Kutaisi · Georgia
Dingo Backpackers Hostel
Bed bug reports
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Confirmed Hostelworld
This was the last hostel I stayed in on my trip. I have now found evidence of *bed-bugs* on my return - based on earlier reviews claiming people staying found an infestation, I can only assume I also picked it up here (private room). I do not recommend anyone stay here based on the high risk of bed bugs throughout the building. Go elsewhere. Staff were polite and pleasant (didn't meet the owner, only the volunteers), atmosphere lacking but this wasn't in the high season.
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Confirmed Hostelworld
Good little hostel that provide the basics, with a 15-20 minute walk to downtown. There were some reviews saying there was bedbugs before we arrived, but we got a free upgrade to a private room and we could see the affected rooms were being sealed off and treated. Good!
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Confirmed Hostelworld
This place has bedbugs and we had to flee it at 3am. Aside from that, they just generally do not have their s*** together when it comes to managing the place, which was a headache. Their payment system is really annoying and there are cameras everywhere. Owner is XXXX while the volunteers (who are so sweet, by the way, and truly deserve better) clean up what seems to be mostly his mess.
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Vibe Analysis
Dingo Backpackers Hostel is a social Kutaisi base built around shared dinners, a garden, a bar, and big common rooms that make it easy to fall into conversation. The hostel has an old-house feel: high ceilings, wooden floors, spacious dorms, marble bathrooms in places, and a backyard with fruit trees and sunset hangout space. The family dinners are the clearest signature here. They can turn a quiet night into a table full of food, beer, cards, Uno, local tips, and onward-trip planning. The hostel also runs tours and odd little Georgian side quests, including sanatorium trips, wine tasting, sulphur baths, barbecues, and other group outings when the house has enough momentum. This is more community house than polished hotel. It can feel warm, clean, welcoming, and easy for solo travelers, especially when the volunteers are active and the garden or terrace is in use. There is a kitchen, breakfast may be available, beer and wine are sold on site, towels may be provided, and tent camping has been possible for bikepackers or budget sleepers. The tradeoff is that the building and management style are uneven. Some rooms can be hot, loud, basic, or short on storage, and some bunks are stacked three high. The location is usually a walk from the center rather than right in it, with the train station nearby and a quieter residential feel. Dingo works best for travelers who want a social, slightly scruffy hostel with organized meals and trips, not for anyone expecting luxury, silence, or frictionless policies.
Signals to check
- Bedbugs have been a recurring concern, including recent serious claims and at least one note that affected rooms were sealed and treated.
- There are serious safety complaints from March 2025 involving the owner, alcohol, and a volunteer; this is a major caveat for solo travelers and anyone sensitive to staff dynamics.
- Extra charges can stack up for late checkout, laundry, lockers, bottom bunks, card payment, tours, dinner, coffee, airport transfer, or alcohol.
- Cameras in common areas, card charging before arrival, no-cash policy, strict 4pm check-in, and needing a working phone to enter may feel intrusive or inconvenient.
- Summer dorms can get very hot, the wooden building can be noisy, mattresses and bedding are inconsistent, lockers may be limited or paid, and storage space can be poor.