Hostal Encuentro — Hotel in Cali

A Home in Cali #home

All the great reviews of this place are completely correct; go here if you want to feel like you are at home with a substitute Cali local family. The place is run by an adorable older couple and nephew, so there is not only a homely, family-run vibe to it, I also met some amazing travellers that I spend another 2 weeks in Colombia with. Adolfo, the owner, feels like the caring, affectionate Dad I never had. He refers to us all as his children and gives us pats on the head and other dad/grandpa kind of actions that makes you feel like a family member. He introduces all the travellers to each other, which is amazing if you’re riding solo like me. Initially my new friend I made there and I seeked out other hostels with more of a vibe, but we found we just couldn’t leave the family-setting, spotless and spacious, cute hostel after all. Some highlights I love how each different dorm is colour coded. Your sheets match the complimentary towel and decor of the room. Unlike most hostels, your bed is made daily and there is a very high standard of cleanliness throughout the hostel and bathroom. The bathroom is bright and spacious. Lots of places to shower and use the toilet. Sure you can see your feet through some of the toilets, but I just made sure to use the corner one for more privacy. The water was always hot and soap was provided (albeit a little watered down). And there was space to hang up your towels and clothes. The kitchen was huge with a lot of cooking facilities, so I used it often. Great big burners and pots to make a big meal and it was never overcrowded. Ample space in the fridge too and Tupperware for leftovers. Made fruit smoothies in the blender often. Decent breakfast which changed daily, which was a pleasant surprise. Didn’t have to wait long for it even when the place was full. Always good coffee, fruits and the breakfast of the day. Decor was great throughout. Lots of cute little knickknacks everywhere to make it homely. And a section for tourist info such as guides and leaflets. Adolfo made sure to give each guest a map of Cali and spent a lot of time explaining where to go and what to do, with as much enthusiasm for the first guest as the 10th. Staff were super friendly and patient when it came to practising my Spanish. Super flexible with checkout. Often not minding that we decided to stay longer last minute, much later in the day, or checked out way after the allocated time. Didn’t ever feel rushed or like another passing guest in a business. Very safe, pretty neighbourhood. Plenty of amazing restaurants and a lovely park minutes away. Centre is walking distance along the river. Perfect location.

Cannot recommend this place enough....

Up a couple of flights of steep steps, a pink wall with a Doctor Whoish owl. Cross the threshold and like it or lump it Adolfo has welcomed you into the family. An instantly avuncular gentleman, an arm around your shoulder already. Don't be freaked out, he means well, if a tad tactile for some perhaps. A cheery colourful place, more gaudy than Gaudi maybe, bright and airy dorm with not a bunk in sight, which allows at least the illusion of space. The terrace makes the most of the elevated position for views, munch breakfast prepared by a doting Adolfo, plot your next move.|This is the hilly district of San Antonio. Take a short scramble up to the church at the top of the park for even better sweeping vistas. San Ant's got a pleasing Bohemian feel. From the hostel, walk down to the river, various bakeries, food stops & cafes en route, and you'll be in gato heaven: fantastic photo opportunities. I don't think there's anywhere else on the planet with so many diverse sculptures of pusscats. And nearby is a short line of mostly hole-in-the-wall bars & takeaways, good for casually hanging out of an evening with some beers, watch some football with the locals, much prefer to overpriced glitz in Granada district.|Jekyll & Hyde city, Cali. On Saturday night, a mile along the river was Absolutely Buzzing with street entertainment, Salsa pouring on the sizzling sauce, infectious energy. This is what Cali's about. Sunday was a challenge to find a minimarket open. |Pero...

I felt really lucky to have found Hostel Encuentro in Cali. I have been travelling around Latin America for many months having stayed at a lot of different hostel but not even one amounted to this one. Adolfo, the owner, is an incredible man who makes you feel like you're part of his family. I met a lot of very cool people there who made my stay amazing. Whenever you need any help, there is someone available.||Also, through Adolfo, I got into contact with a salsa teacher who is a professional dancer and taught me super well! Compared to teachers in Salsa schools around Cali it was a lot cheaper as well.||If you guys plan on going to Cali and if you fancy learning Salsa, this Hostel Encuentro is the one to go...