Filthy, they literally do not clean. And even better, it's a halfway house for people that just got out of prison. This is not a safe hostel. This is barely a "hostel" at all. ITH really dropped the ball at this place; it's dangerous here.

I give this place 2 stars because I met some great people there and the manager cares about the place. That said, housekeeping is pretty much non-existent. The rooms are tiny and never get deep cleaned beyond the beds being turned over. Nor do the bathrooms, which are often out of toilet paper and soap. The toilets get clogged constantly at which point the stalls are taped shut and left with a terrible smell that festers because of poor ventilation. The fridges in the common areas are never cleaned, and the pantry area has a terrible mold problem that completely ruined multiple of my food items in which they were stored. The overall issue is cleanliness. I don’t wish to throw the staff under the bus because they are largely great people, but the truth is there’s a serious lack of maintenance that left me feeling pretty undervalued as a paying customer. My opinions seemed to be shared by several of the other guests with whom I spoke about the issues. It’s an ok option considering the price, but the infrastructure and work ethic of the staff needs some improvement.

One of my worst stays! I stayed here one night, because where I stayed the rest of my trip I didn't have room for the first day. Big mistake! The private room had no air conditioning or window, so the heat at night was hell. Given the problem, they offered me a 25% discount, which upon checking my account statement, they did not give. The bathroom, extremely neglected and dirty. The private room was right in the main passage, so there was noise until 1:30 in the morning (even though their regulations mentioned that until 11). Not only that, it has spaces ("holes") in the part of the extractor (which has never been cleaned, because as you can see in the photo, it was very dirty) and in the lower part of the door, so The whole time there was the smell of marijuana, so much so that I had to sleep with a mask. Really, the only reason I didn't leave at midnight was because I couldn't find an option nearby, and I was afraid to move far away alone in the early hours of the morning, but my night there was a true nightmare. It's a shame, because the location is good, and the staff is extremely friendly. In any case, I wouldn't want anyone else to go through a situation like this, which is why I prefer to share it.

Great location, amazing staff and phenomenal atmosphere. New activities are organized every day...This is a great place to live and meet amazing people. Both the people I met there and the staff were wonderful. I have made a lot of new friends. The Bedrooms were clean, big storage space, lots of showers etc. Thanks to all the people who live there and to all the staff for your kindness and your excellent service. I miss all of you guys!!

The rooms in this hostel dont have any windows! If you are ok with that, i guess this hostel is nice and cheap place to stay. Especially if you are young and/or want to save some money. But it is certainly not for everyone...

One of the better hostels I’ve stayed in the US

ITH Colive Balboa Park is the best hostel in San Diego. It's just off University and about three blocks from the Hillcrest sign. I was just there a night. I didn't notice if everybody staying there was gay. It didn't seem everybody was completely happy. gaily present, but many were. ITH has a giant kitchen and a few conjoined family tables. There's a no-additional-cost breakfast. The people in charge aren't hostil as, say, the creepy people at the so-called Lucky D hostel on skidrow. How do I know this is San Diego's best hostel? I stayed at them all over the first week of June 2022. So I can assure you, you'll be much happier here at ITH than at any of those other hostels. And the worst hostel in San Diego and this continent? Lucky D's, skidrow's emporium of suffering and unnecessary hostility. Ok. I have saved you, leading you to the best experience. I had to flee Lucky D's to save my life. They owe me $40. See if you can get them, my dollars, for me. I was so afraid of that place, I feared going back to turn in my key.

Great hostel with a lively community. Prefect place to stay if you are looking to see the sites in San Diego. They offer daily activities and have plenty of information to guide you on a self tour. I stayed in a mixed dorm. The bed was comfortable and there was plenty of space for my things. Lockers are small but plenty of space for any valuables. The desk sells locks if you forget yours. Bathrooms are clean as are the kitchen and living areas. Everyone is friendly and helpful.

