Lemuria Hostel

We booked a basic private room through Booking, without a toilet or shower. The bed was uneven, and some of the wood underneath was broken. There was clearly mold all over the room. After we complained, they moved us to a better one, but I don't understand how they can put people in a room like that. There were no towels. The outdoor facilities were nice and the view over the whole bay was good, though staff often played loud music during the day.

The hostel is basic but comfortable, with steady hot water, good Wi-Fi, and plenty of places to relax, including a rooftop. The staff were great, the location was great, and it's a quiet, friendly place. The kitchen is well stocked with oils, spices, and free food. The laundry was really expensive, 10,000 for one small load. Also, we arrived in Valpo early after an overnight bus and couldn't get in to leave our bags until 10.30am. We ended up waiting five hours between the bus station and a coffee shop, which wasn't much of a travel highlight. Other hostels have at least let us drop our bags and use the bathroom.

The rooftop has a breathtaking view of the bay, and the value for money was commendable. But the rooms were musty and badly needed ventilation. There was no soundproofing, so sounds from neighboring rooms and footsteps came right through the thin walls. I had trouble getting in touch too. The listed phone number was out of service, so I had to search Instagram for a working WhatsApp number. The breakfast promised when I booked wasn't provided, and payment was cash only, which was an unexpected hassle. Consider all that before booking.

The beds are comfortable, and the staff are really friendly. It's high up in town, so the walk home is always uphill. There's a lovely balcony where you can sit with a drink, and the owner is very laid back.