Buena Onda Hostel

I stayed in one of the two private rooms at Buena Onda for 15 nights (or so) in Feb 2020. The room was spacious, clean and relatively dark (which I like very much given the climate of the caribbean). All fans (and lights) worked at all times, there was no power-related malfunction or other, which kept the room reasonably cool during the night. You can choose to pay extra for the AC. Bed was big enough and certainly comfortable, equipped with a mosquito net. There is daily cleaning of the room and sheets were changed every 3-4 days or so, which is a super nice service. Shared bathrooms were okay, though there wasn't any hot water. The owner explained that this is due to a broken sensor. A new was supposed to be delivered but it's an island in the caribbean - things take time ;). Anyhow, it's hot enough to enjoy a cool shower. Communal areas are spacious, clean and a great possibility to meet new people. Especially the roof terrace which includes hammocks! WIFI is free but expect some connectivity failures here and there - you're in a developing country in the caribbean, that's just how it is. The only (minor) thing: I didn't really like that the dishes would stay in the sink for quite some time after someone prepared dinner. It attracts cockroaches and other insects, but that goes out to fellow travellers, not necessarily the owner. West End, which caters mostly to US- and Canadian tourists, is about 10 mins by foot, 2 mins by taxi. There is a gas station 2 mins from the hostel, which is stocked with food and everything from tooth paste to coffee. ATM is there too. On the opposite side of the road is "Pupusa-Place", which serves delicious and very cheap Pupusas, a tasty specialty from El Salvador. Awesome pizza is served at C Level (about 15 mins by foot from the hostel) and you can hang out at "The end of the world" (a few minutes further west from the pizza place). Sophie is a wonderful and experienced host, she was super sweet and helping us out when needed - thanks again!! The place (hostel & West End) is safe but beware on the road, there is no sidewalk and no lights at night and people drive like crazy sometimes. Perhaps the best thing: there is free coffee that actually tastes like coffee!