Island Life Hostel

1.0 star property
Hostel with free breakfast, near Malecon

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Island Life Hostel

Relax in a serene courtyard surrounded by lush greenery and traditional architecture, featuring a swimming pool and a seating area with a bench and table.
Cozy living area with a high ceiling, featuring a sofa, bookshelf, and TV.
Relax in a sheltered outdoor space with a covered walkway and comfortable seating areas.
Enjoy a drink at the bar, where you can watch sports on TV and order from the chalkboard menu.
Two bunk beds with white frames and blue bedding are featured in this room, which has a high ceiling and polished floor.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast included
  • Kitchen
  • Pool
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
Calle Isabel La Catolica #356, Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, 10210
  • Calle El Conde
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Santa Maria la Menor Cathedral
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Sambil Santo Domingo
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Santo Domingo (SDQ-Las Americas Intl.)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Double Ensuite, Private Bathroom and AC

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

1 Bed in a Shared 4 Bed Dormitory, Shared Bathroom with AC

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Standard Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 107 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

1 Bed in a Shared 4 Bed Dormitory, Shared Bathroom with AC

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Basic Triple Room, 1 Bedroom

  • 129 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 Twin Bed

Standard Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

1 Bed in a Shared 8 Bed Dormitory, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Double Private, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Basic Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

1 Bed in a Shared 12 Bed Dormitory,Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Double Ensuite,Private Bathroom and A/C

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

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About the neighborhood

Santo Domingo

Located in Zona Colonial, Island Life Hostel is next to Museo del Ron y la Caña and Church of Saint Barbara. This 9-room hostel welcomes guests with conveniences like free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace.

What's nearby

  • Calle El Conde - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Columbus Park - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Santa Maria la Menor Cathedral - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Malecon - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Sambil Santo Domingo - 4 min drive - 2.2 miles

Getting around

  • Eduardo Brito Station - 4 min drive
  • Las Americas Intl. Airport (SDQ) - 27 min drive

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

Hostel with free breakfast, near Malecon
Guests staying at Island Life Hostel enjoy an outdoor pool, a rooftop terrace, and free WiFi in public areas. Airport transportation is made easy with an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 35 per vehicle one-way. Front-desk staff can assist with luggage storage, tours or tickets, and dry cleaning/laundry. Additional amenities include an arcade/game room, a terrace, and laundry facilities.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include an outdoor pool.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Outdoor pool
  • TV in common areas

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Rooftop terrace

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Shared kitchen access

More

  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

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.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • This property doesn't allow children 18 and younger (only guests older than 18 are allowed)

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 35 per vehicle (one-way)
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 4 percent

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a 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
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
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: 1 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee.

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 for incidental charges and 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, debit cards, and cash.
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • 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:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is 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

What can I see within easy reach of Island Life Hostel?

This hostel is situated in Zona Colonial, just steps from Museo del Duarte and Museo del Ron y la Caña, and within a short walk of Calle Las Damas. You'll also find Malecon and Sambil Santo Domingo within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Island Life Hostel?

No, there isn't parking available at the hostel.

Does Island Life Hostel feature a casino at the property?

No, Island Life Hostel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Island Life Hostel?

No, this hostel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

What do couples enjoy most about Island Life Hostel?

Couples will appreciate amenities like a bar, an outdoor pool, and free breakfast at this hostel.

Are there hot tubs at Island Life Hostel?

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

Does Island Life Hostel have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Island Life Hostel offers free cooked-to-order breakfasts each morning though there is no restaurant.

Will Island Life Hostel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Island Life Hostel.

Does Island Life Hostel have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hostel.

How far is the airport from Island Life Hostel?

The closest major airport to Island Life Hostel is Santo Domingo (JBQ-La Isabela Intl.), which is 12.4 mi away (32 minutes by car). Another top airport is Las Americas Intl. Airport (SDQ), which is located 16.2 mi away (27-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at Island Life Hostel?

No, there aren't any rooms with balconies at Island Life Hostel.

Island Life Hostel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 47 out of 81 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 81 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 81 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 81 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 81 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Raul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nayna

Liked: Staff & service
I stayed here for 4 nights. Met some amazing people from around the world. The owner is great and made me feel very comfortable. There was a glitch initially but he sorted it out in no time. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He made me feel well looked after. I'll definitely visit again!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Mylene, Calgary

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Exactly for what you need: a night close to the airport
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Mylene, Calgary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
It was good enough for what I needed. Just to crash for a night. People staying there were really nice and all the staff there helped me with everything that I needed.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daysi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Larry

Excellent staff and even better price
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

4/10 Poor

Arjun

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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 .
Stayed 11 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ronald

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

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 .
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leendert

Traveled with group
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay, staff was very welcoming and friendly. Great vibe at this location, I’ll definitely stay here again.

2/10 Terrible

kurt

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
No hot water. Smelled bad. Dirty mattress. Dogs living on the property barked all night.

10/10 Excellent

Christy Victoria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

eric

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gaoussou

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Magnus

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022

8/10 Good

Ramon, Santo Domingo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
it couldn't be better located
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020

8/10 Good

Theodore

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

6/10 Okay

Gary

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2019