Boutique Hostel

The parking problem cost me a day of work. The night before, security guard GLEN asked when I was leaving, and I said I was worried about someone parking behind me. He assured me he'd put someone in that spot who was leaving at the same time. In the morning, the car I was concerned about was blocking me until just after 11am. I needed to leave at 9am, and management only finally answered the phone after 11. When I came back, they told me I was banned from parking because I'd complained. Their rule is that every car must display contact information so another guest can reach the driver. Apparently I'm supposed to stay awake all night to see who parks behind me and make sure they follow the rules. Anyone paying to park here should keep a tow truck number handy. They won't help, and may ban you for complaining, as they did to me. THANKS GLEN. The place was okay until I felt comfortable enough to raise the parking issue. For $30 a night, the rundown rooms and flimsy, wobbly bunks are about what you'd expect. Cleaning seems to happen whenever they feel like it, maybe daily, maybe every few days. The common areas had food, dirt, and flies, with smokers and people who didn't pick up after themselves. It's not a good fit for someone trying to stay clean and focused on a job, school, or other purpose. Don't stay more than a few days.

The kitchen and lounge were decent shared spaces, with a nice kitchen, two fridges, and a couch by a small TV area. Both fridges were packed with guests' belongings, though. The newer beds were clean and comfortable, but room upkeep depended on who else was staying there. We asked for all five of us to be in one room, but that was denied and we were split up at check-in without warning. Other guests swore at us, and people from outside were loud and hung around the entrance. The atmosphere didn't feel safe. It comes down to what you're comfortable with, but cheap is cheap. We left early and booked a Marriott Hotel instead.

A really nice hostel, tucked right into the heart of Los Angeles.

The kitchen was a mess, with no utensils and a stack of used pots and dishes left in the sink all day. We had to clean a pot before using it because there were no plates. The couch had crumbs and stains, and people played loud music at night. There were no towels, either. I liked that the room had its own bathroom, and the beds were fine, but the bathroom wasn't clean and the shower barely worked. We needed a tool to turn it on, and the water came out of the wall, so there was no way to shower. The hostel was filthy overall, the management seemed really unprofessional, and the area didn't feel safe, especially alone. I wouldn't stay there again.