HosteLaVie McLeodGanj, Dharamsala

HosteLaVie McLeodGanj is definitely a bit below in standard what you might expect from the LaVie chain. While the location is great, the place is a bit shabby and without style, and the staff are downright rude. As the common area is tiny, most people prefer staying in their room so there is little socialising going on amongst travelers at this place. The place is really rigid about check-in and check-out times, but they will let you leave your backpack in their cafe -- unattended.

The Location

The location is the best thing about this hostel; it is in a strategic point between the center of McLeodGanj, Bhagsu Waterfall, and the start of the Triund Hill hike. However, the walk from McLeodGanj is quite steep so maybe it's best to get a rickshaw if you are not in top fitness.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The hostel offers rooms on three floors, the majority of which are dorms. The rooms are big and come with balconies overlooking the mountains, however, recently, a new building has started being built right in front of the hostel, which obstructs most of the panorama. The beds are decent, but you should try not to be near the window as the insulation is not great. The bathrooms are opposite the rooms and there are three toilets and three showers, which is a sufficient number for the amount of people staying on one floor. There is also a sink and a drinking-water station in the corridor.

Common Spaces

There is a cafe on the rooftop where the free breakfast is served in the morning between 8 and 10. However, try not to come at 8, as the staff won't be ready to serve you right away. The breakfast is either omelette, aloo paratha, or toast with jam plus chai. The portions are small but it is still a nice gesture of the place. However, don't accept the welcome tea or coffee upon arrival, as you will be charged for it at check-out. This area is cosy and offers many books to read, but it is way too small for all the guests. There is another area with garden chairs in front of the cafe outdoors, but in the winter it is too cold to stay here for a longer time.

Summary

All in all, HosteLaVie McLeodGanj is an ok option is your idea of staying at a hostel is to be centrally located, have a comfy place to stay, and have free breakfast. However, if you are looking for a place to get to know other travelers or where you feel that the staff are happy to serve you, you might want to look for another place, as here the atmosphere is not the greatest.