Name: Island Life Hostel
Address: 356 Isabel La Catolica, Zona Colonial, Colonial Zone, 10210 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 356 Isabel La Catolica, Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo Province, 10210, Dominican Republic
Price range: Prices for upcoming dates start at $10 per night (We Price Match)
Rating: 8.7

Info & prices
Facilities
House rules
The fine print
Guest reviews (533)

Hostel Island Life Hostel

Airport shuttle. Airport shuttle available – additional charges may apply. You can request this in the next step.

This neighborhood is a great choice for travelers interested in architecture, museums and history – Check location 356 Isabel La Catolica, Zona Colonial, Colonial Zone, 10210 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – This neighborhood is a great choice for travelers interested in architecture, museums and history – Check location Excellent location – show map

The swimming pool at or near Island Life Hostel

A restaurant or other place to eat at Island Life Hostel

The building where the hostel is located

The lounge or bar area at Island Life Hostel

A bed or beds in a room at Island Life Hostel

Pet or pets staying with guests at Island Life Hostel

A view of the pool at Island Life Hostel or nearby

The lobby or reception area at Island Life Hostel

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*8.9* Alcazar de Colon: only 3 minutes away! (700 feet by foot)

Puerto Santo Domingo: only 5 minutes away! (1,300 feet by foot)

Lock in a great price for Island Life Hostel – rated 8.7 by recent guests!

to get started.

Really great all around hostel, nice and helpful staff, comfortable chill out areas and a variety of these too. Always available to answer questions or provide handy pointers. The break fast was legit too

Candycane52

Australia

Wow! Island Life Hostel was the perfect launching point and first stop for our trip to the DR. Chris, the owner, was very accommodating and knowledgeable about the local area, as well as about places all around the island and was able to help guide us on our adventure as well as on how to get around the island efficiently. The staff is without a doubt the most welcoming and pleasant anywhere you’ll find. My girlfriend and I became quick friends with the staff, sharing drinks and stories in the evenings and even returned to the Santo Domingo a day early after our trip around the island to spend our last evening in the DR with them before we flew out the next day. If I can promise you one thing about the DR, I promise you are making the right choice staying at Island Life Hostel!

Derek

United States of America

Friendly staff, owners on the site happy to give some tips about travelling around DR + great vibes. Possibly the best hostel that I have been so far.

Greg

Poland

The single room i had was great and the bed and AC were amazing and allowed for great rest after exploring the city.

Brian

United States of America

One of my favorite hostels. Love the old arcade games.

Chris

United States of America

I had such a good time here! The staff was amazing. I became friends with a few, even took a trip with Jess to Las Terrenas on her days off. I came back to the hostel when I wasn’t feeling well because I felt so comfortable there. The people are so nice and kind. The dogs are adorable and I will miss them too. Such a great atmosphere with lovely people :) I would definitely recommend it for anyone. I came alone and left with friends!

Michele

Colombia

I always love the breakfast and the nice building. Also it is located conveniently and there are no hidden costs in the booking as with many of the other places. So if is very good value.

Claudia

Germany

Overall I enjoyed my stay . Very friendly atmosphere and fluffy free pancakes for breakfast . The property is very nice with a patio area that I really liked . For the price it was an awesome stay .

Reyris

Dominican Republic

It was a very friendly environment throught my stay at island and the staff was amazing as well. Friendly people all around

Vladimir

United States of America

Great location, chill vibes and just a very relaxing hostel overall

Megha

United States of America

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9.5

Excellent location!
Highly rated for:
Great neighborhood
Highly rated for:
Great neighborhood
Highly rated for:
Great check-in experience
Highly rated for:
Great check-in experience
Highly rated for:
Great neighborhood
Highly rated for:
Great neighborhood
Highly rated for:
Great neighborhood
Highly rated for:
Great neighborhood
Highly rated for:
Great neighborhood

What guests loved the most:
“Really great all around hostel, nice and helpful staff, comfortable chill out areas and a variety of these too. Always available to answer questions or provide handy pointers.”

Candycane52 Australia
“Wow! Island Life Hostel was the perfect launching point and first stop for our trip to the DR.”

Derek United States of America
“Friendly staff, owners on the site happy to give some tips about travelling around DR + great vibes. Possibly the best hostel that I have been so far.”

Greg Poland
“The single room i had was great and the bed and AC were amazing and allowed for great rest after exploring the city.”

Brian United States of America
“One of my favorite hostels. Love the old arcade games.”

Chris United States of America
“I had such a good time here! The staff was amazing. I became friends with a few, even took a trip with Jess to Las Terrenas on her days off.”

