The hype
Great social vibe and location, but the bathrooms are often grim and the noise is relentless.
Selina Cartagena
$20-30 (Dorms) / $70-130 (Privates)/ nacht
Boek dit als You want a high-energy launchpad in trendy Getsemaní where coworking meets rooftop pool parties.
Waarom mensen ervan houden
- Two rooftop pools with killer sunset views over the bay
- Prime location in Getsemaní, steps from the best nightlife
- Solid coworking infrastructure for digital nomads
Snel Overzicht: Now rebranded as 'Socialtel Cartagena,' it’s the same party-hard, sleep-light hostel vibe with a fresh coat of paint and lingering maintenance issues.
Beoordeeld door @Pricelesspassport: I stayed in a private suite here and it was the perfect balance. I could work from my massive bed during the day and hit the rooftop for drinks at night. The AC was a lifesaver in the Cartagena heat!
Gast die hier verbleef zei
Reality check
The 'soundproof windows' advertised are a myth; you will hear the street, the hallway, and the DJ.
- You're a solo traveler looking to make friends instantly
- You prioritize a pool and a desk over a quiet night's sleep
- You want to be in the heart of the action in Getsemaní
Schoonmaak & Onderhoud
6.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is generally okay, but they often miss dust under beds and corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Dorm bathrooms are a frequent complaint ('gross', 'wet floors'); private suites are better but watch for mold in grout.
- Maintenance: Showing its age. Peeling paint, dripping AC units, and broken locker latches are common.
- Linens & towels: Towels can feel worn and sometimes have a lingering damp smell.
- Odors & scents: Strong musty/mildew odor in windowless rooms and Building B corridors.
Sleepability™
3.5LUID
0-4LUID
4-7.5GEMATIGD
7.5-10STIL
- Rooftop DJ sets (until 12am-1am)
- Street traffic and pedestrians on Calle Larga
- Hallway noise and slamming doors
Voordat je boekt
Goed om te weten
- The property is split into two buildings across the street from each other
- Coworking access is usually an extra daily fee (~$10-15) unless booked in a package
- There is NO parking on site; you'll need to find a public lot nearby
Wat je mee moet nemen
- High-fidelity earplugs (essential)
- Padlock for dorm lockers (bring your own)
- Quick-dry towel (dampness is an issue)
Kamer Genie
Beste keuzes
- Standard/Deluxe Rooms in Building A (interior courtyard view) for slightly less noise
- Suites on upper floors for better light and views
Kamers om te vermijden
- Micro Rooms (claustrophobic, no windows, shared bath bottleneck)
- Ground floor rooms near reception (high foot traffic)
- Rooms directly under the rooftop bar (vibrating bass)
Kamer Aanvraag Genie – kopiëren en plakken
“I am a light sleeper. Please assign a room in Building A, away from the street (Calle Larga) and not directly underneath the rooftop bar/pool deck.”
Veelgestelde vragen & Verborgen tips
Alles wat je eigenlijk wilt weten voordat je boekt.
Is it Selina or Socialtel?
It is officially 'Socialtel Cartagena' as of late 2024, but many locals and taxi drivers still know it as Selina.
Is breakfast included?
Generally no. The on-site restaurant 'Magnetic Burger' serves breakfast, but it's usually à la carte or paid separately.
How is the WiFi?
Strong in the coworking space (20-40 Mbps) and lobby; hit-or-miss in the rooms, especially in Building B.
Can I bring my dog?
Likely no. Socialtel's new policy states 'No pets allowed,' a departure from Selina's pet-friendly rules.
Is the pool open to non-guests?
Yes, usually with a consumption minimum or day pass, which adds to the crowd on weekends.
Is there hot water?
Yes, but pressure can be inconsistent and 'lukewarm' is often the best you'll get.
Tips van Insiders
- ✨
The 'Library' in Building A is a hidden quiet spot if you need to take a call without paying for coworking.
- ✨
Building B guests often have to cross the street to use the kitchen or main reception in Building A.
- ✨
Check the AC immediately upon arrival; some units are stuck on 'freezer' mode or drip water.
5 dingen die je moet weten voordat je gaat
💡The 'Micro Rooms' share one single bathroom for the whole floor (up to 4 rooms) — a morning nightmare.
💡You might be asked to wear a wristband for your entire stay.
💡The 'soundproof' windows mentioned in listings are single-pane and block almost nothing.
💡Security can be lax with non-guests entering for the rooftop; watch your stuff.
💡The damp/musty smell is baked into the walls of Building B due to humidity and lack of ventilation.
Lokaal Playbook
Kaart
Bekijk waar Selina Cartagena zich bevindt en wat er in de buurt is.