Serendipity Hostel, León

There are a lot of good points about Serendipity Hostel, but all these do not matter when security is such an issue. There is a pair of unwatched and rarely locked doors that open straight into the street, and dorm rooms that are immediately inside these unsecured doors -- and have to be left unlocked if other guests are not to be locked out -- do not create a very secure environment for guests. There are lockers so your stuff will be safe but you in your bed will not be.

The Location

This hostel has a pretty good location, just a few blocks north of the heart of the tourist centre; the path into the city centre is nothing to be sneezed at, as you pass by pretty Colonial-era houses on the way. There are two supermarkets within easy walking distance as well as plenty of dining and drinking options, mostly in the direction of the city centre.

There aren't any real public transportation options, but as the city is so small it isn't necessary, but the bus terminal is within an easy easterly walk of the hostel from traveling onwards. There is some parking available on the street.

Rooms and Bathrooms

Dorm rooms come in ten, six-, and four-bed varieties, while privates are limited to doubles. All rooms are spacious, with a communal set of lockers located right next to the entranceway; privates lock, but dorm rooms do not. Rooms are very basic -- a fan and some power points are the only flair added to them.

Bathrooms are limited to one bathroom/shower that most of the rooms seem to share; luckily there aren't many people at the hostel, so waits aren't an issue, but if it gets at all crowded then the singular bathroom/shower will be an issue. The shower itself is big and spacious with some places to put clothes and toiletries.

Common Spaces

Common spaces are ok, there is a nice bar/dining area/hang out area out the back with hammocks and some chairs to relax in with a big grassy area with a clothesline. There is a smaller lounge area with book exchange next to the kitchen. The kitchen is not very well equipped, but has all the requirements to do the most basic of cooking -- but again, good luck using the kitchen with more than one other person.

The hostel's vibe is very subdued, but not in an enjoyable, relaxed way -- it's more of a ghost-town/where-is-everyone way.

Summary

Avoid this hostel, please. There is so much potential here, but it is utterly wasted with a nonexistent security system and too much emphasis placed on the guests to take care of each others' comings and goings. There is no twenty-four-hour reception, but the door is locked at 10 p.m., so if you wanted to stay out late, then find another hostel. When there are three doors between you and the street, but none of them are locked and there is no staff to keep an eye on the entrance, it just screams "disaster waiting to happen."