Michele Colombia
“I always love the breakfast and the nice building. Also it is located conveniently and there are no hidden costs in the booking as with many of the other places. So if is very good value.”

Claudia Germany
“Overall I enjoyed my stay . Very friendly atmosphere and fluffy free pancakes for breakfast . The property is very nice with a patio area that I really liked . For the price it was an awesome stay .”

Reyris Dominican Republic
“It was a very friendly environment throught my stay at island and the staff was amazing as well. Friendly people all around”

Vladimir United States of America
“Great location, chill vibes and just a very relaxing hostel overall”

Megha United States of America

One of our best sellers in Santo Domingo! Island Life Hostel is located 650 feet from Alcázar de Colón square and 1,150 feet from Casas Reales Museum. It features a swimming pool and free WiFi in public areas.

The dormitories come with bed linen, fan, reading light and storage lockers. The rooms with attached bathroom have a private bathroom with shower and Air Conditioning.

At Island Life Hostel you will find a hot tub, a garden and barbecue facilities. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge, a games room and a tour desk.

The hostel is 1,650 feet from El Conde street and 2,150 feet from Santo Domingo Cathedral. Las Americas International Airport is 17 mi away.

Colonial Zone is a great choice for travelers interested in architecture, museums and history.

This is our guests' favorite part of Santo Domingo, according to independent reviews.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.4 for a two-person trip.

We speak your language!

Island Life Hostel has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Jul 28, 2014

Missing some information?

Brilliant!

Most popular facilities

Free WiFi

Airport shuttle

Non-smoking rooms

24-hour front desk

Bar

Good for couples – they rated the facilities 8.4 for two-person stays.

Bookers love...

“friendly staff”
34 related reviews

“nice hostel”
17 related reviews

“santo domingo”
17 related reviews

Breakfast Info

American

Loyal Customers

There are more repeat guests here than most other properties.

Checkin day

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Checkout day

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Availability

When would you like to stay at Island Life Hostel?

Check-in date

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Rooms

Adults

Children

Sleeps	Room Type
Max adults: 1	Bed in 12-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room 1 twin bed	Show prices
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Max adults: 1	Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room 1 bunk bed	Show prices
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Max adults: 2	Double Room with Private Bathroom Cuzco 1 full bed	Show prices
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Max adults: 2	Standard Twin Room with Shared Bathroom Bangkok 2 twin beds	Show prices
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Max adults: 2	Double Room with Shared Bathroom 1 full bed	Show prices
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Max adults: 1	Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room Bali 1 bunk bed	Show prices
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Max adults: 1	Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room Cape Town 1 bunk bed	Show prices
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Max adults: 2	Double Room with Private Bathroom Rio de Janeiro 1 full bed	Show prices
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Max adults: 2	Twin Bunk Bed Room with Private Bathroom KualaLampur 2 bunk beds	Show prices
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Max adults: 2	Standard Twin Room 2 twin beds	Show prices
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Max adults: 3	Triple Room with Bathroom 1 twin bed and 1 full bed	Show prices
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Max adults: 2	Basic Double Room 1 full bed	Show prices
Something went wrong – please try again later. Check-in date Check-out date Rooms Adults Children

1 property in Santo Domingo like Island Life Hostel was booked in the last 12 hours

An Inside Look at Island Life Hostel

Located in the historic colonial zone our beautiful property has been lovingly restored to its former glory. The restoration project took almost 2 years finishing in July 2014.

Area Info

– Excellent location – show map

Founded by Christopher Columbus's brother, Santo Domingo's old town is the oldest European settlement in the Americas. Everything here is a first – the Americas' first castle, its first cathedral...

Closest Landmarks *

Alcazar de Colon
0.1 miles
Museo de las casas reales
0.2 miles
Puerto Santo Domingo
0.2 miles
Catedral Primada de America
0.4 miles
Mercado Modelo
0.5 miles
Faro a Colon
1.2 miles
Malecon
1.5 miles
National Theatre
1.8 miles
Expreso Bavaro
1.9 miles
Centro Olímpico Juan Pablo Duarte
2.2 miles

Restaurants & Markets *

La Sirena Supermarket
0.4 miles
Nacional Supermarket
0.6 miles
Mercado Modelo Market
0.6 miles
Parada 77 Cafe/Bar
0.1 miles
Onos Cafe/Bar
0.3 miles
SegaZona Restaurant
0.4 miles

Beaches in the Neighborhood

Montesinos Golden sand
3,400 feet
Punta Torrecillas Beach Golden sand
Food & Drink

4,300 feet

Closest Airports *

Las Americas Airport
14.5 miles
Samaná El Catey International Airport
55.7 miles

What Travelers Love About This Location

“The owner chris was incredible and really made my stay so much more better. He was always available and gave alot of info regarding the area. The whole experien...”

