Adra Hostel

The patio with its fire pit in the middle has such a good vibe, and there’s a picturesque terrace where you can lie back or hang out with new friends. The bar is lovely, and the food is good for affordable prices. The service was omg lovely, helpful, and friendly. Kind, understanding people who’ll even do you a favour or two if you want to roast marshmallows by the fire pit at night, haha. Recommended.

The triple bunks were cool, and I stayed an extra night when my plans changed at the last minute. But for the price, I don’t think this place is worth it, and I regret spending my money here. Antigua has plenty of much cheaper hostels. Maybe it suits people who like boutique hostels, though the long bathroom waits and customer service could still put you off. It feels more like a restaurant and hotel with shared rooms than a fun, social backpacker hostel. There’s a nice patio and rooftop, but the many small tables don’t make it easy to meet people. There weren’t hostel events or a group chat unless you booked through Hostelworld, and that chat wasn’t very active. The staffing felt oddly balanced: there was usually a wait for the bathrooms and front desk, while the restaurant had lots of staff. I had several off-putting interactions with front desk staff and felt like I was bothering them whenever I asked something. I may be more sensitive to that because I’ve worked at a hostel myself and liked being helpful. If you stay, Tango Laundry a block away is much cheaper than the hostel’s laundry service.

The atmosphere is nice and the hostel itself is good, but a couple of things could be handled better. I was uncomfortable being asked to pay at the restaurant before I’d finished eating. Also, charging guests extra to leave luggage during a tour, even when they’re staying at the hostel, didn’t sit well with me.

I came from the States to Antigua for some rest and a change of culture and surroundings. The staff were attentive, really nice, and some of the hardest workers around. My sleep cube was comfortable, with a fan, light, shelf, outlet, and storage drawers underneath. The greenery, decorations, and overall ambiance are beautiful. I’ll let the pictures do the talking.