Tucked between the Caribbean Sea and the dramatic Sierra Nevada mountains, Santa Marta is one of Colombia’s most geographically diverse and culturally rich cities. As the oldest Spanish settlement in South America, founded in 1525, the city’s long history can still be seen through its colonial architecture, palm-lined plazas, and weathered churches today.
Santa Marta’s location on Colombia’s north coast makes it a strategic gateway to some of the country’s most iconic destinations, including Tayrona National Park, the Lost City trek, and Minca. Because of that, many travelers pass through quickly. But if you take the time to stay a few nights, you’ll find Santa Marta has more going for it than just its location. It’s a real mix of laid-back coastal living and everyday Colombian bustle, and my experience in the city definitely felt a lot more authentic than other spots I visited.
Each of the Santa Marta neighborhoods has a distinctly different vibe, so it’s important to choose one that suits your trip. Whether you’re here for one night before Tayrona or settling in for a week on the coast, here’s everything you need to know about where to stay in Santa Marta.
Where to Stay in Santa Marta: Neighborhood Overview
I visited Santa Marta twice and stayed in different areas each time, plus visited a handful of others throughout my time in the city. Most tourists stick to a handful of pockets around the city, and I would recommend staying in one of these listed below.
There are a few different neighbourhoods I recommend staying in around Santa Marta, and each of them offers something slightly different. Below is a brief outline of what you can expect from each one:
- Centro Histórico: The historic heart of the city, filled with colonial architecture, lively plazas, and plenty of options when it comes to eating and drinking.
- El Rodadero: A bustling beachside area popular with families and domestic tourists, offering a lively atmosphere with plenty of restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
- Taganga: A laid-back fishing village mainly visited by backpackers and local tourists, known for its stunning sunsets, diving spots, and proximity to Tayrona National Park.
- Bello Horizonte & Pozos Colorados: Quieter, more residential areas with large hotels offering a more relaxed beach experience, great for those seeking a calm place to stay.
I drove through a couple of more residential areas and noticed that there wasn’t much around (other than houses and the odd shop); staying in these areas would have felt quite isolated, and I’m not sure how comfortable I would have felt walking around after dark.
My Top Santa Marta Accommodation Picks
1. Masaya Santa Marta Centro Histórico
A modern & social hostel with ultimate comfort and a rooftop pool with incredible views. An ideal choice for solo travelers and digital nomads staying in Santa Marta’s historic center.
2. Akela Gaira Hotel El Rodadero
A peaceful hillside escape with panoramic sea views, which is ideal for couples wanting a quiet, romantic stay close to the beach.
3. Marriott Resort Bello Horizonte
The best luxury beachfront option in Santa Marta, perfect for unwinding in style after a big trek or celebrating something special.
Stay in Centro Histórico
Centro Histórico is the area I’d describe as the heart of Santa Marta. It’s a real blend of old and new; the streets are lined with colourful colonial buildings, but lots of them have been turned into modern cafes and shops. It’s quite similar to Cartagena in that way - but on a much smaller scale, and nowhere near as busy.
The area is home to some of Santa Marta's main landmarks, such as the Cathedral Basilica of Santa Marta and the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, where Simón Bolívar spent his final days. As you would expect in the historic centre, you’ll find a lot of the city's historic attractions here, so it’s a good spot for activities like walking tours.
There’s a lovely atmosphere here in the evenings, with a handful of bars and restaurants that spill out onto the streets, and the air is filled with the sounds of street vendors and local musicians. In my opinion, Centro Histórico is the most charming neighborhood to stay in during a visit to Santa Marta.
Best For: Ideal for first-time visitors, history buffs, and anyone wanting to stay in a quaint location with plenty of places to eat and drink.
| Hotel | Price | |
|---|---|---|
 | Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina | $$$ |
 | Oasis Fresh Hotel | $$ |
 | Masaya Santa Marta | $$ |
Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina
- Area: Centro Histórico
- Best for: Families or large groups wanting rooftop spa views overlooking the city.
A stylish boutique hotel, located just a short walk from the main attractions, it's ideal for those wanting to stay in the heart of Santa Marta. There’s a beautiful courtyard with a small pool that has hanging sunbeds - they’d make a very relaxing place to retreat from the bustle of Centro Histórico if you need a bit of a break.
There are only 15 rooms here, so service is top-notch, and the hotel has its own rooftop restaurant on-site, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Oasis Fresh Hotel
- Area: Centro Histórico
- Best for: Couples looking for a comfortable budget stay!
