The Hostelz.com Review - Genuine, independent review you can trust.
Hostel Moai is a relaxed surfer/backpacker hostel located just a couple of minutes' walk from the beach in Montañita. Rooms and bathrooms are basic and slightly gloomy, but common spaces are more cheerful, and there is no shortage of hammocks! A decent breakfast is included.
The Location
Hostel Moai is located on a quiet street, just off the main road, which passes through Montañita. The bus stop on the main road is around seven minutes' walk from the hostel, although if you know where to get off you can get dropped much closer to the hostel. The beach is just a couple of minutes' walk away.
The area, which contains a few hostels and a small shop, is separated from downtown Montañita by a river. Despite being just a few minutes' walk away, this area feels much quieter than downtown.
Rooms and Bathrooms
Dorms and private rooms are available. They are spread over a number of floors (and the stairs are not the safest!). Dorms are basic and a little gloomy. Small lockers are provided.
Simple bathrooms appear to be cleaned and restocked regularly and showers produce warm water. There was soap and shampoo provided during our stay.
Common Spaces
Apart from the kitchen, all common spaces at Hostel Moai are open-air. Downstairs is an outdoor courtyard with tables, sofas, and numerous hanging chairs and hammocks. It is covered in case of rain, and is pleasant at night when it is lit by fairy lights.
There is a quiet and relaxed vibe, except on party nights (in Montañita, these are usually Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday) when the majority of guests drink together in the hostel before heading out to the clubs. The hostel supposedly has a bar with nightly happy hours; in reality there is no real bar area, but staff use the communal kitchen to make you drinks.
The communal kitchen is fairly well stocked and clean enough. It is unusable in the morning when staff use it to prepare breakfast. Breakfast is included and a number of options are available.
There are small communal areas with hammocks on each floor, including a rooftop with views over the town and river (this is not as idyllic as it sounds, since the river is quite dirty and polluted!). WiFi is available in common areas.
Summary
Hostel Moai is one of the more budget-friendly hostels in Montañita and attracts a relaxed crowd of surfers and backpackers. The location, between the beach and the main road, is convenient and has a calmer atmosphere than downtown Montañita. The covered outdoor common areas are great in high season, but during rainier times of year the place can feel a little cold and gloomy.
Photos taken by the Hostelz.com reviewer — Genuine photos you can trust.
DondeScarlet
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on Sep 7, 2018
Location and Contact
Location
• Starting at the bus station, walk 40 mts towards the pond. • Cross the bridge and turn left towards the beach. • Walk 50 mts meter beach front.