Hostel Zwiebel

Santa Ana · El Salvador

Hostel Zwiebel

HostelPunk Score
90% VERY GOOD
Medium confidence 81 reviews
Best in Santa Ana 2nd best in El Salvador
Bed bug check pending 81 of 100 reviews analyzed
Incentivized-review check pending 81 of 100 reviews analyzed

Tags

Facilities

🍳 COOKER 👕 Laundry 🅿️ Parking 🍳 Breakfast
Other facilities (16)
Bicycle Parking Luggage Storage Tours/Travel Desk Reception (Limited Hours) Internet Access Book Exchange Wi-Fi Linen Included Towels Included Ceiling Fan Common Room Express Check-in / Out Late Check-out Free WiFi Free City Tour Tea & Coffee Making Facilities

Prices

Dorms $12 / night
Privates $26 / night

HW prices from today

Worst reviews

USA FEMALE 25-30 Mar 23, 2025 2.0/10

I am confused on what all the good review is about. I have never met a rude host. First time I walked in, I greeted him and he ignored my greetings and rudely told me to sign a piece of paper. He asked me if I speak Spanish and when I said very little, he gave me the weirdest stare. I tried to greet him the next day and he ignored me again. I don’t know why he runs a hostel when he does not like guests and make them feel uncomfortable. Cockroaches in kitchen, common area

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England MALE 25-30 Mar 14, 2025 8.0/10

Great local hostel. Castor the hostel owner made this trip. He was so hospitable and really showed us the best of Santa Ana. Washing facilities really helped! Thank you so much!!

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England MALE 31-40 Jan 6, 2025 8.0/10

Great small hostel which we ended up staying for 4 nights. Castor is super helpful and a great host! The walking tour was fascinating and included a variety of things! The bed was comfortable, kitchen well equipped, cheap laundry, clean, drinking water available - what more could you ask for! Highly recommend if you're staying in Santa Ana!

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England FEMALE 25-30 Dec 5, 2024 8.0/10

Beds were comfy and decent room space. Bathroom was quite dirty and shower was freezing cold! Location was far out from the centre, and we also got left alone on our last evening so the owner and others in the hostel could go camping, which meant the house was unlocked and not being watched while we were out for dinner. This didn’t make us feel very comfortable! Other than that, the staff and Bush were lovely and very helpful.

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Germany FEMALE 25-30 Mar 10, 2026 10.0/10

We received a warm welcome from Bush and Reef, the two friendly dogs. Castor also gave us great recommendations on what to do in Santa Ana and how to get to places around the city, which was very helpful.

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Germany FEMALE 25-30 Jan 10, 2026 10.0/10

This hostel is an absolute 10 out of 10. What really makes it special is the incredible host Castor, who gave us fantastic tips and recommendations, the kind you’d never find in a guidebook. A big thank you as well to the lovely manager Bush. And of course, we can’t forget the newly joined, wonderful co-manager Reef, who perfectly complements the team and makes the atmosphere even better. 🐕🐕 Highly recommended, we’d stay here again anytime!

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USA FEMALE 18-24 Nov 24, 2025 10.0/10

Hostel Zwiebel was a wonderful experience. Castor was quick to welcome us with open arms. We ended up going to the hot springs and waterfall with him, and ended up getting tattoos at the end of the day (vida de chucho🫰🏼). I recommend this hostel- feels more like a home- to anyone looking for an authentic experience in El Salvador. Gracias por todo, Castor y Bush. Nos vemos pronto🫶🏼

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Albania FEMALE 25-30 Nov 18, 2025 10.0/10

Hostel Zwiebel is a really nice cozy place with a great manager called Bush who’s a friendly dog! We did some cool day trips and the owner had a lot of great recommendations.

