Friendly staff and respectable facility. Surrounding area is limited in high-quality restaurants and there is a fair amount of trash on the streets, but beautiful beaches are within walking distance. Some room accessories were broken, such as bag hangers, and some lockers were not usable, but overall, it was a very positive experience.
The hostel is about a 15-20 minute walk (for an active male in his late 20s) to Condado and the area is less expensive to stay in. Uber is not expensive if you wish to just jet around within a few miles. I recommend it to most people looking to travel on a budget, but those inexperienced traveling alone or navigating non-tourist areas should consider Condado, as it is more lively and has a nicer atmosphere.
The hostel is openly LGBTQIA friendly, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend the neighborhood to queer people, especially those who may be assumed to be by their appearance or demeanor. I did see graffiti with the F-word a few blocks west of the hostel.
I did not feel unsafe, but I do feel it is relevant to mention you should be alert when traveling in the area at night. You will be approached at least once if you stay a few nights, likely more though tbh. However, if you respect people in the area and don't look down on poverty you will likely not have any issues. The area is still visibly affected by Hurricane Maria and the locals deserve empathy, not judgment (the first man I met gave me a free banana at the fruit market).
7.8/10
