Andy is an incredibly chill, welcoming dude. Very comfortable place, good people. I’ll be back!

I spent two days in the hostel and these were one of the best during my roadtrip through USA, I met amazing people there, full of passion and talents. I had the opportunity to participate in a live performance. I saw artists paint pictures, how a magician does tricks with cards. In addition, I could relax in the jacuzzi, and in the evening we were singing and dancing with guitars until late hours. It was undoubtedly a special time spent in an amazing atmosphere, for which I thank everyone, especially the owner!

Great place. Cozy. I like how friendly the staff is here. Would recommend this place to anyone!

This hostel is amazingly chilled out, I was greeted at the door by Andrew, the really lovely owner, he showed me around straight away and really made it feel like home as soon as I stepped out of my friends car. The people and the feel of this place is really chilled out, the vibes are mellow and you wont be disappointed with your stay, the place is clean and tidy and the beds are comfortable, there is a jacuzzi, place to chill out and a full kitchen area and living room... you dont want to miss this place, and female travellers will feel at home too!Enjoy your stay Thank you Andrew!! Amazing!!!

A beautiful place to stay. The house have a lots of cozy corners and worldwide friends. I recommend to everyone who likes adventures and a new experience in traveling as also know more and new people.

Perfect place in San Diego! After 15 days in a van this hostel was like a dream! Comfy bed, nice people, food, great location to explore San Diego. We couldn’t ask for a better place!

What an amazing place!! We really loved this hostel! The atmosphere was great and we felt at home as soon as Andrew opened the door! Nice people and in a nice area of San Diego! We had a lovely and fun time! Absolutely recommended

Amazing hosts. Environment was beyond chill. location was perfect. Time spent there was unforgettable. Can not wait to come back.

We spent one night in this amazing hostel after a long drive from LA... so we needed a comfortable place to rest and that’s what we found there. They were so nice and Friendly people!!Thank you so much for everything

Wow! Having the best time and stay with the crew at THC, voted Californias most 420 friendly Hostel! Follow and ask about booking direct @TheHostelCalifornia on Instagram.

We saw this hostel on instagram (@thehostelcalifornia) and decided to stay for a week. It’s an amazing place with a good vibe, piano, jacuzzi,..! It’s possible to park and sleep in the street, which is pretty calm, and pay 15$ fees to have access to facilities (shower, kitchen,...). But we decided to pay 20$/person for a comfortable bed! Thank u very much for everything guys ! Definitely we will come back ;)

We had an awesome stay, super awesome vibe and awesome host! Would recommend.

Steps from the most friendly youth beach in San Diego, TheHostelCalifornia, THC is the most chill spot to enjoy your traveling holiday for a few nights up to a few weeks! I met foreign travelers from all corners of the world and we explored San Diego’s best sites on day trips to include sunset cliffs, balboa park, blacks beach and many other fun neighborhoods like Hillcrest and downtown Gaslamp. We loved the beach bonfire THC organized with another local hostel. I can’t wait to come back to San Diego and stay here again with all the friendly staff!

The hostel was a super fun little place. There arent to many beds and a cozy, homely attitude creates a verrry chilled out space where everyone shares food, stories, drinks, and more. This is a place for those who want to embraces that young, laid back california life style and meet interesting people, both travelers and locals alike.

Drew and Sophie thank you so much! Im so happy come to your place. That is awesome place definitely recommended every body! Thank for your hospitality I feel safety harmony and enjoy like Im at home with my friends and family. Nice area.Many store restaurants and bar close. God bless you guys! if I get chance I will chose and stay here a while! Many International guests here so everyone is welcome!

An open and friendly space in the heart of Uptown/Hillcrest. Walking distance to Balboa and Zoo, 5-star foodie Meccas and watering holes. Perfect for groups that want to mix and mingle and diversify their travel experience. Get that college backpacking adventure in Europe. Hot tub is added plus. There people hot tub and 420-friendly smoking lounge area! Cool, low-key parties and drum circles.

Excellent place to rest and impeccable servive, a place where the communion flows, everyone sirs down to delight delicious food, good music, good joints.Nice meeting with people from other countries and very attentive staff.p

Friendly ambience!... piano, hot tub, and board games... close to University Ave and Hillcrest nightlife and restaurants ... nice for private events (Would be great for 15-20 people sleeping over ) and talking to host available for parties up to 50.. fun welcoming place!!

