Calle Isabel La Catolica #356, Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, 10210
What's nearby
Alcazar de Colon - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Columbus Park - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
Calle El Conde - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
Malecon - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
Sambil Santo Domingo - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
Getting around
Las Americas Intl. Airport (SDQ) - 27 min drive
Santo Domingo (JBQ-La Isabela Intl.) - 32 min drive
Airport shuttle (surcharge)
Restaurants
Curcio Pizza al Taglio - 4 min walk
Casa Barista - 6 min walk
Casa de los Dulces - 3 min walk
Pat'e Palo European Brasserie - 3 min walk
Sabina Bar - 3 min walk
About this property
Island Life Hostel
Island Life Hostel features a rooftop terrace and puts you within a 15-minute walk of Malecon. After splashing around at the outdoor pool, you can unwind with a drink at the bar/lounge. Other features include a terrace and a garden.
Languages
English, Spanish
At a glance
Hotel size
9 rooms
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 1 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Restrictions related to your trip
Check COVID-19 restrictions
Special check-in instructions
The property charges 4 percent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 6 AM - midnight
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after midnight please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
All guests must show a valid passport. This is the only form of identification that is accepted at this property.
Required at check-in
Cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Children
Children (18 years old and younger) not allowed
No cribs (infant beds)
Pets
Pets not allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Transfers
Airport shuttle (available 24 hours)*
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free cooked-to-order breakfast each morning 7 AM–10 AM
Bar/lounge
Barbecue grills
What to do
Pool table
Beach nearby
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Tour/ticket assistance
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Luggage storage
Facilities
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Rooftop terrace
Garden
Picnic area
Television in common areas
An outdoor pool
Arcade/game room
Room amenities
Freshen up
Shower only
Shampoo
Towels
Food and drink
Shared kitchen access
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of USD 35 per vehicle (one-way)
Credit card charges are subject to an extra charge of 4 percent
Policies
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit on site.
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.
Also known as
Island Life Backpacker's Hostel Santo Domingo
Island Life Backpacker's Santo Domingo
Island Life Backpacker's
Island Life Hostel Santo Domingo
Island Life Santo Domingo
Island Life Backpacker's Hostel
Life Hostel Santo Domingo
Island Life Hostel Santo Domingo
Island Life Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Island Life Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Santo Domingo
Frequently asked questions
Is there a pool at Island Life Hostel?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool.
Are pets allowed at Island Life Hostel?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is airport shuttle service offered by Island Life Hostel?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is USD 35 per vehicle one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Island Life Hostel?
Check-in start time: 1 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. Check-out time is 11 AM. Contactless check-out is available.
Is there an onsite casino at Island Life Hostel?
No, this hostel doesn't have a casino, but Casino Colonial (8-min walk) and Grand Casino Jaragua (4-min drive) are both nearby.
What is there to do at Island Life Hostel and nearby?
Island Life Hostel has an outdoor pool and an arcade, as well as a picnic area and a garden.
What's the area around Island Life Hostel like?
Island Life Hostel is in Zona Colonial, a short 13-minute walk from Malecon and 3 minutes' walk from Alcazar de Colon.
Island Life Hostel Reviews
Reviews
8.6
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
8.4/10
Cleanliness
8.6/10
Staff & service
8.0/10
Amenities
8.4/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.6/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
Service staff
Bar
Room
Location
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
15 Jul 2024
Excellent staff and even better price
Larry
Larry, 4-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
4/10 Fair
20 Dec 2023
Loved the property and the people I met there - just had a big complaint about the owner. I've stayed in dozens of hostels while travelling through over 30 countries but this has been the most incosiderate hostel owner I've ever seen.
He likes keeping his dogs on property both of which like barking really loudly at random noises throughout the night which kept me up. He also just brings his friends over on weekdays from out of the hostel to e party right in front of the rooms (they didn't even go to the common area) which also kept me up. Also someone got sick in my dorm and was asking the owner if he could get some medicine or some help from the owner who was on property, but the owner refused to even go to the room to see him.
I wouldn't recommend booking this property because I think it's a bad idea to give money/support a bad hostel owner like this one.
Arjun
Arjun, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
16 Nov 2023
La pasé muy bien en el hotel , el personal muy acomedido y las instalaciones en buenas condiciones y sobre todo la ubicación para ir a los diferentes lugares turísticos ... excelente .
Verified traveller
11-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
22 Aug 2023
Island Life Hostel is in a perfect spot of Santo Domingo that made it easy to walk around town. The hostel itself is clean, good amenities, and friendly staff!
