Stay Classy Hostel — Hotel in San Diego

First and foremost, this is a Hostel not a hotel, if you do not know what a hostel is or have not stayed in one before in the US or outside the country I recommend taking a little time to research so you understand where you will be staying. Having said that, I have stayed in hostels in 7 countries and this place is extremely clean and well run. There is a mix of travelers / visitors and people who are using it as a place until they get something more permanent. Since rent for a place in San Diego starts at the price of this place and goes way up from here, 2000 for a studio to 6000 for a 2 bedroom, this is unsurprising.||Each pod is divided off by its own curtain and there are about 7 pods per dorm, Each pod also has it's own corresponding locker which has enough space for everything from a normal regulation carry on bag. I made sure to keep all valuables locked in there when not in the hostel and had no issues and felt safe at all times, I left a few items in my pod on the rack and hooks each day and never saw any evidence of any tampering or the like and when the curtain was drawn I doubt there would be. If you will be staying for any time there is a small communal kitchen space where everyone may make meals. Basic utensils, pots, pans, spices, cutlery and dining ware are all available for use, just do your part and clean up after yourself. If you are going to buy food, use the provided cool or cold storage or locker and be sure to label it. Coffee and Tea were available each morning I was there as well. ||The communal areas were all very clean and the people sharing them were a mixed bag of humanity and generally all friendly and conversational. I met a few of the regulars who live there and some who have used it when between homes or when coming out to stay for a time and while I would agree some were not people I would hang out with normally none were offensive or threatening and in fact like other hostels I have been in most just want to be accepted as they are and will take you as you come. The staff were pleasant and courteous in all interactions I had with them and gave good advice each time I asked including where to eat, best way to get somewhere, and general conversation. ||My only complaints have to do with some maintenance issues, some of the fixtures in the bathrooms and especially the showers are showing the wear of a few years of use and minor neglect. Also, the latches on the dorm doors tend to catch and so are very loud and disturbing at night when they thunk to a stop rather than close smoothly and quietly. I have already booked for my next stay in about 2 months and would recommend it to others so long as they understand the communal aspects of...

Location: you know how it is Location Location Location is always key, well this hostel is so close to ghetto, being on 14th Street, a sad conglomeration of homelessness and crime. I saw a worker having to go after a bystander that seemed to have been waiting for anyone to come out of the place, then a biker stole a displaced person's handbag (appeared to have passed out under the influence outside the premises).

Staff: I liked Carlos and Ricky a lot, both were always very helpful, accommodating, so was the darker lady at the front desk and the cleaning attendant. I would have problems with my NZ phone to rebook and extend my stays online, both would just take care of my reservation by phone and they would email me the confirmation. This happened twice as I extended my stay for a total of 3 weeks. Unfortunately when I tried to do the same through a new worker on the phone (I apologize to not know his name), he sternly asserted that Rick and Carlos should not be taking reservations by phone. I politely tried to explain myself that I've always had problems with my NZ phone, that I was a repeat or returning guest, and Ricky and Carlos were just being helpful. My mistake was I had asked him if he was the owner then I realized who he was, through the same voice that I would hear in the lobby getting upset over little things with other guests (He appeared African American). As soon as I asked if he might have been the owner or manager (since he kept saying Rick and Carlos were wrong to have helped me process my reservations to extend via phone and email), he hung up and then sent me an email (attached).

Common areas: I wouldn't say they are the classiest and cleanest of hostels in town. If you want a real "classy" hostel, unassuming without shoving the term in your face, GO TO HI HOSTEL (HOSTEL INTERNATIONAL), they are the cleanest, classy if one must say, organized, huge common areas that are not noisy (Stay Classy can get noisy), right in the middle of Gaslamp Quarter, and non - profit.

Bed: excellent concept of the separation of "quarters" via heavy curtains, but tbh it got claustrophobic if you stay long enough in your lil space. It felt like a morgue as you enter the passageway of the room with all...

Location: you know how it is Location Location Location is always key, well this hostel is so close to ghetto, being on 14th Street, a sad conglomeration of homelessness and crime. I saw a worker having to go after a bystander that seemed to have been waiting for anyone to come out of the place, then a biker stole a displaced person's handbag (appeared to have passed out under the influence outside the premises). ||||Staff: I liked Carlos and Ricky a lot, both were always very helpful, accommodating, so was the darker lady at the front desk and the cleaning attendant. I would have problems with my NZ phone to rebook and extend my stays, both would just take care of my reservation by phone and they would email me the confirmation. This happened twice as I extended my stay for a total of 3 weeks. Unfortunately when I tried to do the same through a new worker on the phone (I apologize to not know his name), he sternly asserted that Ricky and Carlos should not be taking reservations by phone. I politely tried to explain myself that I've always had problems with my phone, that I was a repeat or returning guest, and Ricky and Carlos were just being helpful. My mistake was I had asked him if he was the owner then I realized who he was, through the same voice that I would hear in the lobby getting upset over little things with other guests. As soon as I asked if he might have been the owner or manager (since he kept saying Ricky and Carlos were wrong to have helped me process my reservations to extend via phone and email), he hung up and then sent me the email, which I have attached here.||||Common areas: I wouldn't say they are the classiest and cleanest of hostels in town. If you want a real "classy" hostel, unassuming without shoving the term in your face, GO TO HI HOSTEL (HOSTEL INTERNATIONAL), they are the cleanest, classy if one must say, organized, huge common areas that are not noisy (Stay Classy can very noisy), right in the middle of Gaslamp Quarter and non-profit. ||||Bed: excellent concept of the separation of "quarters" via heavy curtains, but tbh it got claustrophobic if you stay long enough in your lil space. It also felt like a morgue as you enter the passageway of the room with all...