Name: The Hostel California
Address: 213 Academy Avenue, Bishop, California, United States of America, Bishop, California, US
Price range: US$86–US$129 per night
Rating: 8.1

What guests think

Across reviews, The Hostel California is praised for its welcoming, community-focused vibe, friendly staff, and comfortable beds, with guests enjoying social common areas like the kitchen, patio/courtyard, and lounge in a characterful, historic house.

The location is described as safe and walkable, with easy access to bars, a brewery, and dining options. Drawbacks include the building's age and maintenance wear, some cleanliness or odor issues, squeaky or small bunks, occasional noise, and heat or AC concerns, including reports of no air conditioning. Many travelers would return. Expect a budget-friendly, character-filled hostel stay.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Guests highlight communal spaces including a well-stocked kitchen, lounge/dining areas, and a patio/courtyard with a fire pit; some note heat or AC limitations, with reports of hot nights and no air conditioning.

Related guest reviews

10

Raelynn

10 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Our first time in a hostel. We were warmly greeted, given a tour, and shown to our room. We didn't interact or mingle, as we were exhausted. The bed and pillows were very comfortable. The patio was very big and comfortable with couches and a nice fire pit. The house was a bit dark, but was also very welcoming!

8

Michael

17 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was a beautiful night to be in the Hostel courtyard. Several other guests to talk with and share. The vibe was chill.

8

atsuko

11 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Staff was very hard working and doing laundry, cleaning all day. Bed was very comfortable. It was clean. But… it can use some renovation. Maybe changing shower curtain every other week (it could be a cheap vinyl one), would be helpful. I love the hostel.

8

Felicia

19 Dec 2022

·

Stayed 1 night

Kitchen is well stock. Love the old architecture of the house. Friendly service.

4

Shelby

9 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Advertised as having ac but the property doesn’t have AC at all. I asked to leave and get a refund but no refund receipt was provided. I hope everything goes accordingly to plan and they get the ad corrected.

8

Cheryl

16 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was wonderful at our stay. Our communication with our host was easy, and the facilities were great. Our only issue was the squeakiness of the beds. They made it a bit difficult when sharing a room with others.

8

zhengwei

13 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Surrounding was safe and had many choices of meals, but I could smell a faint odor of sweat in the room and the facility was old although they still worked

10

Juan

18 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great ambiance! This place is built around climbing and mountaineering. Having dinner in the common room was like a party, with great conversations about climbing and skiing. The living room has a wall displaying climbing gear - more old gear that in the Climbing Museum in Yosemite. My room had a lot of character and no TV. If you want a regular motel, you may want to go for another option. This is more a community experience. But another plus is that you can cook your own food in the common kitchen.

8

Kamron

25 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This place is so cool. It's a funky early 1900s house in a cool little part of town. Walk to bars and a brewery. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Beds are comfortable. Only 2 downsides are 1) the thermostat must have been set for 80 at night because it was cooking. 2) it's an old house so you can hear everything including steps and water running. Overall cool place

8

Satoru

17 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

It was my first time stay and will come back again with my family. Very convenient and we liked dining, kitchen and lounge room.

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Cleanliness

Some reviews describe it as clean, but others note wear and tear, occasional odors, and spots needing attention such as shower curtains.

Related guest reviews

6

Ninfa

11 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

It wasn’t the cleanest place. The bed was so creaky. It was relatively quiet.

4

Kevin

26 May 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is not the room I reserved. The facility was dilapidated, and two dogs were constantly barking in the whole house while staying in the room next to mine.

8

atsuko

11 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Staff was very hard working and doing laundry, cleaning all day. Bed was very comfortable. It was clean. But… it can use some renovation. Maybe changing shower curtain every other week (it could be a cheap vinyl one), would be helpful. I love the hostel.

8

zhengwei

13 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Surrounding was safe and had many choices of meals, but I could smell a faint odor of sweat in the room and the facility was old although they still worked

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms have character in an older house, and beds are often comfortable, though multiple reviews mention squeaky or small bunks and some noise.

Related guest reviews

6

Ninfa

11 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

It wasn’t the cleanest place. The bed was so creaky. It was relatively quiet.

10

Michelle

3 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

What a wonderful place to stay. I love the uniqueness of the house. We stayed in the 4 bunk room, with a private bathroom, and it was perfect. The staff were great also! Would recommend this hostel to others and will definitely return if we are in the Bishop area again.

10

Raelynn

10 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Our first time in a hostel. We were warmly greeted, given a tour, and shown to our room. We didn't interact or mingle, as we were exhausted. The bed and pillows were very comfortable. The patio was very big and comfortable with couches and a nice fire pit. The house was a bit dark, but was also very welcoming!

4

Kevin

26 May 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is not the room I reserved. The facility was dilapidated, and two dogs were constantly barking in the whole house while staying in the room next to mine.

8

Flor

13 May 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The front desk service was friendly and fast check in. None of the couches were not comfy to sit on - it’s the only thing I’d suggest get upgraded. The bed was very comfortable. Guests were nice friendly people.

8

atsuko

11 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Staff was very hard working and doing laundry, cleaning all day. Bed was very comfortable. It was clean. But… it can use some renovation. Maybe changing shower curtain every other week (it could be a cheap vinyl one), would be helpful. I love the hostel.

