Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Air conditioning
Hotel · Cartagena · Bolivar
Hostal El Bando - Cartagena
A laid-back hostel near the airport with a pool, garden, and shared kitchen, run by a welcoming team.
- 2-minute walk from the airport
- Outdoor pool and garden with mango tree
- Shared kitchen and breakfast options
8.6
Great
1075 reviews
Booking.com 8.6 · 1075 reviews
About
Hostal El Bando - Cartagena
Hostal El Bando is an adults-only hostel in Cartagena, set within easy walking distance of Surtimax Crespo and a short ride from the historic center. The property offers 18 rooms, a terrace, and a garden, with practical touches like luggage storage and a shared kitchen.
Guests consistently praise the welcoming atmosphere and helpful staff, who go out of their way to make you feel at home. The pool area, shaded by a mango tree, is a favorite spot to unwind, and the location could hardly be more convenient for catching a flight.
- Non-smoking rooms
- Wi-Fi
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- Express check-in/ -out
- Pets allowed
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
3 reasons to book- Exceptional staff and service — Guests consistently highlight the friendly, attentive, and accommodating nature of the team, who go out of their way to make you feel welcome.
- Unbeatable location for travelers — Just a 2-minute walk from the airport and a short taxi ride to the historic center, with restaurants and a quiet beach nearby.
- High ratings across the board — With an overall rating of 8.6 from over 1,000 reviews, and particularly strong scores for staff (9.2) and general experience (8.9), this hostel has consistently satisfied guests.
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Worth weighing
3 to weigh- Limited room types — With only 18 rooms and three categories (dorm, deluxe king, and private double), availability can be tight, especially for groups or those seeking more variety.
- Adults-only policy — The hostel does not accommodate children, which may not suit families traveling with younger kids.
- Check-in window is strict — Check-in is only between 15:00 and 23:59, which could be inconvenient for early arrivals or late-night flights.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
Deluxe King Room
- 1 King-size bed
- Garden view
- Shower
- Air conditioning
Private Bathroom Double Room
- 1 Double bed
- Private bathroom
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
General
- Non-smoking rooms
- Wi-Fi
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- Express check-in/ -out
- Pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- 24-hour security
- Adults only
- Luggage storage
- Locker room
- Currency exchange
- Vending machines
- Fire extinguishers
- Housekeeping
Food & Drink
- Restaurant
- Outdoor dining area
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Shared kitchen
Pool & Wellness
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Shallow end
- Garden area
- Leisure/ TV room
Activities
- Board games
- Wind surfing
- Diving
- Snorkelling
Services
- Car hire
- Laundry
- Tours/ Ticket assistance
Room Amenities
- Air conditioning
- Soundproofed rooms
- Patio
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Ironing facilities
- Washing machine
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
- Curtains
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 8.6/10 from 1,075 reviews
Booking.com · 8.6 · 1075 reviews
8.6Verified guest“We had a wonderful time here – the hostel really made us feel at home. The vibe was great, the staff were friendly and welcoming, and they were always there when we needed help, like when we were waiting for our luggage. The pool area was lovely, and the bonus of a mango tree with fresh fruit was a treat. The location was super handy, just a 2-minute walk from the airport. Only downside: it was a bit tricky to find.”
8.6Verified guest“Excellent value for money – the room was comfy and clean, with a nice shower and even a flat-screen with Netflix. The location was great, close to the airport and the beach, with plenty of restaurants nearby. The staff were attentive, and the whole place had a relaxed, friendly feel.”
8.6Verified guest“Right next to the airport, this hostel is a perfect base for budget travelers. The rooms and bathrooms were clean, and the staff were friendly, ensuring a comfortable stay. Breakfast was satisfying with a good variety, and the small pool area was ideal for relaxing after exploring. The kitchen is well-equipped if you want to cook your own meals.”
8.6Verified guest“Close to the airport and within walking distance of restaurants. The pool area was a nice spot to relax.”
8.6Verified guest“The location was perfect – a short taxi ride from the historic center. The staff were super friendly and went out of their way to help. Breakfast was the best we had in Colombia, with vegan options. The pool area was relaxing, and we used the kitchen to cook dinner. The room was comfortable with a good shower, and we loved the flat-screen with Netflix. A great experience overall – I'd definitely recommend it.”
8.6Verified guest“Front room with a great shower, comfy bed, friendly staff, best breakfast, chill pool, and a convenient location.”
04 — Location
Getting around Cartagena
The property sits in Cartagena.
Airport access: A 2-minute walk from the airport, making it ideal for early departures or late arrivals.
Getting to the center: The historic center is a short taxi ride away, so you're not cut off from the main sights.
Nearby amenities: Restaurants and a quiet beach are within walking distance, and Surtimax Crespo is close for groceries.
Carrera #3 70-34, Cartagena, Bolivar, 130001, Colombia
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 15:00-23:59
- Check-out
- By 11:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Allowed
- Property
- 18 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
How far is the hostel from the airport?
It's about a 2-minute walk, according to guest reviews.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, pets are allowed according to the property policies.
What time is check-in?
Check-in is from 15:00 until 23:59. Check-out is at 11:00.
Is there a pool?
Yes, there is an outdoor swimming pool with a shallow end, and a garden area with a mango tree.
Are there kitchen facilities?
Yes, there is a shared kitchen for guests, as well as an outdoor dining area and picnic tables.
Is there air conditioning in the rooms?
Yes, the dormitory and deluxe king room list air conditioning as an amenity.
The bottom line
For a budget stay near Cartagena airport, Hostal El Bando delivers on its strengths: a warm welcome, a relaxing pool and garden, and a location that makes catching a flight stress-free. It's not the place for families, and the room selection is limited, but for solo travelers and couples seeking a friendly, no-frills base, it's a solid choice.
8.6A reliable, well-reviewed hostel for practical travelers.
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