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Germany MALE 31-40 Nov 11, 2025 10.0/10

Der Aufenthalt im Hostel Zwiebel war für mich vor allem wegen des Besitzers besonders. Er war extrem hilfsbereit und absolut vertrauenswürdig – ein Freund hat ihm sogar seine Drohne und 100 € für den Versand nach Costa Rica anvertraut, das Restgeld wollte er uns später zurückschicken. Besonders eindrücklich war, dass er seine persönliche Geschichte und Erfahrungen aus der Vergangenheit in El Salvador mit uns geteilt hat, was unserem Aufenthalt eine ganz andere Tiefe und prägende Denk...

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Switzerland FEMALE 18-24 Aug 6, 2025 10.0/10

This place is amazing, I really recommend! This hostel feels like a home and the owner, Nelson, is extremely nice and helpful! He showed me around, told me the story of his country, showed me some amazing places in El Salvador!! He kept in touch with me during all my trip in case I need some advice or help which I really appreciated! If you want the best hostel to stay in Santa Ana, this is the place! I would go again 100%! Thank you for everything Castor!!

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Recent reviews

Germany FEMALE 25-30 Mar 10, 2026 Atm 100%

We received a warm welcome from Bush and Reef, the two friendly dogs. Castor also gave us great recommendations on what to do in Santa Ana and how to get to places around the city, which was very helpful.

via Hostelworld
Germany FEMALE 25-30 Jan 10, 2026 Atm 100%

This hostel is an absolute 10 out of 10. What really makes it special is the incredible host Castor, who gave us fantastic tips and recommendations, the kind you’d never find in a guidebook. A big thank you as well to the lovely manager Bush. And of course, we can’t forget the newly joined, wonderful co-manager Reef, who perfectly complements the team and makes the atmosphere even better. 🐕🐕 Highly recommended, we’d stay here again anytime!

via Hostelworld
USA FEMALE 18-24 Nov 24, 2025 Atm 100%

Hostel Zwiebel was a wonderful experience. Castor was quick to welcome us with open arms. We ended up going to the hot springs and waterfall with him, and ended up getting tattoos at the end of the day (vida de chucho🫰🏼). I recommend this hostel- feels more like a home- to anyone looking for an authentic experience in El Salvador. Gracias por todo, Castor y Bush. Nos vemos pronto🫶🏼

via Hostelworld
Albania FEMALE 25-30 Nov 18, 2025 Atm 100%

Hostel Zwiebel is a really nice cozy place with a great manager called Bush who’s a friendly dog! We did some cool day trips and the owner had a lot of great recommendations.

via Hostelworld
Germany MALE 31-40 Nov 11, 2025 Atm 100%

Der Aufenthalt im Hostel Zwiebel war für mich vor allem wegen des Besitzers besonders. Er war extrem hilfsbereit und absolut vertrauenswürdig – ein Freund hat ihm sogar seine Drohne und 100 € für den Versand nach Costa Rica anvertraut, das Restgeld wollte er uns später zurückschicken. Besonders eindrücklich war, dass er seine persönliche Geschichte und Erfahrungen aus der Vergangenheit in El Salvador mit uns geteilt hat, was unserem Aufenthalt eine ganz andere Tiefe und prägende Denk...

via Hostelworld
Switzerland FEMALE 18-24 Aug 6, 2025 Atm 100%

This place is amazing, I really recommend! This hostel feels like a home and the owner, Nelson, is extremely nice and helpful! He showed me around, told me the story of his country, showed me some amazing places in El Salvador!! He kept in touch with me during all my trip in case I need some advice or help which I really appreciated! If you want the best hostel to stay in Santa Ana, this is the place! I would go again 100%! Thank you for everything Castor!!

via Hostelworld
Netherlands FEMALE 18-24 Aug 2, 2025 Atm 100%

100% recommend! The owner, Castor (not to be confused with the manager Bush — a golden retriever who will steal your heart and your shoes), can show you the best local places and take you along on the chaotic buses, all while teaching you more about the country and the culture. The place itself has a very homey feel, which will definitely make you want to come back again and again :) Make sure not to miss out on the free walking tour or the pupusas workshop by the local woman Maria. Ajuuua!

