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Island Life Hostel

1.0 star property

Photo gallery for Island Life Hostel

A courtyard with a swimming pool, potted plants, and a stone pathway.
In-room safe
A bar with a variety of liquor bottles, a chalkboard menu, and a television displaying a sports game.
A pool table in a room with red walls, a ceiling fan, and various signs including "Coors Light" and "Who's on the Ball?".
An outdoor patio area with wooden tables and chairs, surrounded by arches and potted plants.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Bar
  • Laundry room
  • Housekeeping
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
Calle Isabel La Catolica #356, Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, 10210
  • Place, Alcazar de Colon
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Calle El Conde
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Maria la Menor Cathedral
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Airport, Santo Domingo (SDQ-Las Americas Intl.)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Room options

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

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a ceiling fan, and a green locker.

1 Bed in a Shared 12 Bed Dormitory,Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

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

A narrow corridor with bunk beds on either side, leading to a gated entrance.

1 Bed in a Shared 8 Bed Dormitory, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

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

A bunk bed with a wooden frame, white mattress with a pattern, and a pillow.

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

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

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

A bunk bed with a wooden frame, white mattress with a pattern, and a pillow.

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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Double Ensuite, Private Bathroom and AC

A bedroom with a wooden headboard, a bed with striped bedding, a wall-mounted air conditioner, and a floral artwork above the bed.

Double Ensuite, Private Bathroom and AC

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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

A room with a bed, a door leading to a balcony, and a window with curtains.

Double Ensuite,Private Bathroom and A/C

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Double Private, Shared Bathroom

In-room safe

Double Private, Shared Bathroom

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed

A hotel room with a bed, a bedside table with a lamp, a wall-mounted fan, and a door.

Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 10 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Basic Triple Room, 1 Bedroom

A small, clean room with two single beds, a nightstand with a lamp, and a tiled floor.

Basic Triple Room, 1 Bedroom

  • 12 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room

In-room safe

Standard Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Basic Twin Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

Standard Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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About the area

Santo Domingo

Island Life Hostel places you in the centre of Santo Domingo, within just a 15-minute stroll of popular places like Calle El Conde and Malecon. Highlights at this hostel include free cooked-to-order breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar/lounge. .This hostel has free WiFi in public areas, a rooftop terrace and a games room. Added amenities include laundry facilities, a garden and barbecues. Each morning free breakfast is served. There's also the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Attractions within a 10-minute drive of this Zona Colonial hostel include Sambil Santo Domingo and Assembly Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.
View more Hostels in Santo DomingoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Alcazar de Colon - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Calle Las Damas - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Calle El Conde - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Columbus Park - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Santa Maria la Menor Cathedral - 8 min walk - 0.7 km

Getting around

  • Eduardo Brito Station - 4 min drive
  • Santo Domingo (SDQ-Las Americas Intl.) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Casa de los Dulces - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante Atarazana - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Pat'e Palo European Brasserie - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante Delicia Campestre - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Quantico - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Island Life Hostel

You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is available daily. Public spaces have free WiFi.

An outdoor pool, a rooftop terrace, and barbecue grills are also featured at Island Life Hostel. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Santo Domingo hostel.

  • 9 guestrooms or units
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (free)
  • Terrace on the roof
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Games room or arcade
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Television in lobby
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar or lounge
Island Life Hostel offers 9 accommodations with a safe. Guests can make use of the shared/communal kitchen. Bathrooms include a shower. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

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Hotel Discovery
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  • Pool
  • Spa pool
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
3.7 out of 5, Good, 591 reviews
The price is NZ$50
includes taxes & fees
10 July - 11 July
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle (surcharge)

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast available daily 7 AM to 10 AM
  • A bar/lounge

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Outdoor pool
  • TV in common areas

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Rooftop terrace

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

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

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 4 per cent 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
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

  • No pets 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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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 smoke detector, 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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, debit cards and cash.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system and a first aid kit in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Children 18 years old and younger aren't allowed at this property.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in 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

Are there any beaches close to Island Life Hostel?

The closest beach to Island Life Hostel is Guibia Beach (3 km).

Does Island Life Hostel have a pool?

Island Life Hostel has an outdoor pool.

Does Island Life Hostel serve breakfast?

You bet, complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast is served daily between 7 AM and 10 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Island Life Hostel?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day for a fee.

What time are check-in & check-out at Island Life Hostel?

Check-in begins at 1 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Island Life Hostel?

No, pets are not allowed.

Island Life Hostel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 51 out of 91 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 21 out of 91 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 91 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 91 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 91 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Raul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Jill

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were amazing and helpful . They seemed to work so hard. The room was very clean . The hostel was a great layout with large communal areas and surround to pool was nice to relax by .
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

LUIS

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
😔😔
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Mylene

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Exactly for what you need: a night close to the airport
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leendert

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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Larry

Excellent staff and even better price
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christy Victoria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Mylene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
It was good enough for what I needed. Just to crash for a night. People staying there were really nice and all the staff there helped me with everything that I needed.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brianna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love the hospitality of the staff! Everyone is so welcoming and easy to talk to. I also like how safety is important to the staff and the presence of security. I stayed by myself in a private room and it was very clean and cozy. The wifi didn't work so great, but the area is so beautiful and full of life that I didn't want to spend much time in my room anyway. The size of the hostal combined with the amenities, such as the pool table, made it easy to socialize and make friends with other travelers. Breakfast is great as well. The bar is great. The dogs are so chill and friendly. There was a great mixture of people available to speak Spanish, English, French, and even Italian. I definitely recommend staying here.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nayna

Liked: Staff & service
I stayed here for 4 nights. Met some amazing people from around the world. The owner is great and made me feel very comfortable. There was a glitch initially but he sorted it out in no time. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He made me feel well looked after. I'll definitely visit again!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

kurt

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
No hot water. Smelled bad. Dirty mattress. Dogs living on the property barked all night.
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

4/10 Poor

carla

Disliked: Amenities
Internet que não chegava no quarto, segurança que não fala o idioma e trata mal por não ter o cartão, falta de indicações
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Didier

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Hostel inteiro é sujo, parece que não é limpo há anos. O car
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Israel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Conocí a gente increíble, la pasé genial, la habitación bastante cómoda y el precio super bueno en la ubicación perfecta, cerca de todo lo bueno
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Constanza

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
La limpieza y muebles de la propiedad deja mucho que desear, al igual que la atención al cliente, el personal fue inaccesible con la reserva desde antes de llegar a la propiedad. Al igual que la comunicación fue limitante ya que no todos hablan bien el español.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

SEBASTIEN

Disliked: Cleanliness

Bien placé

L'hôtel est bien placé pour visiter la zone coloniale a pied On a tout fait en une demi journée...
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

MARIA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
gracias por el desayuno incluido
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Roman

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
La peor experiencia en un hostel
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Esturain

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Exelente.

Rebaso mis expectativas muy buen lugar la ubicacion y la atencion muy amigables y respetuosos . Lo recomiendo al 200 % exelente hostal.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023