Hostel is on a dirt road, 15 minutes walk to the beach.

Location is a ways from the beach on a road under construction, between motorcycles, cars and tractors, as well as deep holes in the road, it is somewhat hazardous. The hostel has amenities on 2nd floor which has limited accessibility on a rickety staircase. Staff is very good, room is basic but clean. Shower has no curtains. I had the whole first floor to myself as it’s 500 extra pesos per night for AC.

the kitchen area was nice

very disappointed with the management of the situation that my toilet was not working , I paid a private double room with bathroom , but eventually I had to use the shared bathroom. then they transfer me to other room with a toilet that was working, but this room did not have window , there was a smell to humidity inside, but the WORST was that I sleep in a mattress that had URINE SMELL, that is totally unaceptable, but they do not care at all, when I woke up my pijamas was with the urine smell from the mattress ,I told them in the next morning but they did nothing

I stayed in the private room downstairs it was clean enough and has air conditioning I liked that, there wifi was okay

one of the stuff wasn’t that friendly and I asked to use the kitchen she said it’s only for people stay upstairs! (I’m part of the hostel!) anyway to be fair the other stuff was helpful and she helped me to pay with card, gave me some recommendations where to eat:)

rare to find a backpackers hostel in the DR, and I enjoyed this place although the facility was a bit lacking and as usual in hostels the kitchen was well used and abused. friendly place though of course!

I liked the fresh air at night, woke up really good every morning. The hostel was clean and has everything you need. I really liked the outside area, it was a nice place to escape the noise and just read or write and look at the trees.

I didn't like all the noise coming from the street, the parties, the roosters and dogs. So if you come here and sleep in the dorms, don't forget your earplugs and sleeping mask, you will need them! Also the host was rude to me and my friend because we didn't spoke Spanish, even though I was trying to... This made me feel unwelcome there.

Nice hostel, friendly and helpful staff. Great place to meet people. Right in town, a few minutes from the beach. Lots of restaurants and shops around, yet quiet at night to rest. Hot water, good water pressure, good internet and nice kitchen and common areas. I got a very nice room with view to the mountains, no mosquitos, the room wasn't hot and the fan works amazing, also mosquito nets available in case you need them.

we like Hostel La Ballena because it has very friendly vibe. We appreciate the convenience of a kitchen and nearby grocery stores . It is all in good distance to the beach . Private rooms have good bed, nice decorations on the walls

Unfortunately the street that the hostel is located on, is pretty busy, little noisy. There is also disco club nearby , so there is a lot of noise on the weekends . Pack your ear plugs, we will definitely bring ours , next time around !

The location is great, the staff was kind. The view from the balcony was nice.

Overall quite dissapointing. Dorms were uncomfortable, too much noise, no proper isolation. Hygiene issues, could be useful to get it sprayed against bedbugs. The hostel offers just about very basics, no efforts made into increasing satisfaction. The shower was not even a properly installed shower, and it was cold. Quite expensive for what is offered.

Beautifully decorated.

We didn’t have a fan in the room.

We stayed at the hostel three nights. This is a very good price for the value. The room was nice and clean. The bed had a mosquito net which was very helpful as many mosquitoes sneaked into the room through the cracks above the door and windows. The private bathroom was also very clean but is not completely a separate room (there is no door at the entrance). There was a functioning fan and the internet also worked well. The hostel also offers laundry service for a 300 DR pesos fee. We took this opportunity to get our clothes washed and were very happy with the service. There is a small but clean common kitchen with a fridge where you can prepare some simple meals. There is also a nice common room next to it. The location of the hostel is great (walking distance to Playa Playita, Playa Las Galeras, Boca Chica). The guagua from Las Terrenas can drop you directly next to the hostel, you just need to ask the driver in time to stop the van. One minute walk away is also where the 5.30am direct bus to Santo Domingo stops. Below the hostel is a small (but quite expensive) shop, a lady selling local produce and a very nice and affordable restaurant (see Casa Rino's on Google Maps). During our stay, the hostel was very quiet and everyone respected the rule of no kitchen usage after 11pm. There was some bachata music coming from the restaurants/bars nearby, however, the hostel has nothing to do with it. If you need a very quiet accomodation you should look more on the outskirts of Las Galeras.

Very nice hostel, super nice staff.

good locations, cute decorations , kitchen functio able and had everything we needed. bed had a mosquito net which was very good because they are everywhere.

very noisy even after 11 pm (noice coming from the hostel lot the locals)

The location is good. The room was clean and nice. You can use the kitchen. Its a save place. The volunteers were nice too. A good place to visit different beaches. Shops are close the hostel. Mosquitonet is provided. Good place to stay 1 up to a few days.

Its a loud place. Its not backpacker style when you were forced to give you cloths to the washing service for 300 peso. They say its strictly forbiden to wash your cloths by yourself using the bathroom facility. Also an in advance payable damage-deposit is oldfashioned and let you feel like an potential risk factor. Its a bit questionable that they let western backpackers work for free (in exchange for a dorm bed) while this work could be given to locals who need a job.

Good value for money. Short walk to Las Galeras beach and the (limited) local amenities. People were friendly and the room was comfortable.

It was quite loud, both from the street and from socialising at the hostel so may not be ideal for quieter people! Bathroom and kitchen appliances were questionable - e.g. the shower head holder was broken, there was no kettle of any kind, few pans and no potable water bottle/dispenser.

everything was good .

The mattress were not too comfortable

a nice place and easy to socialize with other travellers. Close proximity to the beach and main attractions

the new receptionist from Sicily eith basic English causing confusion. I originally booked double room and finally got dorm bed with other five people in the room. There is locker for five person only so there is no place to keep belongings safe. room overcrowded. The male only room shared with ladies as hostel overbooked. Quite noisy place in the night

Friendly and helpful staff. There is a nice kitchen and dining room.

Not very clean. Mosquito nets are broken and the location is very loud, direct next to the street and some bars.