The Hostelz.com Review
A tiny hostel run out of a small house. It's a great place to hang out and swap travel stories with other young backpackers. If you're looking for a quiet place to stay for your holiday where you can keep to yourself, this isn't the place for you. This is a fun, social hostel.
It has arguably the best view of the Alhambra in the city (from the hill of the Barrio Sacramonte). There's a bus that passes through the Sacramonte every hour or two. Alternatively, you can walk but it's a steep hike up a shadeless hill. Either way it can be difficult to find, so bring a copy of the directions (and it doesn't help that the Sacramonte's streets are often undiscernable from one another and that the hostel doesn't have a sign).
The rooms are co-ed, they have bunk beds sleeping four people to a room. They don't offer lockers. The shared baths were not very clean, but they have a full-size bath with shower head and toilet and sink. Other features include a kitchen (also tolerable but not the cleanest), a huge patio, a washing machine and an excellent common area with internet access and many books and CDs to enjoy. The hostel is run by three young men, all English-speakers and non-natives, who are very kind. It's definitely a social hostel and it's so tiny you'll meet everyone staying there. If meeting people (English-speaking travellers) is what you are looking for, then look no further, Rambutan is the place.
It has arguably the best view of the Alhambra in the city (from the hill of the Barrio Sacramonte). There's a bus that passes through the Sacramonte every hour or two. Alternatively, you can walk but it's a steep hike up a shadeless hill. Either way it can be difficult to find, so bring a copy of the directions (and it doesn't help that the Sacramonte's streets are often undiscernable from one another and that the hostel doesn't have a sign).
The rooms are co-ed, they have bunk beds sleeping four people to a room. They don't offer lockers. The shared baths were not very clean, but they have a full-size bath with shower head and toilet and sink. Other features include a kitchen (also tolerable but not the cleanest), a huge patio, a washing machine and an excellent common area with internet access and many books and CDs to enjoy. The hostel is run by three young men, all English-speakers and non-natives, who are very kind. It's definitely a social hostel and it's so tiny you'll meet everyone staying there. If meeting people (English-speaking travellers) is what you are looking for, then look no further, Rambutan is the place.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
Their Description
Rambutan Guesthouse Hostel Details
|
|
(To add or correct information for this listing, please use the Listing Update Form.)
Map Location/ContactHow is Rambutan Guesthouse Hostel rated on other websites?
Rambutan Guesthouse Hostel Reviews on Other WebsitesHostelz.com Guest Reviews
Stayed here over the summer -- it was great. Everyone was super friendly. The accommodations aren't the best, but it's a small price to pay for a spectacular view and good company! — Danielle , USA (2007-05-04) I stayed here in 2003 and I must admit, of all the places I have ever seen and/or stayed, the experience and the people involved in this wonderful place are absolutely beyond words. While I was there we creatively imagined a game of charades, which colorfully turned into drag-charades -- a tradition it seems. Every star earned is deserved, if you are looking for the experiences a backpacker yearns for. — Heidi (2007-02-22) this place is unbelievable. some of the best times of my life. it's not just the place but the actual people and the energy with this place. I stayed for over three months and only left because my money ran out. — alcino (2007-02-10) Being on Interrail we met two girls in Cordoba who had heard from somebody that there should be a great backpacker in hostel we decided to meet them there a day later. They had that hand drawn, copied flyer from rambutan, we only had their description of the way there but we found it. Unfortunately we already had booked a train to Valencia the next day so we could only stay one night, but this one day was great. It didn't feel like a hostel or anything we had seen before. It felt more like a strange, hippy home and it was great! And because of the cosy feeling and the great views we even didn't go over to visit the Alhambra. And even after nearly four years (we stayed there in the summer of 2003) I can still say that it was the best experience in a hostel I made so far. I'm still handing out the last flyers I took when we left. — Katha (2007-01-08) A year after I visited, the memories have rushed back and I feel homesick for Rambutan. We were friends, we sang, we ate, we smoked, we had dance parties, shared views on life, we shared our love for life, we watched the sunset, took siestas, and I'll never forget any of it. Just like the others, I came for a couple days, and stayed for two and a half weeks. It's not so much the city, or the view, or the history -- it's the people at Rambutan that are special. — Will from Texas (2006-08-02) This place isn't like a normal hostel. It's more of a place where cool hippy type people come to stay for weeks at a time. One of the most chill relaxed places I've been to. The only problem I had with it was that I was there in December and nearly froze to death overnight due to lack of blankets and drafty windows and doors. The views from the balcony were worth it though and the people who gather there are extremely interesting. It's way up in the hills, but the instructions are good, and it's not that long of a walk when you're not carrying your bags. There are psycho busses through the hills that you can take if you want. Stay here if you want to chillll. — kat (2006-01-07) The place is GREAT! Ok, it's not the tidiest and cleanest place on Earth...but people are "easy" and friendly. The perfect place to hang around. Just a couple of days and you'll be friends with everyone! Breathtaking sight of the Alhambra and just a pleasant walk away from the centre of the town. Don't miss it! — Luca (2005-06-27) I simply loved this place. It is clean and the people are very relaxed. I intended to stay five days but in the end I got stuck in there for almost two months. — Laura (2005-04-04) The Rambutan is the most fantastic hostel experience I have ever had, to the point that every new hostel I check into is now a disappointment! I am now a walking Rambutan advertisement! When I was staying there, it was a really clean, cool environment. Miss you guys: Tyler, Dave, Rach, Gabi! — Anita, Aus (2005-04-03) I came back after two years and see the magic is still big and more beautiful than before. I love it here, also because I met the girl of my dreams here and we married and came back to celebrate. The food is good, and the rice is not sticky.
L energie est incroyable. Granada possede ce magnetisme et le Rambutan est comme un aimant, on ne peut et ne veut pas partir. — Francois (2005-04-01) The place was excellent. It had amazing views, an amazingly comfortable atmosphere, and amazingly friendly, open people. I went to Spain for only two weeks with the intention to see as many places as possible, and I ended up spending half of my stay at the Rambutan. (Even though I was freezing my buttocks off at that time — Granada's cold in the winter!) I had the time of my life, and I only left because I ran out of money. — Jakob the Austrian guy (2005-03-10) Rambutan is a very clean, friendly and warm-atmosphered hostel. Since the moment I arrived I just felt like I was in a family. The view is the best I have seen in five months of traveling. All the neighbors come by and play flamenco, it was a cool private show. You never know what will happen. The staff are very nice, good with their hands, and absolutely adorable. The food for breakfast and dinner is unbeatable. Linked to Rambutan is a bar located near Plaza Nueva, where you can have a drink and get to know new people. I had a fantastic time in Rambutan and stayed 10 days instead of 5 in the hostel. I had a little too much to drink!!! — Laura (2005-02-24) Great place. I recommend it highly if you want to have a great time and meet genuine fun-loving and honest souls. — Sean (2005-01-20) This place will be among the best memories of my life. Just go there and enjoy. — J. (2005-01-10) Interesting place! The people here are very social and friendly, which is nice. I don't smoke weed or drink a lot so I felt a bit out of place, but the people were very open and kind, which was wonderful to experience. The whole group went on a walk up the hill to watch the sunset at night, which was memorable. =) This is not the cleanest place, but it's very friendly. — Paul (2004-10-11)