This is the place to come if you want to meet other travelers, chill, and hang out. The place is a home turned into a hostel, so it has a homey feeling. I would recommend this place for those who seek to meet other travelers rather than material amenities. The other travelers I met here are very friendly. There is a piano which is very nice. Hillcrest is a great neighborhood for food, restaurants, etc.

More than meets the eye. What to expect? Can’t even answer that. Expect the unexpected. This is a place where few travelers are awarded the chance to stay. It’s a place where you instantly feel at ease and welcomed. Not the average place. There’s no rule book but to have a good vibe and youll fit. abundance in food, laughter, music, stories WiFi, everything. If you are lucky enough to find this place, dont waste the opportunity.

I like to call this place a Houstel. Its a hostel with a homey feel. Andy is very nice and accommodating. Ive stayed in almost every hostel in the city/beaches, this one is most comfortable and low key. Theres always random fun things happening at night whether its watching movies outside on a big white sheet, having a lively conversation, playing music, or drinking games in the hot tub. The kitchen is spacious as is the rest of the place. Bars, clubs, and restaurants are all within a very short walk. I will definitely stay here again whenever I am in town. Thank you.

It was a really great night!The hostel is awesome. A special place everybody should visit for at least some nights. The decoration is just beautiful and the host is funny and nice. We are glad about the good conversation about our journeys :)See you soon hopefully

First time solo traveler, loved every minute of it.

We met some really interesting people here during our one night stay. Music, deep conversations, poetry, and super friendly hosts. The place is unique and fun. Totally recommend

Everyone was super friendly. The space is beautiful with a lot of personality and great community vibes. Slept great on the super comfortable couch.

We book Direct to qualified travelers. Show your Passport, this is “Passport Club” on Meetup! Book Direct on Instagram @TheHostelCaliforniaTHC, The Hostel California is the most 420 friendly Amsterdam style BYOC Cannabis coffee shop in the USA! Come smoke and chill!

This place is amazing. What a find! Andy was truly hospitable, I slept great, there’s a JACUZZI and a very all around chilled out vibe. If you’re traveling to San Diego, this is the place for you!

It was very welcoming. I was a last minute guest and they accommodated me right away. I had pancakes and coffee in the morning and felt right at home! Thank you!

Amazing place. I love the friendly environment here. Visited San Diego and so far best place to stay if you are young and like to meet new people.

Highly recommend! Very safe and cool neighborhood. Lovely hosts and other guests. Chill vibes all around. Thanks for a fun night!

If you’re debating staying here, I’m going to help you out and say...JUST DO IT.This home turned hostel is the place to come if you want to meet other travelers, chill, party, and hang out. The owner, Andy, took the BEST care of us and really made us feel welcome, safe, and comfortable in his home. It has a homey vibe during the day and goes absolutely crazy at night- PLUS there’s a hot tub, what’s not to love?!! I would recommend this place for those who seek good company is a phenomenal location. Hillcrest is a great neighborhood for bars, food, restaurants, farmers markets etc and just minutes away from the world famous San Diego Zoo and Balboa park. All in all, if you love a good time (whether that’s chillin, meeting new people, or partying) THIS is the place for you.

I have nothing but good things to say about this hostel

Very chill vibe! Everyone was very respectful. Would definitely stay here another night if we hadnt made plans elsewhere previously.

By far best hostel Ive stayed at. Comfortable. Friendly. Felt right at home. Cant wait to come back and stay again!

This hostel feels more like a family than anything else, we made great connections with the people we met there and had a nice night of sleep in the comfy bed. They have a hot-tub (yes!!!) and coffee in the mornings, overall, super good experience. 100% recommended!

I really enjoyed my stay, Andy is very friendly and makes you feel like family the moment you walk through the door! Everyone that I met during my stay there was amazing. There were group meals, games and a badass hot tub! I definitely recommend staying here!!

We stayed at HillcrestHostel for one night and had a great time. We had an awesome game night with a few other travelers, shared good food and had good conversations. Andy was a superb host, very nice and attentive. The hostel is clean, spacious and nicely decorated. Very affordable too! Overall a really great experience, would 100% recommend a stay here.