Enjoyed my stay , staff was always available,just a Lil noisy at night and the adults need to be more responsible and clean up after themselves in the kitchen. I would recommend others to stay anyway. Price is very affordable, other hostels may have lower price but surely the accomodations will not be sufficient like ITH Colive Balboa...5 stars to you...thanks again

If I could give this hostel a negative review I would. I was supposed to stay in a private double room but due to a mistake made by them, they sent us off to another hostel that they claimed was their "sister hostel" ( which it wasn't) and would get us a room there. Upon getting to the other hostel we were told that they had heard no such thing and after calling the ITH they said that they were not going to pay for the price difference and that they could offer my friend and me 1 bed in a dorm that we could share..... We booked two beds in a dorm at the new hostel (because the staff there was way better) and we had to email the owner of ITH hostels to try to get a refund. At first, they didn't even give us the right email... We did however get paid for the difference between the private room at ITH and the two beds in a dorm at the new hostel, but honestly, we should have gotten more for the change in the accommodation we had to do but also the distress that they put me and my friend through. We thought we were in safe hands because the staff at the ITH Balboa park seemed to fix our problems very fast, but don't be fooled. I will never book any accommodations with this hostel chain ever again and since then I have told all my friends as well as all the people I have met in other hostels to never support this business after what I and my friend went through.

Friendly people, clean place! There is no on site parking, showers and bathrooms shared and co-ed. We had a private room with a mini fridge and small TV, no ac but 2 fans. On site pay per load laundry, shared kitchen and living space.

The staff at the counter are very friendly and worth a return visit. Super recommended!

$51 for me with 6 bunk beds weekend and 21 during the week. Cute Russian girl

This place was wonderful. I've never stayed in a hostel before and I was really excited to try it. We met loads of people that were friendly and excitable. The rooms were reasonably well kept and the bathrooms we're constantly cleaned. It was fun to meet people and share meals and time together. There was also a lovely quiet space provided. Great price too.

One of the most welcoming hostels I've been in. 🙂 Bathrooms and kitchens are easily accessible. Good amount of space for guests. Inside separate smoking room. Great prices/value. Free breakfast (I didn't see what either time I started, but others seemed happy!). Stores, transportation, and University district right outside. The staff were all very good. Kayla and Aubrey were exceptional! (Full transparency, these were the only two I really spoke with, so the rest of the staff are most likely cool as well 😎). I would recommend this to anyone looking for a short or long-term stay in San Diego.

Great place to stay in San Diego. The rooms are cooled with aircon and the beds are comfy. Breakfast is excellent and the volunteers working there are super nice. The great thing about ITH are the events that they do. We went on a boat trip and bbq on the beach with great people completely free of charge. Best hostel experience I have had.

From the time I checked in the staff was great Audrey along with the other nice young lady Kayla their customer service was very awesome! No attitudes and they always had a smile and was extremely helpful the days I encountered these lovely people. The kitchen was spacious and the rooms were clean. If there were or if any issues they looked into it right away and they did their job with greatness. Though things has happened to me I can say my experience was great and I appreciate them for allowing a great place like this to be around which allow people to come together and socialize.

It’s amazing please and people. I like so much stayed there ☺️

Amazing stay. Traveled to San Diego for work. I was looking for inexpensive stays in the area and came across this hostel. I booked and loved it. It was clean, fun and in a great area. There is always someone to talk to and people to meet. The staff go above and beyond for the guests. I live on the east coast but will definitely be back to visit San Diego (and I'll stay at ITH Colive Balboa). Thanks for everything!

Great central walkable neighborhood near city buses. Friendly, helpful staff. Nice living room and kitchen. Near many coffee houses, cafes and restaurants.

Hello! I just want to take time to appreciate what you guys do for us. I'm safe, I'm well, above all I feel welcomed. I meet new people, and I get to party with!! How cool is that!?!?

Very clean and friendly environment.! Great location as well to get around. Staff is knowledgable and have maps & directions to great spots to see !! HIGHLY recommend!!

Awesome as always here, staff is great and the managers Manny and Petya are top notch!

Overall had a great time here for a month. Mannie made it feel like my home away from home!

Octobre 2017 _ more than just friends, this lovely place offered me family... people were kind, dinners and evenings together made me a lot of memories ! I wish I'll come back one day

The hostel was fine, overall, except for one major thing. My partner and I reserved 2 beds last Friday, around $50 each. We arrived Friday evening and there was someone sleeping in one of our beds, and we had to sleep in one bed together. Imagine if I were alone? And this was my only bed? I would have had to sleep in a dirty, occupied bed after kicking a high dude out of it. In a room full of other dudes. Really bad environment for a young woman, if you ask me… For the managers or owners, if you are reading this, please reimburse us for our bed which was occupied by another person when we arrived to our room late on Fri night (Sat AM). I have already sent multiple emails thru booking.com. Thank you.

Friendly group activities. Staff always smile and greet you no mater where or when your passing. Movie and beach nights are great!

Facilities are well kept and neat. Staff is very friendly. It's a great way to meet new people.