Q. Are you located downtown?We’re not located within the centre of Cartagena but are in Getsemani which is a 5 minute walk away and still within the walled city. Getsemani is not much younger than the CENTRO and has some great atmosphere. Plaza Trinidad, a block from the hostel is one of the cities best night time hangout areas.
See this page on our website.
The walled city – 5 minute walk
Castillo San Felipe – 10 minute or less walk
Supermarkets – A mini supermarket is half a block away and a large one a 5 minute walk
Boca Grande beaches – half an hour walk or 5 minutes in a taxi
Calle Arsenal bar area – 5 minute walk
The docks for Islas Rosarios and Playa Blanca – 5 minute walk
Calle Media Luna bar area – just step out the door and you’re in it
The airport – 10 minutes in a taxi, about 10 000 pesos
The bus station – Half an hour in a taxi, about 20 000 pesos
Q. What are your rates?
Dorm beds are 20 000 pesos per night. Private rooms are 45 000 pesos. Breakfast and AC are coming but not here yet.
Q. How do I know if you have rooms available?
To reserve a room or a bed in a dorm fill the reservation form.
Q. How many private rooms/beds do you have?
We have 23 dorm beds and 15 double rooms, mostly with private bathrooms.
Q. Do you charge per person for private rooms?
Our private rooms are 45 000 pesos for 1 or 2 people, but some rooms have enough beds for 4. In that case we charge the same price as a dorm bed, on a per person basis.
Q. Is there a curfew or lockout?
NEVER, no stupid rules here!
Q. Do you provide bedsheets?
Yes, they´re included in the rate, towels however we rent for 4000 pesos each to those staying in the dorms.
Q. Is there an age limit?
Old and young,we accept you all! But if you are not honest… find another hostel.
Q. Do you serve breakfast?
We dont serve breakfast ourselves(I’m not getting up that early!). At this stage we don’t have breakfast available, but we will have soon. Enjoy our cheaper prices instead!
Q. Colombia has always had a reputation as dangerous, why on earth would I want to go there?Yep, you’re right, it has. But over the last few years that has really changed. The government has made a real effort to counteract the effects of the narco traffickers and rebel groups such as FARC. While there is the odd renewal of hostilities the country is generally very calm and travel is not a problem. Colombia is a huge country and has some very diverse areas. You’ll find the people friendly and welcoming of travelers and some amazing scenery, hiking and wildlife areas. As with any country you should should take normal precautions while travelling but Colombia is a country not to be missed.Q. Whats the currency of Colombia?Colombia uses the Colombian peso. As of April 2012 1 US dollar will buy about 1800 Colombian pesosQ. They do have ATMs right?
They sure do, maybe not as many as you’re used to but they are there. Some do have a problem with withdrawals and you may need to try a few times or some different machines. Servibanca seems to work more than most and has a higher withdrawal limit.
Q. The big question! Are drugs really as common as you hear on the news?
Yeah, they kinda are. But that depends on where you are and what you’re doing. You’ll find all manner of drugs very easy to find and cheaper than back home. But theres always a downside…………… If you are going to do drugs in Colombia(and we say don’t) then take a hell of a lot of care. Theres a problem in Cartagena, for instance, of the dealer calling the cops as soon as you walk away. They work together, the cops will shake you down and extort money from you and the dealers get their drugs back, everyone wins but you. If they don’t get a bribe then it’s off to jail you go.
Another trick is to find you later that night or the next day and extort more money out of you. They’ll bring their local tough guy and you’ll feel threatened. I have heard rumors of them walking into other hostels to find people(not ours…). Don’t think they can’t find you cause Cartagena isn’t that big. If you do buy drugs DO NOT bring them back to Mamallena, you’ll likely be asked to leave. Us losing our business is not worth your few moments of pleasure, we also don’t need the local dealers hanging around making people feel uncomfortable. Please don’t put us a in a situation where we all have problems.