Yanbaru Hostel

The price was cheap, and it’s a nice place to stay, but you’ll want a car to explore since the town is very small. The second-floor kitchen lounge was pretty nice and well stocked with utensils and dishes. The beds were fine, the bathrooms were clean, and I had no issues there. Towels aren’t included, so bring your own or pay to rent one. The pillows were basically useless. There are some recreation options, though they need attention. The piano in the lobby worked fine, at least to my untrained ear, and there’s a bar that barely seemed to get used. The pool table was free, but most cues were broken and the chalk was wrecked. The ping pong paddles were chewed up, and there weren’t any usable balls.

The location is convenient, with easy access by public or private transport. The dorm bed was comfortable, the showers were clean with good pressure, and the laundry area was spacious. I liked the interesting look of the place. At 2,500 or less a night, I would have thought this was fantastic. For 4,000 a night, though, I expected a lot more. There was never anyone around at reception when I wanted to ask about hiring the bikes, and there were no clear hours or information about when staff would be there. I’d have liked local travel details, transport advice, and restaurant information. The few leaflets in the laundry area looked old and covered other parts of the island. The kitchen was okay but basic. I expected at least a tea and coffee station, some basics like oil, and a setup easier for several people to use. The advertised rooftop wasn’t open, and the website should be updated. The pillows weren’t decent, no small towel was provided for free, and the windows needed curtains. There also weren’t enough hooks or storage. Walls, doors, rugs, and spaces around the beds were overdue for a proper cleaning, with lots of dust and cobwebs. The shabby chic, urban decay look was taken too far. The bins filled up too quickly, too. The pre-arrival email asked for a review in exchange for a free welcome drink, which I guess could be offered with or without the review.

The room was dirty, and the bathroom was so unpleasant that I came out feeling dirtier than when I went in. The bed looked like it might break just from being looked at, and there was no soundproofing at all. I could hear everything in the hallway and nearby. There wasn’t a locker in the shared sleeping area. The place seems to present itself as cheap while hiding what it really is. They offer a free drink for a positive review before arrival, and it seems many people accepted, which could explain the high rating. One night was more than enough. Avoid it if you can, or expect something closer to 3 stars.

The building is really nice, with a great concept, minimalist design, and lots of facilities. There’s plenty of potential here. A few things could be improved: there were no curtains, just one clothes hanger, and no hooks in the showers. The price could come down a little, since I’ve stayed in better rooms for less. Also, messaging guests on Agoda before they arrive to promise a free drink in exchange for a review feels awkward and pathetic. I mean this as positive, constructive feedback. Good luck in the future.