HI - Galveston Hostel

HI - Galveston is not your typical hostel -- in fact, you would not even recognise it as being a hostel from the outside. The name to look for is the Sandpiper Motel. It's in a perfect location right on the beach and a few minutes away from downtown Galveston.

What makes the Sandpiper Motel a hostel is the converted motel room, which is basically a double bed with four added bunk beds. The room is clean enough but expected the furniture to be a little warn and faded (as per most U.S. motels). There is a basic TV, air con, and combined bath/shower in the en-suite dorm room. A balcony also partially overlooks the beach and other motel rooms.

HI's strict standards ensure there are other features and facilities apart from just the room. You'll find a well equipped industrial-size kitchen and large lounge area with cable TV and a computer with internet access (wifi is not currently available) all located across the hallway from the room. It's worth noting that the private rooms sold online are simply standard motel rooms.

If you don't expect a large, backpacker-designed hostel then the HI - Galveston should do just fine. The staff seem eager to welcome backpackers and every facility you need is located within walking distance -- 7/11, liquor store, gas station. The motel reception is open twenty-four hours, but strangely the common areas shut at 10 p.m. and re-open at 7 a.m., which is a bit of a hassle. They are not locked up, instead you will be asked to move on at the discretion of the staff member on duty (how lenient they are can vary!).

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review