Hostel VIM — Hotel in Cartagena

I lived at the house for 6 months while in Cartagena for an exchange program and I loved every moment of it. The hostess Mary and her family are super kind, attentive, and respectful. They consistently made sure I felt comfortable, were there for me in the moments when I needed support, and exposed and invited me to many wonderful experiences during my time there. I felt so loved by the family. They took care of me, they taught me a lot about culture, about food, about Costeñol, about kindness, and I know that the connections we share are for life.

I really liked the neighborhood where the house is located. It is gated in with a guard at the front of the neighborhood who takes note of everyone who comes in and out. I always felt very safe. The house sits in a square that surrounds a sports court, playground, a little church, and a tent where people sell fritos in the morning and hot dogs, picadas, and little pizzas at night. The neighborhood is calm and quiet with a pleasant atmosphere in the afternoons and evenings of kids playing sports and families eating comida rápida in the park. There is a neighborhood corner store conveniently located just a few steps diagonal from the house and there are a few other stores like D1, Ara just a 5 to 10 minute walk from the house.

The rooms are comfortable, clean, and you will feel at home. The house is pretty cool most of the time, and in the moments that it gets a little warm, there is air conditioning to help you cool down. Mary makes and sells amazing home-cooked traditional Costeño dishes, and the food you’ll eat from her kitchen is better than what you’ll find in many restaurants. Mary also sells pasadias, day passes to the islands and for many other excursions within and around Cartagena. She organized a trip for my friend and I to El Volcán del Totumo and it was really really wonderful. All in all, I loved my time at VIM and I know...

Mrs Mary was such a great host she helped me with so much. She genuinely wants you to have a good time in cartegena and she will truly look after you with unrivalled hospitality. Don't stay in the old city with its overinflated prices and fakeness- go to Mrs Mary instead!!! Her place is in a very local area away from the tourist traps so you will experience an authentic colombian neighbourhood. She's also an amazing cook so while you stay with her you have to try one of her meals!!! You're the...

The VIM Hostel was a great solution to fulfill my requirements, from a pleasant stay, to receiving good recommendations, getting nice food taste from Mary, and nice talks with her. She's a wonderful host and I already booked more days to stay...