I stayed in a Backpacker Hostel in Los Angeles and here's what happened

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Find your Perfect Hostel in Los Angeles

Looking for a place where you can wake up to Pacific Ocean waves, borrow a bike to Santa Monica, and still make new friends over rooftop tacos?

That was my checklist when I booked STAY OPEN Venice Beach, and the hostel delivered on every count.

Below is my honest, first-hand review, written so travelers—especially solo backpackers and women—know exactly what to expect. I’ll cover location, social life, rooms, safety, cost, and give you one solid tip at the end.

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Los Angeles

Best for Hostel Newbies

STAY OPEN Venice Beach10.0

from $45.13 | More Details

Best for Female Solo Traveler

Freehand8.5

from $20.09 | More Details

Best Party Hostel

Banana Bungalow Hollywo...8.6

from $14.55 | More Details

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Location – Beachfront Access, Easy Transport

STAY OPEN sits on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, facing the sand between the famed skatepark and Muscle Beach gym. You can roll out of your pod, grab a coffee, and reach the water in under 30 seconds.

That convenience shaped my entire stay: sunrise walks, midday swims, and sunset photography all required zero planning.

Public transport is better than many people assume. The Big Blue Bus #1 stops two blocks away and runs straight to Santa Monica Pier in about ten minutes.

The LAX FlyAway stop in Santa Monica connects you to the airport for a flat fee, and rideshares from the hostel to downtown usually take 25–40 minutes, depending on traffic. E-scooters and rental bikes line Pacific Avenue if you prefer a breezy ride.

As a solo female traveler, I paid attention to the neighborhood vibe after dark. Venice Beach does have a visible homeless community, yet the boardwalk remains well-lit and busy into the evening.

The hostel’s main entrance faces a small LAPD sub-station, which added a calm layer of safety whenever I came back from dinner on Abbot Kinney. I never felt uncomfortable walking alone, but common-sense precautions—phone away, headphones low—still apply.

Social Vibes – Friendly, Relaxed, Activity-Rich

STAY OPEN’s common areas are designed to spark conversation without forcing it. The ground-floor lounge is wrapped in glass, so natural light pours in while you sip free bean-to-cup coffee or get work done.

I met two travelers within an hour of arrival simply by asking to share an outlet.

• Daytime rhythm: people spread out with laptops, plan coastal bike trips, or join staff-led beach volleyball at noon.
• Evening rhythm: sunset gatherings on the rooftop followed by communal dinners or a casual movie night in the small cinema room.
• Weekly events: Monday community dinner (varies from taco bar to pasta pots), Wednesday s’mores on the deck, Friday yoga at sunrise, and a Saturday taco crawl along Abbot Kinney. Sign-up sheets at reception keep groups manageable.

I joined the Friday yoga class and the taco crawl. Both were relaxed, affordable (yoga free; tacos pay as you go), and great for meeting people. By the second night, I had a mini-crew ready for an early bike ride to Santa Monica.

If you’re introverted, the hostel never pressures you to join every activity; quiet corners and your private pod curtain always wait.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Los Angeles

1. USA Hostels Hollywood - best for Family-Friendly Hostel
2. Orange Drive Hostel - best for Digital Nomads, Family-Friendly Hostel, Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller
3. Orbit Hotel & Hostel
4. HI - Los Angeles - Santa Monica Hostel - best for Beach Lovers Retreat, Digital Nomads, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
5. ITH Hermosa Beach Surf Hostel LAX - best for Beach Lovers Retreat, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel

USA Hostels Hollywood

8.6

Hollywood

"…During warmer months the dorms can get a bit hot and stuffy, so use those ceiling fans. The design more

Orange Drive Hostel

8.8

Hollywood

"…The staff are great! They are friendly and very helpful. The hostel is a old Mansion. It is bigger more

from

$19.89

Orbit Hotel & Hostel

8.3

West Hollywood

"…Orbit in LA was unreal. I stayed here four nights and they were the best of the holiday. We more

HI - Los Angeles - Santa Monica Hostel

9.0

Santa Monica

"…is dirty cheap for its size! I also participated in the free walking tours offered by the hostel more

from

$21.48

ITH Hermosa Beach Surf Hostel LAX

8.6

Hermosa Beach

"…The hostel was clean and was in a great location. I met a lot of really nice people and would more

from

$21.45

Rooms – Pod Privacy With Modern Comfort

All sleeping spaces are pod-style. Instead of traditional bunks, you slide into a capsule made of light wood and equipped with:

• Blackout roller shade for full privacy and darkness.
• Memory-foam mattress, crisp linens, and two pillows.
• Reading light, two power outlets (one USB, one standard), and a shelf large enough for phones, glasses, and a paperback.
• Lockable drawer underneath; your phone app or keycard opens it. My 40-liter pack fit easily.

