Le Penguin Hostel

The place was incredibly dirty and badly maintained. The showers were disgusting, and the towel I paid for had a blood stain. There was no ventilation or cooling in the rooms. When we arrived at Le Penguin, other people were in the beds assigned to us. Staff said they’d split us between dorms, which we had clearly said we didn’t want when booking. We were made to take a bed in a larger dorm, so we didn’t get what we’d paid extra for by booking a smaller one. Then, on the second night, the staff had apparently failed to update their system, and two people were assigned to our beds. They and we had to move again, in the middle of the night at 11pm. It was incredibly disruptive. We want a full refund for our stay.

On my second night at Le Penguin Hostel, I found several bedbugs crawling in my bed when I woke up. I told the staff, but they couldn't give me a bed without bugs, so I had to keep sleeping there. The owner said I'd get a full refund for the trouble, but only half came through. Management was unhelpful and didn't seem to understand how stressful it was. I can't recommend this hostel. Consider this a warning.

I only spent three days here, but had such a lovely time. The hostel is right in Faro, so it’s easy to explore the city on foot. It’s small and cozy, and has that little family feeling. Everyone, both the people staying there and the staff, was so nice and welcoming. 🌞

The little nook that serves as the main living room deserves a spot among Faro’s hidden treasures. It’s such a nice place to hang out, and the shared areas have a friendly, relaxed feel with all the essentials provided. The meals were great too, and the manager is a really good cook. I especially enjoyed the chili contest he did with a guest. I meant to spend just a few days in Faro, but ended up extending my stay to two weeks because I was having such a good time. The staff make Le Penguin hostel comfortable and fun, and the social atmosphere is strong, so it may not suit you if you don’t enjoy meeting people and making memories. My stay was one of a kind, and I’ll always remember my time at Le Penguin.