Route 66 International Hostel

Nice, Friendly
I stayed here with a friend in December of 2009. We had a blast. We were both traveling New Mexico during a break from college. We had a private room, which was clean enough for our liking. The people were awesome and friendly. We played cards, drank beer, traveled about, and had a great time. I'd highly recommend the place to anyone. Also, we were able to meet people from all over the U.S. and international travelers. It's worth the price, and the experience is better than staying in a hotel!

Nice
I stayed in the hostel in March of 2008. I stayed in a private room upstairs. The room had a small heater which was nice. The upstairs was pretty quiet as well as the whole building. Although there are a few sounds of an old building that may bother some, but overall it was fine. The hostel is located close to the museums and downtown, which was nice. I thought the staff were friendly and helpful. Was not real fond of the chore idea, it is a little outdated, but generally it is an easy ten-minute job. If you want a lap of luxury this may not be for you, If you need a place to sleep. Then the place is fine, at a reasonable price.

Bedbugs!
After over twenty separate stays in a variety of in a variety of locales, Route 66 Hostel has garnered the distinction of being my very first negative review. not even the Venice hostel that accidentally double-booked and caused us to spend a sleepless night in their common room got a negative review, so that should really tell you something. We were in town for a literature symposium the last week of February 2009 and decided to stay at this hostel. we love hostels and have stayed at numerous ones in Europe, Asia, and North America that were wonderful. plus the rates for private rooms were good and the staff seemed friendly and helpful. We decided to stay and booked a four-night stay in a private room. We were checked in upon arrival by a very helpful and friendly gentleman and shown to our room, which was a little more run-down than the images shown on the website. Regardless, we aren't too picky about that kind of thing and were happy to check in and get some sleep for a busy day that began with the opening plenary at 8 a.m. sharp at a conference center twenty minutes away. However, upon waking up we both discovered bedbug bites all over our arms and bodies. We were really dismayed and decided to hurry up and get ready, go to our conference and then speak to the staff in the afternoon or evening about it. When we returned in the evening (before 9 p.m.), we spoke to the young woman at the front desk and were treated very inconsiderately. She tried to imply that we may just be allergic to the detergent used in cleaning the sheets, that we were imagining things, or that we had been bitten by mosquitoes or some such and hadn't realized it. Then she told us no other rooms were available and that there was nobody else to call and nothing else to be done until the next morning. After we expressed extreme revulsion at the thought of another night spent in bug-infested bedding, she told us we could pay for the individual beds in the dorm rooms that night (in addition to our own unusable room). As it was getting late and as I was presenting my own session at 8 a.m., we didn't have many options. she was barely slowing down on her way out the door by this time. so we went upstairs for a moment to discuss what to do, came back downstairs and found the office locked up and this staffer completely disappeared. We then spent a sleepless night sitting on hard chairs in the bedbug room. still managing to be bitten on our feet and ankles although this time we were able to spot and kill several bugs. I also ran into another staffer making a late-night snack in the kitchen who told me that there had been a problem several months back with bedbugs. interesting, given the other staffer's reaction to our news. The following morning I went to the conference and presented my research while Ryan went back to the hostel to talk to the day manager. Ryan was treated in an incredibly rude and insulting manner by this individual -- not only did this rude man outright question Ryan's recounting of facts, he also told Ryan that we were imagining things and that there were no bedbugs, to which Ryan showed him on his body the bites welting up and then brought out the little corpses of the bugs we had found the night before, at which point this piece of work then implied that we had brought the bedbugs with us to the hostel. Then he told Ryan that not only would we not be getting another room, but that our pre-paid lodging would not be refunded because we should have requested a different room the first night! We only discovered the bedbugs while sleeping (they usually only come at night), but not only that. there was not a staff member in the front office at all times (the office shuts down sometime after 10p.m., it seems). There was no way we could have done that! He accused Ryan of trying to sneak one over on the hostel and was, in general, incredibly brash and rude. When Ryan told him that another staffer had filled us in about their bedbug problem, he just grumbled and tried to denigrate that bit of information, too. Eventually Ryan was able to speak to an older women who was actually quite kind and apologetic (the owner?), and we were refunded the money from the second night but not the first. We left that day and found another hotel because this hostel was still unable to give us another room or a different mattress (bedbugs, once in a mattress, are impossible to get out. it's a process that can take huge chemical washes and up to a year of disuse). Although many of the staff were very helpful and kind, and in spite of the good location, interesting look to the building, and awesome free eggs/toast/oatmeal in the kitchen for breakfast, the bedbugs and their staff's way of dealing with this by manipulation, deceit, and denial made our stay here incredibly unpleasant. Plus I'm not convinced they will actually take the steps necessary to get rid of this very serious problem. If you stay in a private room, be aware that you will probably be infested. This entire hostel needs to be closed down for a week for a top-to-bottom cleaning chemical wash to get rid of this problem. I hope this happens. The hostel itself is cute and many of the staff seemed very nice -- it would be a shame to allow this kind of attitude and upkeep continue. Perhaps they should consider hiring professional cleaners -- it's obvious that leaving most of the chores up to the guests themselves isn't getting it done.

