What is a hostel?

For a formal background on hostels, please visit The Hostel Handbook’s website.  In a nutshell: as a traditional hostel, our volunteer staff live on the grounds and all guests (whether in dormitory or private accommodations) are invited to be a part of the community – sharing a large kitchen, ample foodstuffs, and small morning cleaning duties.

What is required to stay at the hostel?

We require photo ID of all guests, without exception, and we accept individuals from all walks of life who are traveling under their own steam for education and personal development. Please read the rest of this FAQ for further details.

Do I have to be a Hosteling International member to stay at the Hostel?

No. However, since we exist to facilitate international travel, we reserve the right to require a valid passport of our guests.

Do you accept credit cards?

No. We accept cash, travelers’ checks, money orders, and (for reservations made more than two weeks in advance) personal checks. There is an ATM within walking distance of the hostel.

What do you mean by “Budget Bed and Breakfast?”

We provide common areas, free linens, free foodstuffs (including jam, breads, coffee, tea, and other foods) and much more.  You make your own bed, you make your own breakfast, and when you decide to move on, you leave your room as clean as you found it upon arrival.

Do you have wireless Internet?

Yes.  We also have two computers in the hostel lounge.  We charge $2/day to use either the wireless or to use the computers.

How close are you to Downtown Santa Fe?

We are approxomately 1.5 miles from the Santa Fe Plaza.  The municipal bus stops just outside our door and brings you downtown or you can walk downtown in 25 minutes, give or take.

Is parking available?

Yes.  There is ample off-street parking available for free to all registered guests.

At what time is check-out?

12Noon.

What if I have to check out before you open at 7am?

We can make arrangements the night before.  Please speak to the person at the front desk before 11pm.

How do I make a reservation?

Please view our reservations page for details.

How can I cancel a reservation?

The hostel requires 24 hour notice to alter or refund any confirmed reservation.  The hostel does not refund confirmed reservations for Christmas-New Years week, Indian Market, or Santa Fe Fiesta week.

Do you have mixed (ie – unisex) dormitories?

We do not, despite this trend in other international hostels.  Partners who want to sleep in the same bed must rent a private room.

Are your rooms handicapped accessible?

The majority of our structures are handicap accessible.  Please contact us for specifics.

Do you allow pets?

We do not allow pets in the rooms, mostly in deference to potential allergy sufferers.  All pets on the grounds must be on a leash. NOTE: Temperatures in Santa Fe can be very hot or cold year-round; leaving your pet in your vehicle is generally a poor idea.

Do you accept groups?

Yes!  We have accommodated groups of 30 or more for conferences and other activities.

Do you accept minors and groups including minors?

Yes.  We frequently accommodate student and youth groups.  Appropriate adult supervision is required, dormitories are segregated by gender, and private rooms are available for chaperons.

May I see a room before checking in?

We only show rooms if you are worried about allergies or have other health or accessibility concerns.  Generally, we assume our guests are budget travelers who are used to hostel accommodations.

How long does the morning cleaning duty take?

The chores usually take between 5 and 15 minutes.  Cleaning supplies are provided and you can choose from a list of daily chores.

Is the cleaning duty required?

Guests in certain of our private rooms are exempt from the daily cleaning duty.  These guests are still expected to clean their room when they leave.

By what time must I do the cleaning duty?

12Noon, which is also check-out time.

What is the deposit for?

The security deposit ensures that you return your key to us and that you do not damage any hostel property.  We will withold the deposit if we need to replace an item or hire a maid if, for example, you do not clean your room when leaving.

May I have an overnight guest?

Generally not.  Dayttime visitors of guests are welcome so long as they register at the front desk.  Seasonal guests may have overnight visitors for an additional fee of $5/night.  After 11pm, only staff and registered overnight guests are allowed on the hostel property.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is not allowed in any rooms nor in any indoor areas.  However, there are several large, comfortable outdoor areas where smoking is permitted.

Are linens provided?

Yes.  Clean blankets and linens are provided at no charge.  For the sake of cleanliness, we do not allow guests to use their own sleeping bags or bedrolls.