the courtyard's pool and jacuzzi is both refreshing and aesthetically pleasing, making it a highlight for visitors. The hours of operation are convenient, ensuring guests can make the most of this relaxing amenity during their stay.

Yes, Aroha Villana Hostel has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.

No, a spa isn't available at Aroha Villana Hostel.

No, Aroha Villana Hostel doesn't allow dogs.

No, parking facilities aren't available at Aroha Villana Hostel.

No, Aroha Villana Hostel doesn't have a gym.

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