Backpackers Paradise offers accommodation that is an extremely good value and is located extremely close to LAX airport. While this is very convenient if you are arriving / departing by plane, it can also mean that the hostel should perhaps consider renaming itself 'Plane-spotters Paradise'. The noise from huge aircraft coming and going 24 hours a day, 7 days a week can result in difficulty sleeping - you should consider bringing some earplugs if you are planning to stay here.
Aircraft noise aside, the hostel has quite a 'party' atmosphere. As well as the free coffee and muffin breakfast, there is daily dinner (quite basic but not bad), champagne and cake, all free. Facilities are quite good - internet access, vending machines, swimming pool, laundry (although the housekeeping department uses the same one so you'll be queueing forever), bar and restaurant. There is a daily free shuttle to and from the local shopping mall, Venice Beach and Fishermans' Village. This is a great asset as it is quite difficult to get out and about from the hostel. There is a bus-stop outside, from which you can get to downtown/ Santa Monica although it can take a long, long time and involve several changes of bus. The area in which the hostel is located is not the best and it's probably a good idea not to venture out at night, especially if you're female and/or alone.
The dorms aren't bad although they are quite large and the only bathroom available is the en-suite. This proved a problem for a 20-bed dorm with only one shower and toilet, located in the same room. If you want a place to stay that is good value, close to the airport (free shuttle service to and from) and can tolerate a reasonable amount of noise, then this is a good place to stay.
Response from the Owner
I appreciate the mostly positive review for our hostel on your website, but I would like a chance to respond.
1. "The noise from huge aircraft coming and going 24 hours a day, 7 days a week can result in difficulty sleeping" - Aircraft noise is minimal after midnight when very few planes land at LAX - there are no planes landing from 2:00am until 5:00am.
2. "There is a bus-stop outside, from which you can get to downtown/ Santa Monica although it can take a long, long time and involve several changes of bus" - Backpacker's Paradise is a very good choice for the traveler who wants to explore LA. Within a block are stops for buses that go directly to Downtown, Hollywood, LAX, and High Speed Metro Rail Green Line station - two blocks away - which connects to downtown, Redondo Beach, Long Beach, Hollywood, and Universal Studios.
3. "The dorms aren't bad although they are quite large and the only bathroom available is the en-suite" - There are other choices for the hosteler including a six bed dorm and a four bed dorm all for $15.00 plus tax, and our most popular offering, a private two bedroom suite with shared bath, wet bar, cable TV, and refrigerator for $19.50 per room, single occupancy.
4. "The area in which the hostel is located is not the best and it's probably a good idea not to venture out at night, especially if you're female and/or alone" - We have secure gated entries, 24 hour front desk, and security video cameras. As far as going outside as a lone female, that's not really advisable in any city.
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