This is a great budget-friendly option in Centro Histórico, with modern and comfortable rooms. It’s very centrally located and surrounded by plenty of options for eating and drinking as well as exploring the area's top attractions. Although it’s a budget hotel, it offers really good value for money - there’s a rooftop terrace with a pool, and both the rooms and communal spaces are clean and well-maintained.
If you’re just visiting Santa Marta for a night or two and want somewhere cheap to crash after exploring the city, this is a great shout.
Book: Oasis Fresh Hotel
Check out: Take a day trip to the nearby Tayrona National Park from Santa Marta to spot the elusive Cotton Top Tamarin.
Masaya Santa Marta
- Area: Centro Histórico
- Best for: Solo Travelers & backpackers looking for an unbeatable hostel
I stayed in a few Masaya hostels in Colombia, including this one in Santa Marta. They are a fantastic chain of higher-end hostels, which are still very reasonably priced. Staying in a Masaya dorm is a far cry from what you picture when you imagine a hostel - the beds are huge, incredibly comfortable, and have slide-down (blackout!) blinds, which makes your bunk feel like a private room.
There's a beautiful rooftop pool area overlooking views of the Centro Histórico, and as well as sun loungers, there are loads of tables and little areas to sit at. It’s a great place to get some work done if you’re working remotely - wifi speeds are fast, and most of the tables have powerpoints nearby.
Masaya runs regular events, with things like salsa classes, walking tours, and happy hour all happening weekly- if you’re a solo traveler, this is a great place to stay in Santa Marta.
Book: Masaya Santa Marta
Stay in El Rodadero
El Rodadero is Santa Marta’s most popular beach destination. The area is known for its long white sand beach that’s set in front of a backdrop of lush green mountains - from the moment you arrive, you’ll see why it's so popular. There’s a boardwalk running alongside the beach, and both the boardwalk and the streets leading off it are lined with numerous restaurants, bars, and shops.
There are a handful of attractions within the area, including the Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum, which is home to dolphins and sea turtles among many other species. It’s a popular place to stay, so it’s pretty busy year-round, with a mix of locals and tourists - there’s always a lively atmosphere. It’s probably the most diverse area within Santa Marta when it comes to food and drink; there are endless options of places to spend an evening, and the partying scene here is great.
The beach is beautiful, but busy. Vendors walk up and down the long stretch and sell things all day, so don’t expect to come here to relax in peace and quiet - there are quieter beaches nearby which are better for that.
Who It’s For: Groups, party animals, and anyone visiting Santa Marta who wants to stay somewhere lively.
| Hotel | Price | |
|---|---|---|
 | Tamacá Beach Resort | $$$ |
 | Hotel Mandalas House | $$$ |
| Akela Gaira Hotel | $$ |
Tamacá Beach Resort
- Area: El Rodadero
- Best for: Large groups wanting direct ocean access
This place is situated right on the beach and has a huge swimming pool with sea views. The rooms are very spacious and have balconies, so this would be a great choice for groups or families visiting Santa Marta.
Hotel Tamacá Beach Resort is located on a quieter stretch of El Rodadero, meaning you don’t need to worry about noise levels. There are still a handful of bars and restaurants nearby, though, and there are four different restaurants on-site as well. It’s got a real resort feel, so it's perfect if that’s what you’re looking for.
Book: Tamacá Beach Resort
Hotel Mandalas House
- Area: El Rodadero
- Best for: Groups or couples looking for a relaxing stay in a central location
Hotel Mandalas House is a stylish boutique hotel located a few blocks away from El Rodadero Beach. The rooms are beautifully decorated and feel very luxurious, but despite this it’s priced very reasonably.
This hotel only has 7 rooms for guests, so you can expect a very peaceful and secluded stay here. Despite its small size, there’s a lovely outdoor area which has a swimming pool and a shaded deck for relaxing.
It’s only a 15-minute drive from Simon Bolivar airport, so this is a great place to stay if you’re flying in or out of Santa Marta.
Book: Hotel Mandalas House
Akela Gaira Hotel
- Area: El Rodadero
- Best for: Couples wanting a romantic escape but still close to El Rodadero
This is a very unique place to stay in the hills overlooking El Rodadero. The rooms in Akela Gaira all have either sea or mountain views which the hotel have made the most of, by putting in large (virtually panoramic) windows, so that it almost feels like staying in a treehouse. Watching the sunset from your room at this vantage point is pretty special!
