Selina River Venao

The room felt pretty humid, probably because of the air conditioner, so no worries, haha. The restaurant food was really delicious, and the staff were lovely and helpful. It's an amazing place.

Alex from the bar was the one bright spot in a dismal stay. From check-in onward, it was one disappointment after another, even though the place has potential. Staff were rude or “on break” the whole time. The sheets were dirty, the pillows moldy, and the bathrooms disgusting. It was unusual to find toilet paper in a stall. The price is ridiculous for what you get, with no value for the money. Save yourself the hassle and avoid this place.

There was no broom or other basic cleaning gear in the room, and we started with only half a roll of toilet paper. That felt careless, and better attention to room upkeep would make a difference. Still, the pool, bar, and natural setting are beautiful, with lush greenery and a peaceful feel. We even saw monkeys swinging by. The Venao River Hostel feels like a little slice of paradise, and the shared spaces and atmosphere are fantastic.

We stayed five nights and were really happy with this place, which turned out better than I expected after what we'd heard about Selina hostels. It's in a great spot for the better surf break in the bay, the one for more experienced surfers. You get to it by a path from the hostel. The beginner spot is very close to the other Selina. I booked here thinking I'd have to walk a long way for the surf in exchange for a more laid-back hostel, but it's actually well placed and away from the noise of the main strip. The landscaped property, nice pool, and good restaurant were all highlights. They also offered daily cleaning, which was pretty good for what we paid. It wasn't the cleanest place I've stayed, though, and there was a live cockroach in our shower. The staff member who welcomed us was lovely and upgraded us from a private room with a shared bathroom to one with its own bathroom. We appreciated that.