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Frequently mentioned in reviews: hostel (44) stay (24) staff (23) night (19) location (17) beach (16) great (16) room (15) clean (14) nice (11)
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  • 5/5 Charlotte L. 3 months ago on Google • 10 reviews New
    Know this place is located right over a bar & if you end up in a room at the front on a weekend night, it can be loud, but the views are amazing, hosts are warm & helpful, breakfast is hot & fellow travellers are nice. Great amenities to use while there. Loved both my stays here, right on the beach. Parking is a little hike away, but the ocean air & hill was lovely exercise. I know I'll be back soon.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Amber T. 2 years ago on Google
    We stayed in the private room and had very mixed feelings about the place. Location: we loved the location during the day. It was super convenient, and we loved walking all around OB. Unfortunately at night it was so loud it was impossible to sleep. There is no A/C, so you have to leave the windows open. The entire room was shaking from the noise until at least 2am. Cleanliness: the sheets seemed to be freshly laundered but as we were leaving, we found trash from a previous visitor under the bed. The bathroom was decently clean but definitely not the most clean hostel I've ever stayed at. Comfort: this is where we had the biggest problem. The bed was rock hard. I'm not sure if they had other rooms available because they charge $20 to change rooms after check in. Just another thing to be aware of. They have a policy where you can't have anything but water in your room. Not a huge deal, but we do enjoy takeout occasionally after a long day of traveling, so it was a bit annoying. Overall we wouldn't stay there again, but you won't find anything as cheap in the area.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Michelle M. 3 months ago on Google • 47 reviews New
    I was there just one night, a Saturday night. The place is above a restaurant bar and the band started playing seven or eight I don’t remember but the bass was so loud that I just couldn’t think. At 10:30 the music stopped and I thought oh nice, they were continued to play from 10:45 until … still playing. I had to buy my own lock for the locker which was fine. I think $7-8. The floor of the half bathroom was fairly dirty I would rather not take a shower then to have to look how dirty it is. You get what you pay for. I saw the big bathroom in the morning and it was really nice. The most beautiful location outside you could ever stay at. The view from my room in the morning included ocean and sand. I was too tired to go to the BBQ but the thought is great. It has a youthful vibe. You make your own breakfast in the morning there’s pancakes which really turned out to be like crêpes and they had chocolate chips and peanut butter and cinnamon my goodness that was super yummy. And I also made a couple eggs on the grill myself, and then washed my own dishes. 😄 it was like camping in a cabin in the city.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jules 1 year ago on Google
    I had a very comfortable stay. The manager and staff were exceptionally welcoming. Hot showers and strong tasty coffee!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Russell F. 1 month ago on Google • 93 reviews New
    This was a great spot. The staff were awesome! Very very helpful. Kudos to them. The kitchen was small but perfect for the self made breakfast they provide. The bathrooms were spotless. This was my first Hostel stay and I loved it. The location....wow. The bar next door does have live bands on the weekends but the hostel gives you ear plugs if you need them. I was unbothered by it. Daily events were a nice touch.

  • 5/5 Amadeus 5 months ago on Google
    I came for the waves and the babes , but hurricane season hadn’t hit so swell. But the hospitality Chaz , Keshia, Sean and Debora gave were absolutely amazing. Such a cool vibe and a great location. Wish I could have stayed for longer. Would definitely recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 David Z. 11 months ago on Google
    Its very loud at nught, hard to fall asleep. It‘s messy and the Staff look like they would live there and they are very slow. But yiu are right at the beach which is cool!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Carla T. 1 year ago on Google
    Don't stay here, at least not if you want to sleep at night. When I read the comments about the noise I hoped it wouldn't be that bad, but it was worse. You can even feel the vibrations in bed from the music of the bar below (and hear the music from several other bars around) and it doesn't stop until 2 a.m. every night. The quality of the hostel is very poor and not comparable to any European hostel. People which gave this hostel a 5 have probably only experienced US hostels before... Everything is very old, dirty carpets on the floor, color coming from the doors, weird smell in the rooms, dirty kitchen etc. For me this is the the worst hostel I ever stayed in. Only positive thing is the location right next to the beach.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Andrew G. 2 years ago on Google
    Ideal location. Hard to beat the price for a night. However the property needs upkeep. Shower was almost impossible as the water varied between scalding and cold every few seconds. If you are looking for the international hostel vibe it's not here. No hosted social events. Not much room in public areas
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jordan N. 2 years ago on Google
    The worst hostel I’ve ever stayed at. I didn’t have pants on and got woken up by housekeeping everyday felt very unsafe. The complimentary breakfast is non existent. Had our luggage set out and the manager came in and said it was to messy when I wasn’t even done getting the things out of my suitcase. The toilet doesn’t flush. And when they come to clean the rooms and wake you up they didn’t wear facemask. I think the other hostel down the street is a lot better.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike M. 2 years ago on Google
    Friendly people. You get what you pay for so the accommodations are basic, but clean. The one drawback is that I've found this hostel to be a little less social but it's hard to judge a place too hard in 2 days. The location is really good and is worth coming back to.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryan “Pathfinder” J. 1 month ago on Google • 69 reviews New
    Need a place to sleep so I could get up early a d run the coast. This place was perfect. It can be loud in the rooms due to a live music in the Mar below. I'm a US military vet so the sound didn't bother me one bit. Can't say the same for others plan accordingly. Also parking is difficult. There's free parking somewhere nearby. I never found it. I parked at Redondo beach pier a d paid for the night. Its. 1.8 mile walk to Hermosa. Again nothing that bothers me, you I can't speak for. Either way a great affordable place to sleep.

