A Truly Unforgettable Stay at RAD Hostel in Colorado Springs||If you're looking for a place to stay in Colorado Springs that's more than just a bed for the night, RAD Hostel is the ultimate destination. From the moment I arrived, I was swept up in the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that makes this place so special. Erin, the owner, is a hospitality visionary whose passion for creating a community-driven experience shines through in every detail. Her incredible stories, ranging from local adventures to global travels, captivated me during check-in and set the tone for an unforgettable stay.||A Warm Welcome and Stellar Staff|Erin and her team, including an enthusiastic group of volunteer staff, make you feel like you're coming home. The volunteers are a diverse bunch, each bringing their own unique flair to the hostel. They're not just staff, they're your adventure buddies, always ready with a smile, a recommendation, or a quick chat about their latest hike up Pikes Peak. Their energy is infectious, and they go out of their way to ensure every guest feels included. Whether it's Mike and Cole's warm greetings (complete with masked smiles, as one reviewer noted) or Charlie's consistently considerate service, the staff's genuine care creates a tight-knit community vibe.||A Vibe That's Max Chill|The personality of RAD Hostel is, in a word, electric. Housed in a reimagined motel, the space is bursting with character: colorful murals, cozy communal areas, and a backyard that feels like your cool friend's house. The max chill vibe is palpable, whether you're lounging on the shaded patio, swinging in a hammock, or gathering around the firepit for s'mores and storytelling under the stars. The hostel's design captures the adventurous spirit of Colorado Springs, with thoughtful touches like mountain views from the outdoor seating and a slackline for some playful fun. It's the kind of place where you can kick back with a cup of complimentary coffee, strike up a conversation with a traveler from halfway across the globe, and feel completely at ease.||Exciting Activities and Global Connections|What sets RAD Hostel apart is its focus on fostering connections. The activities here are nothing short of exciting. From bonfire nights with s'mores and karaoke to made-to-order pancake breakfasts on weekends, there's always something happening to bring guests together. I joined a game night in the communal lounge, where I laughed until my sides hurt while playing foosball and board games with travelers from over five different countries. The hostel's commitment to inclusivity is evident: guests from over 100 countries have stayed here since it opened in 2018, and the shared spaces buzz with languages like Arabic, Spanish, and Italian. Whether you're swapping stories in the fully equipped kitchen or planning a group hike over breakfast, RAD Hostel makes it easy to make friends from all over the world.||Thoughtful Amenities and Prime Location|The accommodations are clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed. I stayed in a dorm bed, which was surprisingly cozy with fresh linens and a comfy mattress, hands down the best hostel bed I've ever slept in. Private rooms are also available, complete with towels, shampoo, and conditioner, which is a rare treat for a hostel. The bathrooms were spotless, and the communal kitchen was a dream for preparing meals. Free WiFi, complimentary bicycles (both regular and electric), and easy access to the Pikes Peak Greenway make exploring a breeze. The hostel's location, just 10 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs and near iconic spots like Garden of the Gods (4.5 miles away) and Palmer Park (4.3 miles), is perfect for adventurers. Plus, the nearby bus stop and Bustang service make getting around effortless.||Erin's Personal Touch|Erin's leadership is the heart of RAD Hostel. Her warmth and storytelling bring the place to life, she's the kind of host who remembers your name and checks in to make sure you're having the time of your life. Her vision for a space where travelers can connect, share, and explore is evident in every aspect, from the organized activities to the inclusive atmosphere. I heard from another guest that Erin and her partner Joshua are incredibly flexible with volunteers, ensuring everyone feels valued and supported. Their dedication creates a ripple effect, making every guest's experience feel personal and memorable.||Why RAD Hostel is More Than a Stay|This isn't just a place to crash, it's a place to live, laugh, and make lifelong memories. Whether you're a solo traveler, a digital nomad, or part of a group retreat, RAD Hostel delivers an experience that's equal parts adventure and community. The combination of exciting activities, a stellar volunteer staff, and Erin's incredible hospitality makes this hostel a standout. I extended my stay because I couldn't bear to leave the vibrant energy and new friendships I'd formed. If you're looking for a budget-friendly spot with a soul, RAD Hostel is the place to be. I'm already counting down the days until...
   Read moreA Truly Unforgettable Stay at RAD Hostel in Colorado Springs A Warm Welcome and Stellar Staff Erin and her team, including an enthusiastic group of volunteer staff, make you feel like you're coming home. The volunteers are a diverse bunch, each bringing their own unique flair to the hostel. They're not just staff, they're your adventure buddies, always ready with a smile, a recommendation, or a quick chat about their latest hike up Pikes Peak. Their energy is infectious, and they go out of their way to ensure every guest feels included. Whether it's Mike and Cole's warm greetings (complete with masked smiles, as one reviewer noted) or Charlie's consistently considerate service, the staff's genuine care creates a tight-knit community vibe.
