Reviews of Sana Mar Hostel & Eco-Café
Calle 21 #5-72, 470004 Santa Marta, Colombia
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Reviewed: 8 September 2025 · Stayed in September 2025
Verified reviewQuiet with all the necessities and then some.
Didn't realize I had booked a non-ac room but luckily it wasn't too hot.
Reviewed: 7 September 2025 · Stayed in September 2025
Verified reviewThe owner/manager Justin was so lovely, answered all of our questions and gave some great tips for the local area. He was also so lovely in all interactions with the other staff, it was just a super comfortable and homely hostel. So many little spots to sit and enjoy a cool breeze, our favourite was the hammock! The hostel was about 10 mins away from the bustling tourist area which made sleeping easier as it was pretty quiet. The breakfast was amazing, eggs + toast + cheese + fruit + coffee! Honestly would happily go back to Santa Marta just to stay in this hostel!
No AC but wasn't expecting it for this price point, they had recently installed really good fans in the rooms which helped with the heat!
Reviewed: 1 September 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewA clean room, a beautiful house and calm ambiance in a nice location, and with a good breakfast made our stay at the hotel a great experience !
Reviewed: 31 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 27 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewThe people.
Thanks for the wonderful review George! It was wonderful to have you back with us on your way out of Santa Marta. Enjoy the rest of your travels!
Reviewed: 24 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewFriendly people and amazing vibe.
The room was ok.in general. Needs more light and it was a little bit hot. But with the ceiling ventilator it was ok.
We appreciated your stay George. You were an excellent guest and this feedback is very useful. You weren't the first to say something about the lighting, so we are now considering chaning some of the bulbs. We just changed the cieling fans, so it's good to know they are working well. Thanks for sending us your good vibes as well and enjoy the rest of your travels :)
We appreciated your stay George. You were an excellent guest and this feedback is very useful. You weren't the first to say something about the lighting, so we are now considering chaning some of the bulbs. We just changed the cieling f… Show more
Reviewed: 24 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewRight around the corner of the of the historic centre, but just far enough to miss the noise. Lovely staff - helpfull, friendly, helping whereever they can. Clean rooms, decent breakfast. Great value! Would go there again in a heartbeat.
Bed is a bit hard, but thats up for preference (and size/weight) I guess.
We appreciate the wonderful review and your feedback is very useful. We just upgraded this bed, most of our beds are on the softer side so you got the firmest of them all. You're welcome back any time and we'll make sure to give you a different room to fit your preference next time :)
We appreciate the wonderful review and your feedback is very useful. We just upgraded this bed, most of our beds are on the softer side so you got the firmest of them all. You're welcome back any time and we'll make sure to give you… Show more
Reviewed: 20 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewVery lovely place and welcoming staff. We felt at home. Thank you 💕
You can still hear other people in the rooms next door and the music outside, but we really enjoyed a restful couple of nights
We appreciate your wonderful review and your feedback Eleonora. The music outside is usually only on weekends, and not every weekend so we are fortunate compared to other zones near the center. The fans help with the noise, and some rooms are closer than others so if you every make it back we will make sure you get a more isolated room :)
We appreciate your wonderful review and your feedback Eleonora. The music outside is usually only on weekends, and not every weekend so we are fortunate compared to other zones near the center. The fans help with the noise, and some rooms a… Show more
Reviewed: 19 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 18 August 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewLovely place, supports eco- and local tourism. Great pick in the center of Santa Marta.
Breakfast was not enough for us.
Thanks for your nice review Erwin! We appreciate you recognizing our efforts to be more eco-friendly and supporting local initiatives. Sorry you didn't get enough for breakfast. We are still fine-tuning our menu, but understand that the plate included isn't enough so we now offer the ability to purchase extra portions.
Thanks for your nice review Erwin! We appreciate you recognizing our efforts to be more eco-friendly and supporting local initiatives. Sorry you didn't get enough for breakfast. We are still fine-tuning our menu, but understand that the… Show more
Reviewed: 17 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewAmazing vibe! Thanks to the staff. Breakfast and location also a plus.
It was a pleasure having you stay with us Mariana. Guests like you make our efforts worthwhile so thanks for bringing your good vibes to us!
Reviewed: 16 August 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 14 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewAll of the staff were exceptionally friendly and accommodating for our visits. The owner, Justin, couldn't have done more to help, even making us a breakfast to go as we were leaving for Tayrona prior to breakfast. The breakfast we did stay for was really nice and the kitchen was suitably equipped to make a proper meal. Thanks for having us!
Mark we are thrilled to have had you stay several time with us on your way through Santa Marta. Thanks so much for your kind remarks. We really enjoyed having you stay and wish you the best on the remainder of your trip in Colombia. You have a home waiting for you if you ever make it back :)
Mark we are thrilled to have had you stay several time with us on your way through Santa Marta. Thanks so much for your kind remarks. We really enjoyed having you stay and wish you the best on the remainder of your trip in Colombia. You hav… Show more
Reviewed: 5 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewLovely room, good breakfast, nice terrace, friendly staff.
Thanks for your comments Leanne. We are happy you had a nice stay :)
Reviewed: 3 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewVery nice place and quality staff.
