India House Backpackers Hostel

The main house interior was clean, my room was much better than the Priceline photos made it look, and the pool was really cool. House rules and expectations were explained clearly, and there were plenty of ash trays outside. The other guests I talked with were all cool, and for the price, being within 10 minutes of everything was great. I called ahead and Crowley was helpful and polite. I dropped off my bags before check-in, then another very kind person gave me a tour when I came back. The first guy said he was newer, had a mustache and shaved sides; the second man had facial hair and a hat. Both were great. This was around 3PM on 4/10. Miranda helped me check out quickly and was very sweet. Thanks, guys!

India Hostel was clean, quiet, and comfortable throughout my six-night stay. I had a private room, which was nice to return to for some peace and quiet. The staff were friendly and helped me work out what to do in the city and how to get there. Being one block from a central streetcar line made getting around very easy. There’s also plenty of comfortable outdoor space for a relaxing day at the hostel instead of partying. I’ll be back to New Orleans, and I’ll stay here again. Thanks for a great visit!

The price was unbeatable, and there were interesting people, polite staff, and free coffee. It’s a really cool setting, and I enjoyed my time enough to plan on coming back. It may be a little farther from downtown’s hustle and bustle than you’d like, but the streetcar is literally steps away and gets you there in about 15 minutes. This place is AMAZING!

The pool area is still a bright spot, but it can’t make up for the crumbling deck, poor showers, cleanliness problems, and generally negative atmosphere. I’m giving this two stars for what India House Hostel could be again. It used to have something special, and you can still see its funky, artsy, eccentric character. That spirit now feels neglected. I watched the owner brush past a guest who politely asked to borrow a screwdriver, saying “no” without eye contact and continuing on. It was dismissive and surprising in a place built around hospitality, especially with multiple buildings and a tool shed on site. The lack of warmth seems to carry through management and staff. Staff came across as disengaged and unaccommodating, and guests didn’t seem to get much warmth unless they were already part of an inner circle. The property itself is visibly deteriorating, with little sign of maintenance or updates. Many shower heads barely trickle and look as if they haven’t been cleaned or replaced in years. The shared refrigerator was one of the worst I’ve seen, stuffed with spoiled food left by guests who’d been gone a long time. It’s disappointing because hostels matter. A trip to New Orleans can be something people have saved for and dreamed about for years, and a hostel can make that experience memorable or drag it down. Right now, this place leans heavily toward the latter. It needs a renewed focus on hospitality, organization, maintenance, and respect for guests, starting with ownership and leadership, and quickly.