So you are traveling to Santa Marta, Colombia, for the first time and wondering where to stay? Then you have come to the right place!
Santa Marta is a great starting point for visiting places like Tayrona National Park or Minca and many travelers treat it as such. A base.
But I truly believe that Santa Marta is a very overlooked and charmingly authentic Colombian town that is worth spending a little more time in.
I spent almost 3 weeks in Santa Marta in total. I found some great hostels that became my home for some time, and I met people who became my friends, I really loved the vibe of the city.
You can read my complete guide to visiting Santa Marta here, but in this post, I am going to share what I think are the best areas, hostels, and hotels to stay in Santa Marta, whether you are staying for a couple of days or a couple of weeks.
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Santa Marta Historic Center
The historic center of Santa Marta is the best area to stay in Santa Marta, especially if you are a backpacker, a budget traveler, or someone who wants to get a real feel for the town outside of touristy resorts.
Santa Marta Historic Center is the heart of the town and it oozes charm, has a very authentic Colombian feel, and has a rich and turbulent history.
Santa Marta is the oldest city in Colombia. Unlike Cartagena, however, it was largely destroyed by pirate attacks and there are only a few architectural remnants of its distant past. But still, the historic part of Santa Marta consists of charming republican and colonial architecture that is well worth exploring.
Here you will also find a central market, many street vendors serving very inexpensive almuerzo (lunch), fairly inexpensive restaurants, the lively Parque de los Novios with even more excellent restaurants and cafés, and a stunning waterfront promenade where you can admire some of the best sunsets in Colombia!
The beaches in this area are not the best, but you can take the bus to El Rodadero or just take a 2-day trip to Tayrona Park where you will find the best beaches in the area! That being said, I have been to the beach near Santa Marta Historic Center a few times, and although it was a far cry from a paradise-like experience, it was great for an afternoon swim.
I stayed in Santa Marta on two occasions and both times I stayed in Centro Historico and I wouldn’t do it any other way.
In the historic part of Santa Marta, you will also find a whole spectrum of great accommodation options – from awesome budget hostels to stunning colonial boutique hotels!
Where to stay in Santa Marta Historic Center:
Best Hostels
There are plenty of wonderful hostels in this part of Santa Marta and you will be truly spoilt for choice.
I stayed in the Flamingo Co working hostel (which currently only offers coworking spaces) and then in the Distrito Hostel, and I loved them both.
Distrito was a true home away from home for me. All the guys (and the cat Yoda) were great and super accommodating, and the hostel had a very homey feel. Although small, it’s cozy and has a really great kitchen and strong wifi. It is located only a few minutes walk from the historic center and I couldn’t recommend it enough.
Republica Hostel is a true legend in Santa Marta and is a truly beautiful hostel perfectly located in the heart of Centro Historico. It’s a great social hostel with many hang-out areas and an awesome swimming pool.
Dreamer is another great hostel option for co-working facilities. Located on the outskirts of the town it is more of a chilled stay but really lovely with a great pool and excellent facilities. The hostel is also a great option for transportation to Minca or Palomino as it is right by the bus stop.
Masaya Santa Marta is part of the Masaya hostel chain and as always it does not disappoint. It is a beautiful, high-end hostel with lovely deco, a rooftop swimming pool, and very comfortable capsule-style dorms.
Viajero is another hostel chain that is very popular in Colombia and almost always delivers! Viajero hostels are very social, beautiful, and perfect for those looking to meet other travelers. Great beds and awesome rooftop bar and pool will make you wanna stay for longer. Keep in mind that Viajero is traditionally more suitable for younger or party-loving travelers 😉
If you are looking for the best party hostel in town it doesn’t get better than La Brisa Loca! Even I, a 40-something traveler, had an awesome time dancing on the rooftop terrace! I stayed at the Flamingo next door and we enjoyed the weekend parties on the neighboring rooftop, but keep in mind that this hostel is not a good choice if you are looking for a quiet stay. Otherwise, it’s great and super affordable!
Best private budget rooms
Tamarindo offers excellent value for money with private rooms starting at 13$ per night. Rooms are simple with a ceiling fan but there is also a rooftop gym and all rooms have private bathrooms.
Hotel Nueva Granada offers incredible value with rooms starting at $20 and breakfast included. The location is perfect, the building is beautiful and the pool is definitely an added bonus!