  • 5/5 Corey H. 1 month ago on Google • 14 reviews New
    I enjoyed my stay at the Surf City Hostel. For last minute booking and affordability they worked perfectly. Excellent location right in the center of Hermosas downtown. Lots of great restaurants and things to do by the beach. Friendly and accommodating staff. Will definitely stay again when passing through or one of their other affiliated hostels. 5 star overall reviews but 4 stars for the room just because it is bunk beds but it's understandable for being a hostel and the mattress was comfortable.

  • 1/5 mark38699 2 years ago on Google
    It's LA so it's going to be a weird hostel experience. I didn't like the staff at all. All kind of two faced. They do watch you and kind of creep on you just like the hostels in SF did too. Just a weird experience, the staff make everything so weird.

  • 3/5 Anthony T. 2 years ago on Google
    First, Fantastic location! If you're going to be up partying all night then this is the place for you. The downside is that the hostel is literally over a live music bar that plays all night so if you are more of an early riser then maybe look elsewhere. The bed and walls vibrated with music, ear plugs are not enough. Also the private room wasn't as clean as I would have hoped but not terrible compared to other hostels

  • 4/5 Leviticus P. 5 months ago on Google
    I was only here for 3 days, but felt very welcomed by the staff. While one of my roommates was kind, he became overly noisy during quiet hours. Im thankful for the staff, Debora, for being aware of this, as she came over to address it accordingly. She was kind, while also assertive, and attentive while also profesional. She then changed my room for me. During other days of my stay, she also balanced a line of being friendly and personable, while also being profesional. I also noticed that she runs several of the group activities that stayers can partake in. Debora is a star employee that made an average hostel become a wonderful experience.

  • 5/5 Charlie V. 7 months ago on Google
    This location is unbeatable. You're right by and overlooking the pier, and all of the local attractions are on the same block. I'd definitely recommend this hostel for solo travel, there's a lot of cool people from all over and the staff treat you like family.

  • 5/5 Ethan S. 5 months ago on Google
    Have stayed at several hostels over the years, but have started to switch to hotels in the last few years. ITH Surf Hostel reminded me how AMAZING a hostel can be. The staff really make this hostel a great place to call home for a short trip or a longer trip. Chaz, Bre and Caitlyn were all so welcoming and remembered my name after first meeting me, and continued to always address me by name and ask how I was doing and what I had planned for the day. All three of them are fantastic at what they do and really foster a great environment to stay in. The location is top notch as you CANNOT get any closer to the beach. All amenities and bars and restaurants are a 20 second walk which makes it so easy to enjoy your time nearby without getting stuck in LA traffic. Finally the staff is great for planning events and welcoming all guests to join. Would definitely stay again!!

  • 5/5 Charles V. 5 months ago on Google
    I recently had the privilege of staying at ITH Surf Hostel, and I can confidently say that it was a truly remarkable experience. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms, and every aspect of my stay exceeded my expectations! The location of this hostel is second to none. Situated right on the beach, I was treated to breathtaking views of the ocean each day. Access to the beach was just a few steps away, and I could not have asked for a better place to relax and enjoy the sun and surf. The staff at this hostel are what set it apart. I must give special recognition to the managers, Chaz and Bre, who went above and beyond to make me feel at home. Their warm welcomes and genuine interest in my well-being were evident from the moment we met. Not only did they remember my name after our first meeting, but they consistently addressed me by name and took the time to inquire about my plans and offer helpful suggestions. Their dedication to creating a welcoming environment was a highlight of my stay. I must also commend the staff for their commitment to guest safety. I always felt secure during my stay, which added to the overall sense of comfort. The hostel offered a fantastic array of activities and events for guests to enjoy. The staff was excellent at planning events and extending warm invitations to all guests. I felt included and found it easy to connect with other travelers.

