The Hostel California

1.5 star property
Adults-only hostel in Bishop with free parking

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Hostel California

Stunning two-story building with a unique architectural style, featuring a prominent chimney and inviting front porch.
Stunning exterior with a vibrant mural and welcoming entrance.
Bicycles parked in a shaded area, surrounded by small stones.
Relax in this classic living room with a comfortable bench, two armchairs, and a coffee table.
Relax in a cozy space with a large leather sofa, surrounded by a collection of climbing gear and a map above.

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

Explore the area

Map
213 Academy Ave, Bishop, CA, 93514
  • Little Lakes Valley Trail
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Bishop City Park
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Tri County Fairgrounds
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Bishop, CA (BIH-Eastern Sierra Regional)
    ‪6 min drive‬

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Room options

Quadruple Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds and 2 Twin Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Double Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)
  • 600 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Double room, 2 double beds with shared bathroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Bishop

The Hostel California places you next to Canal Walks and Little Lakes Valley Trail. This 10-room hostel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, free self parking, and a computer station.

What's nearby

  • Little Lakes Valley Trail - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Bishop City Park - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Northern Inyo Hospital - 12 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Tri County Fairgrounds - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Paiute Palace Casino - 5 min drive - 2.7 miles

Getting around

  • Bishop, CA (BIH-Eastern Sierra Regional) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Erick Schat's Bakkery - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Paiute Palace Casino - ‬6 min drive

About this property

The Hostel California

Adults-only hostel in Bishop with free parking
A local mainstay since 1884, The Hostel California offers free WiFi in public areas, a computer station, and an arcade/game room. If you plan to drive, free parking is available. The front desk is staffed 24/7 to help with luggage storage, and answer any questions about the accommodations. Other amenities at this adults-only hostel include a library, a garden, and a picnic area.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Climb into a memory foam bed with premium linens.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Library

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Business services

  • Computer station

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Built in 1884
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Victorian architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Memory foam mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Towels provided

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children younger than 18 are not permitted to stay at this adults-only property (only guests 18 and older are allowed)

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 2 PM—-midnight
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Hostel California Bishop
Hostel California
The Hostel California Bishop
The Hostel California Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
The Hostel California Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Bishop

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at The Hostel California?

The Hostel California offers free cancellation on select room rates. If you'd like to learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at The Hostel California?

As of Jul 24, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Hostel California on Jul 30, 2025 start from $89.0, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What's there to do around The Hostel California?

This hostel is located in Bishop, just steps from Little Lakes Valley Trail and Canal Walks, and within a short walk of Bishop City Park. You'll also find Tri County Fairgrounds and Monument Bank less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at The Hostel California?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hostel.

Does The Hostel California feature a casino?

No, The Hostel California doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at The Hostel California?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

What amenities will couples enjoy at The Hostel California?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this adults-only hostel include a memory foam mattress as well as a garden and a library.

Does The Hostel California have a hot tub?

No, this hostel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Hostel California have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, The Hostel California doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will The Hostel California allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Hostel California though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at The Hostel California?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How close is the airport from The Hostel California?

The closest major airport to The Hostel California is Bishop, CA (BIH-Eastern Sierra Regional), which is 2.4 mi away (8 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Hostel California?

No, there aren't any rooms with balconies at The Hostel California.

The Hostel California Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 105 out of 240 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 78 out of 240 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 24 out of 240 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 240 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 15 out of 240 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jacob

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
One of the better hostels I’ve been to in a long time.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Staff quickly accommodated to request and provided thorough information
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

shahin

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Juan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A community experience

Great ambiance! This place is built around climbing and mountaineering. Having dinner in the common room was like a party, with great conversations about climbing and skiing. The living room has a wall displaying climbing gear - more old gear that in the Climbing Museum in Yosemite. My room had a lot of character and no TV. If you want a regular motel, you may want to go for another option. This is more a community experience. But another plus is that you can cook your own food in the common kitchen.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Huai Yu, Los Angeles

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexey

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

karlton

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Amol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
First experience staying in a hostel before visiting the White Mountains area. No complaints. Not sure if they have a locker, possibly they do, but check.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Grigorii

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, great vibes
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was a beautiful night to be in the Hostel courtyard. Several other guests to talk with and share. The vibe was chill.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Raelynn

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our first time in a hostel. We were warmly greeted, given a tour, and shown to our room. We didn't interact or mingle, as we were exhausted. The bed and pillows were very comfortable. The patio was very big and comfortable with couches and a nice fire pit. The house was a bit dark, but was also very welcoming!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Keisuke, Riverside

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Awesome stay

What a wonderful place to stay. I love the uniqueness of the house. We stayed in the 4 bunk room, with a private bathroom, and it was perfect. The staff were great also! Would recommend this hostel to others and will definitely return if we are in the Bishop area again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Hot at night

The hostel is accessible, clean, and has decent amenities. As a quick overnight/recovery stay for backpackers, which I'm assuming is their target demographic, it's perfect as there is a kitchen and community area that I'm sure provides a lot of home comforts to those who have been in the wilderness for days/weeks on end. However, there is no air conditioning, the windows didn't open all the way, and the ceiling fan was old, and creaked loudly. Considering it's about 100F all day and only drops to about 80 at night in Bishop, this leads to a very uncomfortable night of sleep for those who need it before getting back on the trail the next day. The check-in process was easy and the host very kind, checking in on our ETA and sharing the amenities of the space. I only docked stars for the lack of AC; I consider my ability to sleep the number one factor in rating a hotel, and I didn't sleep at all due to the heat.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

viktor, San Mateo

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dylan

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very interesting place , definitely a hippie vibe , but overall friendly, and quiet and respectful. Definitely worth the price .
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Cheryl

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was wonderful at our stay. Our communication with our host was easy, and the facilities were great. Our only issue was the squeakiness of the beds. They made it a bit difficult when sharing a room with others.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The best hostel in California
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

christopher

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The best stay in the area!!
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

moses

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing!

Amazing find! Bohemian! Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bo Ying

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very good place to stay with the budget for a solo traveler.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024