Question 1

Do you allow smoking or vaping in the hostel?

Accepted Answer

In accordance with California law, our property only has non-smoking rooms. We do not allow smoking or vaping anywhere on the property. Smoking is also not permitted by law within 25 feet of the entrance. But if you are a smoker or vaper, you will find plenty of spaces outside the hostel where you can smoke/vape.

Question 2

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Our cancellation policy is free cancellation up until 3 pm California time, the night prior to arrival for dorm rooms, and 3 pm two days prior for private rooms.

Please note the following exceptions:

6 or more people traveling together, whether on one reservation or more:
Cancellation without charge up to 14 days prior to arrival.
13 days or less prior to arrival - one night per bed reserved will be charged.
No shows will be charged for the full stay for each bed reserved.
It is necessary for you to contact us prior to booking so that we can try to ensure that your group is housed together. If you do not contact us, we reserve the right to refuse your stay without refund.

COMIC CON WEEK – for individuals and groups. Bookings for the Wednesday through Sunday of Comic Con each year are subject to the following cancellation policy. 
Up to 30 days prior to event – no cancellation charges
29 or less days prior to event –  all nights charged for each bed booked

Please note that non-refundable bookings are only cancellable within 24 hours of booking as long as the stay is at least 72 hours away (per California law).

Question 3

Do you allow pets?

Accepted Answer

While we do adore pets, we do not host them.

We do however follow the law regarding service animals. Guests with a service animal can book any style of room as per the law. And, as the law states, the service animal should be trained to behave in accordance with the guidelines set down by the ADA.

Question 4

What time is check out?

Accepted Answer

Checkout time is 11 am. After checkout, you are welcome to leave your bags in our luggage storage until 6 pm so you can continue to enjoy San Diego.

If you need to check out before reception opens, we have a drop box where you can leave your key.

We ask guests in dorm rooms to bring down their sheets and towels and place them in the designated bin. Private room guests just need to drop their key off.

Question 5

What do I need to check in?

Accepted Answer

We require all guests to present a valid, government-issued ID and a valid credit card in their name to check in. For US citizens, ID can be a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. For international guests, we require a passport. We may also ask for proof of onward travel.

All guests staying at the hostel must present ID and be registered. Each guest must also sign a registration form after reviewing our policies.

Question 6

What time is check in?

Accepted Answer

Check in time is at 3 pm. However, if you arrive in San Diego earlier than that, you can drop off your bags in our luggage storage as early as 8 am.

Our reception desk closes at midnight most days, so if you will be arriving after midnight, please contact us 24 hours in advance to set up self checkin. If you are only staying one night, you will need to pay for your stay prior to midnight.

Question 7

Do you have parking?

Accepted Answer

Please see our Getting Here page for parking information.

Question 8

Can I get a quiet room or quiet roommates?

Accepted Answer

We have some rooms off the main street at the back of the building that are generally very quiet, though we can't guarantee a roommate might not snore! Also, all our 4-bed dorms are interior rooms ensuring no street noise.

Also, we provide our guests free ear plugs in reception. If you are having trouble sleeping, please come grab a pair!

Question 9

How do I find the hostel?

Accepted Answer

Hi! We're happy to help you get here easily!

When you arrive at 726 5th Avenue, look for the Panevino and Asti restaurants. Our purple door is located between them. If you can't find us, ring us at 619-278-9748 and we'll get you here!

Airport - only a 10-15 minute cab/Lyft/Uber ride. The quickest way to get to us. Usually around $17US.

Train - get off at the Santa Fe Depot (not Old Town). You can walk or ride from there. If walking, plan for about 15 minutes (.8 mi). Walk out of the station to Broadway, make a left. Follow that to 5th Ave, make a right. Follow that to 726.  Purple Door. We are on the right. If you hit G Street, you've gone a few doors too far.

Bus - About a 20 minute walk from the Greyhound Terminal you'll head Northwest on National Avenue toward 13th St. Continue straight onto 13th St. Turn left on Imperial Ave. Turn right onto 12th Ave. Turn left onto J Street. Turn right onto 5th Ave. Follow to 726 on the left. Purple Door.

Driving - Likely you're using GPS, so we'll just help here with parking. Cheapest paid, monitored, parking is Park It on Market. You can enter from 6th or 7th Avenues. There are lots of local unmonitored lots, the cheapest tend to be up nearer to B Street. Non metered street parking can be found but you'll be about a 10 minute walk away. Metered street parking is for 2 hour shifts only. Most meters are free after 6 pm until 8 am but be SURE to check on the meter or street sign. PLEASE NOTE: there is NO parking on 5th Avenue at night on the weekends. CARS WILL BE TOWED. We don't want your holiday ruined, so don't chance it!

Question 10

Do you have somewhere to store my bike?

Accepted Answer

Thanks for asking us about bike storage. If you have a private room you may keep the bike in your room. If you are in a dorm, then you can lock your bike in our luggage storage which you can access during reception hours.

Question 11

Can I request a bottom bunk?

Accepted Answer

Our staff will do their best to accommodate your request, but due to booking patterns and changing occupancy, we cannot guarantee our guests the bed preference of their choice. We recommend arriving early in the day to have the best chance of getting your preference.

If you are needing a bottom bunk due to mobility issues, please be aware that we are in a historic building on top of two restaurants, so we do not have an elevator. It is 27 steps up to our reception and another 24 to our top floor. We are not the best choice for guests who cannot easily climb a lot of stairs or a bunk bed ladder.

Question 12

What size are the lockers?

Accepted Answer

The lockers in the dorm rooms measure 15 inches wide x 15 inches deep x 42 inches high (38.1 x 38.1 x 104 cm). They have outlets inside so you can securely charge electronics. You'll need a full sized lock or you can buy one from us at reception for $5.

Question 13

Can I have a package sent to the hostel?

Accepted Answer

We are happy to accept mail and packages for guests, but please keep in mind we do not take responsibility for them. We also do not hold mail after a guest leaves - all mail is returned to the post office.
 
Please address mail/packages as shown below:
Gaslamp Hostel
HOLD FOR ARRIVAL (guest name) (guest arrival date)
726 5th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101

We often get people coming to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) who are coming from overseas and ship items to us.

Question 14

Do I need to bring a lock for the locker?

Accepted Answer

A full sized lock is a good thing to bring with you. Or, you can buy one from us for $5 at reception. Small TSA locks will not work to secure the locker.

Frequently Asked Questions