  • 5/5 Radion A. 5 months ago on Google
    Kind of a party hostel with a chill, laidback vibe. Great staff members and got to meet some other cool travellers. Clean bathrooms. The night I stayed there was a barbecue event which was totally free! Rooms are a bit dirty, could be deep-cleaned. I enjoyed my stay!

  • 3/5 S R. 4 months ago on Google
    The staff at this hostel were incredibly nice and friendly. They went out of their way to make me feel welcome and provided helpful recommendations for exploring the area. The location was indeed superb, with easy access to many attractions. However, the noise level was unbearable. It seemed like the walls were made of paper, and I could hear everything happening in the common areas and adjacent rooms, even when wearing earbuds. This made it difficult to get a good night's sleep. My most uncomfortable experience was with a guest in the bunk below mine. The lady underneath my bunk bed engaged in inappropriate behaviour throughout the night, shaking the entire bunk, leaving me feeling gross and unable to sleep. This experience put me off hostels all together. In summary, while the staff and some of the guests were great, the noise and uncomfortable experience with another guest made it hard to fully enjoy my stay. This hostel has potential, but improvements are needed to ensure a comfortable and pleasant environment for all guests.

  • 4/5 Nomad S. 9 months ago on Google
    Great service. Did not notice it was a hostel when booking. Super nice staff and had a great roommate.

  • 5/5 James C. 9 months ago on Google
    It's the best hostel I've ever stayed in. The kitchen is small; in the morning you can make your own pancakes. There is a lounge with tea that is open all day & during the night. The location is unparalleled for its right on the beach.

  • 4/5 Twan K. 1 year ago on Google
    Rooms and bathrooms were clean and well maintained but the beds and some of the shower stalls could use a bit more privacy like curtains. Staff was friendly and helpful. Location is great as the hostel is located close to the beach and many bars. One downside of this is that it can be very noisy until late in the evening. The hostel did provide free earplugs to compensate for this.

  • 5/5 Bob & Fam The G. 1 year ago on Google
    This hostel is amazing. The private rooms are exactly what my husband and I were looking for. Room and bathroom with ocean view, comfy beds, quiet nights but yet, in the heart of the action. We stayed for a week and it was excellent for us to work online and enjoy the beach. They have double desk, coffee and tea maker in the room, free breakfast, smart TV and the staff is awesome. I will def come back!

  • 4/5 John & Emily & Julia Q. 10 months ago on Google
    If you need to stay close to the beach and the heart of Hermosa Beach, you are at the right place. The only thing you have to take into consideration is the noise of the bars and restaurants close by. So have your ear plugs, your headphones ready or wait it out. Rooms are good maintained and the stuff is super friendly. Just don't expect anything super fancy, it's as good as a hostel you remember from your youth's can be. Also parking is not that easy and public transit doesn't come as often as your like.

  • 5/5 Asia 10 months ago on Google
    I'm so happy I decided to stay here. My friend had stayed there in the past so I felt safe with this choice. And it's situated in one of my favorite places in LA so I was happy to go. The whole experience was amazing. Breakfast is included (continental and pancake mix) and the volunteers organize activities every night which makes the hostel very social and a fun place to be (go to BBQ night on Saturdays for burgers and hot dogs!) The volunteers are so friendly and you'll make great friends whether it's with them or other guests. The bathrooms are super clean as well as the restrooms, and you'll be provided with linens and towels. And the beds are comfortable! A massive thank you to Sophie and Carey for making my stay an amazing one. They are always ready to help you and are fun people to talk and hang with. Truly the best! Cannot wait to come back!

  • 2/5 Enkidu B. 2 years ago on Google
    Not too great. Small roms that shake during the night because of the music. And not very clean either. Sorry guys, the staff was super nice though!

  • 5/5 Rise Up M. 1 year ago on Google
    I booked for a day and ended up staying for 2 weeks!! This hostel is incredible and there is so much to do in the area. My room had ocean view and it was amazing to wake up looking at the ocean everyday. The hostel is clean, quiet and comfortable. The breakfast pancakes are so good and we love the activities they put on everyday, it really brings people together and we had so much fun. We loved Taco Tuesday and meditation night. Beach clean up was also very cool!! it was also super affordable and close to LAX airport.