There’s a pool and restaurant within the hotel, and it has a small and boutique kind of feel. The rooms are pretty basic, but have air conditioning and private bathrooms. There are some friendly dogs on site, and if you're lucky, you'll even have wild monkeys join you when swimming in the pool.
Although the location feels very rural because of the epic views, the hotel is only located 1 km away from Rodadero beach.
Book: Akela Gaira Hotel
Stay in Taganga
Taganga is a small fishing village just north of Santa Marta, offering a more laid-back atmosphere compared to the bustling city. It’s a real diving hotspot, and many people choose to base themselves here when exploring the teeming underwater world off the coastline of Santa Marta.
I stayed in Taganga and wasn’t sure what to expect - the words ‘backpacker hotspot’ I had read online conjured up a certain image of a gentrified destination catering almost entirely to international travelers. I was really pleasantly surprised though; there’s a bit of a bohemian vibe with a handful of cool cafes and bars, but for the most part, it’s very much still a local fishing village turned domestic tourist holiday spot.
There are heaps of local seafood restaurants and eating at these is one of the best parts of Taganga. They have small, simple menus, and before ordering you’re often shown what’s been caught that day so you can pick for yourself.
Taganga is a great base for lots of activities - it’s known for its stunning sunsets, and provides easy access to incredible nearby beaches and hiking trails. All in all - it’s a great place to stay.
Who It’s For: Ideal for solo travelers, backpackers, and those seeking a more relaxed and authentic experience.
| Hotel | Price | |
|---|---|---|
 | Divanga Hostel | $$ |
 | Vito Hotel Boutique Taganga | $$$ |
Divanga Hostel
- Area: Taganga
- Best for: Backpackers & diving enthusiasts looking for an epic stay for a great price
I chose to book Divanga Hostel because it was the highest rated on Hostelworld, and I was really impressed with it. It’s located a few streets away from the main strip so it isn’t noisy, but there’s a nice pool area and communal space with a snooker table, so there’s still a good relaxed, social vibe.
There’s a well-equipped kitchen (always a win when you’re staying in a hostel!), and they have a small bar that serves food if you don’t fancy cooking yourself. It’s a diving hostel, so you can take lessons if you’re planning on diving in your time in Santa Marta, but you’re able to stay here if you aren’t planning on diving.
The dorm rooms are basic but very clean and have wifi and air conditioning. Divanga also has a few private rooms as well as dorms. Overall, I think this is the best hostel option in Taganga.
Book: Divanga Hostel
Vito Hotel Boutique Taganga
- Area: Taganga
- Best for: Couples or singles wanting a memorable stay
This small boutique hotel is located a ten-minute walk from the beach, in a very peaceful area - the main street of Taganga can get quite busy with lots of traffic noise, but this area isn’t affected by it. The hotel is family-owned and is run by a friendly mother and daughter (Laura) team who make Vito feel like your home away from home.
The rooms and terraces are decorated in a rustic, boho style, which makes the whole hotel blend into its surroundings - it’s situated amongst the trees, on a hill overlooking the sea. Breakfast is included in your booking, and the hotel puts on yoga classes and walking tours for guests as well. It’s a very simple hotel with great value for money, and it’s a great place to stay in Taganga.
Stay in Pozos Colorados or Bello Horizonte
These are two beach neighborhoods in Santa Marta, located close to the airport, around a 20-minute drive from the main downtown area. These beaches are where you’ll find most of the city's luxury, high-end hotels and resorts - there’s a mix of the big international brands like Mercure and Hilton, as well as independent accommodation options.
The atmosphere in this area is a lot more laid-back than El Rodadero and Centro Histórico, and it attracts a lot of families and couples travelling from both Colombian cities and overseas. Both beaches are very calm and don’t get too crowded, and the waves are gentle and great for swimming.
While the dining scene in this area doesn’t have as many options as other Santa Marta areas, there are still some great restaurants and beach clubs serving both Colombian and International food. Plus, the more lively areas are easily reachable by a short taxi ride - it’s around a 10-minute drive to El Rodadero, and 20 minutes to Centro Histórico.
Although there are lots of upscale hotels and resorts in these neighborhoods, you’ll also find plenty of mid-range and more budget options if you choose to stay here. It’s also a great area to stay in if you’re looking for an apartment to rent, as the beach is lined with high-rise condos and many of these are rented out on a short-term basis.
