Hostel Review: Casa Verde, Santa Ana

March 30- April 8, 2016

So basically I love my hostel in Santa Ana too much to not write about it. I can only hope maybe someday someone will stumble across this post while researching El Salvador, and stay at Casa Verde because of it. And it will be well deserved, because this was the best hostel I have found in 9 months of traveling. Hands down.

I called from San Salvador after having my plans change unexpectedly, a little desperate to secure a bed for the night. I got an enthusiastic welcome from the owner Carlos over the phone, and when I arrived he greeted me by name.

By the time my first tour was over I already didn't want to leave.

The courtyard was plant filled with hammocks around the edges, offering shady places for lounging and a picnic table for eating and hanging out.

There were two kitchens to use, both were big, clean, and actually stocked with dishes. There were pots and pans, lots of cooking utensils, cutting boards, knives that were actually sharp, and a whole cupboard of shared spices. I cooked real food for the first time in a long time instead of just pasta with tomato sauce and maybe a chopped onion.

The lounge area had comfy couches, surround sound, and 6 binders full of movies to watch.

And there was a pool. Well kept and clean, slightly warm from being in the hot sun all afternoon, and two balls to play with or shoot at the basket ball hoop mounted on the wall next to the pool.

I sadly forgot to get a picture of my room, but it was just as wonderful. The dorm was huge with 6 single beds, all with spotlessly white sheets and a blanket. Each had a bedside table, a nightlight, another outlet, and a personal fan mounted on the ceiling aimed down at the bed. Each had an assigned locker, and there was a plug and two USB ports inside the locker, so you could charge electronics while they were safe. All for a $10 price tag.

There was also good wifi throughout the hostel, a rooftop terrace, and a shared computer. Homemade lasagna was available for meals, and there was a big bag of ice in the freezer. Also a water dispenser for as much water as you needed. Basically everything you could want.

And on top of all that, Carlos was amazing. He was in and out of the hostel during the day, and there every evening, ready to talk about your day, plans, or offer advice if you couldn't find something on the wall with extensive maps and bus schedules. He went above and beyond as an owner to make sure everyone had a fantastic time. I used a bit of the Prego sauce and parmesan cheese he had to make chicken parm one night (it was delicious), and shared the brownies I made that night in return. He managed to acquire a couple movies for me before I left.

And to top it off gave me and some other gals a ride to the bus stop when we left. The only other hostel where I've ever gotten a ride from the owners was Kingbird in Cali, and its my other top hostel this trip. I think the kind of owner definitely says something about the kind of hostel they run.

Carlos: hostel owner extraordinaire

I had been planning 3 days in Santa Ana and ended up staying 10, and was still sad to leave. It was such a treat to stay at Casa Verde, and made my journey that much more awesome.