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Reviews of Kamala Surf & Backpacker Hostel

Primera Entrada Puente de Manglaralto Frente al Mar, 240110 Montañita, Ecuador

#6 of 33 hotels in Montañita

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 44 hostel reviews

9.1

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.7

  • Comfort

    8.8

  • Location

    9.2

  • Facilities

    8.8

  • Staff

    9.7

  • Value for money

    9.2

  • Free WiFi

    9.2

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 6 May 2024

    10
    Restful, relaxing and fun
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 5 nights

    I don't have any complaints. I was very happy with my choice

    the staff and location were fantastic! Traveling as a woman by herself I felt incredibly safe. The owners gave me a great deal of helpful information about restaurants and other activities available.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 26 February 2024

    10
    See you again Kamala!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything was great!

    I loved staying at Kamala, the property is beautiful and there's so much to do in the area. Or, you can relax and have a tranquil place to explore, do yoga, meditate and even work remotely as there's wifi. The kitchen bar area was super nice and there was always nice people around to chat with. We'll definitely come back to Kamala next time we're in Ecuador!

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 18 February 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Location, location and the best hotel manager ever.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 24 January 2024

    10
    If you are looking to relax and party, Kamala is the place for you!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 11 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We had an amazing time at Kamala! We stayed there for 2 weeks. Both the dorms, as well as the private rooms are in excellent condition. Location in between Manglaralto and Montañita allows you to enjoy both villages. Pablo is a great host and he helped us plan our trip to Galápagos. Would definitely recommend!

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 15 January 2024

    10
    You won't want to leave!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nada!

    I loved everything! I would have stayed for months if it was possible for me! Pablo, Cleeve, and Flor were just wonderful! They are so available for us! Booked for 2 nights and stayed for 10! I was planning on traveling the coast but I didn't go further than Montañita! About a 5 minute walk on the beach to Manglaralto and about 20 minute walk on the beach to Montañita. You'll never want leave! 😉

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 4 January 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Pablo is a very nice guy, he will help you at anything you need. The hostel has its own pool, very clean. It is also very close to the beach, and to Manglaralto. Meeting other people is easy thanks to its facilities.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 3 January 2024

    10
    Una vez, siempre en Kamala
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    People, breakfast, ocean and pool. It's my second visit and I'll be back again! Best place to spend the New Year, for sure. Pablo is very kind and helpful as usual

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 22 December 2023

    10
    Go there and enjoy ocean view and nature
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    internet sometimes not working, only cold water

    absolutely chilled place with amazing vibe, do not expect any luxury all is very simple but that is nice, you can stay in private small house or shared room, amazing breakfast, Cliff is doing fantastic job there and Pablo is very welcoming. Big pool, huge garden, bon fire….you can easily walk to Montanita on beach or take a taxi for 1,50$ to center.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 5 December 2023

    10
    Angolo di paradiso
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Staff Playa Swim pool Breakfast

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 11 November 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Kamala is a great place to stay with a very laid back atmosphere. Pablo is a very nice and interesting guy with a lot of stories to tell. If you have any questions he is happy to give tons of tips to make the best of your stay in Moñtanita! I loved it here :)

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 16 October 2023

    8.0
    Great beach hostel outside of Montañita
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    The shared rooms are awful, the only good thing is that they have AC.

    Located on the outskirts of Montañita this hostel has one of the nicest beaches in the area far from the busy downtown. The breakfast is great.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 19 August 2023

    10
    Perfect and cute beach hostal on the beach- fun vibe, but peaceful and well-run.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Nothing. It was great!

    Beautiful hostal and super friendly staff! Everything was clean and organized nicely. The hostal is right on the beach and you can see and hear the ocean. Far enough from Montanita that it is peaceful and calm, but close enough that you can walk to the centro easily. The staff was super friendly and fun to hang out with and was very accommodating of anything I needed. Will return!

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 16 August 2023

    10
    The place is magical and the hostel gathers the best atmosphere.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    I like the place very much, the atmosphere is very laid back. The hostel is a party vibe but definitely for someone looking for fun times.

