Cat Ba20.74002400,
107.04190500,
Số 6, Tổ 1 đập Nước, Hà Sen, Thị Trấn Cát Bà, Cát Bà.(Show on Map)
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Summary of reviewsCatba Backpackers Hostel & Pool Bar stands out for its remarkable blend of value, comfort and hospitality. Nestled in a picturesque setting surrounded by lush jungle and near a national park, the hostel offers a tranquil escape ideal for relaxation and exploring Cat Ba's natural beauty. Although it is about 2 km from the town center and requires some effort to reach downtown attractions, the proximity to Tung Thu beach and peaceful atmosphere make it an excellent base for adventurers.
Breakfast here is a notable highlight, featuring a diverse buffet with freshly made options ranging from eggs and waffles to traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho. Many guests rate it as one of the best they've experienced in Vietnam. Similarly, the lunch and dinner options receive high praise for being delicious, affordable and generously portioned. Special events like Christmas dinner add a festive touch to the dining experience.
The hostel's rooms are generally described as clean, spacious and comfortable, though some updates and repairs are needed in certain areas. Beds, particularly dorm beds, are often cited for their comfort and privacy. Despite occasional issues like dampness, the positive aspects such as clean bedding, reliable hot water and great views contribute to a pleasant stay.
Cleanliness at the hostel tends to be mostly praised with rooms, bathrooms and dormitory areas receiving positive comments. However, there are occasional inconsistencies, particularly in common areas and the pool, which some guests found lacking in upkeep.
The staff is frequently highlighted as a key strength, known for their friendliness, helpfulness and excellent service. Notable mentions of staff members' willingness to assist with inquiries, tours and transportation create a welcoming and familial environment that significantly enhances the overall experience.
Complimentary WiFi is another feature with varying experiences regarding its quality. While many find it reliable and fast, some guests experienced weak or patchy connections, particularly in certain rooms and bungalows.
The pool area, featuring both indoor and outdoor options, is well-received for its serene setting and cleanliness, though some guests noted a need for occasional maintenance and updates in decor. The 24-hour access to the pool remains a popular feature.
Catba Backpackers Hostel strikes a balance between catering to families and young travelers. The deluxe family bungalows provide a cozy stay for families, while younger visitors enjoy the party vibe. The hostel's family-friendly atmosphere is enhanced by the attentive staff.
In conclusion, Catba Backpackers Hostel & Pool Bar offers unparalleled value for money, often compared to a three-star hotel experience. Combining beautiful surroundings, excellent food, comfortable accommodations and outstanding service, it stands as one of the best hostels in Cat Ba. Show more
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Categories
Hotel with Swimming Pool
The hostel features both indoor and outdoor pools, offering a shaded environment and beautiful views. The 24-hour pool access is a standout feature.
Indoor Pool
Hotel with Indoor Pool
This property features an indoor swimming pool. The pool is available for guests staying at the hotel.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Cheap Hotel
Small Hotel
3-Star Hotel
Room Types
Deluxe Double RoomThe air-conditioned double room features private bathroom equipped with a bath and a shower. The unit offers 1 bed.
Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory has air conditioning.
Deluxe Triple RoomThe air-conditioned triple room has private bathroom fitted with a bath and a shower. The unit has 2 beds.
Family BungalowThe air-conditioned bungalow has private bathroom fitted with a bath and a shower. The unit has 2 beds.
Deluxe Twin RoomThe air-conditioned twin room features private bathroom equipped with a bath and a shower. The unit offers 2 beds.
Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory features air conditioning.
Deluxe BungalowThe bungalow has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The unit has 1 bed.
Family Room with Mountain ViewThe spacious air-conditioned family room features private bathroom equipped with a bath and a shower. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
Location
Catba Backpackers Hostel & Pool Bar is set in a picturesque, peaceful location that's ideal for those looking to relax and explore the natural beauty of the area. Surrounded by lush jungle and near the national park, it offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of town life. The hostel is approximately 2 km or a 20-30 minute walk, from the center of Cat Ba town, making it a bit farther from the main sights but still accessible. The proximity to Tung Thu beach, just a 10-minute walk away, adds to its appeal.
