Hideout Backpackers Hostel

I had a great two-night stay and loved the place. Travelling solo, I found the hosts warm and friendly, the other guests well behaved, and the toilet clean. The location is perfect, less than five minutes from Mall Road, yet quiet and pleasant. There are lovely views from the upstairs cafe and corridor, and the cafe food is good. The downside is that the cafe closes early. As a tourist, I'd like somewhere to get a snack or a warm drink at night before bed, so I suggest keeping it open until at least 10. Two-wheeler parking is also an issue, since there's only one spot. If they can sort that out, great. I hope to come back.

It took us a while to find Hideout since it's tucked away from the city, but that was our only small issue. We spent four days there, and it felt like home. It's well suited to friends backpacking on holiday. The views of the city and mountains are great, the food and drinks are affordable, and the beds are cozy with thick sheets for the cold. There's a locker for each person in the room, hot water on request and a spacious, quiet cafe upstairs. You meet all kinds of people from around the world here. The hosts are friendly and helpful. If I go to Darjeeling again, I'd choose this place.

I booked two nights and stayed for eight. When I sprained my ankle, the staff brought ice and crepe bandages. They gave me superglue when my suitcase broke, and checked on me regularly when I had food poisoning. They make you feel at home, and I can't recommend Hideout enough. The rooms are clean and well kept. There are no curtains, unfortunately, though the clean sheets and overall cleanliness make up for that. The top floor has spectacular views, and seeing Kanchenjunga right in front of you in the morning is quite an experience. The owners' dog is there in the morning too. The staff and service are great. Hideout is hard to find, so add them on WhatsApp before getting to Darjeeling and call when you arrive. They'll give clear directions, or may pick you up from the hill. You can also hand your phone to your driver so they can guide them to Hideout.

The dorms were clean and comfortable, with en-suite bathrooms and very comfortable beds. It's a friendly budget hostel near the main Chowrasta area, about a 20 to 25 minute uphill walk from the station. The dorm gets very cold because the door doesn't close properly, but they provide two thick duvets, which make it cozy.