Anda Di Hows Hostel

My adult son and I had the pleasure and privilege to stay at the Anda Di Hows Hostel near the tip of the Placencia Peninsula for 13 days in late November. It was our first hostel experience. We absolutely loved every minute. LOCATION The hostel is 2 steps from the beach, and a short pleasant walk to all the shops, restaurants, bars and the pier, but the Hostel's location is super quiet and the garden is filled with lush vegetation. You'll meet the hummingbirds, frigate birds and lizards as well as the two super sweet hostel dogs, JJ and Puppy. It only takes about 5 minutes to walk from the bus stop. (We came in on the Floralia) It's both central and secluded which makes it an ideal location. It's really great value and budget friendly, too. We felt really safe and comfortable the hostel and throughout Placencia as well. Pandora, the owner, is on-site 24h and can respond quickly when needed. FACILITIES The hostel is cleaned every day and the dorm feels really cozy, even when fully booked. The beds and pillows were super comfy and each bed was equipped with a fan, a light and plug, which was great. We were delighted that towels were also included as we had forgotten ours! We appreciated having storage space for our bags. (bring your lock). The bathroom was spacious and kept clean daily. There are two large showers and two bathroom stalls with doors for privacy. There's a comfortable indoor common space with a hammock and kitchen table as well as a full kitchen including gas stove with everything you need to cook a delicious meal. Bonus! The water is potable. We loved the huge tropical garden with tons of fruit trees of all kinds and a great outside seating area equipped with picnic tables, hammocks and chairs. Wifi is included (fast) and you can sit on the beach and still get a few bars. The atmosphere is super chill, friendly and comfortable. EQUIPMENT We loved having access to kayaks and snorkelling equipment that enabled us to tour around Placencia Cay to discover the mangroves and the herons and pelicans (and Manatees) that live there. We also enjoyed using the beach chairs. LOCAL VIBE There are several fruit and vegetable stands, grocery stores and even the pier nearby where you can get fresh fish, conch and lobster right from the local fishermen. Look for the banana bread and donut lady and Miss Kunchi's (hope I spelled it right) homemade jellies and the coconut water man and all their delicious local treats. Be sure to check out Momolicious, right behind the hostel to for a delicious selection of homemade tacos, garnaches, panades, tostadas and more for under 6 BZD. Amazing! There are tons of food stands, restaurants and bars for every budget as well as numerous tours you can take in and around Placencia. Visit Logan at the art and soul gallery next door to see some great local art! All the locals are super friendly and will greet you as you walk by. Fantastic vibe all around Placencia. Anda di Hows is a great place to stay if you're passing through Placencia but we highly recommend you stay a few days to have the time to relax and enjoy Placencia as a whole before you head to your next destination. HOST Pandora is an awesome host in every way. Super caring, excellent communicator, funny and upbeat, super helpful with tips on travel itinerary, tours, food options and entertainment options. We were flying in the day after Tropical Storm Sara and she was texting with me prior to my arrival to make sure I wouldn't have any problems in another part of the country before our arrival in Placencia. 5 stars! She even brought us out snorkelling twice so we could spot the manatees that live nearby and invited us to Barefoot bar to hear the Garifuna drummers on our last night. So thankful to have stayed at Pandora's place, Anda di Hows! We met amazing people from all over the world as well as the locals who are the heart and soul of Placencia. Can't wait to be back. Infinite gratitude