Compay Hostel La Pedrera

Good music, a great atmosphere, and staff who are cool and always willing to help. It’s just the right distance from the beach and the center of La Pedrera.

The setting and staff are great, though my friends think they got bedbugs here. They have an asado once a week or something like that, for 200 pesos (about 6-7 USD).

It’s close to the bus terminal, and the people were friendly. But staying here felt like a survival exercise. I booked girls-only rooms, yet male staff walked in without asking, and the doors are never locked. There’s no privacy; it’s all about cohabiting, like a Big Brother house. When I asked for a blanket, they handed me a really dirty envelope that smelled disgusting, and there aren’t enough blankets for everyone. Breakfast was bread with dulce de leche and powdered juice, like a school camp. Music blasts through the hostel all the time. I get that it’s a party hostel, but they should say so clearly or provide a quiet area at night. They only take cash or bank transfers, which I found suspicious. It could be fun for meeting people and partying, but it’s far too expensive for what it is. Between camping and this, camping costs less and might even be a better experience.

The location is a plus: La Pedreira is a beautiful place, and the town center gets lively at night with plenty of places to eat. You can walk from the hostel to both the center and the beach, though parts of the route are very dark at night. We were treated well, and the people were pleasant. The common area is attractive and has a young, party-friendly feel. They also offer private rooms for couples, despite being a hostel. For sleeping, though, it was a rough stay. The sheets were stained and had crumbs on them, and we couldn’t tell what they were. Maybe they hadn’t been washed properly, or maybe they were just old. Smoke from a bonfire outside drifted into the room. Music and conversation went on until 2 or 3 in the morning, so it’s not a good choice if you want to rest. The worst part was the heat and mosquitoes. There was no air conditioning, no fan, and no insect screens. We barely slept and were exhausted for the next leg of our trip. Food and drinks are available to buy on site, but only with cash. Breakfast starts after 9 a.m. and is served until noon.