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Hotel · Santa Marta (Magdalena) · Magdalena

Baboon Hostel - Santa Marta (Magdalena)

A top-rated hostel in the heart of Santa Marta, known for its welcoming staff, social rooftop, and spotless facilities.

  • Outdoor swimming pool and rooftop terrace
  • Free Wi-Fi and 24-hour reception
  • Adults-only, no pets, non-smoking
9 Perfect 670 reviews Booking.com 9 · 670 reviews

About

Baboon Hostel - Santa Marta (Magdalena)

Baboon Hostel sits in the heart of Santa Marta, less than a 5-minute walk from the Cathedral Basilica and within easy reach of the city's bars and restaurants. The 2-star hostel is a favorite among travelers for its sociable atmosphere, spotless rooms, and attentive staff.

Guests can cool off in the outdoor pool, relax on the rooftop terrace, or join free dance classes. The hostel offers a range of accommodation from mixed dorms to private doubles and triples, all equipped with air conditioning. A shared kitchen, laundry, and luggage storage add convenience for longer stays.

With a superb rating of 9 out of 10 from 670 reviews, Baboon Hostel stands out for its exceptional service (9.2), spotless facilities (9.6), and great value (9.0). It's an adults-only, non-smoking property with 24-hour security and reception.

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Wi-Fi
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Adults only

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

4 reasons to book
  • Exceptional staff and service — Guests consistently praise the helpful, friendly, and dedicated team, with staff and service categories both scoring 9.2.
  • Spotless facilities and comfortable rooms — Cleanliness is a recurring theme in reviews, with a facility rating of 9.6 and many mentions of comfortable beds, good pillows, and clean showers.
  • Great social areas: pool, rooftop, and dance classes — The outdoor pool, rooftop terrace, and free dance classes are frequent highlights, providing a chill and social atmosphere.
  • Convenient central location — Within a 5-minute walk of the Cathedral Basilica and close to buses, bars, and restaurants, making it easy to explore Santa Marta.

Worth weighing

4 to weigh
  • Adults-only policy — This hostel does not welcome children, which may be a drawback for families traveling with kids, despite one review noting a family experience.
  • No on-site parking — There is no parking available at the property; guests arriving by car will need to find public parking nearby.
  • Dormitory-style rooms — Most rooms are shared dorms, and even private rooms (Double, Triple) are listed with bunk beds, which may not suit travelers seeking a traditional private room.
  • Temperature can vary between rooms — While all rooms have air conditioning, one guest noted that temperature varies per room, so comfort may differ depending on your assignment.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Bed 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room

  • 1 Bunk bed
  • Shower
  • Air conditioning

Bunk Bed Mixed Dormitory Room

  • 1 Bunk bed
  • Shower
  • Air conditioning

Double Room

  • 1 Bunk bed
  • Shower
  • Air conditioning

Triple Room

  • 1 Single bed
  • Shower
  • Air conditioning

Double Room

  • 1 Bunk bed
  • Shower
  • Air conditioning

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Wi-Fi
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Adults only
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room

Food & Drink

  • Vending machines
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • BBQ facilities
  • Shared kitchen

Pool & Wellness

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Leisure/ TV room

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Entertainment

Room Amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Shower
  • Curtains

Safety

  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

9
Perfect 670 reviews

Guest-rated 9/10 from 670 reviews

Booking.com · 9 · 670 reviews
9Verified guest

“The accommodations are comfortable and the staff genuinely dedicated—they go above and beyond to make you feel at home. I felt like a VIP, with attention to detail and excellent service. The location is iconic, close to beautiful beaches like El Rodadero and Playa Blanca, each one like a postcard.”

9Verified guest

“I spent a week at Baboon and it was perfect for exploring. The location is fantastic, with cafes and restaurants nearby, and a 10-minute walk to the public market. The pool and terrace are lovely, and the design is cozy and spacious. The rooftop was my favorite spot, especially for dance classes and a delicious breakfast. The staff were professional and friendly—I'll be back.”

9Verified guest

“Great budget hostel in an ideal location, with easy access to buses and Parque de los Novios. Beds are comfortable, showers are clean, and the pool is refreshing.”

9Verified guest

“My kids loved the dance lessons and experiencing Colombian culture. Larry was incredibly friendly and patient with the little ones—a memorable experience for the whole family. Highly recommended!”

9Verified guest

“The pool was always clean, and the location was close to buses and the main square. Comfortable beds, clean showers, and a safe environment. The rooftop was a nice place to relax.”

9Verified guest

“Nice big beds with good pillows, very clean, lovely pool, great kitchen, and cute design. Good breakfast and luggage storage available.”

04 — Location

Getting around Santa Marta

The property sits in Santa Marta.

Getting around: The hostel is a short walk from the Cathedral Basilica and close to bus stops. It's about a 10-minute drive to Playa El Rodadero Public Beach.

Nearby spots: You'll find bars, restaurants, and the public market within a 10-minute walk. Parque de los Novios is also easily reachable.

Calle 17 # 3 - 99, Santa Marta, Magdalena, 470001, Colombia

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05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 15:00-23:59
Check-out
By 12:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
34 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 15:00 until 23:59, and check-out is at 12:00.

Is parking available at the hostel?

No, the hostel does not have on-site parking.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed at Baboon Hostel.

Is the hostel adults-only?

Yes, it's an adults-only property, so children are not accommodated.

What room types are available?

You can choose from mixed dormitories (4-bed, 8-bed, and general bunk rooms), as well as Double and Triple rooms. All rooms have air conditioning and a shower.

Is Wi-Fi included?

Yes, Wi-Fi is available throughout the property at no extra charge.

The bottom line

Baboon Hostel delivers a top-rated stay in Santa Marta, combining a prime central location, spotless facilities, and a warm, helpful staff. The social rooftop and pool make it easy to meet fellow travelers, while the adults-only, no-pets policy might not suit everyone.

9Best for sociable backpackers and couples wanting a clean, friendly base in Santa Marta's historic center.

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