HI Santa Cruz Hostel

The shared kitchen and whole facility are clean and high quality, with free coffee, filtered water, fridge and freezer space, and everything needed to prepare meals. Santa Cruz has a crazy city tax when you eat out, so cooking here is a good way to save money. The hostel is very close to the beach. You can book a discounted bunk or a private room, and I’d choose this over the old, rundown hotels.

I was comfortable, the place was spotless, and I loved meeting the other people there. The local food recommendations were nice too. My only request would be the option to reserve a lower bunk when booking. I managed fine, though, and I’d come back in a heartbeat.

The staff were so welcoming that they even helped me stay an extra night after the cutoff to register, saying I was such a genuine person that I deserved it. My heart. This hostel is artsy and cozy, with clean bedrooms and bathrooms and really cozy blankets. I also made friends with other guests, this time over Uno. We watched the sunrise, got Roxa tea downtown, and two of us surfed at Capitola on boards the hostel keeps in back. Absolutely incredible place in Santa Cruz, whether you’re new here or just passing through and want to meet cool people.

The kitchen was already set for coffee when I was the first one in that morning, with water and grounds ready to brew. It’s a thoughtful touch in this cute little village of shared rooms and individual cottages. The place is beautifully decorated inside and out, communal while still offering plenty of privacy around the grounds. Excellent hostel and excellent price.