An amazing place to stay! Beginning with a very reasonable nightly rate, a friendly staff that keeps the property immaculately clean, the amenities including rental bikes, surfboards, a swimming pool,... California Dreams Hostel exceeded every expectation!
Stayed with my 15-year-old daughter (hostel stays with her sometimes). This place is covered in gorgeous art, the staff are more than welcoming, the facility was so clean, our room was comfortable. The other guests were friendly. It was basically perfection.
I love this hostel and I like the fact they’re located in a quiet neighborhood but still central to go to Ocean beach. Staff are friendly and the hostel is very clean. Def coming back to stay here in the future.
You see what you get in the photos. Everyone is nice. Use common sense and you won’t have issues. I say that because it’s not a hotel; it’s a hostel. This was my first hostel experience and I was pleasantly surprised. I grew up in the area, so I’m a little biased and know what to expect from the neighborhood. The staff is nice and your basic needs are met. The breakfast was a bit of a disappointment, but also, you’re only paying $30-something to ~ $46 per night to stay in a beach town neighborhood.
Notes:
- bring your own blow dryer and toiletries. Towels too (they charge $5 for towels and they aren’t that big).
- dress warm at night because it’s by the beach and the windows are open (long sleeves and sweats).
- they have quiet hours. The only noise that woke me up at night was the temperature and hearing airplanes. I closed the window the next night when a roommate said she was cold too. I also brought ear plugs and headphones.
- the blanket and sheets are thin. Again, dress warm and cozy at night.
- surprisingly big kitchen and big fridge. Go to the grocery store and cook there.
A less expensive alternative to hotels, this place was friendly, not especially clean, and had a diverse client base. The kitchen was large and had space for your food. Pleasant outdoor seating areas. They organized a few group events that were fun. Don’t rely on any off-street parking, but it’s not too hard to find a spot in this residential neighborhood. Public transportation (bus) not very convenient but downtown not far if you have a bicycle.