8

John

11 Apr 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Overall stay was fine The bunk bed was squishy and small

8

Cheryl

16 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was wonderful at our stay. Our communication with our host was easy, and the facilities were great. Our only issue was the squeakiness of the beds. They made it a bit difficult when sharing a room with others.

10

Juan

18 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great ambiance! This place is built around climbing and mountaineering. Having dinner in the common room was like a party, with great conversations about climbing and skiing. The living room has a wall displaying climbing gear - more old gear that in the Climbing Museum in Yosemite. My room had a lot of character and no TV. If you want a regular motel, you may want to go for another option. This is more a community experience. But another plus is that you can cook your own food in the common kitchen.

8

Kamron

25 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This place is so cool. It's a funky early 1900s house in a cool little part of town. Walk to bars and a brewery. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Beds are comfortable. Only 2 downsides are 1) the thermostat must have been set for 80 at night because it was cooking. 2) it's an old house so you can hear everything including steps and water running. Overall cool place

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Service is consistently friendly, welcoming, and helpful, with quick check-ins and accommodating staff; there are a few complaints about reservation or refund issues.

Related guest reviews

10

Michelle

3 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

What a wonderful place to stay. I love the uniqueness of the house. We stayed in the 4 bunk room, with a private bathroom, and it was perfect. The staff were great also! Would recommend this hostel to others and will definitely return if we are in the Bishop area again.

10

Raelynn

10 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Our first time in a hostel. We were warmly greeted, given a tour, and shown to our room. We didn't interact or mingle, as we were exhausted. The bed and pillows were very comfortable. The patio was very big and comfortable with couches and a nice fire pit. The house was a bit dark, but was also very welcoming!

4

Kevin

26 May 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is not the room I reserved. The facility was dilapidated, and two dogs were constantly barking in the whole house while staying in the room next to mine.

10

James

5 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff quickly accommodated to request and provided thorough information

8

Flor

13 May 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The front desk service was friendly and fast check in. None of the couches were not comfy to sit on - it’s the only thing I’d suggest get upgraded. The bed was very comfortable. Guests were nice friendly people.

10

Grigorii

16 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Friendly staff, great vibes

8

Felicia

19 Dec 2022

·

Stayed 1 night

Kitchen is well stock. Love the old architecture of the house. Friendly service.

4

Shelby

9 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Advertised as having ac but the property doesn’t have AC at all. I asked to leave and get a refund but no refund receipt was provided. I hope everything goes accordingly to plan and they get the ad corrected.

8

Thomas

6 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very interesting place , definitely a hippie vibe , but overall friendly, and quiet and respectful. Definitely worth the price .

8

Kamron

25 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This place is so cool. It's a funky early 1900s house in a cool little part of town. Walk to bars and a brewery. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Beds are comfortable. Only 2 downsides are 1) the thermostat must have been set for 80 at night because it was cooking. 2) it's an old house so you can hear everything including steps and water running. Overall cool place

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Safe, walkable spot with easy access to bars, a brewery, and dining options.

Related guest reviews

8

zhengwei

13 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Surrounding was safe and had many choices of meals, but I could smell a faint odor of sweat in the room and the facility was old although they still worked

8

Kamron

25 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This place is so cool. It's a funky early 1900s house in a cool little part of town. Walk to bars and a brewery. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Beds are comfortable. Only 2 downsides are 1) the thermostat must have been set for 80 at night because it was cooking. 2) it's an old house so you can hear everything including steps and water running. Overall cool place

8

Satoru

17 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

It was my first time stay and will come back again with my family. Very convenient and we liked dining, kitchen and lounge room.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

No consistent feedback on breakfast or restaurants, but guests value the communal kitchen for cooking and shared meals.

Related guest reviews

8

Felicia

19 Dec 2022

·

Stayed 1 night

Kitchen is well stock. Love the old architecture of the house. Friendly service.

10

Juan

18 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great ambiance! This place is built around climbing and mountaineering. Having dinner in the common room was like a party, with great conversations about climbing and skiing. The living room has a wall displaying climbing gear - more old gear that in the Climbing Museum in Yosemite. My room had a lot of character and no TV. If you want a regular motel, you may want to go for another option. This is more a community experience. But another plus is that you can cook your own food in the common kitchen.

8

Satoru

17 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

It was my first time stay and will come back again with my family. Very convenient and we liked dining, kitchen and lounge room.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	US$90
February	US$93
March	US$91
April	US$93
May	US$96
June	US$100
July	US$100
August	US$102
September	US$92
October	US$91
November	US$91
December	US$86

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17 $86	18	19
20 $107	21 $106	22 $86	23 $106	24 $118	25 $129	26 $129
27	28 $107	29 $118	30 $118

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $86	2 $129	3
4 $118	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12 $107	13 $107	14 $107	15 $107	16 $129	17 $129
18 $118	19 $107	20 $107	21 $107	22 $107	23 $129	24 $129
25 $107	26 $107	27 $107	28 $107	29 $107	30 $129	31 $129

Select dates to see prices and availability

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Double Room

Quadruple Room

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Double Room, 2 Double Beds with Shared Bathroom

Guest reviews

Very good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

FAQs about The Hostel California

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Prices for upcoming dates