I originally chose Tia Chela Hostel because the Booking listing showed it as pet-friendly. To be safe, I even went in person before booking and was told twice that dogs were accepted. I arrived with a 3-month-old puppy. The puppy had a small accident on a rug. I immediately apologized and offered to clean it myself or pay for a proper wash (local laundry quoted around 5,000 COP). Instead, the owner demanded 50,000 COP, then changed her position and said they don’t accept pets at all. The next day she came to my room and told me to pay or leave, even though I had already paid for two more nights. On the day of checkout, I found the front gate locked with a chain; I could not leave the property until staff arrived. Being locked inside unless I paid is unacceptable and felt dangerous. I called the police to get out and resolve the situation. During the dispute I was told, “go back to your country,” and “you don’t have money,” which I experienced as xenophobic and offensive. No traveler should be spoken to like this. Other problems: The property feels old and worn. The Wi-Fi did not work, so I had to use my own mobile data to work. After my stay, I noticed the pet-friendly note was no longer visible on the Booking listing, adding to the sense of contradictory and shifting policies. I have reported this case to Booking so they can review the safety concerns and the inconsistency of the pet policy. A platform like Booking is generally professional and safe, and I believe listings that behave this way should be thoroughly reviewed. A person working there entered my room without any consent..without asking my permission to take a thing that I borrowed from that I was going to give very soon but they just enter my room and took it. Bottom line: I do not recommend this hostel to anyone, whether you’re from Colombia or visiting from abroad. My experience was stressful, unsafe, and handled in a highly unprofessional manner. Also the police tried to take money from me

“Nice hostel - a bit far out of town”

The hostel itself was nice, clean rooms and shared bathroom and access to air con which is necessary in Santa Marta.

Friendly family atmosphere with shared spaces and kitchen in a quiet part of town. Very helpful hosts helped arrange activities, taxis etc. Supermarket & bus-stop very convenient. Spanish and English spoken.

“Nice cozy guesthouse”

Nice people, good AC, good wifi, comfortable bed, washing machine, everything okay

“Chill and comfortable place”

Good vibes in this place. Staffs are helpful and sincere.

“Clean and quiet family home”

Staying here was such welcome respite from the chaos of Santa Marta! It's a clean, well kept family home where I instantly felt comfortable. I did some work whilst here as it is quiet and the WiFi is good. It's not walking distance to much but taxis are cheap and easy to get so not a problem

“It’s a good location when you wanna visit Minca, Santa Marta and Tayrona, cause the location is between these locations.”

The very friendly stuff, especially when I got sick they helped me a lot!! Thank you so much!!;)

Nice people, comfortable room, good wifi, quiet, safe place