CouchPoint — Hotel in San Diego

As a car traveler without a bathroom in my vehicle, it can be rough finding places to stay in cities where you really have a comfortable setup. Hostel California has been THE hookup for this in San Diego! It offers a reasonable day use rate that lets me sleep in my car - and street parking it back-in, not parallel so I can access it easily -- and also use the living room with TV, kitchen, any of three bathrooms, coin laundry, back patio with fire pit, bikes for loan, and a 104 degree jacuzzi! The queer-friendly neighborhood feels vey safe and has a ton of grocery stores, cafes, bars, gyms, park nearby with museums, and the greatest Ace Hardware store I have ever been in. Owner Andy even let me use his tools and scrap wood to make some upgrades on my build! Maybe best of all is hearing four languages spoken over breakfast.

On the minus side, I am very disappointed in Andy's response to the reviewer Michaela Springer. Andy, how do you think women reading your reviews feel when a female reviewer calls you a creep and your response threatens -- however however feebly and incoherently -- to take her to court? That is a totally inappropriate response to a negative review.

Although I find the hostel more cluttered than dirty, she is also correct that there are safety hazards, some of which I have pointed out such as a wobbly fire pit and an outdoor extension cord that doesn't fully engage and has clearly already had a short. The place is carved up like a rabbit warren with a single entrance to the back yard leading to a single entrance into the hostel, where a doorway narrower than the surfboard used as the door is the single entrance to the bedroom. Those people will 100% die if there is a fire.

I offered to remediate the fire pit and extension cord, but Andy wanted me to write a review instead.

Michaela was also correct that reviewers are offered a discount -- although not on the condition of a good review. So I will deduct one star for litigious blathering, and one star for bribing reviewers.

That said, my personal experience of the stay has been nothing short of ideal, and the ridiculousness is entertaining. I am even adding a star to my Rooms rating on account of the fluffy kitty.

Andy, if you want to serve me a summons for defamation, you can deliver it to me at your own address where I am staying for $10/night -...

Where to even begin!! Sophie, her partner, and everyone who attended us were absolutely AWESOME!! Amazing people, amazing atmosphere, amazing vacation!! I mean their home was decorated with art EVERYWHERE from wall art to even just collections of neat vintage items it was the best!!! The house is very spacious and the pictures don’t even even do this amazing home justice!! Trust me when I say it’s even BETTER IN PERSON!! There’s plenty of space and beds everywhere and oh my favorite part the back yard!!! The back yard is just breath taking and the jacuzzi included with it!! I mean wow the owners of the hostel really went above and beyond in decorating their home and I thank them so much for opening their home to us. Definitely will be back and I think if you’re reading this review and debating if “it’s worth it” let me just tell you IT IS. Everything is nearby, you have a jacuzzi in your backyard!! restaurants, liquor stores, shopping centers, etc. are right around the corner. Downtown was only like 10 mins away. 10/10 DEFINITELY...

I initially came to this hostel as a volunteer, but I loved it so much that I decided to stay longer! This was my first solo trip and not once did I feel alone. The atmosphere is incredibly welcoming and vibrant, making it easy to feel at home right away. The Host Andy is very friendly. I’ve met some incredible people from all over the world and made so many friends. The location is fantastic, with easy access to the grocery store, public transportation, coffee shops, thrifts stores, restaurants and more. Overall, this hostel offers an amazing experience that goes beyond just a place to stay, it's a community that you won't want to leave. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a memorable and...