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Island Life Hostel

1.0 star property
Experience colonial charm with modern fun! Chill out by the pool or explore nearby attractions after fueling up on breakfast.

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Island Life Hostel

Terrace/patio
Outdoor dining
1 Bed in a Shared 8 Bed Dormitory, Shared Bathroom | View from room
Free daily cooked-to-order breakfast
Outdoor pool
Located in the heart of Zona Colonial, Island Life Hostel offers a vibrant atmosphere with cooked-to-order breakfast, rooftop terrace views, and lush gardens. Relax by the outdoor pool or challenge friends to a game at the arcade/game room or billiards/pool table. With dry cleaning/laundry services and tour/ticket assistance available.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast included
  • Pool
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • Kitchen
The current price is AED 140
AED 165 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Feb - 18 Feb

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 11 of 11 rooms

View all photos for Basic Triple Room, 1 Bedroom

In-room safe

Basic Triple Room, 1 Bedroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 12 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Twin Bed Private , Shared Bathroom

Twin Bed Private , Shared Bathroom | In-room safe

Twin Bed Private , Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Private bathroom
4 bathrooms
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for 1 Bed in a Shared 8 Bed Dormitory, Shared Bathroom

1 Bed in a Shared 8 Bed Dormitory, Shared Bathroom | In-room safe

1 Bed in a Shared 8 Bed Dormitory, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

4 bathrooms
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Twin Bed Bunk Beds Private Ensuite

Twin Bed Bunk Beds Private Ensuite | In-room safe

Twin Bed Bunk Beds Private Ensuite

Highlights

Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Double Private, Shared Bathroom

Double Private, Shared Bathroom | In-room safe

Double Private, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Double Ensuite, Private Bathroom and AC

Double Ensuite, Private Bathroom and AC | In-room safe

Double Ensuite, Private Bathroom and AC

Highlights

Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for 1 Bed in a Shared 12 Bed Dormitory,Shared Bathroom

1 Bed in a Shared 12 Bed Dormitory,Shared Bathroom | In-room safe

1 Bed in a Shared 12 Bed Dormitory,Shared Bathroom

Highlights

4 bathrooms
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for 1 Bed in a Shared 4 Bed Dormitory, Shared Bathroom with AC

In-room safe

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

Highlights

Air conditioning
4 bathrooms
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Double Ensuite,Private Bathroom and A/C

Double Ensuite,Private Bathroom and A/C | In-room safe

Double Ensuite,Private Bathroom and A/C

Highlights

Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Basic Double Room, 1 Double Bed

Basic Double Room, 1 Double Bed | In-room safe

Basic Double Room, 1 Double Bed

Highlights

4 bathrooms
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for 1 Bed in a Shared 4 Bed Dormitory, Shared Bathroom with AC

In-room safe

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

Highlights

Air conditioning
4 bathrooms
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Similar properties

Front of property

Hotel Discovery

  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
7.2 out of 10, Good, 410 reviews
The price is AED 91
AED 116 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Feb - 25 Feb
Hotel Discovery

About the neighborhood

Map
Calle Isabel La Catolica #356, Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, 10210

What's nearby

  • Calle Las Damas - 4 min walk
  • Columbus Park - 6 min walk
  • Calle El Conde - 6 min walk
  • Malecon - 13 min walk
  • Sambil Santo Domingo - 4 min drive

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 near Malecon
Consider a stay at Island Life Hostel and take advantage of free cooked-to-order breakfast, a rooftop terrace, and a garden. Stay connected with free WiFi in public areas, and guests can find other amenities such as an arcade/game room and dry cleaning/laundry services.
Other perks at this hostel include:
  • An outdoor pool
  • A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), a TV in the lobby, and a front-desk safe
  • Barbecue grills, luggage storage, and a billiards/pool table
  • Tour/ticket assistance
Room features
All guestrooms at Island Life Hostel have amenities such as safes.
Other amenities include:
  • Showers and shampoo
  • Communal kitchens and daily housekeeping

Languages

English, Spanish

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 AM–10 AM
  • 1 bar

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Front-desk safe

Guest services

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Dry cleaning service
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Tour/ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Rooftop terrace

Accessibility

  • This property does not have elevators

More

  • Designated smoking areas
  • TV in lobby

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Towels

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

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children 18 and younger are not allowed at this property; All guests older than 18 are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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 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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Children 18 years old and younger are not permitted at this property
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

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

Does Island Life Hostel have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Island Life Hostel?

As of 16 February 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Island Life Hostel on 17 February 2025 start from $45.00, including 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.

Is Island Life Hostel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Island Life Hostel?

Check-in start time: 1 PM; Check-in end time: midnight.

What time is check-out at Island Life Hostel?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Does Island Life Hostel provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle. A fee of USD 35 per vehicle applies.

Where is Island Life Hostel located?

Located in Zona Colonial, this hostel is within a 15-minute walk of Museo del Ron y la Caña and Malecon. Church of Saint Barbara and Museo del Duarte are just steps away.

Island Life Hostel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 45 out of 76 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 76 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 76 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 76 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 76 reviews

8.6/10

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

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

10/10 Excellent

ELIEZER, Dajabon

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really liked this hostel. To return to. very nice, hygienic and very good service
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Timm

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019