Steven

United Kingdom

“The staff was friendly and welcoming, pretty good location, very chill place, overall great experience!”

Maria

Dominican Republic

“There was a mold problem in the room we were initially put in. One staff member was really polite, and called the owner, Chris to find a solution. He immediatel...”

Leontien

Belgium

7.9

Are you missing any information about this area?

Brilliant!

4 reasons to choose Island Life Hostel

Why book with us?

Manage your bookings online

The staff speaks English

Booking is safe

House rules Island Life Hostel takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in

1:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Check-out

Until 11:00 AM

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Children not allowed.

There's no capacity for cribs at this property.

This property doesn't offer extra beds.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

American Express Visa Mastercard Island Life Hostel accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print

National and foreign guests are required to show passport as identification upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Credit card are accepted. There is an extra 4% fee when paying by card.

For more information about groups, please contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

Please note that guests are not allowed to bring visitors.

Property does not accept groups of 8 or more people.

“Really great all around hostel, nice and helpful staff, comfortable chill out areas and a variety of these too. Always available to answer questions or provide handy pointers. The break fast was legit too”

“Wow! Island Life Hostel was the perfect launching point and first stop for our trip to the DR. Chris, the owner, was very accommodating and knowledgeable about the local area, as well as about places all around the island and was able to help guide us on our adventure as well as on how to get around the island efficiently. The staff is without a doubt the most welcoming and pleasant anywhere you’ll find. My girlfriend and I became quick friends with the staff, sharing drinks and stories in the evenings and even returned to the Santo Domingo a day early after our trip around the island to spend our last evening in the DR with them before we flew out the next day. If I can promise you one thing about the DR, I promise you are making the right choice staying at Island Life Hostel!”

“I had such a good time here! The staff was amazing. I became friends with a few, even took a trip with Jess to Las Terrenas on her days off. I came back to the hostel when I wasn’t feeling well because I felt so comfortable there. The people are so nice and kind. The dogs are adorable and I will miss them too. Such a great atmosphere with lovely people :) I would definitely recommend it for anyone. I came alone and left with friends!”

“I always love the breakfast and the nice building. Also it is located conveniently and there are no hidden costs in the booking as with many of the other places. So if is very good value.”

“Overall I enjoyed my stay . Very friendly atmosphere and fluffy free pancakes for breakfast . The property is very nice with a patio area that I really liked . For the price it was an awesome stay . ”

See all guest reviews for Island Life Hostel

Newest Reviews for Island Life Hostel

Reviewed: November 21, 2019

Susan
Switzerland
7.1

Good
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Breakfast, there are things they could improve like fresh fruit... not all people like to have a big breakfast in the morning. And I was reminded 3 times that I should pay my stay. Can imagine they had probably before bad experiences of people going without paying but as I booked my stay and secured with a credit card, was absolutely not planning to go without paying!🤷🏻‍♀️
It was clean and quiet. and they all were friendly I arrived very late at night and somebody waited for me and showed me everything. That was very good! A nice spot to meet people from other places ;)

Stayed in November 2019
Reviewed: November 13, 2019

Candycane52
Australia

8 helpful votes
9.0

“Excellent”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
Can't think of anything
Really great all around hostel, nice and helpful staff, comfortable chill out areas and a variety of these too. Always available to answer questions or provide handy pointers. The break fast was legit too

Stayed in October 2019
Reviewed: November 13, 2019

Steven
United Kingdom
10

“Amazing”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The owner chris was incredible and really made my stay so much more better. He was always available and gave alot of info regarding the area. The whole experience was a fantastic one and id always recommend this place to anyone going to santo domingo. Thanks chris to you and your staff

Stayed in November 2019
Reviewed: November 11, 2019

Tony
United Kingdom

11 helpful votes
10

“Wonderful, friendly hostel in the heart of Santo Domingo old town, excellent place to stay”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
The barstools are fixed to the floor and are a little far from the bar. Too many steps in and around the old building. Could put a handrail on the double flight of steps that lead to the upper floor where the dorm rooms are located.
A wonderful, friendly hostel with plenty of amenities in the heart of Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone. A 15 minute taxi or moto taxi from the central bus station. Hostel has lovely atmosphere, fantastic, kind and helpful, friendly staff. Excellent breakfast included in price with a diverse selection of foods. A tasty evening meal for US$6 is also available. Pool table and darts board available. Local organised activities offered. Very comfy dorm bed with bedside lamp, US plug sockets and small fan. Bed sheets included, towels are available for a fee. Shared bathrooms are clean, have plenty of toilet paper, bins and hooks in the shower stalls. Hot water available. Hand soap and towels available next to sinks in public bathrooms. Would highly recommend this hostel for several nights stay.

