Questions
Frequently asked questions.
Short answers with sources. When listings disagree, we tell you instead of guessing.
Rooms
What room types are there?
Currently listed: a 4-bed mixed dorm (2 bunks, on Hostelworld and Booking.com), a 6-bed dorm in bunks, an 8-bed dorm and a double room with a double bed (these three on Booking.com). The hostel also mentions tents and hammocks, but they can’t be booked online — ask.
Sources: Hostelworld — hostel listing (opens in a new tab) · Booking.com (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
Are there rooms with a private bathroom?
The 4-bed dorm uses a shared bathroom (not en suite). For the double room, listings disagree: Booking.com lists two versions, and an answer from the property says the double has no private bathroom. If you need one, confirm with the hostel before booking. There are no twin rooms.
Confirm with the hostel before booking
Sources: Hostelworld — hostel listing (opens in a new tab) · Booking.com (opens in a new tab) · Booking.com — questions answered by the property (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
What comes with each bed? Lockers and towels?
According to the hostel, every bed has a mosquito net, a fan and a big locker, with sheets and blankets. The 4-bed dorm beds also have a curtain. Towels are described differently (“if you need” vs. for hire on Hostelworld) — ask or bring your own. Check whether you need a padlock for the locker.
Confirm with the hostel before booking
Source: Hostelworld — hostel listing (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
Noise & nights
Is it a quiet hostel?
No, and it doesn’t pretend to be. It’s a social hostel with a bar, music and events most nights. No quiet hours are published, and some guests mention music until 2–3 am. Light sleeper? Bring earplugs… or join the party.
Sources: Hostelworld — hostel listing (opens in a new tab) · Hostelworld — events published by the hostel (opens in a new tab) · Tripadvisor — restaurant (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
What happens at the bar each night?
The hostel publishes recurring events on Hostelworld: salsa (free class and live music) on Thursdays, bachata on Fridays, an electronic DJ on Saturdays, games night on Sundays, 80s night on Tuesdays and a jam session on Wednesdays. Plans change — check Instagram or ask at the bar.
Source: Hostelworld — events published by the hostel (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
Food
Can I eat or drink there without staying?
Yes. The hostel describes its bar as a good mix of backpackers and locals, and the restaurant tops Tripadvisor’s Palomino list. For large groups, message ahead.
Sources: Hostelworld — hostel listing (opens in a new tab) · Tripadvisor — best restaurants in Palomino (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
Is breakfast included?
Not in the standard rate. Breakfast is available (“cheap”, says the hostel) and Hostelworld also sells a rate with breakfast.
Source: Hostelworld — hostel listing (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
Is there a guest kitchen?
There’s no shared kitchen, according to an answer from the property. What there is: a restaurant, free coffee all day and free drinking water.
Sources: Booking.com — questions answered by the property (opens in a new tab) · Hostelworld — hostel listing (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes — the hostel serves a vegetarian lunch, and its signs feature bowls and a veggie burger. For vegan or gluten-free options, ask at the restaurant; it isn’t confirmed.
Sources: Hostelworld — hostel listing (opens in a new tab) · Instagram photo, 8 Mar 2025 (front signs) (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
Working
How’s the WiFi? Can I work there?
The hostel calls itself “CoWorking friendly”: strong WiFi with solar power for the router, extension cords, free coffee and water and plenty of corners to work from. Booking.com guests rate the WiFi 7.9/10. Palomino has occasional power cuts — for important calls, keep a plan B (mobile data).
Sources: Hostelworld — hostel listing (opens in a new tab) · Booking.com (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
Getting here
How far is the beach?
About 100 metres, according to the hostel (Booking.com calls it “a minute’s walk”). Note that Palomino’s sea often has strong currents — only swim where locals say it’s safe.
Sources: Hostelworld — hostel listing (opens in a new tab) · Booking.com (opens in a new tab) · Hostelworld — Palomino travel guide (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
How do I get there from Santa Marta?
By public bus from Santa Marta’s market: every 15 minutes until 6 pm, taking over 2 hours. It drops you on the main road; from there walk or take a motorbike taxi down the road to the beach (Carrera 6). After 6 pm the hostel recommends staying the night in Santa Marta.
Source: Hostelworld — hostel listing (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
Which airport is closest?
Santa Marta (SMR), about 70 km away; a public bus runs from the airport to Santa Marta. Riohacha is about 75 km away, with buses to Palomino from its terminal.
Sources: Hostelworld — hostel listing (opens in a new tab) · Hostelworld — Palomino travel guide (opens in a new tab) · Colombia Travel (ProColombia) — Palomino (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
Luggage storage, laundry or parking?
Hostelworld lists free luggage storage, laundry and parking. If you’re relying on one, confirm it.
Source: Hostelworld — hostel listing (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
Booking & payment
What’s the cancellation policy?
The hostel’s policy on Hostelworld: cancel at least 3 days before arrival; late cancellations and no-shows are charged the first night. Hostelworld takes a 15% deposit and also sells non-refundable rates. On Booking.com it depends on the rate — check your booking conditions.
Sources: Hostelworld — hostel listing (opens in a new tab) · Booking.com (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
How do I pay? Are cards accepted?
Listings disagree here: Hostelworld says credit cards aren’t accepted, while Booking.com shows cards and cash. Confirm with the hostel and bring cash — ATMs are scarce in Palomino. Per Hostelworld, taxes are included.
Confirm with the hostel before booking
Sources: Hostelworld — hostel listing (opens in a new tab) · Booking.com (opens in a new tab) · Colombia Travel (ProColombia) — Palomino (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
How much is a night?
Prices change by date, rate and platform, so we don’t publish fixed rates. Check availability and prices on Hostelworld or Booking.com, or message the hostel.
Sources: Hostelworld — hostel listing (opens in a new tab) · Booking.com (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
How do I contact the hostel?
By email at mariamulata.palomino@gmail.com, by phone on +57 324 518 8436 or on Instagram (@mariamulata.palomino). We couldn’t confirm whether that number is on WhatsApp.
Sources: Hostelworld — hostel listing (opens in a new tab) · Instagram @mariamulata.palomino (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
House rules
What are check-in and check-out times?
The hostel publishes on Hostelworld: check-in 14:00–24:00 and check-out before 11:00. Booking.com shows both as “available 24 hours”. Reception is 24 hours. Arriving late? Let them know. Late check-out is available for a fee.
Confirm with the hostel before booking
Sources: Hostelworld — hostel listing (opens in a new tab) · Booking.com (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
Are children allowed?
No. The hostel is adults only (18+) and has no cots or extra beds.
Sources: Hostelworld — hostel listing (opens in a new tab) · Booking.com (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
Can I bring my pet?
Pets aren’t allowed.
Sources: Hostelworld — hostel listing (opens in a new tab) · Booking.com (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
Is there a curfew?
There’s no curfew, and reception is open 24 hours.
Sources: Hostelworld — hostel listing (opens in a new tab) · Booking.com (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
Can I smoke in the rooms?
No — rooms are non-smoking.
Source: Booking.com (opens in a new tab) (checked 29 Oct 2026)
We couldn’t find that question. Ask the hostel directly.