RAD Hostel

I came in mid-March to volunteer for a month, until April 13, and ended up having such a good time that I extended my stay to April 20. Now I'm coming back for two months this summer. I've visited 30 countries and stayed at over 50 hostels, and RAD Hostel is easily in my top five. Whether you're a volunteer or a guest, it's a great place to be. Their mission is to cure loneliness, and it really felt that way. There was never a dull moment, and making friends was easy. The other staff always brought you into things, with hikes, trivia nights, bonfires, karaoke, game nights, and more. Hostel dinners are SO affordable and SO yummy, and a great way to meet people around the table. The bus stop right out front is handy, and a beautiful long trail nearby leads to downtown Colorado Springs. Austin Bluffs Open Space and Pulpit Rock are 5 minutes away, and Garden of the Gods is 15 minutes away. There are several other really cool hikes within 30 minutes. Coming from Indiana, I'll miss having all those beautiful hikes close by, but luckily I'm coming back. Thanks Erin and all the other RAD staff for an amazing time. I'm gonna miss you all and can't wait to see you again.

The shared spaces were cozy, the bathrooms were clean, and the staff were friendly and helpful. I was on a road trip and stayed just one night, sleeping in my car, so I can't comment on the rooms. In the evening, staff lit a bonfire where guests and staff sat around talking. The next morning there was a simple packaged breakfast. A very lovely hostel stay. I only wish I could've stayed longer.

The staff are kind, welcoming, and fun to spend time with, and Erin, the owner, clearly puts a lot into bringing people together. There's a strong community here, and you can feel how thoughtfully it's been built to help guests connect. Outdoor hikes, brewery visits, movie nights, community meals, bonfires, trivia, and games make it easy to meet people and feel included. I had a lot of fun, while still being able to find a quiet, comfortable spot when I wanted to rest. It's a great base for exploring Colorado Springs with good people, and the place has a real family feel that's hard to find. Highly recommend RAD Hostel.

For what we usually spend on one hotel night, we could stay here for two. We were a family of four, so we booked a private room. The bunk beds meant my boys, who are 12 and 16, didn't have to share a bed, which was a huge plus. They loved the foosball table and s'mores. The hostel brought out a real sense of community, and I only wish our schedule had let us join the daily outings. Dinner was available every night for just $5 a person, saving us a lot over eating out, and we appreciated the pancakes in the morning too. The neighborhood felt older and a bit run-down, but I never felt unsafe. This is an older hotel that's been converted and fixed up by the owner, so you can see its age. Still, everything was clean and well cared for.