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Island Life Hostel

1.0 star property
Hostel with free breakfast, near Malecon

Photo gallery for Island Life Hostel

Terrace/patio
View from property
Interior detail
Outdoor dining
1 Bed in a Shared 8 Bed Dormitory, Shared Bathroom | View from room

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast included
  • Kitchen
  • Pool
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
The current price is NZ$75
includes taxes & fees
26 June - 27 June

Explore the area

Map
Calle Isabel La Catolica #356, Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, 10210
  • Calle El Conde
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Columbus Park
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Sambil Santo Domingo
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Santo Domingo (SDQ-Las Americas Intl.)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Room options

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
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
  • 12 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Twin Bed Private , Shared Bathroom

Twin Bed Private , Shared Bathroom

Twin Bed Private , Shared Bathroom

Highlights

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

1 Bed in a Shared 8 Bed Dormitory, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

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

View all photos for Twin Bed Bunk Beds Private Ensuite

Twin Bed Bunk Beds Private Ensuite

Twin Bed Bunk Beds Private Ensuite

Highlights

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

View all photos for Double Private, Shared Bathroom

Double Private, Shared Bathroom

Double Private, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

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

View all photos for Double Ensuite, Private Bathroom and AC

Double Ensuite, Private Bathroom and AC

Double Ensuite, Private Bathroom and AC

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
  • 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

1 Bed in a Shared 12 Bed Dormitory,Shared Bathroom

Highlights

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

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

Double Ensuite,Private Bathroom and A/C

Double Ensuite,Private Bathroom and A/C

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Basic Double Room, 1 Double Bed

Basic Double Room, 1 Double Bed

Basic Double Room, 1 Double Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

4 bathrooms
Shared/communal kitchen
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
  • 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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

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

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About the area

Santo Domingo

Island Life Hostel puts you in the heart of Santo Domingo, within steps of Museo del Ron y la Caña and Church of Saint Barbara. 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 Malecon and Sambil Santo Domingo.
View more Hostels in Santo DomingoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • 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
  • Malecon - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Sambil Santo Domingo - 4 min drive - 3.4 km

Getting around

  • Eduardo Brito Station - 4 min drive
  • Santo Domingo (SDQ-Las Americas Intl.) - 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 with free breakfast, near Malecon
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.

Languages

English, Spanish

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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
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?

Yep, Island Life Hostel is a short 15-minute walk from Playa Montesinos.

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

As of 24 Jun 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Island Life Hostel on 26 Jun 2025 start from NZ$75.16, 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.

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. 47 out of 81 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 81 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 81 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 81 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 81 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Mylene, Calgary

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

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daysi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

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 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

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

Travelled 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 traveller
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

Travelled 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 traveller

Travelled 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 traveller

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 traveller

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

ELIEZER, Dajabon

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 traveller

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