Not much, all good
Thanks for the nice comments Robert! It was a pleasure having you stay with us
Reviewed: 29 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewThe towels and sheets smelled really clean. I would recommend the location.
I thought our room was going to have AC. The ceiling fan worked well, and there was great ventilation, but I was looking forward to AC.
Thanks for the wonderful review and sorry we didn't have a room with AC available. You weren't the first person to not catch the difference in room types. All Standard rooms have a fan, but only half of them have AC, the Superior rooms and the rooms with balcony
Thanks for the wonderful review and sorry we didn't have a room with AC available. You weren't the first person to not catch the difference in room types. All Standard rooms have a fan, but only half of them have AC, the Superior ro… Show more
Reviewed: 28 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewThe accommodation is comfortable and has a homey feel, plus it’s centrally located. The owner is very kind and welcoming, and happy to help with any questions. I also really appreciate the baggage storage option — it makes it so much easier to explore the area while travelling light. Thank you so much!
Thanks for the thoughtful review Lana! It was very pleasant having you stay with us and we are happy that you felt at home :) We look forward to having you back soon! Safe travels
Reviewed: 15 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewCute little hostel in a great location and super friendly staff. Yummy breakfast and comfy bed! Round the corner from a really big supermarket and we loved the kitchen where we could prepare meals. Amazing value for money, would recommend.
The rooms got a bit hot as no air con.
Thanks for you nice comments about the space we offer Frances! We are glad you took advantage of the facilities and appreciated the benefits of staying at Sana Mar. The rooms can get a bit hot depending on the breeze and time of year. In many cases people are comfortable with just a fan, but you are not the only one to have this issue so we are open to last minute upgrades depending on availability if a guest changes their mind.
Thanks for you nice comments about the space we offer Frances! We are glad you took advantage of the facilities and appreciated the benefits of staying at Sana Mar. The rooms can get a bit hot depending on the breeze and time of year. In ma… Show more
Reviewed: 8 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewExcellent staff, clean rooms with strong AC, quiet, spacious etc. Would definitely book again. Lots of effort by Justin to assist us with our onward journey. Breakfast also solid. Not a party hostel but good guesthouse.
Nothing, would everyone recommend to stay here.
Thank you for the wonderful review! You are welcome back any time and we will keep trying to offer an even better experience any time you return :)
Reviewed: 29 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewJustin and his team are like a family, Justin will tell you about anything you need to know for your stay. I loved the free breakfast and caters for vegans. The rooms are clean and beds comfortable, the fans for me are better than aircon, keeps away mosquitos and is less wasteful. I really love the sustainability and mindfully travel experience Justin and his team are creating.
Thank so much for the wonderful review and recognition for our efforts Gib. It was really nice getting to know you and I wish you best in the rest of your travels. You are truly a mindful traveler and I admire your discipline. Keep the good vibes rolling!
Thank so much for the wonderful review and recognition for our efforts Gib. It was really nice getting to know you and I wish you best in the rest of your travels. You are truly a mindful traveler and I admire your discipline. Keep the good… Show more
Reviewed: 28 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 19 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewExcellent Hostel. Always received with a smile and feel welcome by the whole team ! Generous breakfast and simple room. All you might need for a great price in a calm and well located neighborhood.
noisy AC Only 2 plugs in the room.
Thanks for your thoughtful review Anthony. We appreciate you pointing out the AC noise and the limited plugs; most rooms have 2 in the room and 1 in the bathroom. A few AC units hum a little more and we understand it isn't for everyone so it's helpful for us to know what guests notice. We're always looking for ways to improve so your feedback means a lot. Hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip :)
Thanks for your thoughtful review Anthony. We appreciate you pointing out the AC noise and the limited plugs; most rooms have 2 in the room and 1 in the bathroom. A few AC units hum a little more and we understand it isn't for everyone … Show more
Reviewed: 24 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewLovely place to have a chill stay. We got welcomed with a delicious welcome drink and the room was comfortable with a good AC. Breakfast was nice too
Nothing
Thank you for the wonderful review Ella! We are delighted to hear you enjoyed the space and services we have to offer and you are welcome back any time!
Reviewed: 6 May 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewAmazing vibe. Amazing staff. Everything amazing😊🙏.
Thanks Pavol for the wonderful review! We really enjoyed your company and appreciate you sticking around longer than planned. You're welcome back any time!
Reviewed: 4 May 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewThe owner + stuff was very nice warm and helpful. the location is good too, close to the "cool" city center. good breakfast good vibes.
It was so very hot in the room and the fan didn't change or made it better. the windows were to the yard so it feels exphous. couldn't sleep. maybe if we stayed more nights we would change a room, im sorry I didn't tell them to fix the problems because they really trying to do "something else" - unfortunately it didn't work for us.
Thanks for the honest review and sorry you had such a poor experience with the room. Every room has a window and ceiling fan but some nights are warmer and less breezy. And you’re right, can’t be compatible with everyone.. I have to admit that I’ve actually thought the same after getting too excited to share the vision. Gotta tone it down a bit and show by example. Hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip :)
Thanks for the honest review and sorry you had such a poor experience with the room. Every room has a window and ceiling fan but some nights are warmer and less breezy. And you’re right, can’t be compatible with everyone.. I have to admit t… Show more