California Dreams Hostel

"I’ll start by saying the staff is super friendly and nice. We only wished we had looked more closely into what exactly we were booking. We had just gotten into town late from Vegas and hadn’t booked a room. The ones we looked around had bad reviews so when we saw this one had 4+ stars we didn’t think too much about it. Mistake #1. We didn’t realize they don’t have private bathrooms. Bathrooms are shared with everyone else staying at the hostel which was gross to me. They were somewhat clean but still. We weren’t allowed to plug in styling tools or hair dryer in the room so you had to get ready in a bathroom with other strangers. We had a private room but it was soooo tiny. Sheets looked old and had stains. Bed was uncomfortable. Towels looked old and faded (think black towel that’s been washed a million times). To top it off, walls were paper thin, we could literally hear the entire conversation of the people in the adjacent rooms. It was super noisy all night (even though they have signs that quiet time is at 11pm). We couldn’t sleep at all due to all the noise. You could literally hear the other people going in and out of their rooms and walking in the hall it was so bad. Lastly, our room was warm (74F) and the thermostat had a locked boxed around it so you couldn’t adjust the temp. We could’ve opened the window but we were right above the hostel entrance which had a lot of noise. Only good thing was that we only booked one night. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone looking for comfort."

"I had an amazing stay at the California Dreams Hostel in Pacific Beach! The staff was super friendly and ready to help any questions. It’s super close to the beach and cute restaurants so overall a great location to stay in! I really appreciated that they had bike rentals and tons of other equipment there for you to rent. I met awesome people during my stay and can’t wait to come back!"

"I had an amazing stay! The hostel is conveniently located, lots of good food, fun restaurants, shopping, things to do near by. The beach here is gorgeous. I recommend renting a bike from around the corner and biking along the beach or Mission Blvd up to La Jolla, and trying a surfing lesson with a nearby surf club. There's a couple *incredible* taco places around the corner. The area is really clean and safe. Of all the hostels I stayed at in San Diego, the bathrooms here were the nicest; big and clean, with some natural light. The atmosphere and crowd are chill, met some great people during my stay -- thanks Ryan & team for welcoming me!"

"This place was so much fun! Ryan and Megan were great and gracious hosts. Very professional as well as personable! The people who stayed while I was there were so much fun to talk with and learn from. It was Christmas time so we all helped out when Ryan showed up with a box of decorations and merrier up the place! Several people connected and went on adventures together making their experience and stay much more fun and exciting! New friendships were developed quickly with so many common interests! Some had stayed there before and came back for more! I think I will most definitely stay there again myself! Looking forward to it! It’s a must stop and stay on your journey through the area! You’ll have a great experience and wish all hostels were like this one!"

"I'm not two-timing, but I have stayed at one or two other Pacific Beach hostels besides the California Dreams Hostel. And I have to say it is definitely the best! Everything is cleaner, from the floors to the kitchen to the bathrooms. The staff is amazing! They are definitely a lot nicer and more down to earth than any other hostels I've been to! They include everyone in conversations, not just the staff clique. Thaddeus is great to have a deep, mind-expanding conversation with, he'll definitely make you laugh! Everyone is included. Even the introverted loners, like me, that try to hide in the background. The free continental breakfast is wonderful! Fresh fruit, juice, coffee, a small variety of cereal and muffins, a thoughtful pick me up before you head out on your adventures. The beds are pretty nice. You may have to take the top bunk because most people like the bottom. But, if you can get over your fear of heights, your bed comes prepared. A pillow, a fitted sheet and a flat sheet. And if your a chilly little mini, with ice in your veins, like me and get a little cold during the night all you have to do is go to the front desk. Ask Ryan and he will get you a warm plush blanket speedy quick with a smile and then promptly turn the thermostat up to a toasty 74. When there's a big storm and the keypad to the door stops working just ask Jasmine, she'll lend a hand and get you in the door. Anything you need the staff always seem to do their very best to get it to you or to point you in a good direction as to where to find it. Overall, I'd have to give it a 10 out of 10 just for a combination of atmosphere, price, community and enjoyment! I would definitely stay here again, anytime I'm in San Diego and want to be 15 steps from the beautiful Pacific Ocean!! Thank you California Dreams Hostel!!"