While the seclusion means a quieter and more serene atmosphere, it does require a bit more effort to reach downtown attractions. Renting a scooter or taking a short cab ride can conveniently bridge this distance. The location near the harbor and the national park is perfect for those looking to explore the best of what Cat Ba has to offer, making it an excellent base for adventurers.
In summary, the hostel's beautiful surroundings and serene setting make it a wonderful spot for relaxation with the minor trade-off of being slightly removed from the city center.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Catba Backpackers Hostel & Pool Bar has garnered significant praise from guests with many highlighting its variety, quality and freshness. The buffet includes a diverse range of options such as eggs, toast, waffles, fruit and traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho. Fresh eggs made to order, French toast, pancakes, noodles and rice dishes are among the favorites, all freshly prepared in an open kitchen. Guests have described the breakfast as amazing, delicious and one of the best they’ve had in Vietnam. There is also appreciation for the generous and nourishing portions and the free breakfast is noted as a significant perk.
While a few reviews mention that the breakfast can be basic or have a limited selection, the overall sentiment underscores its exceptional quality and variety. The breakfast is frequently described as hearty, satisfying and plentiful, catering to both sweet and savory preferences. The inclusion of freshly made omelets and a live cooking show by the in-house chef add a special touch to the dining experience. Overall, the breakfast at Catba Backpackers Hostel & Pool Bar is regarded as a standout feature, providing a great start to the day for travelers.
Dinner
Catba Backpackers Hostel & Pool Bar offers a commendable dining experience for its guests. Guests frequently highlight the great lunch and dinner menu, praising the delicious and affordable food options available at the on-site bar and restaurant. The quality of the meals, both lunch and dinner, receives favorable comments with many guests finding the portions generous and the taste satisfying. The prices are considered reasonable, making it an attractive choice for diners. Moreover, special events like Christmas dinner add a festive touch for those staying at the hostel. Overall, the combination of tasty dishes, affordability and convenience makes dining at this hostel a delightful part of the stay.
Rooms
Catba Backpackers Hostel & Pool Bar offers a mixed experience when it comes to their rooms, striking a balance between comfort and the need for updates. Guests often comment on the clean and spacious nature of many rooms with several descriptions highlighting comfortable beds and fresh linens. Many rooms come equipped with useful amenities such as kettles, refrigerators and air conditioning and the private bathrooms are typically in good condition, providing reliable hot water.
Several positive mentions are made about the overall cleanliness and regular maintenance with some reviews noting daily towel changes and clean bedding. The dorm beds, in particular, receive praise for their comfort and privacy, often described as very comfy and featuring functional designs such as small fans in bed capsules.
However, there are notable downsides. Multiple guests mention issues with dampness and humidity in some rooms, occasionally exacerbated by the lack of proper ventilation. These problems sometimes lead to a persistent smell of humidity. Additionally, some rooms appear outdated or in need of minor repairs, such as holes in the walls or ceilings and the outer structures of the bungalows could use renovation.
Soundproofing can also be a concern with several reviews pointing out thin walls that make it easy to hear noise from neighboring rooms or bungalows. Despite these drawbacks, the comfortable and clean aspects of the rooms, alongside excellent views and the serene setting of the bungalows, contribute positively to the overall stay experience.
Beds
The beds at Catba Backpackers Hostel & Pool Bar generally receive high praise for their comfort. Many guests highlighted the thick, super comfy mattresses that provide a good night's sleep, noting that the beds are very comfortable and come with privacy curtains, which is a plus for dormitory stays. The hostel also ensures comfort with bedside fans, adding to the pleasant sleeping experience.
However, the reviews are mixed with a few guests finding some mattresses worn out or too hard for their liking. In some instances, beds were described as sinking or sliding off and the sheets provided were sometimes called insufficient. Despite these critiques, the majority of reviewers found the beds to be one of the hostel's strong points, often mentioning the cleanliness and overall comfort.
Cleanliness
Catba Backpackers Hostel & Pool Bar provides a mixed experience in terms of cleanliness. While many guests found the rooms to be very clean, comfortable and well-maintained, citing regular cleaning services and fresh bedding, there were some notable inconsistencies. The bathrooms and dormitory areas were generally praised for their cleanliness; however, some guests reported minor flaws such as dust under beds and mould on the ceiling.
