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Island Life Hostel

1.0 star property
Hostel near Sambil Santo Domingo in Santo Domingo

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Photo gallery for Island Life Hostel

Terrace/patio
Interior entrance
Free daily cooked-to-order breakfast
1 Bed in a Shared 8 Bed Dormitory, Shared Bathroom | View from room
Interior detail

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
Calle Isabel La Catolica #356, Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, 10210
  • Calle El Conde
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Santa Maria la Menor Cathedral
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Sambil Santo Domingo
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Santo Domingo (SDQ-Las Americas Intl.)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room | In-room safe

Standard Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Double Ensuite, Private Bathroom and AC

Double Ensuite, Private Bathroom and AC | In-room safe

Double Ensuite, Private Bathroom and AC

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 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

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Standard Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed

Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed | In-room safe

Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 107 sq ft
  • 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)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Basic Triple Room, 1 Bedroom

In-room safe

Basic Triple Room, 1 Bedroom

  • 129 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room

In-room safe

Standard Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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

1 Bed in a Shared 8 Bed Dormitory, Shared Bathroom | In-room safe

1 Bed in a Shared 8 Bed Dormitory, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Double Private, Shared Bathroom

In-room safe

Double Private, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Basic Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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

1 Bed in a Shared 12 Bed Dormitory,Shared Bathroom | In-room safe

1 Bed in a Shared 12 Bed Dormitory,Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

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

Double Ensuite,Private Bathroom and A/C | In-room safe

Double Ensuite,Private Bathroom and A/C

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

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About the neighborhood

Santo Domingo

Heart of Santo Domingo.With a stay at this Zona Colonial hostel, you'll be steps from Museo del Duarte and Museo del Ron y la Caña. Church of Saint Barbara and Iglesia de Santa Bárbara are also within half a mile (1 km).
View more Hostels in Santo DomingoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Calle El Conde - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Columbus Park - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Santa Maria la Menor Cathedral - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Malecon - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Sambil Santo Domingo - 4 min drive - 2.2 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Granier - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Pizzarelli - ‬6 min walk
  • Onnos Bar
  • SugarCane, La Casa Del Ron
  • ‪El Mosquito Social Club - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Island Life Hostel

Hostel near Sambil Santo Domingo in Santo Domingo
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
  • Game 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 safes. Guests can make use of the shared/communal kitchen. Bathrooms include showers. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Front of property

Cataleya Hotel

  • Breakfast included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
4.3 out of 5, Excellent, 298 reviews
$41 nightly
The price is $52
Sep 11 - Sep 12
Total with taxes and fees
Cataleya Hotel

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge

Things to do

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

Accessibility

  • No elevator

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 available

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 4 percent 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.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property 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 percent

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 guestroom 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 each 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

How close is Island Life Hostel to the airport?

Island Life Hostel is 12.4 mi (32-min drive) away from the Santo Domingo (JBQ-La Isabela Intl.) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Island Life Hostel have an airport shuttle?

Island Life Hostel offers an airport shuttle 24 hours a day, for a charge of USD 35 per vehicle, one-way.

How close is Island Life Hostel to the beach?

This hostel is 1.2 mi (2-min drive) from Playa Montesinos and 1.5 mi (6-min drive) from Playa Punta Torrecillas. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Island Life Hostel offer free breakfast?

Island Life Hostel offers free cooked-to-order breakfast every day from 7 AM to 10 AM.

Is there a casino at Island Life Hostel?

No, there is no casino at this hostel, but Casino Diamante (4-min drive) and Grand Casino Jaragua (4-min drive) are nearby.

What time is check-in at Island Life Hostel?

Check-in start time: 1 PM; Check-in end time: midnight.

Is there free parking at Island Life Hostel?

Free parking is not available at this hostel.

Does Island Life Hostel have a pool?

Island Life Hostel features an outdoor pool.

Does Island Life Hostel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hostel.

How close is Island Life Hostel to downtown Santo Domingo?

Island Life Hostel is 0.8 mi away from Santo Domingo.

Island Life Hostel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 48 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

10/10 Excellent

Raul

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

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

8/10 Good

Mylene, Calgary

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

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 traveler

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

Traveled 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.

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

Traveled 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 traveler

Traveled 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 traveler

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 traveler

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

10/10 Excellent

ELIEZER, Dajabon

Traveled 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