Selina Peniche

The staff were so sweet, and getting there by public transport was easy. We stayed in the building across the road, which turned out to be more peaceful than I expected. There seemed to be lots of activities, too. The kitchen was a bit messy, but usable if you need it. It’s about halfway between the beach, a 15-minute walk away, and Ferrel, where you can get groceries or find restaurants. I recommend staying here.

The mattresses were really comfortable, and having two pillows each was a nice touch. There’s also a common room up under the roof where you can watch Netflix on a projector. Even so, I felt uncomfortable throughout our stay. The guests had a very laid-back surfer attitude, and maybe that’s why nobody cleaned up after themselves. The kitchen was in a horrible state, with just one cup for the whole hostel and about two plates. It was filthy all the time, and the fridge never got cleaned while we were there. We had an eight-bed dorm with a private bathroom, but the bathroom was always flooded and the showers weren’t cleaned either. The outlets beside the beds barely worked, and there was a huge box for your things right inside the sleeping pod, which was uncomfortable.

Malacuna’s location is so good, and the social side is a real plus. They even put on a cool Halloween party one night. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. I really enjoyed my stay. Thanks!

The price bears no relation to what you get here. The place felt disgusting the whole time, more off-putting than welcoming. Unless you’re drunk, stoned, or both all the time, don’t stay here. The photos also make the interior look different from what it is, and the supposed wellness area is a garage reached along a path covered in cigarette butts and dirt. Rooms weren’t clean, though the cleaning staff seemed friendly. It’s not their fault that cleaning and checking the room is only scheduled after three nights. Every night, kitchen cleaning made such a racket for about 45 minutes that it sounded like plates were being thrown on the floor. The staff acted as if they were competing to look bored. They didn’t greet us, seemed to know nothing about service, and came across more like teenagers asked to help around the house. You can find better accommodation nearby, feel more like a guest, and pay less.