Who It’s For: Ideal for families, digital nomads, and luxury travelers looking for a safe, modern, and slightly more upscale experience in Santa Marta.
| Hotel | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Marriott Resort Playa Dormida | $$$$ |
 | Casa Verano Santa Marta | $$$ |
Marriott Resort Playa Dormida
- Area: Bello Horizonte
- Best for: Luxurious travellers or couples celebrating an anniversary
If you’re looking for a resort experience and wondering where to stay in Santa Marta, the Marriott Playa Dormida is your best bet. It’s located in Bello Horizonte, right on the beach, and has access to its own private beach as well as a huge swimming pool. There are two restaurants on site as well as both a poolside and lobby bar.
This is definitely a bit of a splurge, but it’s my top choice if you’re seeking a luxury stay in Santa Marta. It’s the perfect place to relax and treat yourself after a gruelling few days on the Lost city Trek, or if you’re visiting Santa Marta to celebrate a special occasion.
Casa Verano Santa Marta
- Area: Pozos Colorados
- Best for: Adults-only wanting a child-free vacation!
This is a great mid-range hotel option in Pozos Colorados. It’s an adults-only hotel (so it promises a peaceful stay!), and I love how lush and green it is - the grounds are packed with trees and make it feel very rural.
It’s a beachfront hotel so you don’t have to worry about walking too far back to your room after spending the afternoon enjoying the ocean. As well as this, there are a handful of restaurants and shops within a 15-minute walk, and the area feels very safe and well looked after.
Casa Verano is a small hotel, so you can expect a more personal level of service than you might get at some of the larger hotels in Pozos Colorados, and the staff are incredibly friendly.
Book: Casa Verano Santa Marta
Where Should You Stay in Santa Marta?
Choosing the right base in Santa Marta really depends on what kind of trip you’re planning:
- If you want to soak in the city’s colonial charm, lively nightlife, and be within walking distance of restaurants and historical sites, Centro Histórico is your best bet.
- If beach vibes and good nightlife appeal to you, El Rodadero is a great choice.
- For a more chilled, backpacker-friendly scene with direct access to diving, beautiful beaches, and great hikes, Taganga will suit you well.
- To relax in peace or on family trips, you might be well suited to Bello Horizonte or Pozos Colorados.
FAQ: About Staying in Santa Marta
Is Santa Marta safe to stay in?
Yes, Santa Marta is generally safe for travelers, especially in the main tourist areas listed above. However, like most Colombian cities, petty theft can happen, so it's best to avoid walking alone at night in quiet areas and keep valuables out of sight (don't walk around flashing your phone or wallet).
How many days should I spend in Santa Marta?
I’d recommend at least 2–3 nights to properly experience what it has to offer. Spend a day exploring Centro Histórico, another day visiting nearby beaches or doing a Tayrona day trip, and if you’re planning on diving or relaxing, an extra night in Taganga or Bello Horizonte is worth it.
Best area for nightlife in Santa Marta?
El Rodadero has the liveliest nightlife scene, with beachfront bars, nightclubs, and lots of local and tourist-friendly spots open late. Centro Histórico also has a good evening vibe, especially around Parque de Los Novios, with live music and laid-back cocktail bars.
What’s the best beach area to stay in Santa Marta?
El Rodadero is the most popular beach area with a vibrant atmosphere and easy access to restaurants and activities. For a quieter experience, visit Bello Horizonte or Pozos Colorados as they’re less crowded and have calmer swimming conditions. Taganga Beach or nearby Playa Grande are also good picks. However, you do not need to stay near these beaches and all can be visited on a day trip.
If your itinerary allows, I recommend splitting your time in Santa Marta. I stayed in Centro Histórico for a few nights to get a feel for the city, then went off to do the Lost City Trek and booked a relaxing stay by the beach when I returned. This was a really good way to split it and meant I got to fully appreciate the different sides to Santa Marta. The city isn’t huge, though, so you can easily choose one area to base yourself in and explore others during your stay if you’re only planning on visiting for a few days.
I hope you have enjoyed this accommodation guide for where to stay in Santa Marta.
For more travel guides, adventure inspiration, and activity ideas in Colombia, check out some of our other articles below!
- 3-Day Itinerary for Cartagena: Find the best things to do and see with this epic guide!
- Best of Medellín: My Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for exploring the best things to do in Medellín.
- Palomino Travel Guide: Check out the laid-back town of Palomino, 3 hours from Santa Marta.
- Getting from Santa Marta to Minca: The easiest ways to travel from Santa Marta to Minca or Cartagena.
- Accommodation resources: Discover where to stay in Cartagena, the best hotels in Medellin, and my Minca accommodation guide.