A Mixed Experience at Hostal Santa Marta

During my recent trip to Santa Marta, I had the opportunity to stay at Hostal Santa Marta for a few days. While it was not without its flaws, there were some redeeming qualities to this hotel.

On the positive side, the hotel is quite clean and the reception and security staff are always present. Additionally, the view from the restaurant area is lovely - although you'll need to venture out of your room to enjoy it. Unfortunately, most rooms have a view of the neighboring abandoned houses and the daily lives of those who squat in them.

However, there are some significant drawbacks to this hotel. The location is not ideal, with the prostitution strip of Santa Marta just two blocks away. While you are safe within the hotel itself, venturing out in the wrong direction could put you at risk of being mugged. Furthermore, the design of the hotel feels artless and cost-efficient, without much thought to aesthetics or comfort.

The staff were also unhelpful, with one member being particularly surly and condescending. Unfortunately, this poor service was compounded by the fact that I was unable to take my luggage or purse with passport to the beach, which is a major draw for Santa Marta.

In the end, I felt that I wasted a whole day at the beach due to the hotel's lack of assistance in storing my luggage after checkout. Had I read reviews before booking, I might have reconsidered this choice. Overall, while Hostal Santa Marta may be a decent option for some travelers, it is not without its flaws and may not be worth the cost.

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