The common areas received mixed reviews with some guests finding them neat and well-arranged, while others pointed out unclean stairs and locker areas. The pool area received mixed feedback as well with some noting it was well-maintained and others finding it less clean than depicted.
Overall, the facilities, including the lounge and dining areas, were appreciated for being comfortable and hygienic, but there were occasional lapses in maintaining consistent standards of cleanliness.
Staff
At Catba Backpackers Hostel & Pool Bar, the standout aspect is undeniably the incredible staff. Guests repeatedly extol their friendliness, availability and willingness to assist with any queries or issues. From booking transportation to offering local tips and even teaching guests how to ride scooters, the team goes above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay.
Particularly noted are staff members like Lee, Ben and Sala, who receive special mentions for their super helpful and attentive service. The hostel's personnel are described as kind, welcoming and incredibly polite, always ready to provide excellent customer service and ensure guests' well-being. Their high level of English proficiency also eases communication, making interactions smooth and helpful.
The staff's constant presence around the hostel means help is always readily available, contributing to a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. Whether it's organizing tours, arranging transportation or simply offering a warm smile, the employees' efforts are deeply appreciated by visitors. Their ability to create a familial and inviting environment truly distinguishes this hostel, making it not just a place to stay, but a memorable part of the travel experience.
Wi-Fi
Catba Backpackers Hostel & Pool Bar offers complimentary WiFi with several guests noting it as good, strong, stable and fast. However, there have been some mixed experiences regarding the quality. Some reviewers found the WiFi to be patchy, weak or even bad in certain rooms and areas like the bungalows. There have been occasional remarks about the routers being positioned far apart, contributing to inconsistent connectivity. Overall, while many guests appreciated the free and generally reliable Internet access, others experienced issues with the signal strength and speed in specific locations within the hostel.
Pool
Catba Backpackers Hostel & Pool Bar boasts a range of enjoyable pool experiences with many guests praising the cleanliness and relaxing atmosphere of the pool area. The hostel features both indoor and outdoor pools, offering a shaded environment and beautiful views for a serene setting. Several reviews highlight the well-kept garden and pool area, which adds to the overall appeal and peacefulness. The 24-hour pool access is a standout feature, allowing guests to take a dip at any time. Many visitors find the poolside area to be lovely and appreciated the convenience of the bar nearby. However, some guests pointed out areas that need improvement, such as occasional lack of maintenance and outdated decor. Despite these minor issues, the pool remains a favorite spot for many, providing a tranquil place to chill out and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.
Family
Catba Backpackers Hostel & Pool Bar offers a mix of experiences for families and young travelers alike. The deluxe family bungalow and family bungalow options provide an ideal and cozy environment for families. The swimming pool is a nice addition for kids to play and enjoy. The hostel fosters a warm, family-friendly atmosphere with staff who go out of their way to be especially helpful and make guests feel like part of the family. However, the hostel's environment is also geared towards younger visitors looking for a party vibe, which might not always be suitable for families, as there are occasional family parties that can be a bit noisy. Overall, it strikes a balance between a friendly atmosphere for families and a lively spot for backpackers.
3 Star
Catba Backpackers Hostel & Pool Bar delivers exceptional value for money, earning praise for its balance of cost and offered services. Though technically a hostel, the ambiance and facilities often suggest an experience closer to a three-star hotel, appealing predominantly to younger guests.
Guests have consistently lauded the hostel for its comprehensive offerings, from rooms and pool to the included breakfast, marking it as an impressive 10 across various criteria. Recommendations are strong with some calling it one of the best hostels they've encountered and even the best they've experienced during their entire trip to Vietnam.
The overall sentiment highlights the hostel as an amazing place to stay, where the value for money is considered outstanding. Its quality has led some to comment that it feels more akin to a four-star hotel, reinforcing its status as a highly recommended accommodation in Catba.
Yes, Catba Backpackers Hostel & Pool Bar has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Indoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Catba Backpackers Hostel & Pool Bar.
No, Catba Backpackers Hostel & Pool Bar doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Catba Backpackers Hostel & Pool Bar.
No, Catba Backpackers Hostel & Pool Bar doesn't have a gym.