First Hostel Experience

Yes I said hostel...

Disclaimer: I am not being paid or sponsored for this. This is just a personal experience I’m sharing for future travelers.

So for my first official international solo trip I chose to stay in a hostel! I know you’re probably thinking wtf...a hostel? Isn’t that a scary movie? Lol yes it is but I’ve never seen it soooo I wasn’t scared 🤷🏾‍♀️ When I told my dad I was going to stay in a hostel he asked had I seen the movie ! I told him I hadn’t but I’ve done a lot of research.

First of all let me start by saying I did like six months of research prior to going on this solo trip. Refer to my Colombia solo trip blog post for more details.

During my extensive research after deciding Colombia was my destination I came across a post in one of my travel Facebook groups where a lady posted about her trip to Colombia. She gave all the details of her trip including where she stayed which was Viajero Hostel Cartagena.

First thing people think when you say hostel is the horror movie. I’ve never seen it so the first thing I thought was sharing a room with random ass strangers from all over the world! But wait....some hostels offer private rooms! So basically it’s like having a hotel room for the low! It’s a win win! Budget friendly and you still have your privacy! Some of you may think I didn’t really get the hostel experience because I got a private room...but fuck that I’m not on that level yet to be sleeping in a room with strangers!

Anyway, let’s get into my first experience at a hostel! I loved everything about this hostel except for the ninja mosquitoes! You don’t see them, hear them, or feel them biting you just wake up with mosquito bites! International mosquitoes don’t play! Ok, anyway back to the story lol as I mentioned I had a private room. It was basically like a hotel room without a bathroom. There was a queen size bed, mini fridge with drinks and snacks, a TV (with only Spanish channels), a table, chair, and little night stand. There was a window but it opened to outside so I kept the shutters closed because outside of my window was the eating area which is where many people gathered.

Now the bathroom situation is shared. There are a few individual shower “rooms” throughout the hostel. It’s more like a stall or closest, not big at all just enough room to put your clothes towel and toiletries. There wasn’t really ever a time that there was a wait for the showers or bathroom. The bathroom was separate from the shower and there was only a toilet and sink.

There are staff that clean the hostel and cook breakfast each day. Yes! Breakfast is included with your stay! You really can’t beat it! Its an authentic Colombian breakfast that’s cooked and there’s plenty of fresh sweet fruit! The fruit was so much better there, I have no clue why! There was fresh juice, milk, and cereal options as well! If you didn’t like what was offered there’s a full kitchen that all guests have access to. There’s a grocery store within a five minute walk so can you grab stuff to chef up in the kitchen.

In addition to all the great things I’ve already mentioned the hostel has a bar (that has daily specials and a happy hour), a game/Netflix/reading lounge area, and they host events each night! One night they hosted a Colombian food tasting, a dance lesson night, game nights and more! The hostel is open/outdoor and has no roof outside of the rooms, lobby, and bathroom areas. There are hammocks, lounge chairs and beautiful trees throughout. There’s also a mango tree in the middle of the hostel...I tried one and it was good AF!

I briefly mentioned walking from the hostel. The hostel is in the walled city which is where many attractions are and it’s very safe and walk-able. Refer to my Colombia solo trip blog post for more details about the walled city.

This was my first and only hostel experience thus far and I absolutely loved it! Oh and how could I forget the wonderful people I met! A very great time was had! I paid around $250 for a week stay ! Contact me if you’re interested in booking this hostel or book it yourself at amilliapayne.inteletravel.com

#ViajeroHostelCartagena #hostel