Michael
Michael, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
12 Mar 2023
Know what you are getting
This was my first ever experience in a hostel . At first when I arrived I thought as though I may of made a mistake from the entire environment. Very different from a hotel . I was here on a couples visit . But as I settled in I realized I was getting exactly what I paid for and I got the hostel experience. The owner and manager are really great guys and will do everything within their power to make you feel welcome and feel like a home away from home . Hostels unlike hotels really push for a more social atmosphere and I meet some really great people .Had a lot of fun at the bar and one day had there Nachos (and they are very good ) I ended up loving this place . But know exactly what you are getting .
Ronald
Ronald, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
14 Jan 2023
Great place to stay, staff was very welcoming and friendly. Great vibe at this location, I’ll definitely stay here again.
Leendert
Verified Expedia guest review
2/10 Poor
20 Dec 2022
No hot water. Smelled bad. Dirty mattress. Dogs living on the property barked all night.
kurt
Verified Orbitz guest review
10/10 Exceptional
13 Nov 2022
Great staff!
Christy Victoria
Christy Victoria, 1-night trip
Verified Travelocity guest review
10/10 Exceptional
13 Jul 2022
The staff is very welcoming, it is a place that makes you feel at home right off the bat!
I will recommend this place, for sure!
eric
eric, 4-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
8 Jun 2022
Very nice hostel in a great location. Right near the top attractions, restaurants and bars. The staff is absolutely amazing and the nicest people. They are very helpful in giving tips and advice on how to navigate the city and answer any questions. Would highly recommend.
Gaoussou
Gaoussou, 4-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
11 Feb 2022
Magnus
Magnus, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
5 Jan 2022
it couldn't be better located
Ramon
Ramon, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
15 Dec 2021
This place is like an oasis in a desert of sulking, scowling misery. Pedro is an excellent manager and super helpful. The staff are smiling and extremely pleasant. This has an amazing effect on the travelers mood. The young Frenchman is an amusing character. The Hungarian volunteer who showed me to my room was especially awesome. The small rooms are really all one needs and the colonial character fits in with the zone. All of the important sites are within ten minutes walking distance. Free wi-fi and about 150 pesos for an Uber to the bus station. A little noisy in the courtyard at night but the cacophony of conversation is constant like white noise on the TV so I slept well. Don't waste your money - stay here!
Andrew
Andrew, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
2 Dec 2021
Great hostel in great condition
Located in an a stuning building, having a great atmosphere with the guests and staff. The breakfast is good and you'll have everything you need. Dont skip this one while travelling around the D.R.
Verified traveller
2-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
25 Nov 2020
Verified traveller
2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
20 Sep 2020
Theodore
Theodore, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
6/10 Good
8 Aug 2020
Gary
Gary, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
1 Aug 2020
Verified traveller
2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
3 Dec 2019
Verified traveller
4-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
19 Nov 2019
I really liked this hostel. To return to. very nice, hygienic and very good service
ELIEZER
ELIEZER, 2-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
23 Oct 2019
Great hostel inside the colonial zone.
this place far exceeded any expectations I had. The person who checked me in gave me all the info I needed about the property. All the staff and volunteers were so friendly and helpful. They made me feel really welcome. Having a free buffet breakfast is a treat in a hostel. Also, there is a chef who prepares an evening meal if you want to have it at a fairly reasonable cost. (Though the portions could be a little bigger). The food was very tasty. I was in a private room. Room is very small, but had AC and a private bathroom and was completely serviceable. The bar prices are not bad at all. 100pesos for a cuba libre cocktail. The volunteers took me to see the local dance show on the Sunday night and another took me on a free walking tour of the city on the Monday. Overall, the positives far outweigh the negatives at this hostel. The amazing volunteers give this place so much credit. The general feeling here is great and it takes only a few minutes to find some new friends for life. A great place for solo travellers to stay. I cannot comment on the dorm rooms as I was in a private one, but can say the communal bathrooms were well maintained. Clean and tidy.
Christopher
Christopher, 5-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
8 Sep 2019
Verified traveller
1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
6/10 Good
15 Jul 2019
The property was as expected. The downside is that there is no wifi access in the room rio dd Janeiro. If I knew this before booking, I wouldn't have stayed there.
Also the power cuts out at times. It happened in the middle of the night and I woke up because my room was so hot, I could barely breathe.
Verified traveller
1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
6 Jul 2019
Hostel with bar
The combination of Hostel and Bar is nice. The have free drinking water and the breakfast is fantastic with eggs, pancakes, juice and coffee. They have lockers in the rooms and the staff is nice and helpful.
Verified traveller
1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
3 Jul 2019
Safe and welcoming place
Huge hostel with a pool. The staff was super friendly and help me to plan a Trip to Haiti. They offer free water and an all you can eat breakfast. The owner has traveled the world and we had a nice chat. Kitchen is well equipped and my bed had a fan, light and power plug to charge my phone. Location is good and close to a big supermarket.