Dorms come in mixed and female-only formats, each holding eight to twelve pods. Silent air-conditioning kept my room comfortable even on a hot September afternoon, and ceiling fans circulated fresh ocean air when we wanted natural breeze.

Bathrooms are unisex but completely private: individual stalls with toilet, sink, mirror, and rainfall shower.

The building’s staff clean them multiple times a day. I never had to wait more than two minutes, even during the morning rush, and hot water was constant.

Towels rent for a small fee, so pack one if you want to save a few dollars. Linens are already included and refreshed for longer stays on request.

Amenities – Practical Features and Nice Extras

• Rooftop deck: loungers, outdoor kitchen with two grills, picnic tables, and fairy-light ambiance at night. The Pacific sunset view is free and priceless.
• Ground-floor lounge: free coffee and tea all day, fridge with honor-system sodas, big tables for work sessions, and plush sofas for reading.
• Guest kitchen: full stove, oven, microwave, blender, toaster, and labeled dry-food cubbies. Plenty of pots and pans—just wash up right after.
• Cinema corner: small room with projector, streaming apps, and beanbags. Easy to curl up after a long sightseeing day.
• Laundry: self-service washer and dryer, detergent sold at reception. Machines take card and coin.
• Gear storage: secure surfboard rack, lockable bike area, beach-toy bins with free volleyballs and paddleball sets.
• Connectivity: fast mesh Wi-Fi covers every floor as well as the rooftop. Video calls and streaming worked flawlessly.
• Entry system: completely keyless via smartphone app or optional RFID card. It grants access to the building, elevator, dorm, and drawer.

Safety – Multi-Layer Security and Helpful Staff

Safety starts with the digital locks. Only registered guests receive electronic credentials; if your phone dies, reception can issue a temporary card.

CCTV cameras monitor all public areas, and staff members remain on duty 24/7. They’re quick to check wristbands at rooftop events, so outsiders don’t drift in from the boardwalk.

The female-only dorm’s door requires an extra code, adding peace of mind.

During my stay, staff were unobtrusive but present—greeting everyone as they entered and giving directions to local pharmacies or late-night food spots.

I left my laptop charging in my pod drawer every day without worry.

Price – Mid-Range for LA, Great for the Beach

Los Angeles is rarely kind to budgets, but STAY OPEN offers solid value for its prime address.

Pod rates run higher than inland hostels but far cheaper than beachfront hotels or private rentals. Included in the base price are linens, Wi-Fi, daily coffee, yoga class, rooftop access, and most social events.

Extras like towel rental, laundry, community dinners, and bike hire are optional and clearly priced at check-in.

Considering I spent nothing on public-beach amenities like chairs or showers—and cooked two dinners in the guest kitchen—the overall cost balanced out nicely.

Still not sure? Pick my Favorite Hostel in Los Angeles

#1 Top Hostel in Los Angeles: STAY OPEN Venice Beach

This is the overall best rated hostel in STAY OPEN Venice Beach. The overall rating is 10.0. You cannot go wrong here.

It is your safest bet in case you are not sure which hostel to pick.

The price for a dorm at STAY OPEN Venice Beach starts from $45.13.

Check out STAY OPEN Venice Beach here

Final Verdict

Score: 9 / 10. STAY OPEN Venice Beach combines unbeatable location, thoughtful design, and a friendly, inclusive atmosphere. It let me enjoy the creative chaos of Venice while sleeping securely and comfortably each night.

Meeting people felt natural over rooftop sunsets or shared kitchen conversations, yet my pod offered solitude whenever I needed a break. 

I shaved one point for the occasional sand trekked into the lounge (boardwalk life), but staff vacuumed each morning, and slippers solved it.

Pro tip: Book at least two weeks ahead in summer—female pods and ocean-facing rooms disappear quickly. Pack a light towel to avoid rental fees, download the entry app before arrival, and bring an extra reusable mug; the free coffee alone is worth it.

Backpacking Los Angeles? Here’s What You Need to Know

These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I’ve been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I’m passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

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About the author: Anna Kiefer

My travels have taken me from the vibrant streets of Vietnam to the tranquil beauty of Spain, each destination adding a new chapter to my journey. For me, travel isn’t about counting countries or ticking off lists; it’s about the freedom it brings and the stories that unfold with each new adventure. At Hostelgeeks, my goal is to infuse our brand with this sense of freedom and discovery.

Whether it’s finding the perfect 5 Star Hostel or sharing a hidden gem in a bustling city, I’m here to ensure that our travelers get more than just a journey – they get an experience that resonates with the joy of exploration and the freedom of the open road.