Found this gem of a place on Couchsurfing.. Clair and I had one day booked and immediately after entering we knew we had to stay longer. Andy treats you like family, he will make room for you even if he has little to spare. You can volunteer if you choose to stay long or pay the really affordable rates. The fact that it is 420 friendly is a bonus, even if you dont use cannabis you are guaranteed a great experience

By far the nicest hostel I have stayed in all summer, while traveling in America. Everyone is super chill and also the check out time is really flexible, which was nice for me. I have met the nicest people there all summer and overall everyone was extremely friendly.And on top of all of this it even was the cheapest hostel I have been to.Can definitely recommend 6/5

Have had an amazing time at this hostel, very open friendly space and hosts with a nice relaxed vibe. Super sweet location too, really close to a bunch of awesome places! If I ever return to the US Ill make sure to visit again :) Chur

Best place for cannabis in Sd. Ask for Chris

This hostel is THE BEST in Southern California! I have stayed here well over 3 weeks, meeting many travelers from across the world and sharing tons of great vibes and positive energy. There is an unbelievable amount of space, especially outside in the back patio where there is a jacuzzi and surround sound system... Follow them on instagram at @TheHostelCalifornia (THC 4/20 friendly everyday)

Best hostel in San Diego so good we stayed there all summer. Andy’s a legend !!!

Best place to stay in San Diego!! If you are traveling and you are looking for a place to stay, this is your place!! Andy, the owner, is a super nice guy and he host me last minute (I didnt have a place to stay and he safe my life) and everyone there was so nice and they make you feel like home! There are really good vibes in this place and you know people all over the world. If I have the chance to come back for sure I will stay here again! Thank you so much Andy for everything!

A very warm welcome to San Diego once you arrive to Hillcret Hostel. The people, the location, the beds, the jacuzzi, was all top-notch. There was no stress before, during and after our stay. A Proper San Diego experience. Highly Recommended

Really good vibes. Host is really welcoming and friendly. Truly an amazing place!

One of my favorite parts of visiting California. A truly unique experience for creative travelers. Clean inside and outside and enough room to feel right at home. Instruments and paintings around the space made it so fitting for an artist like myself. Spent time painting at sunset cliffs and also going to concerts, hillcresthostel was the best place to come back to. Andy was a great host and I’m already looking forward to my next stay.

Amazing! Here you can find friends, party, and cozy house for spend some time!) Drew is a top guy!!! Highly recommend!!!

This place is awesome! The host is very friendly and respectful. The location is good and theres a wonderful jacuzzi!Had very good times there!

Full house of love

The most relaxed welcoming hostel you will ever go to! Andy is great and he loves sharing in other peoples skills if you’re an artist or can play instruments/dance! The whole place has such a cool vibe with fairy lights and such a great aesthetic and everyone is so lovely and it’s chill to do whatever you like! 100% recommend -in a great part of San Diego

This hostel is really welcoming for everybody. If you stop by you will find yourself with many people from all over the word, a nice vibe and all you need to enjoy your time there! The house have a big kitchen, a nice bathroom and the area is full of restaurant and bar to go out.I was travelling alone and I really had a great time at Hillcrest Hostel so if you stop by San Diego and are looking for a place to stay, don’t hesitate and go to HillcrestHostel!

Great spot in central location of San Diego. In middle of many great attractions. The hostel is very welcoming, playful, and comfortable. Andy is a great host. I would highly recommend this place.

Cheap, but also great place to stay.If youre OK to sleep at the couch.Andy is offering everything you need.Neighborhood is also really nice.Would go there again at my next visit in San Diego

My friend and I stayed with Drew and Sophie for a night while I was in San Diego about 2 weeks ago. My only complaint was that we didn’t stay with them longer. They both went above and beyond to help us feel welcome for example by offering to lend us bikes to cycle to the nearby Balboa park. The hostel is clean and full of life with people from all corners of the world staying there. There is a beautiful, spacious, fully equipped kitchen. I stayed with one other friend and Drew and Sophie even offered to share their food with us. Towels were also provided as well as a clean bathroom, there is also WiFi. The whole place was well organized and also had a quirky theme running through it. There is also a hot tub outside and in the front garden there was a projector casting movies which was really cool. We both felt so welcome there and had great conversations with Drew and Sophie, they were so helpful and answered any questions we had and gave us recommendations of places to go and cool things to do. They were also really easy going and just let you do your own thing if you preferred. There is also a McDonalds and many other restaurants and bars around the corner which is ideal for a quick snack or drink. The Hillcrest Hostel is in a great location and not that far in an Uber from San Diego’s famous beaches.Once again I couldn’t recommend staying with Drew and Sophie more, I normally opt for Air bnb’s over hostels but these guys have me converted, if I’m ever back in SD again and looking for a place to stay I will definitely look them up again!

I absolutely LOVED staying at Hillcresthostel. Great place and even better vibes. I travelled here alone from Europe and immediately felt at home so would recommend it to any backpackers! Thanks so much guys!

