South Beach Hostel

The South Beach Hostel is a hip youth hostel located in the quiet SoFi area of South Beach. It's the perfect place to meet travelers from around the world and have a good time while on vacation

The Location

Found on Second street and Washington Avenue, this hostel is in the heart of the residential area of lower South Beach. The bus passes directly in front of the hostel, so it is easy to get around, even though everything you could need -- food, entertainment, beach, and nightlife -- are all in walking distance. Street parking is available in front of the hostel.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The rooms are perhaps the only disappointing feature -- the eight-bed dorms are tiny. The bed is not the most comfortable. There are no ladders for the top bunkers to use and the mattresses are so thin you can feel the bed frame. Private rooms are also available. All rooms are accessed by key cards as are all other areas, including bathrooms and the kitchen. Lockers are available in the rooms, as well as at the reception area.

The bathrooms are all shared, located down the hall on each floor. Showers are a bit high, and the pressure is also high, making it difficult to shower without getting your hair soaked. The girls bathroom is quite small. Towels are not provided.

Common Spaces

The small kitchen is very practical and functional, and fully equipped with utensils and crockery. And the coolest thing is, there is a small movie theatre/TV area in the same room. Make a meal, sit in front the big screen, and relax. On-site laundry is available. There is an internet area equipped with half a dozen computers for guest use in the lounge. Right at the entrance of the hostel is a pool table and a bar, which has two daily happy hours and some of the cheapest beer on the beach. ATM is also in lobby. Breakfast is available in the bar area each morning -- juice, coffee and tea, bagels, and fruit, which are a welcome change from toast and pancakes. There are always guests hanging around, everyone is friendly and happy, great place for socialising with fellow travelers as well as locals who come to patronise the bar.

Summary

The place is immaculately clean in the common areas. It has a great atmosphere, everyone seems happy, the euphoria is contagious. This place is good value for money, if you dont mind the beds. They have very good security as well, with clearly marked emergency exits.

— Exklusive Hostelz.com Übersicht
August 2009