Best midrange and boutique hotels
Casa Rosa is a lovely colonial building hotel offering free breakfast and beautifully decorated rooms. Perfectly located in the heart of Santa Marta’s historic center.
Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina is another stunning hotel offering a wonderful stay offering a bit more modern deco with a pool, rooftop jacuzzi, and breakfast included!
Last but not least, Hotel Casa Verde is a charming and cute hotel boasting beautiful decor and incredible service and hospitality.
Best luxury stay
Grand Marina Suites offers an ultimate luxury stay by the Santa Marta marina. The rooftop pool is to die for, the views are spectacular and the rooms, which are actual apartments, are beautiful, well-equipped, and very spacious.
Hotel Boutique Don Pepe is an incredible hotel in Santa Marta. It’s a wonderfully restored colonial-style building with a story offering pools, a jacuzzi, a spa, and a fantastic breakfast.
For something a bit more affordable but equally beautiful, try Hotel Boutique de Playa – Casa Solhu. The decor is stunning, the rooms are comfortable, and the rooftop terrace and bar are perfect.
El Rodadero
El Rodadero in Santa Marta is what Bocagrande is to Cartagena. This is a very popular area for tourists and vacationers, where you will find many great resorts, beautiful beaches, and some of the best Santa Marta hotels. It is also the safest area in Santa Marta, mainly because of the great tourist infrastructure.
Who is El Rodadero best for?
If you are traveling to Colombia for the first time and are not yet ready to venture outside of the main touristy areas, or if you just want to relax in a resort with great overall facilities, El Rodadero is the best place to stay in Santa Marta. Also if you plan to spend a lot of time on the beach, El Rodadero will be a better choice.
While Centro Historico can be a bit rough around the edges, El Rodadero is a tourist hotspot where you will feel safer and well-catered.
El Rodadero is made up of three different sections of beach – Playa El Rodadero, Pozo Colorados, and Bello Horizonte. The latter two are actually separate neighborhoods but are often considered as one area.
Playa El Rodadero is the first of the above, 5 km south of the historic center, and is known for its bars, restaurants, and plenty of nightlife. Along the beach, you will find many hotels to suit all budgets.
Pozo Colorados is an extension of El Rodadero, but the beach is quieter and more pleasant and the area is less hectic.
Bello Horizonte is a more upmarket and peaceful area where more luxury hotels can be found. It is a perfect area to hide away from very touristy parts of the town. Playa Bello Horizonte is also the best in the area.
Where to stay in El Rodadero and Bello Horizonte Santa Marta
Budget
El Rodadero is not a place where you will find too many great hostels as it is not exactly a backpackers’ destination but if you are determined to stay at a hostel in this area Playa del Ritmo Beach Hostel &Bar is probably the best choice. Located right on the beach in the Pozo Colorados this hostel has a true beach vibe and excellent reviews.
There are a few very well-priced hotels offering rooms starting from $20 in this area, such as Cabaña Gaia Rodadero or Hotel Viña Del Mar.
Hostal Magdalena is a great hostel offering a private room for a little over $20 and a great social atmosphere that comes with a hostel stay. It is very conveniently located near the beach and also offers comfortable rooms and a lovely social patio with a bar.
Best midrange accommodation
Casa Blanca del Mar in Bello Horizonte is a lovely small hotel right on the beach offering stylish rooms and great service for a very good price.
Del Mar Hotel is another great midrange option in El Rodadero boasting comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, clean, modern rooms, and delicious breakfast. Edificio El Peñon del Rodadero offers self-sufficient apartments with kitchenettes and great balconies!
Finally, Hotel Mandalas House by DOT Boutique is absolutely stunning and a great value for money! It has a lovely pool, an excellent on-site restaurant, and a quiet location.
Best luxury stay
Hilton Santa Marta is one of the most popular hotels in El Rodadero Santa Marta and for a good reason. This stunning hotel is located on the beach and offers excellent facilities, incredible swimming pools, and an excellent restaurant.
For a true resort feel a set of pools and great facilities for families, Zuana Beach Resort in Bello Horizonte is a great choice! Finally, Samaria Club Playa is an awesome beach club resort near beautiful Playa Cabo Tortuga.
Santa Marta Centro Historico vs El Rodadero – which is better?
The historic center of Santa Marta is more affordable and authentic. So if you want to get a real feel for the city, and enjoy the hustle and bustle of colorful streets and the famous Parque de los Novios while saving some money, this is the best area for you.