  • 5/5 Piera F. 1 year ago on Google
    This hostel just went through renovations and it looks amazing. It has everything we need for a great stay. The beds are very comfortable, coffee is delicious and the staff is super friendly and always ready to help!

  • 5/5 SumerA C. 2 years ago on Google
    The best kind courteous service I’ve gotten any hotel or motel ever in my life. The check in process was not that bad they gave me a key they gave me bedsheets. There was a open kitchen where I can warm up my food. Because of Covid I understand that there’s a little bit of social distancing. But most of us were vaccinated. I really liked the location is right off the beach great for the price on a nice night. Always call before you get there. I really like the spot and enjoyed my time there the Man from Spain who checked me in was excellent kind courteous sweet and gave me such a homely vibe will definitely be coming here again every time I visit Los Angeles

  • 2/5 Gabrielle G. 1 year ago on Google
    If you think sleep is overrated, this hostel is for you. We specifically requested a room on the top floor to avoid the noise but upon arrival they told us they had no rooms left on that floor. This hostel is located directly above the bars and the bass is so loud the beds vibrate. They clearly needed to cut costs because the sheets, towels and toilet paper are so cheap they break in your hands.

  • 1/5 IDEEN TV A. 1 year ago on Google
    1. This isn't to the quality of a European hostel, very messy and a lot of things out of order including the Wifi when we visited and one of the only two toilets on the ground floor. 2. Only contains two showers for a sizable hostel, poor. 3. When we were there, most of the people staying there were staff members which was weird and they just sit in corners and stare. 4. I read the comments about noise and thought it wouldn't be that bad. It was much worse. The bed we were sleeping on vibrated until 2am from the bar below and it's live music. It was awful and when the music finally stopped I could hear the conversations in the next room word for word.

  • 5/5 Michael P. 1 year ago on Google
    The best hostel experience I have had. Clean, considerate workers and NO drinking/ drugs. 2 minutes walk to beach and the bar scene is the best. *Note: bring 100$ deposit or a credit card for them to hold prior to check-in*

  • 5/5 Gz S. 1 year ago on Google
    It's a hostel not hotel I love these places more than hotels The staff is friendly Kitchen was clean Bathroom was clean Bed sheets are brought in thru a company so your guaranteed fresh bedding. Definitely coming back might even stay a month in future

  • 1/5 Killian Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Good location next to beach but the hostel is really noisy and messy. Showers are not clean and the premises are untidy. We even saw a cockroach in the kitchen.

  • 5/5 Martin R. 1 year ago on Google
    The hostel is Nice and cleaned everyday. You dont get much closer to the Beach and the parties. I really enjoyed the help and kindness of the personel. 10/10 for the Price, would definately come back another time!

  • 3/5 G W. 1 year ago on Google
    It's hard to rate hostels in America, isn't it? You have hostels like HI setting the bar so high that everything else just seems run down. This place was interesting. The staff is really social, but if you aren't their kind of people I can see how it could feel isolating. It's on a main strip so there is no way you will sleep early, because the clubs be thumpin', yo. I didn't think the bathrooms were the cleanest, or the motel 6 style breafast, but I do appreciate that they had breakfast in the first place! The beds were comfortable and the sheets were nice and clean. The dorms were spacious which was very nice!

  • 5/5 John Ryan B. 1 year ago on Google
    Surf City Hostel features two separate lounge areas, a communal bathroom + showers, plus one and a half that are private if that’s more your preference (body wash + shampoo are included free of charge). I felt super safe and secure in the hostel as the front/back entrance are closed in the evening and reception is open until 2:00am. There is a locked luggage storage room and lockers located inside each room. The whole hostel is cleaned daily. The wifi was fast enough to work remotely and complete my schoolwork. There are bars, restaurants, and cafes all centrally-located right below the hostel. Angelica was inviting and welcoming, she knew every answer to any question about activities & happenings in the area. Audrey is an absolute customer service master - she always has fun stories and informational tidbits to make the most out of your stay. All of the volunteers were an absolute pleasure in every way and meeting them offered a chance to learn about different cultures and languages (I learned a bit of French during my stay, and was able to practice my Spanish). 10/10 would recommend to anyone looking to enjoy their stay away from home. Thanks Surf City Hostel, maybe next time I will actually go surfing. ;)

  • 5/5 Ellen Delgado F. 5 months ago on Google • 1 review
    I love this place. Warm people, good atmosphere, good location. Debora is one of the people I remember most from my stay there. Super friendly and patient. We had great conversations and she made my trip so much easier with recommendations of places and things to do. I thank her for organizing fun activities like yoga and burger night for guests. I think we all remember that along with the nice environment of Hermosa beach!


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