Intra Muros Hostel

My first hostel weekend turned out amazing. Everything was tidy and really clean, and the staff were polite and helpful. I was lucky to have good roommates and neighbors too. It's close to the city center, so I'd definitely recommend it.

The manager told me they don't have an iron because people generally aren't smart enough and he thinks lending one is too risky. The shared areas are tiny: the kitchen and common room could fit six or seven people at most. Shower stalls are child-sized and uncomfortable. I stayed in the largest mixed dormitory at Intra Muros, and it was so overcrowded, there was space for maybe a third of the people the owners try to accommodate. You could hardly avoid stepping on someone's shoes or luggage.

The staff and volunteers were wonderful, going the extra mile to make the stay comfortable and enjoyable. The interior was stylish, clean, nicely decorated, and well cared for. I met some interesting people and enjoyed being here. I'd gladly come back and highly recommend it.

I was uncomfortable using the showers because there was nowhere private to undress or dry off, and someone could walk in while you were naked. The stalls were so small you couldn't get dressed inside without getting wet. The bathrooms and showers also weren't very clean, and two bathrooms on the way up the stairs had very low ceilings. My bed was pretty uncomfortable, although the curtains were a plus. The service was okay, and the city-center location was very loud. I didn't see any bed bugs, but there were plenty of ants. Booking.com reviews had called the property “Excellent,” but it wasn't that for me.