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Reviews of California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach

2 out of 5
California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach
743 Emerald Street, San Diego, CA

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 51 out of 86 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 24 out of 86 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 86 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 86 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 86 reviews" "

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

MELLISA

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diego, Mesa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The overall experience staying at a Hostel, the staff ate super friendly as well as most guests. Everyone is very respectful of other space and sharing common areas like the bathroom, showers, kitchen, patio, lounge area TV amongst many activities around. I felt very welcomed and safe during my which to be honest wast my biggest concern. Will definitely be back next time I visit the area, Thank you for such outstanding staff you all are the selling point of this business. -tChiego
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Supervisor on 6 Sept 2023
Thank you Diego for your kind review. We always love to hear that our staff is outstanding and that you were happy with our amenities. So glad you felt safe as well. Hopefully we will see you next time!

8/10 Good

Terri, Wildomar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location; only steps from the beach. Nice common area. Decent beds.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Pedro on 25 June 2023
Hello Terri,We are happy to hear that you enjoyed our great location right next to the beach. We hope to have you back.Thank you

8/10 Good

Hailey

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Pedro on 5 July 2023
Hello Hailey,We appreciate the review score.Thank you

10/10 Excellent

Nathan

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Pedro on 5 July 2023
Hello Nathan,We appreciate the great review score.Thank you

8/10 Good

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Should have thought to request a lower bunk...while still mobile and active, at soon-to-be 66, it would have been easier to navigate getting in and out of bed. Unless I missed one, surprised to discover only 2 single showers/toilets to share amongst the number of occupants. Staff very friendly and hospitable. Fellow residents respectful of others, enjoyed meeting new people with different life experiences/backgrounds.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Response from Pedro on 17 June 2023
Hi Brian! We are happy to hear you enjoyed your stay and the atmosphere of the hostel! Thanks for the feedback!

10/10 Excellent

Sabine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Victor

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Needed a late night stop from a long drive and this friendly place was perfect!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2022
Response from Pedro on 2 Feb 2023
Hello Victor, We are happy to hear that you found our place perfect and friendly.Thank you

10/10 Excellent

Josh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
***Highly recommend*** What a great experience! The staff was super cool and friendly. A very nice location with great amenities. Would definitely return. Met some cool people and could pretty much walk to anything. Comfortable room with storage, you can bring your own lock or rent. Only thing that could be improved upon (which I don't even know if it's possible) is water pressure in the shower. Not a big deal but maybe staff can bug the owner's to look in to it.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from Owner on 8 Sept 2022
Hello Josh,We are glad to hear that you had such a great experience and that our staff was super friendly. We see you noticed how comfortable the room and storage was during your stay.Thank you

6/10 Okay

Izabelle, Mclean

The beds were surprisingly comfy, and with the curtains gives you privacy. It can get super loud but during quiet hours the room gets dark and quiet so it’s good. I wish there were more bathrooms, sometimes you are taking shower and there’s a guest knocking at the door to use the bathroom
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

2/10 Terrible

jesse

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022
Response from JR on 23 June 2022
Hi Jesse, You are a SD resident and we do not accept SD residents. We are travelers hostel. You were rude to our staff, and are upset that we are following our policy. I hope life gets better for you. Best wishes.

2/10 Terrible

Jordan

Stayed 1 night in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nikhil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing place. Truly awesome vibes and super clean. Everyone was really respectful. The staff was really cool and very welcoming. Especially James and Autti. Very good vibes and really helpful in making my stay in SD Pacific Beach area grand
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022
Response from Owner on 13 May 2022
Hello Nikhil, We are happy to hear that you enjoyed our super clean location and that our staff was so welcoming. Thank you

10/10 Excellent

Rafael

Stayed 1 night in May 2022
Response from JR on 23 June 2022
Thank you for your kind words! We value your feedback! Safe Travels to you!

10/10 Excellent

Viviane

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really enjoy staying at this hostel.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2022
Response from JR on 9 May 2022
We are so glad that you enjoyed your stay! We value your feedback and hope you come back again!

10/10 Excellent

Debbie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Response from JR on 9 May 2022
Thank you so much for your feedback! We are glad you enjoyed your stay and hope you have safe travels!

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021
Response from Owner on 13 Mar 2022
Thank you for the feedback!

10/10 Excellent

Roger

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022
Response from Owner on 7 Mar 2022
Hi Roger, Thank you for staying with us and for the feedback.

4/10 Poor

Mai

Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022

4/10 Poor

Kaymorna

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Nice area for shopping and close access to the beach. It was cold in the room, no heating plus no hot water!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2021

4/10 Poor

Samuel

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Many sick guests and hard time using the bathroom and showers due to availability.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Visiting from Maine - stayed 8 nights - first experience with a hostel - had a great experience. A wonderful location, comfortable environment and friendly staff. On-street parking (within 1-2 blocks) was easy to find every night. Talked with many other guests during my stay that indicated this was one of the best hostels that they had ever used in the US or abroad. When I'm next in the San Diego area, this will be the place I stay. Did I mention the price - outstanding!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 12 Aug 2021
Thank you so much for your amazing review. We hope that you come back to us as soon as possible!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved my stay here! The staff is super friendly and the living area was very clean. The location is great - right by the beach and boardwalk.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 12 Aug 2021
Thank you for your great review! We hope to see you again!

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

8/10 Good

Thomas

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Sleepless in San Diego
The hostel was very clean and comfortable and Guillaume was AMAZING. I was able to secure free onsite parking for the duration of my stay. I must say that I was thinking of checking out after the first wretched night of my stay since there was a never ending noisy commotion in the 10 bed dormitory with both the dorm room and the bathroom doors slamming until 1:20 AM. California Nightmare. Pedro apologized for the disturbance; however the damage was done so I went to the living room and turned on the TV, ZERO sleep. Quiet time is 11 PM - 8 AM. Please enforce it.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hostel is very clean and friendly. Definitely a social vibe. I rented a bunk last minute on a Friday at 9 pm at $50 rate. Worth every penny. The dorm is huge, very quiet, and super dark. People are very respectful and I got a great night’s rest. The location, of course, speaks for itself. Unlike other hostels, this one won’t make you strip your bedding. Check in is at 2 and checkout between 11-12. Very generous for a Cali hostel! Even comes with a decent breakfast. 10/10 would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 9 June 2021
Dear guest, we are so excited to know we made your money worth and that you had an amazing stay with us. We are glad you found the Hostel clean, with a spacious and comfortable dorm, and a great location with great people to meet. We hope to have you back soon. Thanks for the support.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff and vibe for this hostel.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 9 June 2021
Dear guest, we are so happy to know you had an amazing stay with us. We hope to have you back soon.

10/10 Excellent

Holly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 1 June 2021
Dear guest, We are so happy that you had an excellent stay with us. Thanks for the support and we hope to have you back soon.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
so close to the beach and all shopping,restaurants to walking distance...
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2021
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 22 Feb 2021
Dear guest, we are so happy to have you here as a guest. We are glad you had an amazing stay and took advantage of our location. We hope to host you once again.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location was literally a 3 min walk to the beach and steps away from the boardwalk that featured bars, restaurants, shops, coffee, etc. The staff was always pleasant and constantly cleaning which is a plus considering the pandemic. I rented the private room and it had everything i needed such as a comfy bed, TV with Netflix, Hulu, youtube, etc and a little fridge. Im 6'6" and the bunk bed fit me just fine. Although i didn't take advantage of the community areas, i did appreciate them being available. Kitchen, lounge, front and back patio were available. I would absolutely come back. Thanks everyone!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2021
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 22 Feb 2021
Dear guest, we are so excited to know you had an amazing stay with us and that you found the place clean, in a great location, and with an amazing staff team. Thanks for the support and we hope to have you back anytime!

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family, Business traveller, Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
nice setting nice employees an neat looking setting fun beach environment!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 18 Feb 2021
Dear guest, we are so excited to know you had an amazing stay with us and found the Hostel Clean, with a great staff team and so close to the beach. Thanks for everything!

8/10 Good

Marissa

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 8 Mar 2021
Hey Marissa, we are so glad you had a nice stay with us. We hope to have you back anytime.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It a decent place for less cost. Had good service and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 3 Feb 2021
Dear guest, we had a pleasure hosting you and we are glad you had a nice stay and good service. We hope to host you once again.

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Best ever
The best hostel I have stayed in so far I will definitely be coming back
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2020
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 28 Dec 2020
Hey Steven, we are so glad you consider us the best hostel you ever stayed at among so many others. We are so happy to hear that. Thanks for the support and for staying with us.

8/10 Good

Kassandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place but could be better
I really enjoyed this location and the people! Only things I didn’t think was great is that just because my daughter in law wasn’t staying there meant she couldn’t come in my room to change and she couldn’t be in the sitting area or do anything with me there...I think that is ridiculous and I’d rather go to a regular hotel so I don’t have to deal with that. I was in SD to spend time with her and it was a major inconvenience. Also at the end of the stay they kept saying “we’re not trying to push you out” yet while we were taking our stuff out to the car the cleaning lady pushed her way in and starting working on the room...at least wait till we have everything out and then do your business. Other than those two things the place was very clean and comfortable and location is perfect and close to everything. The front desk staff are super nice. Bathroom was clean and room was perfect size for the stay. I would definitely stay there again if things were changed when it comes to allowing my daughter in law in my room.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 29 Nov 2020
Hi Kassandra, we are glad to hear that you had an overall great stay here with us. Allow us to explain the outside guest policy: We have that policy to keep the safety and security of the Hostel for all guests, including you. We also reserve the space for paid guests which would be unfair if one of the guests had to wait to use the bathroom, for example, because an outside guest that did not pay to stay in the property is occupying that restroom. Also, if we allow you to bring outside guests, we theoretically, would have to allow every other guest to bring a friend inside the property which would potentially create many types of issues. Regarding the Housekeeper trying to clean the room is because the check out is 11 am. We agree she could wait for you to move everything out however you left the room after the check-out time and she has a limited amount of time to clean that same room for the next guest. Anyways, thanks for the feedback, we really hope you can come back in the future. Thanks for staying with us and safe travels!

