Santa Marta, Calle 11 # 1c 7111.246649,-74.21331(Show on Map)
8.5
Very Good
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+5 Photos
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Checkin - Checkout dates
1 Room2 Guests
Info
Summary of reviews
Gagaka Rua hostel emerges as a highly recommended choice for travelers seeking a vibrant and comfortable stay in a prime location near Santa Marta's coastline. The hostel's proximity to El Malecón and key attractions like Boyfriends' Park and Bolívar Square makes it a perfect base for those wishing to explore the city and its cultural offerings. The strategic location offers easy connectivity to public transport and is just a short walk from the beach, providing a peaceful retreat with the benefit of easy access to both relaxation and the lively urban environment.
Guests speak highly of the spacious and immaculately clean rooms, which feature comfortable bedding and essential amenities such as air conditioning. Despite minor issues like limited lighting in some rooms, the overall comfort and cleanliness are frequently celebrated, complemented by modern facilities including private bathrooms and two well-maintained swimming pools. The rooftop pool, in particular, is a highlight, praised for its inviting atmosphere and stunning views, making it an ideal spot for relaxation after a day of exploration.
Breakfast at the hostel receives high praise for its flavorful and satisfying offerings, including local dishes like arepas and guacamole toast. While suggestions for menu variety and extended serving times exist, most guests find the breakfast to be a delightful start to their day, enhanced by the friendly hospitality of the staff.
The staff at Gagaka Rua Hostel consistently earn accolades for their warm, attentive service. Known for their friendly and accommodating nature, the team goes above and beyond in offering city insights, ensuring guest safety, and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Their dedication significantly enhances the overall guest experience, often transforming a stay into a memorable visit.
The hostel's vibrant ambiance is further enriched by its communal spaces, including two outdoor pools that provide a tranquil escape amidst the city's hustle. Despite mixed reviews regarding the wifi service, the combination of location, comfort, cleanliness, and exceptional staff make Gagaka Rua Hostel a favored choice for travelers. The blend of convenient beach access, friendly service, and a clean, inviting environment ensures guests a truly enjoyable stay.
Categories
Beach
Pool
Outdoor Pool
Outdoor Pool
Sustainability Journey
Dog Friendly
Adult Only
Small
3 Star
Room Types
Deluxe Double RoomThis double room offers a rooftop pool. The double room includes a private bathroom equipped with a shower. The double room provides air conditioning, a wardrobe, a tiled floor, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, as well as garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Superior Double Room with Two Double BedsThe twin room includes a private bathroom equipped with a shower. The twin room provides air conditioning, a wardrobe, a tiled floor, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, as well as garden views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory has air conditioning, tile/marble floor and garden view.
Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory RoomThis dormitory room is air-conditioned and features a shared bathroom, a tiled floor and garden views. The unit offers 8 beds.
Twin RoomThe twin room includes a private bathroom fitted with a shower. The twin room offers air conditioning, a wardrobe, a tiled floor, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, as well as garden views. The unit has 2 beds.
About Gagaka Rua hostel
Registry or License or Notification Number: 90313
Guest Reviews
8.5
Very Good
Review Summaries
Location
Gagaka Rua hostel boasts an exceptional location that makes it a prime choice for travelers exploring the vibrant cityscape. Situated near El Malecón, the hostel stands in the heart of a lively and recreational area, providing easy access to the beach, shopping districts, and a variety of dining establishments. Guests appreciate the proximity to both the coastal walk and the historic center, which are within a leisurely stroll, allowing them to immerse themselves in the local culture effortlessly.
The strategic placement of the hostel ensures a peaceful retreat while remaining close to bustling attractions, including the Boyfriends' Park, Bolívar Square, and Santa Marta’s bay. Notably, the hostel is merely a block away from the sandy shoreline, making it a convenient base for sun-seeking guests wishing to enjoy the sea and sunset. Additionally, its central location offers easy connectivity to public transportation, facilitating seamless exploration of the main tourist attractions.