This part of Santa Marta can be a little overwhelming for first-time travelers, especially solo travelers, but I adored this part of the town and really enjoyed exploring its streets, quirky cafes, and cute bars and grabbing lunch or a fresh coconut from the street vendors.
I found all the possible shops here, including a big supermarket and phone shops as I had to replace my broken phone which I had drawn in Tayora Park. Whatever you need, you will find it in this part of the town. And cheap!
Yet, If jumping head-on into the hectic Colombian town is not your thing or if you are looking for a beach resort – El Rodadero is a better choice.
It is said to be safer than Centro Historico – although I felt safe everywhere around Santa Marta. El Rodadero is better suited for those who want a relaxing vacation on the beach or sipping a cocktail by the pool with a view.
But this part of Santa Marta is definitely less authentic and much more touristy.
Also, El Rodadero is definitely a better beach destination, especially further south to Pozo Colorados and Bello Horizonte. Although you will find a beach or two neat Santa Marta historic centers, those are far from great.
To summarise
Santa Marta Historic Center is better for:
El Rodadero is better for:
Taganga – an alternative place to stay near Santa Marta
Taganga is a small fishing village on the Colombian Caribbean coast, 15 15-minute drive from Santa Marta. Taganga has long been known for its laid-back vibe and beautiful landscapes, making it a popular spot for backpackers and travelers looking for an affordable beach destination.
The village is surrounded by hills and sits right on the bay, and the beach itself is picturesque but pretty rustic, with many fishing boats docked on the shore, which adds to its charm.
It sounds perfect so you will be surprised to hear that I actually don’t recommend staying in Taganga, especially for first-time solo travelers.
Taganga is a great village to visit on a day trip from Santa Marta but I would hardly recommend it as a place to stay for more than one night.
Here is why I don’t recommend choosing Taganga as a place to stay in Santa Marta:
I have noticed that many content creators give the impression that Taganga is part of Santa Marta, and it’s really near the town. Taganga is a separate village about a 15-minute drive or bus ride from Santa Marta. It is very easy to get to, Taganga from Santa Marta but I wouldn’t call it a walking distance. So if you decide to stay in Taganga, you will have to make it a bit of a journey to get to Santa Marta.
It’s not a biggie as taxis are cheap and there is a super cheap bus running multiple times per day. But it’s basically a separate town.
Also given it’s a small village you will find only a few small grocery shops and not as many facilities as in Santa Marta.
If you are looking for a quant fishing village stay where you can be well entertained in the evening and swim and enjoy the lovely beach during the day – Taganga is your place.
But if you want to enjoy Santa Marta explore the town, and have easy access to transportation options for places like Minca or Tayrona, Taganga might not be a great choice.
The town is laid back and on paper, it is the kinda destination I would normally choose. So why I didn’t? I heard that Taganga is a bit dodgy at times, that theft happens, and that walking around in the evening can be not safe. As a solo female traveler, I opted out. However, I am totally aware that those stories can be blown out of proportion, just like the stories about safety in Colombia in general. But I can’t confirm this for sure.
I took a day trip to Taganga and loved it! There is a great hike offering spectacular views and I adored my menu del dia lunch, with freshly caught mojarra fish! I just wouldn’t want to stay there overnight.
Having said that, there are some definite pros of staying in Taganga:
Where to stay in Taganga?
Taganga is a great destination for affordable accommodation and there is plenty to choose from.
Some of the best-rated hostels include Tayrona Colors Hostel, Hostal Casa Horizonte, and Hostal Palohe Taganga.
If you are looking for an affordable private room it doesn’t get better than rustic Casa MITA Taganga offering awsome beach vibe accommodation.
Hostal Aurora, Smith Lodging offers lovely and affordable rooms with all the great communal facilities as well as a swimming pool.
For a more comfortable stay, Vito Hotel Boutique offers beautiful rooms, very comfortable beds, delicious breakfast, and incredible views!
Finally, Cabañas Paraiso located right on the beach offers a lovely and comfortable stay with a swimming pool and spectacular views.
Exploring more of Colombia?
Check out my complete guide to visiting Colombia’s coffee region as well as my guides to the wonderful towns of Salento, Jardin, and Filandia!
Here is everything you need to know about visiting Minca from Santa Marta. and in this post, you will find a complete Colombian Caribbean coast itinerary.
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