Orange Drive Hostel — Hotel in Los Angeles

At least two staff members are blatantly transphobic. Initially when I made my reservation I called the front desk to make sure they understand that I was using my legal name and that I am a trans woman and that is why I am booking a female dorm. However a week before my trip I received a message from management saying "you booked a bed in a 6 bed FEMALE dorm, is this correct". First of all the all caps on the word female was already combative and uncool, but when I messaged this person explaining that I already worked this out they didn't even apologize. Later my mom called the front desk and they apologized profusely so I decided to not cancel the reservation. However when I arrived at the hostel the person at the front desk looked at my ID and told me that next time my dorm must match the sex on my ID. I was immediately shocked and hurt that they would say such a thing. I explained that it can take almost a year to legally change my sex and that that means I won't be able to stay next time, expecting them to realize they just said something awful. They cluelessly moved on to show me the room. After I booked another place for the night I walked into the front desk and handed my key back and told them that just because I used to live as a boy doesn't mean I don't deserve the same respect they would give to any woman, and that staying in a male dorm would be extremely dangerous for me, as it would be for any woman. I wasn't interested in hearing their justification so I simply left. This person was a bald middle aged person in a polo shirt (I don't assume genders). To add further to this, my mom called immediately after my check-in and this same person claimed it was some sort of legal issues where my legal sex had to match the dorm I stay in. I have stayed in women's dorms in multiple hostels in Southern California using my legal name and never had the slightest issue. So it's pretty clear this was either made up entirely, or it was some absurd outdated law that no other hostel follows. If management wants to keep their LGBT friendly reputation, I recommend they suspend this person. And if not, shame on them and I hope they go out of business. Another problemvwas that the bunk beds didn't even have real ladders like every other hostel I've been to. Just wooden bars that were already part of the bed....

Reviewed: April 1, 2025 I enjoyed & appreciated the courtesy of staff, the beauty of the house & convenience of location. Scored 10/10 I arrived much later than I expected, the journey from airport was easy enough to follow with a Metro Train map. 3 trains, 2 buses & step down less than a block from Orange Drive. Walk down Orange to a beautiful white mansion & green trees. I was warmly greeted, quickly checked in & escorted to the room. I had chosen the women's dorm, as I was traveling alone & enjoy meeting people from all over the world. The owners had even reserved a lower bunk for me, for which I had put in a special request! Bed was very comfortable & in daylight revealed a charming room. Only 3 bunks in this room(nice!)with 2 large windows (w/curtains) & a chair by each bunk, outlets for charging. One thing I would like is a lamp for each bed, as it was difficult to get ready in the dark & not disturb other guests. Room was next to WC (convenient) also 2 other WC on that floor plus a shower room & at least 2 more WC + shower either up or down the stairs. It was fun to explore the house, which is somewhat like a maze with all the stairways up & down; that's the way large homes were built in 1910. It's beautiful & still retains much original history. Kitchen on lowest floor is adequate, but plenty of refrigerator/freezers, dishware, a sofa and chairs for relaxing. A brick patio area is in the backyard with umbrella tables & chairs. Front yard is beautiful with trees & green grass. Both interior & exterior are very well maintained to a level which is rarely seen in most hostel homes. The house is one block from Hollywood Boulevard & takes you to the Chinese Theatre & all the stars on the sidewalk if you haven't seen that. Target & CVS are in that area (+ MANY souvenir places) Catching the bus/train near the house will take you pretty much anywhere you want in the LA area, including the beach. Every staff I met were pleasant & helpful. They will hold your luggage before (should you arrive before 3pm) & after check-out should you want to do something before you leave the area - like take a trip to Santa...

I have simply never felt as welcomed as how we felt during our stay on Orange St.

sir Pedro, my friend, thank you.

from the moment we were greeted by you until the moment we left for the airport, you and your staff really did make us feel at home- please accept this compliment, from me as truly being of the highest order. the location is perfect, both for heading up to the Hollywood Bowl concert venue as well as heading down to the boulevard. The Orange Drive Hostel is just a short walk up the street from the official starting point of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and if you do what I did, which was to walk the entirety of it, some people might also appreciate starting at the official starting point. the Magic Castle is beautifully lit up at night and it's right there at the top of the street(see pic) we arrived on Friday, left on Monday. three concerts in a row can be tiring indeed, and simply stated, we were able to rest very well here, both inside and out..we found the outdoor patio spaces to be very accessible, great for conversation and meeting people, a great landing zone when returning home on orange drive. this was my first experience in California. staying here helped make it exceptional for me. with...