The Hostelz.com Review
The overrated and overpriced Tamarindo Hostel definitely relies on good reviews in guidebooks but unfortunately does not live up to them. It's average but has what you will need for your stay. There is a definite feel that it might have once been the well-run place in the books -- the disinterested staff might well have had something to do with the decline.
The Location
Tamarindo Hostel is quite a way from central San Pedro Sula out in a quiet residential area, which might be a good thing but means you will be making use of taxis -- remember to agree on a fare before the trip. There are some restaurants and a supermarket within walking distance (twenty minutes), but you might want to take a taxi because of the city's reputation.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The rooms are ok. Some of them are a little more cramped and noisy so have a look around -- upstairs is probably a better bet. There are small security lockers in the rooms for your valuables but some of the dorm doors do not close properly. The bathrooms are clean and there is meant to be hot water, but it is questionable.
Common Spaces
The common space includes a TV lounge and dining room area. It's not bad for sitting on the couch and watching some TV but doesn't have much of an atmosphere. A kitchen is available for guest use and has most of the things you will need -- it's fairly clean but does look like it has lacked a thorough clean in a while. Drinking water is not included and they have a small selection of drinks. There is one computer available but it is far too expensive.
Summary
Overall it is an ok place to stay but could do with a couple of improvements and an attempt to provide more atmosphere but it's quite clean and seems safe enough. It is not as great as the guidebooks claim, so don't expect too much and you should be fine.
The Location
Tamarindo Hostel is quite a way from central San Pedro Sula out in a quiet residential area, which might be a good thing but means you will be making use of taxis -- remember to agree on a fare before the trip. There are some restaurants and a supermarket within walking distance (twenty minutes), but you might want to take a taxi because of the city's reputation.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The rooms are ok. Some of them are a little more cramped and noisy so have a look around -- upstairs is probably a better bet. There are small security lockers in the rooms for your valuables but some of the dorm doors do not close properly. The bathrooms are clean and there is meant to be hot water, but it is questionable.
Common Spaces
The common space includes a TV lounge and dining room area. It's not bad for sitting on the couch and watching some TV but doesn't have much of an atmosphere. A kitchen is available for guest use and has most of the things you will need -- it's fairly clean but does look like it has lacked a thorough clean in a while. Drinking water is not included and they have a small selection of drinks. There is one computer available but it is far too expensive.
Summary
Overall it is an ok place to stay but could do with a couple of improvements and an attempt to provide more atmosphere but it's quite clean and seems safe enough. It is not as great as the guidebooks claim, so don't expect too much and you should be fine.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
June 2010
Their Description
Tamarindo Hostel Details
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Tamarindo Hostel Reviews on Other WebsitesHostelz.com Guest Reviews
Multilingual, helpful staff, well run. Secure from outside. Stayed here for one night before heading to La Ceiba, the local employees really helped out my brother while he was staying here with logistical issues such as storing a bicycle and gear. A staff member helped us catch a taxi at 5:30 a.m. and negotiated a price in spanish to the bus station. No problems. The schnauzer that lives there is really cute and livens up the place. — Colter , Chicago, USA (2008-10-28) Strange, almost surreal experience I have traveled extensively throughout Central America and this was the hottest night I have ever spent. My four-person "dorm" was two bunk beds crammed into what would have been a small single room. One small fan. No window. Four guys. It was suffocating. (And no lock on the door. More on that later.) The "free" wireless internet is one computer that you are allowed to use for free for fifteen minutes. Then you pay. If you can actually get on the thing, which is tough, since there is a queue. Now it gets weird. I had to catch an early flight so I politely pulled my stuff out of the room into the common room to pack so as not to wake anyone, only to find people sleeping on the floor of the common room. So I still had to pack quietly in the dark. I thought I'd check my email while I waited, but apparently they stow the keyboard away at night. There were musical instruments in the common room. A guy who had stayed there the night before said that the owners have a band, and chose to practice the previous evening at around 9:30 p.m. And now it gets really weird. There was a cabinet in my room which was locked. It was being used by a guy who lives/works there. So he could and would come in at anytime to get into his closet in the noisiest possible manner. I was awakened twice in the middle of the night, at about half past midnight and 2:30 a.m., when he came in, turned on the light, and sprayed cologne on his underwear. The people there were friendly and helpful but they seem a little unclear on what the purpose of a hostel is. — jstaggs1967 , USA (2008-06-14) We stayed here in January 2007 with our grandchildren, twins age 11, and we all loved it! The owner, Juan, picked us up at the airport, waiting over an hour because our plane was late. He and his wife, Angela, the other owner, speak excellent English and are terrific hosts. (The hostel was formerly her family home.) They are concerned with your comfort and motivated to help your stay in Honduras be fun. In our room we had a double bed and bunkbeds, perfect for us. The hostel has a veranda and lovely front garden, and is located on a quiet tree-lined street and is secure behind locked gates. They have a talking, singing parrot who delighted the children. Juan spent some time with us showing us places to visit via his internet. He recommended an excellent restaurant across the street enjoyed by both the children and ourselves. The next morning, Angela made us an superb typical breakfast as prearranged (I don't think this is a regular service but their kitchen is there to use if you want to). She took us to the Hedman Alas bus station and then returned again to bring us stuff we had left behind. They are wonderful people, the hostel is clean, colorful, and safe. We look forward to staying there on future occasions. — Shirley and Dorin (2007-02-17) I stayed here on July 5th along with 18 friends on our way to Trujillo. We all hated to leave!! You will not find better host and hostess! Juan Carlos and Angela make you feel at home instantly and did everything to help us in finding places to eat and things to do around town in our brief stay! And then there was the yummy mango jelly they had made for us to eat on our toast the morning we left...YUMMY!! I recommend the Tamarindo Hostel highly. The decor is bright, fun and enjoyable and the hosts are top notch!! Thank you Juan Carlos and Angela for a great stay!!! — Rachel (2005-07-15) I stayed in this hostel last week (March 26) and it is very nice. The owners are a young couple who also play in a band, and they were very kind to me, and helped me with any information I needed. It is safe, and very clean. It looks like a deluxe hostel to me. I really enjoyed my stay there. — Yamilet Castellanos (2005-04-04)