Banana Bungalow Hollywood Hotel & Hostel

My first stay at Banana Bungalow was good, which is why I returned. Kiki was especially friendly, and the other staff were welcoming and helpful. The room was clean, and they had social events like ping pong, karaoke, and a $15 dinner with all-you-can-drink. On my second stay, though, things went completely wrong. Claudia at reception gave us a key to an occupied room. My boyfriend and I opened the door thinking it was ours and found a man already staying there. That’s a serious privacy and security failure. Outside the property, the nearby homeless encampments made the area feel unsafe, and there was no visible security guard. Guest safety and property security should be taken more seriously for a hostel/motel in that location. Later, I was showering while my boyfriend stood just outside our room, reading paperwork and using his phone. Within about 30 minutes, his phone disappeared. We searched everywhere, then tracked it to Hollywood and Vine, about four blocks away, 30-45 minutes later. Claudia was working when it went missing. The next morning, April was at reception. When we asked to review the security camera footage, she was dismissive and unprofessional, and refused meaningful help. She told us, “I can look, but I don’t have to right now,” even though we were trying to recover a stolen phone and find out what happened on the property. She said she was working reception, but from what we saw, she was sitting there waiting for people to come in and simply didn’t want to check the cameras. I’d warn other guests away unless management makes serious changes to how it handles room access, security, and complaints.

The guests were really friendly, and the BBQ and karaoke later on were fun. Check-in was friendly too. I arrived Saturday night, 5/16, and the young man at the desk said they needed to keep my car keys so they could tandem park and fit more cars in the secure indoor lot, which is why I chose the hostel. I saw him move my car, no problem, but later I needed something from it and found it hadn’t been locked again. I also noticed the bartender handing shots to several employees. I don’t think staff should be drinking while looking after guests. Otherwise, things were okay.

The breakfast bar is small and pleasant, with oatmeal, fruit, coffee, and toast for guests. My four-person female dorm had a nice kitchen and bathroom setup, and the place was tidy with a relaxed, welcoming feel. The front desk staff were superb.

Breakfast was the one letdown. We could pick only three items, and I’d have liked fresher choices such as vegetables or eggs instead of just toast with peanut butter and porridge. The room was clean and had what we needed for three nights, including a fridge, microwave, and safe, plus a spacious bathroom. It was also an easy walk to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Dolby Theatre. I found it comfortable and convenient.