Casa Kiwi Hostel

I only stayed a couple of nights, but the room was pretty good and comfortable. It’s easy to walk to lots of the main areas, and the service was fantastic and friendly. I arrived really early on my first day, before my room was ready, and they worked around my schedule. They let me rest on a couch while I waited.

We had a private room that looked fine at first and was pretty big, but it faced a busy main road. Traffic was loud all night, even with earplugs. The hostel has the setup for a social atmosphere, with a rooftop bar and pool and hammocks on another floor, but it didn’t feel very social even though there were quite a few guests. The bar was relatively expensive and only served beer, which might have contributed. Breakfast was included, but you had to make it yourself, eggs and bread, and the kitchen got hectic when everyone tried to cook at once. It’d be fine if you want to stay right by the poblado strip and don’t plan on sleeping much.

Casa Kiwi is a great fit for backpackers. From the minute you arrive, it feels lively and welcoming, and it’s easy to meet travelers from around the world. The rooftop was a highlight for me, with good music and drinks and a nice spot to relax in the day or party at night. The staff made everyone feel at home and regularly arranged activities that helped people connect. It’s close to the places you’ll want to see, and the experience stood out from other hostels I’ve been to. I’d recommend it for a solo trip or with friends. This place really is something special.

The dorms could use more privacy, especially since the lighting is shared. Its location is almost too convenient: nights can get noisy, particularly on weekends, with the provenza strip just around the corner.