Despite some concerns about safety and the nightlife vibe at night, the area is generally considered safe, with helpful staff providing guidance on local and nearby attractions like Tayrona Park. The hostel also features clean and comfortable rooms equipped with air conditioning, ensuring a delightful stay. Amenities such as a terrace pool further enhance the experience, while the staff’s friendliness contributes positively to the overall atmosphere. Whether guests are looking to relax by the beach, explore cultural sites, or enjoy the nightlife, Gagaka Rua hostel presents a well-situated, welcoming option for a memorable visit.
Breakfast
At Gagaka Rua hostel, breakfast seems to be a highlight for many visitors, with numerous reviews praising its deliciousness and hearty portions. Guests often note the friendly and attentive staff that accompany the breakfast experience. The offerings include a range of local recipes, including arepas and guacamole toast, which receive high marks for taste and presentation. Fresh fruits, scrambled eggs, and patacones also feature prominently, ensuring that the breakfasts are both flavorful and satisfying.
While many reviews commend the breakfast's quality, a few suggest adding more variety to the menu, including options like juice or cold drinks. The timing of breakfast service might be inconvenient for some, as it's only available until 10 am, and the terrace setting can get hot. Additionally, some guests in dormitory rooms experienced limitations, with simpler options like cereal and coffee.
Overall, the breakfast at Gagaka Rua hostel is well-received, with the majority appreciating the quality and care put into meal preparation. Despite a few suggestions for improvement, the breakfast remains a significant and satisfying aspect of the stay for many travelers.
Rooms
Gagaka Rua Hostel offers an inviting ambiance defined by its spacious and comfortable rooms. Guests consistently commend the cleanliness and size of the accommodations, noting that the rooms are both large and equipped with comfortable bedding. The hostel prides itself on providing functional amenities, including air conditioning and ventilation, ensuring a comfortable stay regardless of external conditions.
The modern rooms come with private bathrooms that are both clean and sizable, creating a serene environment for relaxation. Although some rooms lack windows and have limited lighting, the overall organization and peaceful atmosphere compensate for these minor drawbacks. Some rooms also vary slightly in quality and comfort, presenting guests with different experiences.
Beyond the rooms, the hostel features two pleasant swimming pools, ideal for a refreshing dip after a day of exploration. The attentive and kind host consistently receives praise for accommodating guests' needs, enhancing the overall experience of staying at this centrally located hostel.
Despite minor issues such as inconsistent lighting or water pressure in showers, Gagaka Rua Hostel maintains high standards of hygiene across its rooms and common areas, earning appreciation for its immaculate conditions. The balance of comfort, cleanliness, and affordability makes this hostel a preferred choice for travelers seeking convenient access to tourist attractions with a welcoming atmosphere.
Beds
Gagaka Rua Hostel is a haven for travelers seeking comfort during their stay in South America. The accommodations feature notably large and spacious rooms, each equipped with substantial beds that promise a restful sleep. Guests repeatedly emphasize the comfort of the beds and bedding, highlighting the quality mattress that contributes to a good night's rest. The large rooms enhance the overall feeling of relaxation, offering a perfect space for unwinding after adventurous days.
Among the room amenities are individual power sockets, lamps, and fans for each bed, adding to the convenience and comfort of the stay. However, some rooms have double beds formed by joining two single beds, which could create slight discomfort due to the division in the middle. Despite this occasional downside, the majority of feedback reflects positively on the cozy bedding and clean, well-maintained rooms, making Gagaka Rua Hostel a recommended choice for a comfortable lodging experience.
Cleanliness
Gagaka Rua Hostel stands out for its exceptional cleanliness, offering guests a comfortable and welcoming environment. The rooms are consistently described as immaculately clean, spacious, and well-equipped, ensuring a pleasant stay for travelers. Guests often noted the hostel's high hygiene standards, both in private and shared rooms, and appreciate the regular cleaning of rooms and facilities.
The hostel's common areas and facilities maintain the same level of cleanliness, contributing to a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. From the beautiful colonial-style infrastructure to the superbly maintained clean pool and bathrooms, every corner of the hostel exhibits meticulous attention to cleanliness and detail.
