Casa Gypsy

I stayed here for quite a while, and it had the special hostel atmosphere I always hope to find. The name fits, it really felt like a place for fellow wanderers, with a genuinely gypsy spirit. The staff were friendly, and I’d come back to Casa Jupsy if I’m ever in Tagang again. The morning buns were my main reason for getting out of bed at 7. I’d see a lovely woman bringing them early every day, and somehow they were enough to get me up.

The price is low and breakfast was good, but the place was always dirty and we even saw bugs. Service was VERY bad. The woman at reception was rude, asked if this was our first time in a hostel, and complained that explaining things was exhausting. She said no to reasonable requests: breakfast for an early checkout, luggage storage outside specific hours, and anything extra for my bed, which was the only one available and right beside the air conditioner. The room was too hot at night for everyone else without the AC, but a blanket still cost extra. You get what you pay for, I guess.

A great spot for scuba, about a five-minute walk from the water. The staff are friendly, and you can have cocktails up on the roof while looking out over Taganga.

The staff were very accommodating and the price was fair. The full view across the bay was excellent. I just wish I’d had more time there.