Awesome laid back people, relaxed and trusting. I was very warmly welcomed and taken care of.

Andy is super friendly and open. I had such a great time at the place. Even though I only stayed there for a day, Andy made me feel part of the hostal family and introduced me to all the international guests. Also, the first night is for free. I will undoubtedly come back!

The closest Hostel to famous Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo! Explore the neighborhood canyons, and abundant food and nightlife options this top California LGBT neighborhood offers! The Hillcrest neighborhood hosts the 2nd largest California Pride Parade starts one block away at the NormalFlag on Normal St!We are San Diegos Top Cultural Exchange Hostel. See video reviews on Instagram @TheHostelCalifornia, THC ;) Its 420 friendly and good vibes everyday meeting new travelers from so many countries! Our Hostel is smaller and gives guests a real opportunity to meet! We are not a converted hotel that tries to upsell you club packages, bar crawls, and bus tours... Staying at TheHostelCalifornia aka HillcrestHostel IS the tour!

An amazing place with a fantastic host!Easy check-in and super fast response pared with international guests made an unforgettable experience. Thanks Andy!

Andy is a magnanimous host, had lots of fun, jacuzzi was hot fun !! damn nice place, surely a place to go back to

One of a kind is the only way to describe this hostel.Unlike stayed in other hostels.I was real enjoy the homey atmosphere here, and easy to know other travellers.There are video game, open-air movie n jacuzzi that makes relax even more chill in my apartment. I definetily would stay here if I visit SD next time.強烈推薦背包客來的一個青旅，其實不像青旅。但頗好玩的一個住宿地方。

Adam, the host, is super flexible and has great recommendations for travelers! The hostel was really clean, unique, and had a very chill and relaxing vibe. Hillcrest is perfect for anyone visiting San Diego on a budget or just wanting to meet fellow travelers!

HH is more of a home than hostel, guests are treated with a warmness that is nice to come back to after a days worth of exploring. Kick back with enumerable amenities such as my favorite, the jacuzzi with basketball hoop included, unwind with the xbox and its immobilizing abilities, and to add to your relaxation, theres always a friendly fellow guest or host Andy to have a chat with. After my stay here now for a few weeks, as it is difficult to leave! be prepared! I highly recommend this hostel to any and all travelers.

I had a good time in Hillcrest Hostel! The house is very cosy with a lot of cute places inside and outside to hangout. And even a jacuzzi ;)The host and the other travelers were all really chill and nice to hangout with, there was just a good atmosphere. I would come back if Im ever in San Diego again!

THIS HOSTEL FEELS LIKE HOME! I really love the character of the hostel beeing a normal house. Lovely place, friendly people and awesome community!

Andy was a gracious, exciting, knowledgeable, and respectful host! The atmosphere here is fantastic with the comfort of a home and the ability to meet people traveling from all around the world. A little treat in Hillcrest!

Amazing place with great atmosphere. Host is very helpful and positive. Happy to be here

I love this place! I feel so good and comfortable :) the owner is really nice and helpful!

Great place to stay in San Diego ! The house is really clean, you will be surrounde by nice people from all over the world. The backyard is cozy and it even got a hot tub / Jakuzzi. The place to be in San Diego :) !

HillcrestHostel is such a great place to stay. The house is beautifiul, the location is perfect and it has a relaxed vibe, everyone was super friendly, specially Andy, its owner, who is the nicest guy, very easy going and open to share with his guests. We even played pool and it was really fun. Thanks for creating this place for travellers Andy!

HillcrestHostel is such a great place to stay. The house is beautifiul, the location is perfect and it has a relaxed vibe, everyone was super friendly, specially Andy, its owner, who is the nicest guy, very easy going and open to share with his guests. We even played pool and it was really fun. Thanks for creating this place for travellers Andy!

THE place to stay in San Diego! Chilled friendly and cozy atmosphere as anywhere else. Highly recommended!

I planned to star for 1 night, now its 4th day since then and Im still here. Fantastic place, fantastic people. And very cheap.

Our stay in the hostel was excellent. The place is very cozy and there is a friendly environment. I recommend it to any traveler!

It is really great! You meet people all around the world and connect with everyone easily. The place ist nice and every bed and even couch ist comfortable! Andy, the host is amazing and very caring! Recommend to everyone to stay here in the Hölle eat hostel even for a night it’s worth!

Calm, homey atmosphere, very clean and comfortable. The owner is really friendly and helpful, we had a great stay!