Stayed in November 2019
Reviewed: November 11, 2019

Jose
Venezuela
7.0

“Hostel concept superbly executed”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Most of the staff very friendly and helpful. Just one girl that seemed annoyed all the time. It is a stain in an otherwise very good experience
Great value for the price

Stayed in November 2019
Reviewed: November 8, 2019

Anonymous
Singapore
8.0

Very Good
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
A few stray mosquitoes in the room
Individual sockets for each bunk bed, great breakfast, good bar to hang out at

Stayed in November 2019
Reviewed: November 7, 2019

Daniel
Israel

3 helpful votes
9.6

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Was to hot to sleep sometimes (no a/c)
The staff was really nice! They helped me with a lot of things

Stayed in November 2019
Reviewed: November 3, 2019

Aruna
Dominican Republic

1 helpful vote
9.2

“Value for money hostel”
- • Leisure trip
- • Travelers with friends
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
None
Bed and room comfort is excellent. Well stocked bar with reasonably priced drinks. Homely setuo

Stayed in November 2019
Reviewed: October 30, 2019

Jj
United Kingdom
10

“Fantastic vibe and great value”
- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Stayed 1 night
I wish I could think of some constructive feedback for this place but honestly our stay was perfect!
This is such a fantastic hostel! The staff are so lovely and the breakfast is incredible - there's no better way to start the day than with a heaped plate of waffles and syrup. The vibe in the hostel is really chilled and there's a pool table and darts board to keep you entertained. The communal meals in the evening are a great way to meet people and the design of the hostel itself is set up so travellers have a place to mingle. Great value for money too.

Stayed in October 2019
Reviewed: October 30, 2019

Vitalii
Russia
6.7

Pleasant
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
You need a ding ding every time when you want a coming. Breakfast very poor. No hot water.
Fans on the beds, lockers, staff,.

Stayed in October 2019
Reviewed: October 21, 2019

Rafael
Spain

1 helpful vote
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The good Energy!!!

Stayed in October 2019
Reviewed: October 11, 2019

Rao
United States of America
8.8

Excellent
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Rooms are a bit small but comfortable
Great vibe

Stayed in October 2019
Reviewed: September 18, 2019

Derek
United States of America
10

“Incredible”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Wow! Island Life Hostel was the perfect launching point and first stop for our trip to the DR. Chris, the owner, was very accommodating and knowledgeable about the local area, as well as about places all around the island and was able to help guide us on our adventure as well as on how to get around the island efficiently. The staff is without a doubt the most welcoming and pleasant anywhere you’ll find. My girlfriend and I became quick friends with the staff, sharing drinks and stories in the evenings and even returned to the Santo Domingo a day early after our trip around the island to spend our last evening in the DR with them before we flew out the next day. If I can promise you one thing about the DR, I promise you are making the right choice staying at Island Life Hostel!

Stayed in September 2019
Reviewed: September 17, 2019

Greg
Poland
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
Friendly staff, owners on the site happy to give some tips about travelling around DR + great vibes. Possibly the best hostel that I have been so far.

Stayed in September 2019
Reviewed: September 15, 2019

Jotace
Germany

3 helpful votes
10

“The best hostel EVER! ”
- • Leisure trip
- • Travelers with friends
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
I did not like the idea to leave so quick the place 🙄😔
Everything is really great in this hostel, the breakfast is good enough, the rooms and toilets are clean, the people working there are so friendly and people that is host there are normally so cool. Best hostel ever! 100% recommended.

Stayed in September 2019

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Hostel Island Life Hostel

Island Life Hostel This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services available. It's based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!

Most popular facilities

Bookers love...

Breakfast Info

Loyal Customers

Availability

Area Info

Closest Landmarks *

Restaurants & Markets *

Beaches in the Neighborhood

Closest Airports *

Most Popular Landmarks *

What Travelers Love About This Location

4 reasons to choose Island Life Hostel

Why book with us?

See availability Facilities of Island Life Hostel Great facilities! Review score, 8.6

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Island Life Hostel

Facilities of Island Life Hostel Great facilities! Review score, 8.6

House rules Island Life Hostel takes special requests – add in the next step!

The fine print