Homey Hostel, Ipoh Town

I woke up at 3 am to write this, after finding bed bugs crawling around my bed and wall. There were so many. The itching was painful enough to wake me, and I counted more than 10-12 bites after only a few hours of sleep. They swelled up and hurt more than mosquito bites. This was the most disgusting, unhygienic place I’ve stayed in, and I hope this helps people make an informed choice. The bedding was filthy too. My bed had hairs of all lengths, including very long, curly ones. I checked another bed because I was so upset, and it was the same. There are gaps that let the AC’s cool air escape, so the room never gets comfortable, and mosquitoes get in as well. Safety and hygiene are non-negotiable. The place may be central and convenient for travelers, with a cheaper price, but it shouldn’t be this dirty or run in such an inhumane way. Other hotels or guest houses should offer better care and service. I could put up with the three bunk beds and one single bed crammed into a small room. No towel, no basic toilet amenities, no fridge in the common area, no daytime check-in staff, and extremely low water pressure could all be acceptable for a budget stay. That stuff didn’t bother me too much. The bugs and hygiene did.

The customer service was attentive and helpful, and the location was central. Those are the two reasons I’m giving this place stars. It was cheap, but honestly I don’t think it was worth the price. The room, toilets, sofas, tables, and common area were all dirty. There was also a strong, unpleasant smell in the shared space, probably because someone was drying clothes there. The room I shared had an elderly couple who seemed to have been staying for a while. I have nothing against them, but the room had a strong medicinal smell, and it might make sense to give long-term guests their own rooms. I heard the elderly lady and another guest from Italy complain about bed bugs, and they had actually seen them crawling around. I checked my own bed and found a moldy, stained mattress and pillow that looked years old. My towel also disappeared overnight after I left it drying beside the bed. I’d bought it in Germany, so I’m still emotionally recovering 😂😅 The beds had no curtains or individual lights, just a glaring ceiling light if a roommate wasn’t considerate. And the central location came with a lot of noise. The old-style window in our room wouldn’t close properly, and the hostel sits at a junction by a traffic light, so cars, lorries, and motorbikes revved all night.

The city centre location is ideal, with the nearest night market just a three minute walk away. Check-in was smooth, the instructions were clear, and I felt it was secure. There were no hidden charges. The bathroom was clean, drinking water was available hot or cold without limit, and the wifi was smooth enough to watch a movie. Very comfortable and good value. Highly recommended.

The price felt unreasonable for such a basic hostel. The blankets were unwashed and covered in hair, and the sheets were ripped.