I can’t believe there are some people commenting about not being responded on instagram, I thought it was just me . The owner of the hostel is a jerk, he discriminates and chooses who comes and doesn’t come to the hostel so if you don’t look the part like a white hippy traveler str8 they most likely reject you , they lie and tell you there isn’t any space available? Really even a week or two weeks advance?? They either ignore you or tell you “ they’re full” . Honestly this place needs to close down and be investigated this isn’t a professional hostel establishment and should be avoided at all costs

Such an amazing place! Felt immediately so welcomed by the owner and all people staying there. Ended up staying way longer than planned - the vibes are amazing and you find art in every little corner. It is clean, affordable and has everything you need including a piano &a hot tub. I had the best time and will definitely come back! Thank you Andy :)

I contacted them 2 weeks prior to when I was hoping to stay with them and they kind of just led me on for 2 weeks saying they didn’t know if they’d have space for me yet. But that they’d get back to me. They never said yes or no despite me following up many times. I can’t trust this hostel, and I’m bummed out because I don’t know why they led me on like that. I just hope it wasn’t discrimination during pride month! If you’re looking for an alternative, I loved staying at the Samesun Hostel

A hidden gem in San Diego. The Hostel California cultivates an authentic international hostel vibe that makes guests forget where they are. I recommend this amazing place to any open minded travelers.

best hostel every, the coolest vibe. it’s one big house where u can hang and vibe with everyone. host was very welcoming and so easy his family. there are so many cool hang out spots. i could not reccomend it more it was incredible. i stayed there thru worldpackers so i volunteered to stay for free!! they have a hot tub and food and kitchen it’s awesome! 10/10 place. walking distance to fun stuff too

This hostel is super cute and the owner Andy is always doing new and fun things to improve the space and make it more fun! He is a super sweet guy and makes you feel super welcome. I travel in a van and I fill up my water tanks here when I’m in San Diego. It’s super hard to find places in San Diego to fill your fresh water tank with potable water without having to book a stay in an rv park so Hillcrest Hostel is a life saver. And on top of that when you fill up Andy also allows you to use the communal space facilities including the kitchen, bathrooms, and hot tub! It’s a super convenient and nice option to have when you’re doing van life. Thanks Andy!

The most chill people that I ever met.. Great place to relax, smoke your weed, listen an acoustic song in live, hot tub to relax and enjoy the people that you’re going to meet there! There’s plenty space for you to enjoy, food and much more!! I super recommend because it will be a unique and wonderful experience!!

Great location in hillcrest, close to the bars/coffee/grocery stores/etc. Free street parking which was nice. Backyard is very cute and aesthetic with a ton of seating and the hot tub is a great addition! Enough sleeping and sitting room for everyone (we had 11 people). Wasn’t spotlessly clean, and we did have quite a few ants in the kitchen.. but overall a really fun spot in a perfect location with amazingly kind and helpful hosts. Will be coming back yearly to host our reunions, couldn’t have picked a better set up/spot! Set up- Cute front yard, walk inside and there’s a foyer turned into a room with a double and a twin bed bunked (sleep 3). It’s a small area but there is a door between the foyer and the living room, so it could be considered a separate room. Walk in, living room and dining room, big table and lots of space. To left you have one bath/shower and then two bedrooms. Master bedroom with a giant king bed (sleeps 2-3 comfortably), and then another room with a big queen? bed and two twin bunk beds (sleeps 6). Any groups beyond 11-12 will have to have some couch sleepers. Big kitchen with lots of countertop space. Then a family room with some couches and a half bath (with laundry!) then a very cute backyard with many many couches and the hot tub. Very private. My only regret is not hanging out outside more, because it was so so lovely out there!

Was a terrific experience, the people are so kind and the vibe is super cool, the comunication with the owners is great. Hospitality 100%, the bed so cosy and the room clean. A wonderful chance to meet beautiful people around the world.. P.s. A lot of peanut butter n_n i love it !!! And a beatitud kittie

This was an awesome place to stay for our weekend getaway. There was plenty of room and all the paintings and little Knick knacks everywhere made this place exceptionally unique. The owner was very accommodating for our group and a pleasure to work with as well. The location was perfect with lots of restaurants and shops within a just a few minutes walk. Will absolutely stay again.

Loved my time there! kind hosts very Welcoming atmosphere,, friendly, clean environment and most importantly fun :))

I reserved four nights and ended up staying another four. Comfortable beds, awesome host, laid back guests and no line for the bathroom! Loved smoking on the back patio at night. I highly recommend any travellers passing through San Diego to come check out this hostel.

The airbnb host was excellent and accommodating, very friendly. The house was rich with history and story, with plenty of fun knick knacks that were a joy to look at. 10/10 would recommend and strongly considering returning.

Best Hostel in San Diego!! Direct booking only on instagram @thehostelcalifornia International Travelers gather here everyday!

Nice hostel with friendly people from all over the World and really good location in San Diego.

This hostel has such a cool vibes and provides you with everything you need (towels, blankets, etc). The hot tub is awesome and the backyard is a fun spot to relax or hang out in. The host was super kind and helpful. Would recommend staying here to anyone looking for a neat vibing place with lots of art.

Excellent place to stay, highly recommend! Incredibly welcoming and kind owner, as well as the volunteers. The ambiance of the house made me feel right at home. Very clean space to relax and/or get work done. The location is convenient and in a wonderful part of San Diego. 10/10 experience!

Such a unique hostel experience! Absolutely loved the collaborative art atmosphere and community of this hostel. Location is a 10/10, walking distance to shops, restaurants, grocery stores etc. Felt very safe here as a solo female. The outdoor space was my favorite and had enough room to socialize or do your own thing. Would recommend to anyone! Thank you Andy!

Host is always available to answer any questions efficiently, Comfy spaces, Communal food/pantry. Lots of hang out spots, Hot Tubs, Blankets, Towels. Free Events and Djs! Everyone is extremely welcoming and makes you feel very comfortable from the moment you check in till the moment you leave. Whether you’re backpacking through the San Diego area or just coming to stay here, you will leave with great memories, friends and new languages learned from other international travelers that stay here! 100% Recommended and I will definitely come back!