Garden Hostel Dago by RedDoorz

There are lots of trees around, and the atmosphere is really nice. It’s a cozy place with a classic look, friendly staff, and a cheap price. Just keep expectations in check: it’s a dormitory, with men sharing one room and women in a separate room. Very nice, I’d recommend it.

The bathrooms were the worst part, though the whole hostel was dirty and badly kept when we arrived. The beds were crawling with ants and other insects. I wouldn’t recommend staying here, even for one night. Bandung has other nicer places that are cheap as well.

The last time I stayed, the showers were broken or having other issues, fresh guests arrived without the bed linens being changed, and men entered the women-only dorm. Some women there were Muslim and slept without hijab, so that was especially uncomfortable and disrespectful. I raised these problems with the staff and hope they fix the service, or I'll need to stay somewhere else next time I visit Bandung. I used to choose this place whenever I came to Bandung because the dorms are very cheap and it felt peaceful and safe for a woman traveling alone. The Dago location is also handy, with a supermarket, restaurants, a traditional market, a hospital and cafes within walking distance. There are separate dorms for women and men, plus private rooms. Sadly, the quality has been getting worse over time.

There’s a cafe inside the hostel with live music, which was really good entertainment. I stayed three nights in the peaceful female dorm, felt safe, and even got work done there thanks to the good Wi-Fi. The location is convenient too.