Exciting Activities and Global Connections What sets RAD Hostel apart is its focus on fostering connections. The activities here are nothing short of exciting. From bonfire nights with s'mores and karaoke to made-to-order pancake breakfasts on weekends, there's always something happening to bring guests together. I joined a game night in the communal lounge, where I laughed until my sides hurt while playing foosball and board games with travelers from over five different countries. The hostel's commitment to inclusivity is evident: guests from over 100 countries have stayed here since it opened in 2018, and the shared spaces buzz with languages like Arabic, Spanish, and Italian. Whether you're swapping stories in the fully equipped kitchen or planning a group hike over breakfast, RAD Hostel makes it easy to make friends from all over the world.
Thoughtful Amenities and Prime Location The accommodations are clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed. I stayed in a dorm bed, which was surprisingly cozy with fresh linens and a comfy mattress, hands down the best hostel bed I've ever slept in. Private rooms are also available, complete with towels, shampoo, and conditioner, which is a rare treat for a hostel. The bathrooms were spotless, and the communal kitchen was a dream for preparing meals. Free WiFi, complimentary bicycles (both regular and electric), and easy access to the Pikes Peak Greenway make exploring a breeze. The hostel's location, just 10 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs and near iconic spots like Garden of the Gods (4.5 miles away) and Palmer Park (4.3 miles), is perfect for adventurers. Plus, the nearby bus stop and Bustang service make getting around effortless.
Erin's Personal Touch Erin's leadership is the heart of RAD Hostel. Her warmth and storytelling bring the place to life, she's the kind of host who remembers your name and checks in to make sure you're having the time of your life. Her vision for a space where travelers can connect, share, and explore is evident in every aspect, from the organized activities to the inclusive atmosphere. I heard from another guest that Erin and her partner Joshua are incredibly flexible with volunteers, ensuring everyone feels valued and supported. Their dedication creates a ripple effect, making every guest's experience feel personal and memorable.
Why RAD Hostel is More Than a Stay This isn't just a place to crash, it's a place to live, laugh, and make lifelong memories. Whether you're a solo traveler, a digital nomad, or part of a group retreat, RAD Hostel delivers an experience that's equal parts adventure and community. The combination of exciting activities, a stellar volunteer staff, and Erin's incredible hospitality makes this hostel a standout. I extended my stay because I couldn't bear to leave the vibrant energy and new friendships I'd formed. If you're looking for a budget-friendly spot with a soul, RAD Hostel is the place to be. I'm already counting down the days until...
   Read moreTLDR: Great hostel. You wonât be disappointed. But donât listen to a stranger on the internet. Go see for yourself!I was an atypical traveler, as COS was my final destination. I found this place after driving for 28 hours straight and in my sleep deprived stupor while stopped over in Nebraska I decided that Iâd like a bed for at least one night while I got my bearings. And guess what? I ended up staying almost a week! Matter oâ fact the most common phrase youâll hear uttered by the guests is âI think Iâm going to extend my stay by [x amount] of days.â I heard it from at least three other guests while staying there.Firstly, this is a hostel. If youâve never travelled and used hostels itâs gonna be weird for you to not have a flat screen TV with room service, deal with it. If you want the Ritz Carlton, go there. This is Hostel ColoRADo. If youâre down to meet other wandering souls who have rich stories, as diverse as the staff here then youâre in luck! But other than stories what do they have? Good vibes.Donât be fooled by the appearance and location of this facility. If this building was a woman it would be that hot cheerleader you lusted after in high school whoâs fresh out of rehab; reformed and ready to tear into a brand new life. Sheâs still got a wild streak a mile wide, but thatâs for when she takes you home. Sheâs a perfect lady in public.Mind on Marijuana? Great! Thereâs a cage out back for you to smoke in. Be respectful of the others onsite who may or may not like the smell of your devilâs lettuce; the 420 area is there for your usage, and thatâs a luxury you wonât find in any other hotels. There are two dispensaries within spitting distance of this place so you can toke until your ticker is content.Bored and donât know what to do? I was too! Fortunately the staff has absolutely no shortage of ideas on where to go, what to do, and when to do it. You get inside information that only people whoâve been out and about in the area can share. Everyone has their own little spot to share with you. I asked where the best place to watch the sunset was and instead of getting some vague answer like âon the mountainâ or âout backâ I got the most specific answer possible from Amber. And no joke, it was an amazing vantage point. Go ask her yourself!Scared of the dark? I was too! But the night lighting of this place makes it so that you can see it from space! I left my bike attached to my car and it was never molested. Worried you wonât make friends? Well, get off your computer and go to the common area and play some Cards Against Humanity, make a snack with the others, or just chill and listen to music, or if youâre feeling up to it Kristin has got some great stories about her time in âNam. Thereâs no reason to sit in your room and sulk.Didnât bring your flip-flops for the showers? Yo, donât even trip! The bathrooms were clean enough that Iâd consider taking a bath in the tubs. I didnât, but I wouldâve felt comfortable telling the doula that she could do water births here.Worried about your valuables? I donât have any so I wasnât, but every room has got lockers. BYOL.In short, you should most certainly check out this hostel if you want to add some excitement to your Colorado Springs adventure. Welcome to...
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