Hostels in Suriname

Suriname is a little different, wedged right in the middle of the Guianas. Suriname offers travelers something unique and the very best of the Guianas. The tiny, Dutch-speaking nation has a lot on offer; the capital and by far the most developed city in the entire Guiananese region is Paramaribo. It also makes a fantastic base from which to explore the rest of the country.

Paramaribo is a large city with a beautiful and newly restored historic centre. The historic centre is filled with gorgeous, wooden, Colonial-style buildings; a fort with small exhibitions inside; and a couple of historic museums. Paramaribo has an extremely diverse population -- Indian, Javanese, Chinese, Brazilian, Caribbean, and Dutch populations all combine to influence not only the culinary culture of Suriname but also the way of life. Here you can enjoy tasty treats at the local Javanese market, chow down on traditional Chinese hot pot, or snack on delicious and cheap Indian roti. Or in true Dutch style, rent a bike and enjoy a scenic ride around the city or to the historic and incredibly large Fort Niuew Amsterdam.

Paramibo has a number of accommodation options, hostels in Suriname are often called guesthouses and posadas are similar in quality and facilities, although posadas do not typically have guest kitchens. Suriname hostels outside of the historic centre in Paramaribo are cheaper, but they tend to be in more shady areas and are less aesthetically pleasing. Guesthouses in Paramaribo tend to be well positioned and located in beautifully renovated historic buildings. Guesthouses and posadas tend to be well equipped and nicely decorated in Dutch Colonial style.

It's worth noting that often in Suriname, you pay to rent the room, not per person. So if you have a double room or a four-bed room you will pay the same price for the room, regardless of how many beds you occupy. Unless, of course, you are staying in a Suriname hostel and not a guesthouse, in which case you pay per bed.
It is also worth noting that many guesthouses in Suriname offer different accommodation options. It is usually possible to stay in either a room or hammock space. Hammock spaces are definitely the cheaper alternative for solo travelers. It is possible to bring your own hammock or in some cases rent one from the guesthouse. Generally speaking, regardless of whether you are staying in a room or hammock space, guests have the same access to the facilities minus the air conditioner or fan if you are in the hammock space.

Paramaribo is well connected as a result it is the central transport hub for the whole country. It is possible to take many day trips from Paramaribo or even venture into the interior.

Accommodation in the interior can be difficult depending on where you choose to go, and for this reason many travelers choose to take a tour. There are a number of reputable tour operators in Paramaribo, all offering a plethora of packages ranging from day tours to several night all inclusive packages. Travel agencies are located on Waterkant, which is the main tourist street in Paramaribo.

Accommodation in the interior of Suriname tends to be in the form of lodges, offering both rooms and hammock spaces. Lodgings tend to be basic, and many do not have Wi-Fi. Basing yourself in a lodge is a great way to see some of Suriname's unique flora and fauna and get a feel for traditional Amerindian life.

Handwritten by local expert for Suriname hostels Chloe