We booked this hotel months in advance after reading the good reviews. After a long day travelling from Cartagena to Minca we arrived to be told they didn’t have our reservation and all rooms were taken. I showed them our confirmation email and they just palmed it off saying they had a system update and didn’t notify reservations were cancelled. We weren’t happy and ended up having to go back into Santa Marta as there were very limited options in Minca for the night (worse hotels at a higher price than I had booked for). They called us a taxi and we asked if there was any way we could get any compensation for the screw up with them paying for our taxi to which they said no. Based on their service there is no way we would consider booking this place if we ever return.

Unfortunately we had a really bad experience at Costeño River. The room we had booked was damp and mouldy, covered by paint where they could but the smell hit you like a wall as soon as the door opened. The first night we managed with the aircon but I woke up with a rash and not feeling good. The second night was unbearable, unfortunately there was an electric issue and the hostel lost power so we couldn't use the aircon, we tried to sleep with the door open (there were no windows) but our room was opposite the shared bathrooms so it didn't feel safe for our belongings and we had to close it. Trying to sleep I could feel my throat swelling, the smell was so thick in the air it was impossible to cope with. I went to speak to reception, he explained he knew the room was damp but there were no other rooms he could move us to. With no power it meant we had no wifi and being so isolated, stuck in the damp room made us feel trapped. I asked the receptionist to call the nearest hotels but no one answered and we had to try get through the night in the horrible room. It's a shame because the pool and staff here are really nice but health and safety is clearly not a concern. We have now left Costeño River extremely sick and really disappointed, I have tried to contact management but have received no response which I think just shows how little they care.

Too expensive for what they “sell” food is ok and rooms are barely nice but is not close to anything, you have to walk and cross the river to get to the hostel (driving is not the best idea) they are not organized nor have a decent service, not breakfast options either. We were supposed to go on a trip with their “guide” at 8am, 9am we were still waiting and he never came, lost an hour just waiting for them… when we arrive after getting lost lots of times because they gave us different instructions every time I called, nobody checked us in, we had to look all around the hotel to find someone and check in. I stayed 2 nights and had to get different rooms because they didn’t have the same one for 2 days in a row, the 2nd room wasn’t ready when they took us out of the 1st one and we had to wait a couple of hours … And on top of that! Second night: NO WATER! No for shower, bathroom or anything at all, an no one to ask for help or complain The experience overall was REALLY BAD I wish I would stay at a different place, where employers actually cared for their costumers

Nice pool to chill, breakfasts are good and location is nice too with a short walk into town. Stayed in the dorm room on the first night which had lots of mosquitoes and no mosquito net on the beds. We ‘upgraded’ for the second night to a private shack as this had a mosquito net but the bed was awful. The mattress was rock hard and also dipped in the middle so much we couldn’t sleep properly. Also whilst we were there my girlfriend cut her leg quite badly close to the pool on metal bars protruding. Staff weren’t very helpful with first aid and they did absolutely nothing to stop this happening to anyone else. We think there are nicer places to stay in the town so we wouldn’t stay here again.

We had an absolute nightmare staying at this hotel. There was no electricity, no wifi for the entire time. We were pitch dark in our room for the entire night from sunset to sunrise with our mobile phones dead. The staff did nothing, they didnt provide a candle or flashlight either. Nothing! There was no water either for a few hours. Why can't this hotel invest in a generator for backup electricity? Please do yourself a favor and dont book this hotel. The staff doesn't care about the problems. They did absolutely nothing to resolve any issue. Rooms don't have a closet, neither a safe. Very basic rooms, very small, but it is an overpriced tourist trap. Take your hard earned money somewhere else where they invest and take care of customers at least of basic needs such as electricity, water, wifi. The checkout time is at 11am, which is very very early!! It should be at least at 12pm

Great atmosphere and lovely staff, they really like what they are doing and you can feel it! Every morning they serve freshly squeezed juices and all the other breakfast food is delicious. The hostel is situated near the river and with some luck you can spot a tucan in the morning. Loved the nature, felt like home and I would love to come back, it was very relaxing.

Great hostel, nice staff. We ate a really nice dinner here and the included breakfast is also delicious! Good vibes! (Only make sure you ask for the little bridge or take the longer route if you walk instead of a taxi so you won’t end up in the middle of nowhere haha!)

Beautiful vibe, beautiful place. The food is very good. We will definitely go back. Keep in mind that is next to a river in the middle of the forest so there are LOTS of mosquitos and flies, take bug spray!

In general a nice and cozy place to stay at, nice service and tasty breakfast. The location at the river is also amazing for a morning dip. Still the dorm is really tiny and there is basically no space to move, repack, or sit down quickly.