Great location, Great conversation, Good vibes.
I was here in July of 2008, a stop on a cross country solo motorcycle trip. I really loved the people at this hostel. I am a rock hound and every night was able to strike up an amazing conversation with Justin and Sara. Anyways, the folks here are super cool. The elevation took some getting used to but the food is wonderful! A tip, don't eat in old town. Walk or bus it to Garcia's and eat same food for less and it's better. The only catch is this place is on a busy busy road so it can be loud at night. Really enjoyed my stay here!

Spooky
This was my first ever experience staying in a hostel. But the old building has lots of creaks and moans. The bathtub was stained and the showerhead weird. I stayed in a private room for $30 and I don't think it was a bargain. But it's still cheaper than a hotel. The description on the main page seems accurate. But this place is a bit spooky. It's old and has really neat architecture upstairs if you're not staying in the dorm room. I'd stay there again. Bring earplugs!

Disgusting and smelled of urine
I came in late into town and needed a place for one night while I dropped my daughter off at college. What a mistake. I usually stay in low end places, but the hostel was beyond anything I have ever experienced. I had been camping (and wished I had that night too) so I just wanted a good night's sleep. The bed was so disgusting, no heat in room (February), I used a sleeping bag to cover the blankets because they did not look clean. Room smelled like someone had peed in it, and the floor was coated with really gross who knows what. I wore shoes on the floor at all times. The place has no insulation, so be prepared to hear everything going on upstairs and down. Bathroom had brown gunk over everything from not being cleaned ever. Needless to say, I left very early the next morning without showering. I needed fresh air and heat. Just really glad I didn't get bedbugs.

Inexpensive and clean -- Good Budget Stay
I really liked the hostel. I enjoy meeting other travelers, and also having the kitchen available for cooking. The place was clean and the staff were friendly. I liked the location close to downtown and old town (walking distance). I may actually take a train in next time, and it is only about ten blocks from the train and bus stations. I see that some people leaving reviews wanted the Hyatt for twenty bucks a night, but let's face it, that isn't going to happen. This is a good value, and it is clean. If you don't require room service this is worth the money.

Only a few travelers but long term residents
I had an early flight to catch on the next day and even if I already spent a day in Albuquerque (staying fifteen miles outside town) just wish to spend the last afternoon and dinner in town. I dropped off my bag around noon -- office is closed 1 to 3 p.m. for cleaning purposes. Returning from Old Town Albuquerque (fifteen minutes), I checked in in a private room/shared bath where window could not open and for which I ended up requesting a fan just before office closes at 10 p.m. as it was really hot in the room. I cannot say the bathroom was all marble but at least there was hot showers. How do you guys do, when you go camping? I had a couple of cigarettes on the patio with other travelers and long term residents -- those I met were not so weird and eventually friendly -- sharing stories, drinks, cigarettes, or snacks -- not the kind you fear when you meet them on small town motel parking lots while down-loading you car. They should think of updating a bit the bathrooms as well as private room ventilation.

Scummy dive, great location
Just a five-block walk to downtown, this centrally-located hostel seemed to promise much. Justin in the office was great and so helpful -- he recommended a terrific little diner for lunch, and gave me a great tour of the place. Pluses -- Unbeatable location, cheap dorms, no curfew, Justin. Like a lot of hostels, it could use some plain-old TLC -- the five mismatched curtains/drapes/window sheets in my room were stapled to the wall; the in-room closet that formerly served as a kitchen still dripped nasty brown water into its stained sink; tons of hair all over the blankets; dirty, scummy floors; and a pretty nasty yard all added up to me actually getting a hotel elsewhere. I stayed about four hours here, and canceled my next-day reservations for the dorms as well. The rest of the office staff were stiff and impersonal. Minuses -- Nasty shared bathrooms; gross bedding; clanging radiators; and the narrow, dangerous stairwell.

Very good
I spent a night at the 66 mid Dec. I found the staff friendly. While I arrived late and left early I saw no individuals that were not "hostel travelers." My room was clean. The baths on the second floor, where I stayed, were clean and odor free. While I could not remember where the kitchen light switch was. While making coffee, I had the same impression of the common areas downstairs. I feel sure the new management has gone far towards meeting the expectations of travelers.