The best place ever . I definetly recommend you to stay here :)

This place is great! Its more like a house than a hostel, people from all over the world, theres a great vibe, everyones real friendly, the house is full of amazing art work, theres a hot tub, you can smoke, drink and feel like your at home, a big kitchen to cook up your food, its fully stocked with everything you could need! Defo recommend staying here !!!!

Low key, laid back, home. And I said home, not hostel, hotel or air bnb for a reason. Andy welcomes everyone in to his home as if they were family members. When I am in San Diego again, I will definitely stay at the Hillcrest Hostel again!

One of the most amazing place in San Diego! Full of good vibes, friendly people and cozy atmosphere like at home. Definetely recomend you to visit and stay!

I love hillcresthostel! It’s unusual atmosphere here and people are awesome!

Great hospitality. Really cool dude. Had an amazing time

Definately recommend it! Andy is a cool guy whos organizing the hostel as a amazing vibe place.Fair price with good environment!

POSITIVE VIBE! Ive travelling around America continent for the last 6 months. Hillscrest Hostel is one of the most amazing places you should stay while your are visiting San Diego. Andy (the owner) is such a kind, humble and one of the greatest person you can count on. He shares his hostel to his guests in way that they feel as comfortable as they could be. You will enjoy a good vibe place, confortable (you choose a spot to lay down and relax. The hostel is near by the University Av, which has a lot of night life and you will be able to find grocery, deli, big markets, pharmacy, bus stop. The house is beautiful and large enough to make you feel at home, with a jacuzzi. ;) There is a large and good kitchen that you will be able to cook your own meals. Andy makes us feel ad if we were definitely at a place we belong to. The volunteers are part of that team and they are friendly and show us part of the city and also help us with some errands we need to.Thats why I recommend you to stay in HILLCREST HOSTEL, San Diego. Thats the place you will like to enjoy wheather visiting alone or with your friends and family.

Not a real hostel, it’s more of an airbnb turned misfit. Disorganized, sporadic, and a waste of time. Be aware, the landing page for the website is Facebook. Not a stand alone website domain.Great introductions, but its charm quickly faded.The management wasn’t very organized and I mistook the environment to be a bit more flexible and adaptable than it actually is. I swear the man bites off more than he can chew. I would not trust handing over my Identification for “records”. God only knows where all that information ends.As for our misunderstanding— to say the least, was silly. I first heard about the “hostel” from a Couchsurfing friend and went over for a jam session. I was pleasantly surprised to be offered a night stay for FREE! I kindly obliged, of course the host is looking to get some cash out of me. Sure, I’ll take the bait.Either way, during our conversation, I took notice of my surroundings, and offered to show up at 10-10:30am the following morning. However, it slipped my mind that I had a choir performance at the University of San Diego at the same time. I tried to contact the host via Instagram to arrange something different.I did show up earlier than promised. I had hopes of leaving my backpack behind. I was never instructed to not ring the doorbell, and I was shocked to hear I was being rude. I quickly apologized and left without a fuss. I thought nothing of it all, but to my surprise I was consequently turned away.Moral of the story? Don’t give pumpkins too lazy and weak men who can’t handle getting up early.P.S. check-in for hostels is usually 3pm, which is to help facilitate everyone’s schedule. Check out is 11. Leaving things open allows for disturbances like these to happen. Try harder brother.

Colorful and comfortable place. New travelers who become friends are coming over everyday. Everynight jakoozee makes the perfrct ending of adventures days.

During my stay in the US, Ive stayed in many hostels all over the country but nothing can compare to my stay here. Its such a friendly enviroment and the people are absolutly incredible. Andy is such a great person with an amazing heart, he transmit good energy from the very first time you meet him.It has a much homely vibe and if I come back to San Dieho I would definetly stay there again.

Really awesome unique hostel, beautiful house with lovely facilities and Andy is a legend x

Decent and cheap hostel to stay at, room was cozy and private.

Best host in san diego? Best host in california! The place is wonderful! People there are awesome! Location is perfect! I left the place 10 minutes ago and i already miss it. Go to stay at andy’s place “hillcrest hostel” if you get the chance!!! Just amazing! And dont miss the hot tub! :)

No comments. The best the best

Really nice Hostel!!!! Andy’s the right person in the right place.

Andy is chill and on top of things. Be prepared for both quiet and fun!

Great food & drinks at the reatuarant!

Friendly and relax environment, jacuzzi is a bonus

Friendly owner, good location

Was one of the trashiest most rundown places I ever stayed in..

Eww.