San Juan Island Hostel

I was very pleasantly surprised by the accommodations when I stayed at this hostel for 6 nights with 5 of my biking friends. I had not stayed in a hostel since my college days (I am now in my 70's) and would not hesitate to stay here again. The beds were surprisingly comfortable and our room was clean. We never had to wait to use one of the bathrooms which also were clean. There is a large shared living room with 2 televisions and several separate seating areas. The shared kitchen was well-stocked with utensils and pans and also clean. Jeffrey, the manager, was very friendly and accommodating. It's important to remember that this is a hostel -- not a hotel.

The kitchen set up is sweet (& as a chef of 34 yrs, I am rather picky...). The room was clean, the staff and other hostel guests were extremely friendly. Pool table in common room, full body wash/shampoo/conditioner dispensers in every shower. Salt water pool, too!!! Right within walking distance of everything, very convenient. Empty rooms available at all times, and so spaced from anyone else, was like having our own private hotel for the night. Seriously didn't want to leave, and even inquired about extremely reasonable monthly price. Will most definitely go back!

Stayed here a couple of nights. There is no front desk- they have a number to call which goes to their voicemail. I called twice and did not get a call back. Rooms are in poor condition, bedding is old and substandard. Bathrooms have mold in spots, there are toiletries of long term residents in some bathrooms. Toilets are not in great condition. Staff is not polite. Location is decent- about a 5 min walk from the ferry and the main drag. Price I paid for the private rooms was comparable to a regular hotel room there if I had been willing to go a bit farther from the main drag.

This hostel definitely needs some TLC. The kitchen was so filthy that I didn't feel comfortable using a spoon from the "clean" ones. The showers were grimy, too. My bed in the female dorm was clean and comfortable, but the building itself could really use a deep clean. I've stayed in many hostels around the world, and this was one of the dingiest. The location is great and very convenient, but I would not recommend staying here unless you had no other option.

San Juan Island Hostel is decent. I stayed here and originally accommodated even though they didn't have rooms and then was told the opposite (that they were all full) and then had to stay the night outside. It was a mixed experience - some really kind actions on behalf of staff and apparent miscommunications between staff and myself. Overall, I am grateful that they would put me up, but wish they had told me ahead of time before banks closed so I didn't have to stay outside.