Despite a couple of minor critiques regarding specific areas, such as the breakfast space, guests overwhelmingly praise the cleanliness and comfort provided by Gagaka Rua Hostel. Its strategic location and attentive staff further enhance the experience, making it a favored choice for those seeking a safe, beautiful, and pristine accommodation near the beach. Overall, Gagaka Rua Hostel is recognized as a dream destination for hostel travelers due to its outstanding cleanliness and commendable service.
Staff
When it comes to hospitality, Gagaka Rua Hostel truly stands out thanks to its exceptional staff. Guests frequently praise the hostel's team for their friendly, accommodating, and attentive nature. From the moment of arrival, visitors feel warmly welcomed by a group described as incredibly kind, caring, and always eager to assist. Staff members, including noted names like Sergio, Stefanie, Reyes, and Germán, go above and beyond to provide useful advice about the city and ensure a comfortable stay.
Their efforts are not confined to mere niceties; the team's proactive approach includes giving recommendations for local attractions, ensuring guest safety with tips on navigating the city, and consistently being available to answer any questions. The positive atmosphere is reinforced by a dynamic and youthful staff, known for their good humor and dedication.
Overall, the staff at Gagaka Rua Hostel exemplifies excellent human quality, contributing significantly to the outstanding hospitality experienced by guests. The presence of a professional yet personable team ensures that each stay is not just satisfactory, but memorable.
Wi-Fi
The Gagaka Rua hostel offers a mixed experience when it comes to internet connectivity. Many guests appreciate the good wifi service, particularly noting that it works well alongside the effective air conditioning. However, there are several concerns about the wifi's reliability and speed, with reports of it not functioning properly in shared and dormitory rooms. Some guests found the internet to be decent, but others experienced issues with wifi not reaching certain areas, or it simply wasn't working well. While the air conditioning is consistently praised, it appears that the wifi might not meet the needs of all travelers, indicating room for improvement in this area.
Pool
The Gagaka Rua Hostel offers two delightful swimming pools, which are especially appreciated by guests looking to unwind after a warm day. Despite their small size, the pools are expertly maintained, providing a refreshing escape. The rooftop pool garners particular praise, not only for its cleanliness and inviting atmosphere but also for its sun-drenched setting, perfect for relaxation with a cold drink. The rooftop bar adds an extra touch of allure, creating a vibrant space to enjoy the sunset over the sea. While there isn't a private pool exclusive to private rooms, the communal setup seems to serve guests well, offering plenty of opportunities to cool off and socialize. The staff's attentiveness and friendliness further enhance the experience, ensuring that visitors feel welcome and well cared for throughout their stay.
Beach
Nestled near the tranquil shores of the bay of Santa Marta, Gagaka Rua hostel boasts an enviable location for beach enthusiasts. Just a short 5 to 10-minute stroll, guests can reach the coast, which provides an ideal setting for leisurely walks, thanks to the scenic coastal pathways. The hostel's strategic position puts it close to the beach, yet shields it from the bustling nightlife streets, offering a quieter ambiance for relaxation. The area is charming and serene, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty in a peaceful setting. While the beach itself might not be extraordinary, its proximity still makes it a convenient destination for those looking to escape city life. Gagaka Rua provides excellent service and cleanliness, enhancing the overall experience for those who prioritize a prime location and friendly atmosphere.
Outdoor Pool
Nestled in a vibrant locale, Gagaka Rua hostel provides guests with a delightful escape, offering the refreshing retreat of not one, but two picturesque outdoor pools. The rooftop pool, a charming oasis, is praised for its cooling effects and is particularly favored for evening relaxation under the stars. Guests commend its size as just right for unwinding in warm weather, with a terrace that invites relaxation amidst the hustle and bustle.
Moreover, the ground level features a second pool, adding to the holistic recreational experience the hostel offers. Together, these pools present a serene environment to unwind, especially during temperatures soaring over 30 degrees, providing a perfect balance between exploration and relaxation. Whether lounging in the solarium or taking a quick dip to refresh, guests cherish the beauty and tranquility of these charming spots.
FAQ
Yes, Gagaka Rua hostel has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Gagaka Rua hostel.
Yes, Gagaka Rua hostel welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Gagaka Rua hostel.