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Germany FEMALE 31-40 Jul 20, 2025 Atm 100%

I've had a great stay at the hostel which is walking distance to the center and a gym is nearby as well. The best thing about the hostel was the overall experience - the owner makes you feel at home and can tell you so much about El Salavdor and his own childhood there.

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Netherlands MALE 31-40 Jun 5, 2025 Atm 100%

Castor made me feel at home, as a backpacker I have always enjoyed the authenticity of the people I met and places I have been all these years. I will definitely recommend you his Walking Tours in town, what better way to know a place than with a local in a local way?? Also he was very helpful in every way! Muchas gracias amigo!

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USA FEMALE 31-40 Jun 5, 2025 Atm 100%

What an amazing hostel! It feels like home away from home, Castor and his dog Bush are stellar hosts. And are there to help with ANYTHING you can imagine. Castor has a free walking tour that helps you learn the history and ALL the local gems. I couldn't recommend this hostel more!

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England FEMALE 31-40 Jun 5, 2025 Atm 100%

the most authentic little local hostel run by amazing Castor. he and his dog Bush run walking tours with the best local gems. Thank you I miss you already!

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Finland FEMALE 25-30 Jun 4, 2025 Atm 100%

Had an amazing stay at Zwiebel! Castor is super hospitable and showed me around Santa Ana/El Salvador in general and had really interesting insight on everything!

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Canada FEMALE 31-40 May 29, 2025 Atm 100%

I would give 10 stars to this hostel if I could. Castor and Bush are extremely welcoming hosts. If you have the chance, please take castor’s authentic walking tour. It is definitely worth your time. I will be recommending this to any friends or family of mine that are planning to travel to El Salvador.

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Germany FEMALE 31-40 May 22, 2025 Atm 100%

You definitely shouldn't miss this place when you come to Santa Ana. The rooms are cozy and so is the vibe of the hostel. Felt like home right away. Cook your own food in the kitchen or get some nice recommendations from Castor - the locosisisisimo hippie skate punk (owner). He knows everything to explore in and around town. The location of the hostel is perfect in quiet neighbourhood but close to everything. I'd definitely come back.

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Germany MALE 31-40 May 22, 2025 Atm 100%

Wir haben lange überlegt, ob wir auf unserer Zentral-/Südamerikareise El Salvador mitnehmen sollen. Ohne übertreiben zu wollen hat uns die Unterkunft im Hostel Zwiebel bzw. dessen Inhaber Castor (und natürlich dessen Stellvertreter Hund Bush) eines besseren belehrt. Er war bei vielen unserer Aktivitäten dabei und hat Santa Ana eine Seele eingehaucht, das sonst nur eine weitere Stadt gewesen wäre. Ich kann es nicht genug empfehlen.

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Germany FEMALE 31-40 May 20, 2025 Atm 100%

I had one of my best stays over here in this crazy hostel. If you rather looking for a chilled & laidback hostel, than you're absolutely right at the place of Bush & Castor. The hostel is like an artwork itself and there are lots of funny details to explore. The rooms are clean & you got a kitchen to cook your own food. In case you wanna try the best restaurants or streetfood Castor knows where to go. Even if he's not around there are lots of helpful tipps on the wall in the hostel.

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USA FEMALE 31-40 May 15, 2025 Atm 100%

Castor is awesome and really gives some good insight to the country. I did a walking tour with him and it's my favorite one I've done around the world. Great place to stay with all the basics you need and a great way to support the locals (because he is one!).

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USA FEMALE May 15, 2025 Atm 100%

I enjoyed my stay! It was clean, staff was friendly and willing to suggest places to visit. One the best hostels I have stayed at. I highly recommend Hostel Zweibel!!!

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USA FEMALE May 15, 2025 Atm 100%

Gracias por el servicio y atencion q se me dio. ¡Espero regresar!

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USA FEMALE 31-40 Mar 30, 2025 Atm 100%

Lovely place to stay with a generous and knowledgeable host. Would recommend!