Balea Hostel
San Sebastian
43.30706600,
-1.96630600
,
Camino De La Hípica 8, Bajo Camino De La Hípica 8, Bajo
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Summary of reviewsBalea Hostel, located in a charming, peaceful neighborhood slightly removed from the bustling center of San Sebastian, offers a balance between tranquility and accessibility. Despite its distance from central attractions and the old town, excellent bus connections and proximity to bike paths make commuting to vibrant city areas convenient.
The hostel's rooms are noted for their spaciousness and comfort with clean, well-maintained family and private rooms. Bathrooms and common areas are generally seen as generous and sanitary, contributing to a satisfactory accommodation experience. Nevertheless, the shared dormitories can be crowded and noisy with humidity issues and occasional smells. Additionally, the key system and storage space could be improved and not all showers function consistently.
Cleanliness at Balea Hostel receives mixed reviews. While many guests commend the hostel for its clean bathrooms and rooms, cozy decoration and new furniture, some have pointed out cleanliness issues in common areas, including slightly dirty sheets and sanitary conditions not always up to par. The staff, however, are consistently praised for their friendly and hospitable nature, helping create a welcoming atmosphere.
In terms of the bedding, guests generally find the beds and mattresses comfortable, though some criticize the noise and instability of bunk beds. The closeness of beds in crowded rooms and older, occasionally broken beds are also noted concerns.
Overall, Balea Hostel provides a comfortable, spacious and friendly accommodation experience, especially suitable for those who can tolerate some minor inconveniences in shared spaces and value a peaceful location with good transit connections.
Categories
The hostel's rooms are noted for their spaciousness and comfort with clean, well-maintained family and private rooms. Bathrooms and common areas are generally seen as generous and sanitary, contributing to a satisfactory accommodation experience. Nevertheless, the shared dormitories can be crowded and noisy with humidity issues and occasional smells. Additionally, the key system and storage space could be improved and not all showers function consistently.
Cleanliness at Balea Hostel receives mixed reviews. While many guests commend the hostel for its clean bathrooms and rooms, cozy decoration and new furniture, some have pointed out cleanliness issues in common areas, including slightly dirty sheets and sanitary conditions not always up to par. The staff, however, are consistently praised for their friendly and hospitable nature, helping create a welcoming atmosphere.
In terms of the bedding, guests generally find the beds and mattresses comfortable, though some criticize the noise and instability of bunk beds. The closeness of beds in crowded rooms and older, occasionally broken beds are also noted concerns.
Overall, Balea Hostel provides a comfortable, spacious and friendly accommodation experience, especially suitable for those who can tolerate some minor inconveniences in shared spaces and value a peaceful location with good transit connections.
Accessible Hostel
Hostel for Adults Only
Small Hostel
Guest Reviews
Balea Hostel is situated in a charming neighborhood, albeit a bit removed from the heart of San Sebastian. Although it's not as centrally located as some other accommodations, guests have noted the lovely surroundings that offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city center.
The hostel benefits from excellent bus connections with a bus stop conveniently located right in front of the property, making it easy to reach the city center within approximately 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the specific destination. Additionally, the proximity to a bike path provides an alternative route for those who enjoy cycling.
However, some reviews highlight the relative distance from central attractions and the old town, estimating a 30 to 40-minute walk to reach the more lively parts of the city. Parking near the center can be quite challenging and the lack of nearby services like supermarkets and shops is noted.
Despite a few drawbacks, such as insufficient ventilation in the dormitory and humidity issues, the hostel's good geographical location and quiet surroundings offer a balanced option for travelers who don't mind the short commute to the vibrant city life.
Balea Hostel offers a mix of experiences in its rooms, characterized primarily by their spaciousness and comfort despite some drawbacks. Guests appreciate the spacious and comfortable family and private rooms, emphasizing the availability of large, clean and well-maintained bathrooms and common areas. These areas are consistently noted as generous in size and cleanliness, ensuring that shower, sink and toilet availability is rarely a concern.
However, the experience can vary, particularly in shared accommodations. The communal rooms, although described as spacious by some, have also been reported as crowded and noisy, often with little space between beds. Issues such as high humidity levels and occasional unpleasant smells have been noted in some rooms. Additionally, the hostel's key system for rooms could use improvement, as not all rooms have keys in the doors, raising security concerns for some guests.
While the showers and toilets generally receive positive feedback, it’s important to note that not all showers are always functioning properly. Some guests also mentioned that the rooms can be hot and lacking adequate storage space with drawers too small to fit suitcases.
In general, Balea Hostel provides a varied but seemingly satisfactory accommodation experience, best suited for those who can balance the positive aspects of spaciousness and comfort with the less ideal conditions in some shared spaces.
Balea Hostel offers a range of beds that receive mixed reactions from guests. On a positive note, many visitors found the beds and mattresses to be quite comfortable, mentioning specifically that the beds are very comfortable and even comparing them favorably to other properties in San Sebastian.
Some guests appreciated the spaciousness of the beds and the convenience of drawers for storage, as well as the remarkably clean and new bedding. However, there were notable concerns as well. Several guests pointed out that the beds and bunk beds were noisy with some indicating that the bunk beds felt unstable and creaky, causing discomfort and worry about their stability.
Additionally, the descriptions reveal that the beds in the hostel are often cramped and too close together, which might detract from the overall experience, particularly in more crowded rooms. Certain reviews also mentioned that the bedding in reality did not match the photos and that some beds were old with even a few reports of broken beds.
Overall, while comfort is a consistent highlight, issues with noise, stability and room configuration are aspects to consider when evaluating a stay at Balea Hostel.
Balea Hostel receives mixed feedback when it comes to cleanliness, but there are some consistent highlights. Many guests appreciate the cozy decoration and commend the hostel for its clean bathrooms and rooms, praising the new furniture and wooden beds. Excellent cleaning standards are frequently mentioned with bathrooms described as spacious and sanitary facilities well-maintained. Visitors also highlight the friendly and hospitable staff, who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.
However, not all reviews are glowing. Some guests have reported issues with the overall cleanliness, particularly in common areas. Instances of dirty or crowded rooms, slightly dirty sheets and concerns about general sanitary conditions are noted. The cleanliness of the shared kitchen and some bathrooms occasionally falls short. Despite these discrepancies, the hostel's staff receives consistent praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, adding a positive note to the guest experience. Overall, while the hostel has strong points in terms of cleanliness in certain areas, there is room for improvement in maintaining these standards more consistently throughout the establishment.
At Balea Hostel, the staff consistently receive high praise for their warm and friendly nature. Guests frequently commend the excellent disposition of the team, highlighting their willingness to assist and their attentive service. Many reviewers specifically mentioned the remarkable kindness and helpfulness of the staff members with Christian at the reception being noted for his exceptional support and lovely demeanor. The hostel team is recognized for creating a welcoming and positive atmosphere, ensuring a pleasant stay for all guests. Reviews emphasize the excellent treatment, friendly welcomes and the staff's ability to make guests feel at home. Clear communication and accommodating approaches, especially in unforeseen situations, are other standout qualities that contribute to the hostel’s reputation for superb hospitality. Overall, the staff at Balea Hostel excel in providing a friendly, supportive and inviting environment.
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Location
The hostel benefits from excellent bus connections with a bus stop conveniently located right in front of the property, making it easy to reach the city center within approximately 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the specific destination. Additionally, the proximity to a bike path provides an alternative route for those who enjoy cycling.
However, some reviews highlight the relative distance from central attractions and the old town, estimating a 30 to 40-minute walk to reach the more lively parts of the city. Parking near the center can be quite challenging and the lack of nearby services like supermarkets and shops is noted.
Despite a few drawbacks, such as insufficient ventilation in the dormitory and humidity issues, the hostel's good geographical location and quiet surroundings offer a balanced option for travelers who don't mind the short commute to the vibrant city life.
Rooms
However, the experience can vary, particularly in shared accommodations. The communal rooms, although described as spacious by some, have also been reported as crowded and noisy, often with little space between beds. Issues such as high humidity levels and occasional unpleasant smells have been noted in some rooms. Additionally, the hostel's key system for rooms could use improvement, as not all rooms have keys in the doors, raising security concerns for some guests.
While the showers and toilets generally receive positive feedback, it’s important to note that not all showers are always functioning properly. Some guests also mentioned that the rooms can be hot and lacking adequate storage space with drawers too small to fit suitcases.
In general, Balea Hostel provides a varied but seemingly satisfactory accommodation experience, best suited for those who can balance the positive aspects of spaciousness and comfort with the less ideal conditions in some shared spaces.
Beds
Some guests appreciated the spaciousness of the beds and the convenience of drawers for storage, as well as the remarkably clean and new bedding. However, there were notable concerns as well. Several guests pointed out that the beds and bunk beds were noisy with some indicating that the bunk beds felt unstable and creaky, causing discomfort and worry about their stability.
Additionally, the descriptions reveal that the beds in the hostel are often cramped and too close together, which might detract from the overall experience, particularly in more crowded rooms. Certain reviews also mentioned that the bedding in reality did not match the photos and that some beds were old with even a few reports of broken beds.
Overall, while comfort is a consistent highlight, issues with noise, stability and room configuration are aspects to consider when evaluating a stay at Balea Hostel.
Cleanliness
However, not all reviews are glowing. Some guests have reported issues with the overall cleanliness, particularly in common areas. Instances of dirty or crowded rooms, slightly dirty sheets and concerns about general sanitary conditions are noted. The cleanliness of the shared kitchen and some bathrooms occasionally falls short. Despite these discrepancies, the hostel's staff receives consistent praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, adding a positive note to the guest experience. Overall, while the hostel has strong points in terms of cleanliness in certain areas, there is room for improvement in maintaining these standards more consistently throughout the establishment.
Staff
No, Balea Hostel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Balea Hostel.
No, Balea Hostel doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Balea Hostel.
No, Balea Hostel doesn't have a gym.
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