CouchPoint

"As a car traveler without a bathroom in my vehicle, it can be rough finding places to stay in cities where you really have a comfortable setup. Hostel California has been THE hookup for this in San Diego! It offers a reasonable day use rate that lets me sleep in my car - and street parking it back-in, not parallel so I can access it easily -- and also use the living room with TV, kitchen, any of three bathrooms, coin laundry, back patio with fire pit, bikes for loan, and a 104 degree jacuzzi! The queer-friendly neighborhood feels vey safe and has a ton of grocery stores, cafes, bars, gyms, park nearby with museums, and the greatest Ace Hardware store I have ever been in. Owner Andy even let me use his tools and scrap wood to make some upgrades on my build! Maybe best of all is hearing four languages spoken over breakfast. On the minus side, I am very disappointed in Andy's response to the reviewer Michaela Springer. Andy, how do you think women reading your reviews feel when a female reviewer calls you a creep and your response threatens -- however however feebly and incoherently -- to take her to court? That is a totally inappropriate response to a negative review. Although I find the hostel more cluttered than dirty, she is also correct that there are safety hazards, some of which I have pointed out such as a wobbly fire pit and an outdoor extension cord that doesn't fully engage and has clearly already had a short. The place is carved up like a rabbit warren with a single entrance to the back yard leading to a single entrance into the hostel, where a doorway narrower than the surfboard used as the door is the single entrance to the bedroom. Those people will 100% die if there is a fire. I offered to remediate the fire pit and extension cord, but Andy wanted me to write a review instead. Michaela was also correct that reviewers are offered a discount -- although not on the condition of a good review. So I will deduct one star for litigious blathering, and one star for bribing reviewers. That said, my personal experience of the stay has been nothing short of ideal, and the ridiculousness is entertaining. I am even adding a star to my Rooms rating on account of the fluffy kitty. Andy, if you want to serve me a summons for defamation, you can deliver it to me at your own address where I am staying for $10/night - NO TAKE BACKS!"

"A bright and comfortable hostel offering private or shared room alternatives. Cosy, welcoming, and warm, with friendly visitors from all over the world. With different price accommodations, much to see in the area and a kind host, this place is a top pick for sure!"

"I had an amazing time here! Everyone is so nice and outgoing, I learned and experienced a lot here! There’s so much to do and see around you never get bored, I recommend"

"I really like the vibe at the hostel. Good place to chill and enjoy the city. You can reach every point in the city by public transport, anyway the discrict (Hillcrest) have a lot of pubs, restaurants, supermarkets - everything you need. The neighborhood feels safe. The host and his partner are very nice and helpfull!"

"Absolutely disgusting. Flies EVERYWHERE. Bed bugs, house filled with safety hazards. Andy is a creep. There are 100% illicit substances in the house. The good reviews are listed because Andy offers $10 off for leaving a review. Women: be careful. Please. Men, you’ll probably be safe, but not clean. Please stay elsewhere."