New Mexico · USA
Santa Fe International Hostel
Bed bug reports
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Confirmed Google Maps
Room L had live bed bugs on 28th September 2023. This was reported to staff, as I was leaving early the next day. Whilst this hostel has many positives (great communal kitchen, low cost, great outdoor area) these do not compensate for the number of bites on me or live bed bugs found on day six.
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Confirmed Google Maps
I stayed at this hostel 3 nights. It was an interesting experience. The kitchen is open for all guest to use, just clean up after yourself. Lots of free things to cook with, as long as you don't mind that its JUST out of date. I enjoyed all the like minded guest. Preston the owner, is very earthy as were so many staying at the hostel. The only thing that I disliked were the 4 saggy beds in my private room. The rules say not to use your own sleeping bags air mattress etc. ( bed bugs, I assume is their worry ) But to be honest sleeping on the floor is far better than the beds. Though keep in mind, at lease in my room, with no sweep or thresh hold at the bottom of the door, when I was there lots of blowing dust under the door. stuff something under the door.
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Confirmed Google Maps
Awful mattress, no bedbugs, decently stocked fridge and friendly people. Overall rather decent for a hostel
HostelPunk native reviews
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Vibe Analysis
Santa Fe International Hostel is a cheap, old-school Santa Fe hostel built around a huge communal kitchen, shared food, and everyone pitching in. The standout is the kitchen: donated groceries, pantry staples, produce, bread, frozen items, and enough cooking space to turn a low-budget night into real meals with strangers. The social side can be warm and oddly homey, with a courtyard, common areas, books, a piano, games, and a steady mix of travelers passing through. It suits independent, low-maintenance people who like communal kitchens, simple rooms, practical transit access, and a bit of strange Santa Fe texture over polished hotel energy. This is not a slick hostel. Daily chores are part of the system, payment may be cash-only, and the building is worn. Cleanliness is the big swing factor: parts of the hostel can feel clean and comfortable, while other experiences include dirty bathrooms, tired bedding, spoiled food, insects, mold, or rude staff interactions. Come for price, kitchen, and community; skip it if you need predictability, privacy, or hotel-level upkeep.
Signals to check
- Daily chores are part of the stay and may include cleaning shared areas.
- Payment may be cash-only, with deposits or booking friction possible.
- Cleanliness is inconsistent, especially around bathrooms, bedding, food storage, and older rooms.
- The building is worn and basic rather than modern or polished.
- Staff interactions vary sharply, from welcoming and helpful to rude or uncomfortable.
- Shared food is a major perk, but freshness can vary, so check before eating.