    They were extremely accommodating and allowed us to check in early. We got to Kamala super early and I didn’t wanna wait. So this was a big plus. The sevice was exceptional as well. Would definitely send a friend there. My experience at kamala was unforgettable. Every staff member I encountered, from the volunteers to the kitchen staff were delightful and eager to help! Thank you! Will recommend to my friends.

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: 15 August 2023

    9.0
    Sweet place
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Far from montanita 25 mnts walking

    Everything

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 13 August 2023

    9.0
    Nice bungalows at the beach front
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Breakfast was included, but a little pool 

    Perfect located directly at the beach. Very clean and beautiful park around the bungalows. Free billard and other games

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 6 August 2023

    10
    Super happy with our stay!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow with Garden View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Super nice location. You have everything you need here, so you don't have to go into the center (10-15min walk) if you don't want to. The people are really nice and try to help you as much as they can. The Bungalows are clean and super comfy (every bungalow has a little terasse with an hammock, table and chair). The pool gets cleaned every!!! Day. You have a direct access to the beach and it's way less crowded than the one in the center. You have different games as billard and ping pong. There are different spots to chill all over the Place. It's easy to meet new people. There are events like pool parties with a dj. Some people in the Feedback section complained about the noise, but Montañita is a party city and there are maybe 2-3 party evenings. Overall it's a really nice affordable place. Sidefact: They also have parking lots where you can stay.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 22 July 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow with Garden View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There was a big party on Wednesday which was great fun. I think it's worth noting that this might be a weekly occurrence.

    Wonderful place to stay, 20 mins walk along the beach to Montanita, or $1.50 cab to town. Kamala is situated right on the beach, you can hear the waves in your hut. The rooms are simple, fan was in good condition and strong. The chef makes incredible food (especially the wraps). The staff are super friendly and welcoming and we even saw whales right outside the hostel!

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: 15 June 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow with Sea View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We had an amazing stay at the Kamala Beach Hostel. The manager went beyond himself to help us with our issues and we felt immediately welcome there. As it is a 20 minute walk out of Montañita there is a bar at the hostel where you can order food and drinks for a reasonable price. The breakfast was included and was very delicious.

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: 7 May 2023

    10
    We had an amazing stay at Kamala. The staff make it such a nice and comfortable environment. it is also very dog friendl
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow with Garden View
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The staff were very helpful and friendly

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: 2 May 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Great hostel, recommended!

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 20 April 2023

    9.0
    Best place in Montañita!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Missing community kitchen, but we were able to make a few simple things in the restaurant kitchen.

    Perfect location, next to the beach and a nice walk from town but keeping the relaxed vibe of a beach getaway. Pool and cabins are very comfortable :) Great food and very nice staff! Dorms were a bit dirty and it took them a long time to fix an issue in the bathroom, plus loud music was often on the whole night - but this was during a fully booked Easter weekend, normally the place seems more relaxed and better run when it’s not fully booked. They always took care of our issues, sometimes we just had to ask about it again.

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 16 April 2023

    9.0
    Felt at home just needs a few changes
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Just small attention to detail. Our light didnt work and aircon leaked. I also think the bill was very hard to sort out- a better system is definitely needed. Advertise when happy hour is more clearly

    Loved the hostel set up and living space. Best thing was all the stuff and how it made us feel at home. Food also very good. Staff definitely make the hostel great

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 7 April 2023

    10
    Best place close to montanita but quiet!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow with Garden View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    We loved it so much that we extended our stay twice 😁 it was really hard leaving, we miss it already!

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 27 March 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bungalow with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    This hostel is near Montañita but away from the noise and chaos of the party scene there, The staff was very accommodating. I wanted a quieter room away from the restaurant and bar, and the management offered me a much upgraded cabin at no additional charge. There is a good restaurant and bar on site as well and the staff is friendly and attentive. I would definitely stay there again,

    Stayed in March 2023

Showing 1 – 25

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