2/10 Terrible

Ryun

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
Its illegal to deny service animals
I was not abke to stay the hostel turned me and my service animal away left me on the streets. After i was stuck at sea with my service animal for 48 hours got to land to find no hotels available i find the hostel and they right away said i cant stay because of my service animal unacceptable
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2020
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 18 Sept 2020
Hi Ryun, we understand your frustration. We have politely explained to you that we do allow service animals in the Hostel, however, we only allow it in the private rooms and not in the dormitories. Unfortunately, the dates you were looking for were fully booked for the private rooms. The reason why we can not allow service animals in the dormitory is that you would be sharing with other guests. Other guests could feel uncomfortable or have allergies or another kind of issues. We hope you understand and we hope you could stay with us in the private room when it is available.

8/10 Good

Philip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Cool place.
Cool spot. Chill atmosphere. Great location. Good boards zbsilabke to rent
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 24 Aug 2020
Dear guest, we are so glad you had an amazing stay here with us and that you could enjoy our location, rental shop and the atmosphere we provide. We hope to have you back soon!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 24 Aug 2020
Dear guest, thanks for the support, and we are happy to know you had a great stay here with us.

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2020
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 6 June 2020
Hi Amanda, we are so happy you gave us a 10 out of 10. Also, we are glad to know you had an amazing stay. Thanks for the support!!

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 21 Apr 2020
Dear guest, we are glad you had a nice stay here with us and we hope to have you back soon.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property is a short walk to the beach front, airy tv lounge with garage door type window wall. Kitchen is at other end of the lounge. Food places just next door. Surf lessons, tours, not free but available. Beach accessories available to buy. Its above sea level so there are some stairs to go to/from the beach. Street parking. Excellent service by owner. But mostly see the volunteers who are very casual.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 23 Mar 2020
Dear guest, we are so glad you had an amazing stay here with us. We are so excited to know you took advantage of the proximity of the ocean, the kitchen and lounge of the Hostel and also that our staff members could make your stay more comfortable. We hope to have you back soon! Thanks.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean! Nice staff. Next to ocean. 420 friendly patio
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 24 Feb 2020
Dear guest, thanks for the support and for staying with us. We hope you come back and stay with us next time you come to San Diego. Regarding the 420 friendly, we are a smoke-free Hostel where guests cant smoke inside and they also can not expose any kind of smoke inside the property. Outside of our property line, we legally have no control over it. Thanks again and we hope to have you back soon.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I like that they offered private rooms and free breakfast from a restaurant next door. I did not like that the quiet time was not enforced and actually violated by a staff member visiting with friends at the front desk, which was right by my room.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 24 Feb 2020
Dear guest, first of all, thanks for staying with us. We are glad you had a nice stay and enjoyed our free breakfast burrito. Regarding the quiet time hours: Was the staff member talking to another guest or what exactly happened? Also, was it past the 11 pm quiet time policy we have. Please let us know since we take our policies super seriously and we need to control it as much as we can. Thanks for the feedback and we will try to contact you to get to know exactly what happened during your stay. Thanks.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff! Felt secure as I was traveling alone. Seconds from the beach!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 11 Feb 2020
Dear guest, we are so happy to know you felt safe, enjoyed our location, and that the staff members could accommodate you in the best way possible.

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Unit was great
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 11 Feb 2020
Hi Amanda, we are so glad you had a nice stay here at the Hostel. Thanks for your support and we hope to have you back soon.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really loved the reception, hospitality, location. Wish we had more time there.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 2 Feb 2020
Dear guest, we are happy you loved the reception, location and the hospitality of our hostel. We hope to have you back soon.

8/10 Good

Jonathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place to stay
Probably the best hostel at which I’ve stayed. Friendly and hospitable hosts that organized plenty of events for the guests. There’s a great camaraderie there. Be sure to bring a passport though, even if you are traveling within the states. It’s necessary for entry.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 22 Jan 2020
Hey Jonathan, we are so glad you had an amazing time here and that you found the Hostel friendly, organized with activities, and that we are the best hostel i've ever stayed at. We hope to have you back.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is a HIDDEN GEM!!! I didn’t expect much when I made the reservation.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020
Response from California Dreams Hostel Team on 6 Jan 2020
Dear Guest, Thank you so much for your kind feedback! We are very excited that our hostel exceeded your expectations and we hope to welcome you back soon! Kindly, California Dreams Hostel Team

10/10 Excellent

LongTran, Long Beach

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great price, location, amenities and clean room. No complaints.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019
Response from California Dreams Hostel Team on 6 Jan 2020
Dear LongTran, Thank you so much for staying with us and for leaving this great feedback! It is always a pleasure to have you and we look forward to hosting you again in the future! Kindly, California Dreams Hostel Team

10/10 Excellent

Tran

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff. Clean areas. Fast check in. Bath towel for $2 and blankets provided.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019
Response from California Dreams Hostel on 28 Nov 2019
Hey Tran, we are glad you had a great stay here with us. We are happy the staff member made your stay better and yo found the Hostel clean.