We stayed here after a big hike to have some luxury relaxt time, sadly a power cut messed it up a little bit for us. However the staff at the front desk helped us amazingly and was very fair in the compensation which made us leave with a very good feeling :) very professional and thank you again! we will be sure to stay here next time!

LOVED it here. Nice atmosphere. Veeery good food. Nice pool with pretty view. Good cocktails. Very friendly staff. Rooms not too hot.

I was pleasantly surprised here. It only has the one dorm so I initially felt like I was intruding on a resort. But full credit, nice little social area that brings it together, put on a fun karaoke, welcome shots. Whip out that jenga my friends :) Good free breakie, dope pool. It's well worth a look and for me the smaller places are preferable to the huge hostels. Cheers guys

Stayed in a few places in minca and I wouldn't bother with this one if it didn't have a pool. For the price of the place the rooms should be much nicer like next door in sweet harmony, I stayed in the cabin by the bar and there is nowhere to hang things which are wet or places to put your bags. The beds are very comfy though. The bar has loud music as well and people talking but I guess that's what you expect it being a hostel too, just prefer to chill in peace in the evenings. The shower is only hot if you put a tiny pressure. Staff were useful though and the dishes were quite good on site, hummus and the fries were delicious, some veggie options but wouldn't go for the 'veggie pasta', good pricing for food.

It was great! David and the rest of the staff were super nice and always ready to help! We had the room up top and the view was amazing I would book that room again. The pool was relaxing and really pretty. Location was perfect.

Wonderful experience, it’s possible to see many species of birds including hummingbirds that come drinking water near the bar

We loved all about this place: the accommodation, the food, the happy hour Drinks and all the friendly staff! Best stay in Minca - promised!

Amazing hostel, great to go with a couple or friends. Very comfortable, great restaurant, and incredible attention.

This place is full of magic and incredible people. The view, the energy, the food and the amazing staff gave the best experience. If paradise is real... This is paradise.

I am a solo female traveler and loved this place! Cute little place nestled by the river, 7 min walk to town so close enough but far enough out to enjoy some peace and quiet. The place is really scenic and comfortable with hammocks, lounge chairs and large nets about to chill in. The breakfast is outstanding: eggs, fruit, pancakes and juice, plus good coffee all day long. Towels available upon request. They’ve got filtered water for a reasonable price and are more than happy to advise on local activities, hikes, and tours in the area. The dorm room was a bit cramped and dark but didn’t matter so much as you don’t really hang out there (just to sleep). There were large drawers though for each bed to put your things which was helpful! The best part about this hostel is the staff though. Alejandro, Laura and the others will go above and beyond to accommodate you and make sure you’re happy. 10/10 all around. Would stay again!

Amazing hostel!!!! Great location, close to all the treks, right by the river. The owners are great people and are always there to provide an excellent service. Breakfast is fantastic, always with fruit, eggs, pancakes, bread, natural fruit juice, tea, chocolate and unlimited organic locally grown coffee. The vibe that the owners and the guest add to the hostel makes it a unique experience.

This is an amazing and affordable Hostel to stay in. I will write down why: 1. Costumer service: The hosts were really friendly, at all times available to ask any question or request. 2. The food: This is was an amazing option to have lunch, dinner and breakfast. The dishes are very generous, the taste was amazing and the most expensive dish was 25COP (7 DOL) 3. The place: the ambiance is very nice and colorful, full of life and you can connect with nature. They have a great living room to sit and listen to music and a giant net to relax and enjoy the view. As a BIG plus: they have a direct path to the river wich is very calm and relaxing. 4. The rooms: Mine was a cabin called Rio, it was a double size bed, with a fan, light, power and private bathroom. The room was very clean and comfortable, in my case I adore spending time with nature and at night I could hear the sound of the river. The weather wasn’t hot or cold, it was perfect to stay in. Price: 75COP per person (20 DOL) I would definitely repeat this Hostel and definitely comeback to Minca.

Farther from town than we had realised: 15-20 minutes walk if you’re quick! Dorm was small, beds had a mosquito net, light, fan & plug socket and large drawer for belongings but unfortunately doesn’t open if anyone is laying on the bed! Dinner portions were HUGE & one of the best veggie burgers I have ever eaten! Unfortunately no coffee refills in the morning or kitchen to cook. Water bottle refills available for a small charge - why no water filter?? The hostel is so far from town! Live singing/ karaoke EVERY NIGHT is very tiring and there is nowhere to escape when eating dinner! The two receptionists are great. So close to being perfect.

Ideally located 5 mins for Minca pueblo, next to the river this place is lovely to relax or make new friends. Girls running the place are helpful and friendly. You can swim and relax by the river, have your salsa class in the evening and drink your cocktail and beers with your new friends. Rooms are cosy and with a river view. Lovely.