Selina Palomino

The only good thing we have to say about Selina Palomino is that the reception and bar staff are friendly and attentive. This is not like any other Selina I've ever stayed at, this is an old beach hotel that's been loosely renovated with a light Selina influence. The food and coffee is really terrible and overpriced, the drinks were either watery and flavourless or way too strong with alcohol taste overpowering the cocktail. Our room was old and musty with the original 1970s shower and basin, cracked tiles and rusty fittings with no water pressure. And we had one of the better rooms! Some of the rooms here are literally the size of closets, tucked under the stairs. The part that truly ruined our experience was an encounter with the security staff. We arrived by motorcycle on our second night and tried to park in the exact same place as we were directed to park by the staff upon our first arrival. The security guards first aggressively whistled at us, as if we were dogs, and when I ignored that rude gesture, two of them stormed up to us trying to be intimidating and demanded that we park in a zone that was less secure. My girlfriend was extremely threatened by their aggressive attitude and ended up in tears. I'm absolutely disgusted by the way they handled the situation and when we spoke to the owner, we did receive an apology but no other peace offering. Any decent host would offer at least a drink, a discount, or a free breakfast. Please, do not support this horrible business.

In the past I really enjoyed staying at the Selina hostels around the world! I feel I got comfortable expecting a certain level of awesomeness, this place however had poor reviews to begin with, but me being a sucker for the Selinaness booked 5 nights in a micro room, such a mistake on so many levels. No AC, no electricity for over 8 hours, they don’t tell you you’re basically in the space under a wood staircase, honestly this place is next level terrible. When the powers goes out you can’t see anything you’ll be tripping over dogs, I don’t understand how they don’t have a generator like every other place or any emergency lights. I should have done what I typically do and follow the general advice of the reviews. Overall I feel they the reviews are basically spot on, we had a small hic-up during checking in, usually not a bid deal, the staff couldn’t communicate in a little English, there was no manager on available at 6 pm, they ended up getting a customer from the restaurant while he was eating with his partner to translate a few words, I felt really awkward, and bad for taking this person away from the meal they were enjoying. I could go one but really what’s the point I’d basically be repeating myself but in different scenarios. I feel the staff do their best but don’t have adequate training or resources, not having a manager around seems lazy and irresponsible, I feel this particular Selina is riding on the good will and awesomeness of the other Selina’s that do the hard work to make each place special! I can’t recommend this place it’s a huge disappointment, save your time and money walk 50 meters in any direction of this place and you’ll have a better time, you will have way better experience for half the price guaranteed!

This place is a perfect relaxing base to explore palomino from. The views from the bar/restaurant over the beach are stunning (not only when it’s sunny but to watch a thunderstorm too!). We stayed for 3 nights after moving from a different hostel nearby. The rooms are basic but well decorated and have everything you need for a few nights stay including A/C (we were in a private room). Showers are barely warm but with the palomino heat this is so welcome! Jean on reception was fantastic with letting me view the rooms before booking and he also gave us some fantastic recommendations for our next stop in Bogata. Overall this a great hostel with a really friendly vibe.

I stayed just over a week at the Palomino Selina and really enjoyed my stay. The receptionist team is excellent: lovely and very caring. The beachfront location with bar/restaurant where most people work is super nice. Loved working and having breakfast there while having a sea view. The WiFi is sometimes a little slow but I had no issues despite many calls; I doubt there is a place with better WiFi in Palomino. The rooms are basic but have everything you need including AC. I would stay here again. The place fulfilled what I was looking for, which is being right by the beach, good vibes, basic good accommodation and a good vibes.

If you come here for pleasure only, this place has everything you might need. And if you come to work, you will find one of the fastest connections available in several miles... I would recommend working on the second floor of the restaurant, and they can even let you use an office with 100+ Mbps internet speed. Try to find places near the modems and access points.th staff is great, Laura, Vanessa, and Sara are always there to make you feel comfortable. Almost everyone speaks English (or understands it). The restaurant menu does not change too much... But there are many options to find different food around. This is a place for nomads and backpackers... So a lot of ****, cigarettes, and alcohol all day, so not very suitable for kids. Has a direct access to the beach and you can participate in many activities that Selina has to offer. You gotta ask for linen change as they tend to reuse the same one you use.

I happened to stay at a very bad hotel (Hotel Donaire) next to Selina and needed to make a change quickly. Not only Sarah at Selina was helpful, she went above and beyond her duty for everything I needed. One of which was taking her time to set me up for an important appointment at Pet’s office (2 hours away) for the health certificate needed for my companion Service Dog to travel back to the US. In addition, the vibes, music and management team were incredibly friendly and helpful. The bar serves the best cappuccino in town too. Thank you so much for your time and kindness, Sarah!