Babel Hostel Itacare

The owner was friendly, but seemed more focused on his own comfort than on the guests. When we arrived, he was asleep and the place was a mess. The rooms are cramped and offer very little privacy, and the few basic amenities were in poor condition. I didn’t feel our belongings were safe there, and there always seemed to be something wrong. For the same price, you can find better quality elsewhere.

Gastón is very friendly and hospitable, and the group always had a great vibe. The facilities are simple but welcoming, and the place is kept clean. There are no lockers, though a padlock can help with that, and the value for the money is good. The location is great too, close to the main beaches and the main street, which has a lively nightlife and plenty of shops open during the day.

I had a terrible experience. The “hostel” is really a house, and it was filthy, with mold in the rooms. The kitchen had pans that had been dirty for days, and the smell of old oil reached outside. I only stayed one night. I’d already paid half, but the owner, Gaston, wanted us to pay the rest even though we weren’t staying. After that awful welcome, he should have returned our money. We left early the next morning while Gaston was asleep, then came back around 10 a.m. and he was still asleep. At 2 p.m. he messaged me with obscene language, demanding his money and saying we hadn’t told him we were leaving. We were going to come back and explain, but the guy just kept sleeping, and we didn’t want to wake him. Sorry to say it, but I’m surprised by all the good reviews. Maybe we were unlucky and he was having a bad day or had argued with the cleaner, haha. The “hostel” looked like a nest of dust, and everything you can imagine was dirty.

I planned to stay for three nights and wound up staying ten. With my surfboard and travel backpack, it was ideal for traveling or surfing, and the beaches are only about 200 meters away. Gaston, the manager, gave me a lovely welcome, and he’s great to spend time with. I had a fantastic time and highly recommend the hostel. Thanks, Gaston and Itacare, for everything!