Creepy and Stinky
I usually am not picky about accommodations, but this place was particularly bad. When I arrived the older women at the desk was sarcastic and rude throughout the entire check in. People staying at the place were equally strange and creepy. To make the atmosphere even more unpleasant, the place was absolutely filthy. I don't mind a little dirt but there was literally mold growing all over the place and it stunk like garbage. My overall impression was that I would not recommend this place or ever go back.

Great place, Great location, and Super value
I spent a few great days at the Rt. 66 hostel this week. I give it a good rating both because of what is there and how hard the owners are working to continue improving. You can see painting and other "projects" throughout the hostel. It is my understanding that the new owners took it over and are working hard to make sure it is a great place now and in the future. You can see where they are working on a lot of improvements. I enjoyed the people at the hostel. I can't say much about all the staff as I didn't have much interaction with all of them. The ones I did talk to were great. Of course the staff are not what makes a hostel environment as much as the other guests. Anyone who is a true hosteler will tell you the interaction with other travelers is what it's all about. Of course as with any place you put travelers together you can get a good mix of people. We had a lady from Florida that kept singing kids songs. She was a little strange, but harmless. The next night she was gone and I got to chat with a guy from Ireland and one British guy. Across from us there was a guy from Texas and a guy from New York talking about religion. During breakfast, I sat at the big table across from a girl from Sweden who was fun to talk to. That is what hostels should be like. Different people sharing an experience and interacting with each other. Sometimes they may be a little strange, and others not so strange, but they all come together to contribute there own personality and keep it interesting. Lastly, I should say something about the value. I have hosteled all over the country and the price is more than fair. For my money I got a room, and even had eggs provided for breakfast. Unlike a lot of hostels, I didn't have to pay extra linen charges or other small fees that can add up. I did have to pay a key deposit, but I got it back when I checked out. Overall, I really enjoyed my stay at the rt 66. It's not a five-star motel, but if that's what you want you shouldn't be looking at hostels anyway. If you want a great cheap place to stretch your travel money, a great location, and new experience, This hostel will fit the bill.

A reasonably good place to stay in Albuquerque
I've visited this place several times and generally met fairly cool people, sometimes international travelers, other times mainly american travelers. The hostel does have a quaint feel and it's nice to stay in a one-hundred-and-one-year old building. One nice thing about the location is that Old Town, the historic three-hundred-year old former center of Albuquerque is only a fifteen-minute walk away. There are numerous bars and clubs in downtown, which is a ten-minute walk in the opposite direction. Nob Hill is where the artsy, funky shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs are located. There is a co-op supermarket there selling lots of natural foods. To get there take the #66 bus East past the university and get off right after Girard, and continue walking East. The hostel has basic breakfast supplies. The noise factor that some people mentioned is pretty much limited to Sunday evening when there seems to be a lot of motorcycles cruising by -- even that stops by around midnight. There isn't much the hostel management can do about that besides maybe move the building. The hostel is right on Route 66 after all. To avoid this, get a room off the street, or stay in the dorm which is in the back of the building. As for the staff, keep in mind that they are not paid. They get a room in exchange for working there (long hours), and a fairly substandard room at that. I remember meeting one woman working there who survived on barely $25 a week. Try to be generous and leave them a tip if you think they did a good job. An extra $1 or two could make a big difference.

Boarding house?
I just stay one night in the women's dormitory, only people who identified themselves as workers were strange middle-aged men. One of them has rotten teeth, the other one has BO -- they make a weird energy and i think one of them ask me out to date. it was hard to avoid them when they always around. i was only person under twenty-five staying -- not like a Youth Hostel. No other international visitors there either -- a lot of odd americans.

I think in many cities there wouldn't be much competition for rooms but Albuquerque is loaded with hotels with affordable rates if you look around. Staff are generally very knowledgeable about Albuquerque. Staff personality ranges from outgoing to barely interested depending on who you're talking to. I took a chance while staying for a couple of nights but I thought I overheard one of the staff who wasn't willing to show rooms? Draw your own conclusions if this is true? The food situation is maybe fair -- I don't think anything resembling a meal is provided and the food that is available is very basic -- powdered milk, cereal, eggs, bread, some spices. You can shop in the area for some things but it looks like a poorer part of town so your shopping, particularly on foot, will be limited. One person's funk is another person's repair waiting to happen. I think for a night, you might like the funky atmosphere. On night two, three, or four, the unfixed window, the clangy pipe, wobbly mattress start to feel less funky and more annoying. Staff will be nice about these problems but I doubt the problems are new to the staff or management either. The dorms are inexpensive though you're getting into lower end hotel rates with some of the rooms and while the neighborhood appears to border some rougher areas it is safe at the hostel. If you have the time and/or inclination or you are really tired and want say, a better night sleep, you might check out some of the budget hotels all along Central Avenue running from West of downtown all the way through the east side of downtown.