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Summary of reviewsThe Hostel California, located in Bishop, California, is celebrated for its prime positioning between Yosemite and Death Valley, making it an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts. Its vibrant setting, historical charm, and welcoming staff contribute to a lively atmosphere, perfect for hikers, climbers, and travelers on a road trip. Centrally located in the charming town of Bishop, guests praise its affordability and the convenience of having restaurants and services within walking distance.
The rooms and communal areas are generally well-received, offering cleanliness and comfort at an excellent value. The cozy ambiance and practicality of the communal kitchen provide a genuine sense of community. While some safety concerns and minor maintenance issues have been noted, many guests enjoy the comfort of the bedding and well-equipped spaces.
Guests often commend the hostel’s cleanliness, with the dorm rooms and communal areas being a particular highlight. Issues such as older facilities and occasional need for more frequent cleaning do arise, but the hostel remains a clean and comfortable haven for those seeking adventure.
The staff receives high praise for their warm and attentive service, enhancing the overall experience. The ease of check-in and check-out processes, combined with helpful communal spaces and amenities like gear rentals for climbers, leave many guests eager to return. The beds, while offering varying firmness levels, are generally considered cozy and contribute to a restful night’s sleep, further cementing The Hostel California as a unique and inviting stopover in the American West. Show more
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Categories
Dog Friendly Hostel
Hostel for Adults Only
Small Hostel
Room Types
Quadruple RoomOffering free WiFi and air conditioning, this carpeted room comes with an ensuite bathroom and free toiletries.
Single Bed in Mixed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory features air conditioning.
Double RoomThe double room offers air conditioning and heating, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 1 bed.
Queen Room with Two Queen BedsThe quadruple room features air conditioning, heating, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower and a hairdryer. The unit has 2 beds.
Double Room with Shared BathroomThe double room provides air conditioning, heating, as well as a shared bathroom featuring a shower and a hairdryer. The unit offers 3 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.3
Very Good
Location
Nestled between the iconic landscapes of Yosemite and Death Valley, The Hostel California in Bishop, California, presents a prime location for travelers seeking outdoor adventures. This centrally located hostel offers easy access to numerous services and vibrant local happenings, making it perfect for hikers, climbers, and anyone seeking a cozy, convenient stopover spot. Visitors praise its historical charm and unique atmosphere, which is complemented by a welcoming staff and friendly, energetic clientele.
The surroundings are described as stunning, with the hostel positioned close to lively streets teeming with restaurants. Guests find the hostel's clean and well-equipped communal areas to be perfect for mingling, cooking, and relaxing. The shared kitchen is particularly appreciated for its practicality, and the common spaces, complete with board games and cozy sofas, create a genuine sense of community.
As a more affordable option compared to nearby motels, The Hostel California presents an excellent value for travelers. Its central location in the small but charming town of Bishop means that nearly everything is within walking distance, allowing guests to easily explore the local scene. Whether it's a brief one-night stay or a longer adventure in the American West, the hostel’s positioning as a stopover delight is hard to beat, striking a balance between affordability, convenience, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Rooms
The Hostel California offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with rooms noted for their cleanliness and comfort. Visitors appreciate the cozy and cute ambiance, combined with comfortable beds and all necessary amenities. The hostel provides a fully equipped kitchen, which guests find immensely useful, and the common areas provide inviting spaces both indoors and outdoors. Its good location is a highlight, offering free parking and a friendly manager to ease the travel experience. Rooms are generally seen as warm and equipped with comfortable private bathrooms. However, some reviews mention potential safety concerns, like a broken window and room door without a lock, which might affect the sense of security for some guests. While the rooms might feel cramped for larger groups, particularly if accommodating four adults, others have enjoyed larger, spacious private rooms. Despite occasional issues such as cockroach infestations and dry air conditions due to heating, most guests find the hostel a lovely place for a night’s stay on a road trip, appreciating its cleanliness and organization.
Beds
The Hostel California offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere with beds that generally receive positive feedback for their comfort. Many guests found the mattresses to be comfortable and appreciated the warm and cozy bedding. The rooms provide a relaxing setting with comfortable beds that contribute to a quiet night's sleep. While some reviews mentioned the beds as being surprisingly comfortable, others noted that they were a bit soft or firm, with some squeaking or creaking noises from the bunk beds. Despite minor issues with firmness and occasional noise, the bedding is often highlighted as cozy and warm, enhancing the overall comfortable stay. The hostel's interior is described as funky and charming, adding to the unique experience for travelers seeking a pleasant and restful visit.
Cleanliness
The Hostel California receives generally positive remarks for its cleanliness, reflecting a well-maintained and organized environment. Guests consistently highlight the cleanliness of the dorm rooms and beds, finding them comfortable and well-organized. The kitchen and living areas are appreciated for their spaciousness and functionality, providing a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for guests to relax. While the overall ambiance of the hostel is praised for being authentic and unique, a few reviews note that certain areas, such as the shared bathrooms and kitchen during busy times, could benefit from more frequent cleaning, and some facilities appear a bit older. Despite these minor issues, the hostel is characterized as a clean and comfortable haven for travelers, particularly those interested in climbing and hiking, making it a pleasant home away from home.
Staff
The Hostel California in Bishop has earned high praise for its exceptional staff, who consistently create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Guests repeatedly highlight the team's warmth and attentiveness, with many noting the ease of check-in and check-out experiences. The hostel's location is another advantage, conveniently situated in the heart of Bishop, making it an ideal stay for travelers. Visitors appreciate the communal spaces, both indoors and outdoors, and feel at home with clean and comfortable accommodations. The kitchen, well-equipped for guest use, adds to the sense of community. Whether it's the polite and informative service or the flexibility in accommodating schedules, the staff's commitment to ensuring a pleasant stay stands out in the reviews. For those with active lifestyles, the hostel is particularly favorable, described as a perfect spot for hikers and climbers, even offering gear such as crash pads. Despite some mentions of the property's aging conditions, the overall experience is elevated by the friendly and considerate service, leaving many guests eager to return.
No, The Hostel California doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Hostel California.
Yes, The Hostel California welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at The Hostel California.