FAQ
What everyone asks the Tía
Short answers with what the house publishes. Where the platforms disagree we say so; where nothing is published, we send you to ask.
Booking and payment
How do I book?
Message the house on WhatsApp (+57 317 378 1765) with your dates, how many of you there are and the room you like — the form on this site writes the message for you. Sending it is an enquiry: a booking only exists once the house confirms it. You can also book on Booking.com or Hostelworld, under each platform’s own terms.
Source: Tía Chela Hostel · Booking.com · Hostelworld
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is before 11:00, just as the chalkboard by the door says. If you’ll arrive late at night, send the house your estimated time on WhatsApp: Hostelworld mentions a 24-hour reception, but the listings don’t agree on the latest arrival time.
Source: Instagram · @hostaltiachela · Hostelworld · Booking.com
How do I pay?
Both Booking.com and Hostelworld say payment is in cash on arrival (“this property only accepts cash”). If you need another payment method, ask on WhatsApp first.
Source: Booking.com · Hostelworld
What is the cancellation policy?
It depends on where you book. On Hostelworld the house asks for 48 hours’ notice, otherwise the first night is charged. On Booking.com, the rate checked on 28 October 2026 allowed free cancellation up to 7 days before arrival and charged the first night after that. For direct bookings on WhatsApp, agree the terms with the house when it confirms.
Source: Hostelworld · Booking.com
Why are there no prices on this site?
Because rates change with dates, platform and occupancy, and this site isn’t connected to the house’s inventory. Ask for the current rate on WhatsApp, or check Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Rooms
Which rooms have a private bathroom?
Three of the six: the Budget Double, the Family Double and the Family Room with Private Bathroom. The Budget Twin, the Basic Triple and the Family Room with Shared Bathroom are private rooms (you book the whole room) that share a bathroom with other rooms.
Source: Booking.com · Hostelworld
Are there beds in shared dorms?
Not in the current listings: all six options sold on Booking.com and Hostelworld are private rooms booked as a whole.
Source: Booking.com · Hostelworld
Do all rooms have air conditioning?
Yes, all six. It’s one of the things guests mention most in their reviews.
Source: Booking.com · Hostelworld · Hostelworld
Does it work for families and groups?
Yes. There are three family rooms (for 4 or 5 people) and the six rooms sleep up to 21 in total, per Booking.com’s capacities. Booking.com says children of any age are welcome (and that from age 6 they pay as adults on that platform). For a large group, message the house to combine rooms. The house doesn’t allow parties or bachelor/bachelorette events.
Source: Booking.com
The house
Can I use the kitchen?
Yes. The house has an equipped guest kitchen with a fridge, stove, pots and utensils, plus a big dining room with a mural. One chalkboard rule worth keeping: food stays in the kitchen — taking it to your room “may result in an improvised ant party”.
Source: Hostelworld · Instagram · @hostaltiachela
How is the Wi-Fi?
It’s free throughout the house and guests rate it highly; there’s also a coworking room with desks. If you depend on video calls, ask which part of the house works best.
Source: Booking.com · Hostelworld
Is breakfast included?
It isn’t included in the published rates, but the house offers breakfast at extra cost (it’s on the chalkboard by the door and several guests recommend it). Ask for the price and times.
Source: Hostelworld · Booking.com · Instagram · @hostaltiachela · Booking.com
Are there bicycles?
Yes, the house has bicycles for exploring the neighbourhood and city. In January 2026 the chalkboard said “explore on our bikes, free of charge”, while Hostelworld and Booking.com list them as a rental. Confirm availability and terms when you arrive.
Source: Instagram · @hostaltiachela · Hostelworld · Booking.com
Is there parking?
Yes — Booking.com and Hostelworld list free private parking on site. Tell the house if you’re coming by car so the space can be confirmed.
Source: Booking.com · Hostelworld
Is there laundry, and are towels provided?
There’s a paid laundry service. Hostelworld says towels aren’t included and can be rented. The prices on the January 2026 chalkboard may have changed, so ask.
Source: Hostelworld · Instagram · @hostaltiachela
Can I leave my luggage?
Yes. The house offers luggage storage — “for days”, it says on Hostelworld — handy if you head to Tayrona, Minca or the Lost City with a small pack and come back afterwards.
Source: Hostelworld · Booking.com
Is it a party hostel?
No. It’s a family house in a quiet neighbourhood: there are evenings of conversation in the mural patio, but parties and events aren’t allowed, nights are quiet and the house is non-smoking. Pets aren’t allowed either.
Source: Booking.com · Hostelworld
Arriving and getting around
Is it near the beach or the historic centre?
Neither on the beach nor inside the historic centre: it’s in a traditional residential neighbourhood, with shops, supermarkets, pharmacies and ATMs nearby and public transport a block away. The centre and the bay are a short taxi or bus ride; walking is a long, hot stroll (some guests put it at half an hour).
Source: Hostelworld · Booking.com · Hostelworld
How do I get there from the airport?
The easiest is a taxi to Carrera 16C #7-14 (agree the fare before getting in). By bus: take one marked “Centro”, get off downtown, then a taxi or the bus marked “Almendros” to Carrera 16C at Calle 7. Note: the house says Google Maps puts the pin in the wrong place, so go by the written address and message the house if you get lost.
Source: Hostelworld · Booking.com
How do I get around the city?
Buses to different parts of Santa Marta pass a block away, taxis are easy to find and the house has bicycles. The Mercado — where buses leave for Tayrona, Minca, Taganga and Palomino — is about 5 minutes by bus or 20 on foot, according to the house. See the guide for details.
Source: Hostelworld · Booking.com
Trips and excursions
Can you help me get to Tayrona and other trips?
The house doesn’t sell tours, but it knows the plans, prices and travel times, and guests say it helps order transport. Tayrona National Park closes temporarily several times a year to recover, so always check the official status with Parques Nacionales before going (the Tayrona page on this site carries a notice with the current closure).
Source: Hostelworld · Booking.com · Parques Nacionales Naturales
Is this Tía Chela’s official website?
No. It’s an independent demo built by Peashoot to show the house what its website could be. The facts come from the hostel’s public channels; bookings and prices are always confirmed by the house itself.