USA Hostels San Diego — Hotel in San Diego

Disclaimer - I don't stay at hostels often, I usually use Airbnb. Had a private room here, queen sized bed with mini fridge and tv. Was visiting San Diego for fun with my boyfriend.

Pros: Amazing location right in Gaslamp, walkable to Balboa Park, lots of cool stuff nearby. Pricing is reasonable for the area. Place is very cute and quirky, funky/interesting decor. Very clean all the time, staff was always cleaning something. Bag storage before and after checkin/out. Free bagels in the morning. Complimentary shampoo packets and soap bars in the bathrooms. Complimentary laundry powder.

Cons: Chose this place for its advertised amenities but was not pleased with them as most were unavailable. -It has air conditioning in the rooms which was the main amenity I focused on because I can't sleep if it's hot. However, the heat was on most of the time and our bed was in an attic, making it extremely hot and stuffy. We both got very little sleep because of it. We asked each night for the ac to be put on, and what we got was the heat turned off, but no ac. This helped it cool down but it was still the heat of an attic. -Bathrooms were not maintained super well. There are 2 bathrooms in the entire place, 6 toilets. Toilets often wouldn't flush or were out of order. At one point I left and used a bathroom at a nearby restaurant because one bathroom was closed for cleaning and the other had 2 toilets out of order and 1 in use. Showers had terrible water pressure. -Breakfast was tough because there wasn't enough seating for everyone each day and weirdly they closed the lounge for cleaning during breakfast hours. We had to eat in our bedroom. Also breakfast" - it was pre-packaged bagels from Ralph's, 2 flavors of Quaker oatmeal packets, bananas, stale Folgers coffee, and teabags. -Laundry room use was advertised but you can only use it after 3pm. -The outings and activities were lacking; the TJ tour is actually led by an outside company called tijuanawalkingtour. It includes the tour guide and that's about it, you have to pay for transportation and it doesn't include anything. The La Jolla shuttle was filled up a day ahead of time. The McFadden's $1 drinks isn't special for the hostel, they do it every Thursday and it only includes a few domestic drafts. It didn't really feel like a social atmosphere, most people kept to themselves and the staff seemed cliquey at times only socializing with one another. Whenever we asked questions answers were really vague and no one seemed too enthusiastic about the city. And "shot o'clock" never happened!

One extra note: this place is all stairs. To get to our attic bed, we had to walk up steep, creaky stairs as well. Fine for us but I can't imagine anyone with physical limitations...

I have stayed at this lovely hostel a few times and every time I enjoy it more. You will be charmed with this historic beautifully renovated building interior (which used to be a brothel back in the old days). The decor is tasteful and colorful with interesting paintings, plants, and a large sunlight window above the high ceilings which lights up the hallways and stairs and keeps everybody smiling, The staff is amazing and super friendly . always ready to answer all your questions , making your visit comfortable and a unique experience.||As far as cleanliness, everything is kept spotless for the guests. ||Seeing the sites and beach fun is encouraged as they keep fresh beach towels available on a shelf near the door, ready to grab at any time. And of course shower towels are supplied as well from a different area.. Activities are planned each week by the staff and the hostel is usually filled with fun and laughter. The lounge is a fun room and can be active as well as mellow.. And there are other rooms which are mellow and quiet if you prefer. Plenty of space to use your laptop if you want. Comfy couches with pillows too!!||There is a large well equipped kitchen where you can prepare meals of your own as well as enjoy the free breakfasts. Also upstairs from the kitchen is an eating area where you can enjoy meals or just talk with friends together.||Very convenient access to all transit in the city is a plus. Also, I am sure that you will meet super nice and interesting people, I did....||Make sure you look carefully for the hostel door as it is almost as hidden as a Harry Potter wall!||I will always remember this magical hostel and will go back to stay in my travels...

First off, let's talk about cleanliness because, let's face it, nobody wants to stay in a grubby place. The bathrooms here are newly renovated and spotless! I swear they must have cleaning fairies flitting around every half hour because they were always gleaming. ||But it's not just cleanliness that sets this place apart; it's the quirky charm that oozes from every nook and cranny. This beautiful old building is adorned with fun and funky art, each piece telling its own story adding colorful character to every corner.||The staff were super friendly and helpful! I was greeted with warmth and hospitality that instantly made me feel at home. Whether I needed directions to the nearest taco joint or just wanted a friendly chat, the staff here went above and beyond to ensure I had the best experience possible.||Location is amazing - the hostel is situated smack dab in the heart of the Gaslamp District, with only a short walk to the Seaport District. The Gaslamp district is buzzing with nightlife, has incredibly delicious food, and endless entertainment options right at your doorstep, you'll never find yourself bored here. The hostel also has deals with businesses and something fun to choose from most nights.||One of my favorite spots in the hostel was the cozy atrium, it really expands this place with light and plants and I loved kicking back on the couch to read my book and check my emails.| |I really loved my stay at this hostel. It's got personality in spades, and it's safe to say it's now at the top of my favorites list. If you're looking for a fun, funky, and unforgettable stay in San Diego, look no further – this hostel is...