Vacation packages
Stays
Cars
Flights
Support
AARP Member Savings
My Trips
AARP.org
Join
Renew

Island Life Hostel

1.0 star property
Hostel with free breakfast, near Malecon

Choose dates to view prices

Located in the heart of Zona Colonial, Island Life Hostel offers a vibrant atmosphere with cooked-to-order breakfast, rooftop terrace views, and lush gardens. Relax by the outdoor pool or challenge friends to a game at the arcade/game room or billiards/pool table. With dry cleaning/laundry services and tour/ticket assistance available.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

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

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 13 of 13 rooms

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

Highlights

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

Highlights

4 bathrooms
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin 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
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin 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
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin 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)

Highlights

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

Highlights

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

View all photos for Double Private, Shared Bathroom

In-room safe

Double Private, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 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)

Highlights

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

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

View all photos for Standard Double Room

In-room safe

Standard Double Room

Highlights

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

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room | In-room safe

Standard Double Room

Highlights

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

Basic Twin Room

Highlights

Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Standard Double Room

Highlights

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

You may also like

Ad
Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers

JW Marriott Hotel Santo Domingo

Piantini
  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 587 reviews
JW Marriott Hotel Santo Domingo

About the neighborhood

Map
Calle Isabel La Catolica #356, Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, 10210

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

  • ā€ŖGranier - ā€¬4 min walk
  • ā€ŖPat'e Palo European Brasserie - ā€¬3 min walk
  • ā€ŖSabina Bar - ā€¬3 min walk
  • ā€ŖCasa de los Dulces - ā€¬3 min walk
  • ā€ŖRestaurante Atarazana - ā€¬3 min walk

About this property

Island Life Hostel

Hostel near Malecon
Consider a stay at Island Life Hostel and take advantage of free cooked-to-order breakfast, a rooftop terrace, and a garden. Stay connected with free WiFi in public areas, and guests can find other amenities such as an arcade/game room and dry cleaning/laundry services.
Other perks at this hostel include:
  • An outdoor pool
  • A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), luggage storage, and a TV in the lobby
  • A front-desk safe, barbecue grills, and a billiards/pool table
  • Tour/ticket assistance
Room features
All guestrooms at Island Life Hostel have amenities such as safes.
Other amenities include:
  • Showers and shampoo
  • Communal kitchens and daily housekeeping

Similar properties

Outdoor pool

Hotel Discovery

  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
7.2 out of 10, Good, 489 reviews
Hotel Discovery

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

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 elevator

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 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

Pets not 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

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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Children 18 years old and younger are not permitted at this property
Only registered guests are allowed in the 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

Does Island Life Hostel have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Island Life Hostel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Island Life Hostel?

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

What time is check-out at Island Life Hostel?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Does Island Life Hostel provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle. A fee of USD 35 per vehicle applies.

Where is Island Life Hostel located?

Located in Zona Colonial, this hostel is within a 15-minute walk of Museo del Ron y la CaƱa and Malecon. Church of Saint Barbara and Museo del Duarte are just steps away.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Island Life Hostel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 48 out of 82 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 82 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 82 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 82 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 82 reviews

8.6/10

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

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

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

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

6/10 Okay

Constanza

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
La limpieza y muebles de la propiedad deja mucho que desear, al igual que la atenciĆ³n al cliente, el personal fue inaccesible con la reserva desde antes de llegar a la propiedad. Al igual que la comunicaciĆ³n fue limitante ya que no todos hablan bien el espaƱol.
Stayed 1 night 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

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

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

Larry

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

6/10 Okay

SEBASTIEN

Disliked: Cleanliness

Bien placƩ

L'hƓtel est bien placƩ pour visiter la zone coloniale a pied On a tout fait en une demi journƩe...
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 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 pasĆ© muy bien en el hotel , el personal muy acomedido y las instalaciones en buenas condiciones y sobre todo la ubicaciĆ³n para ir a los diferentes lugares turĆ­sticos ... excelente .
Stayed 11 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

MARIA

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

2/10 Terrible

Roman

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

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

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, Iā€™ll definitely stay here again.

2/10 Terrible

kurt

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

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

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

8/10 Good

Morgane

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

Soleil

Plein de soleil et de repos
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness

buen hostal con oportunidades en bioseguridad

muy bonito el hotel y limpio, pero el uso de mascarilla por parte del staff era muy poco, menos en el momento del desayuno, las medidas de bioseguridad no fueron tomadas, se le pidiĆ³ al personal usarlo, y la respuesta fue aquĆ­ no usamos, por lo demĆ”s muy buena ubicaciĆ³n.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021

  • ā€  More information about the $50 gift card with flight package benefit may be found at: https://www.expedia-aarp.com/lp/b/vacationpackages50prepaid

  • English Copyright 1995 ā€“ 2025. All rights reserved. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Expedia User Agreement and Privacy Policy. Expedia pays a royalty fee to AARP for the use of AARPā€™s intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purpose of AARP. All goods or services and discounts offered via the AARPĀ® Travel Center powered by Expedia Ā®, are provided by third-party suppliers. AARP and its affiliates do not endorse and are not responsible for the goods or services and discounts made available on this site. Offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the AARPĀ® Travel Center powered by ExpediaĀ® directly for full details. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers.