Esperanto Bed & Breakfast Surf Hostel

You can read this review only because I communicated with Booking.com for several months and provided evidence that I was actually staying at the hostel. I didn't like it so much in the hostel that I decided that rather than ruining my vacation, I'd rather let the owner payment for 4 nights and I left after 2 nights. However, the owner used a trick so I couldn't write a review since he updated my status to 'no show' - it means that I didn't arrive. As a result, I couldn't even post photos. I finally managed to solve this scam. I hereby salute the owner - it didn't work out. And you all can now enjoy real photos from the hostel. The photos of the hostel are full of sunshine. Forget about it. The sun is there only if you come between December and February. Otherwise, for 9 months you will see gray sky, gray beach sand and gray (and cold) sea. As another guest explained to me, if I want to enjoy a sunny beach, I have to go to nearby Mancora (northern Peru). I should have been put off by the initial misunderstanding during the reservation, but in the end it became clear that I did not ask for an early check-in or an extra standard. Unfortunately, it calmed me down.

Upon arrival, I experienced a little shock from the ugly, dark and tiny room with a view of the wall - see photos. The view of the (gray) sea and (gray) sky was only from the upper terrace, where you could only climb up a very steep wooden staircase. Watch out for injuries when you climb down! Everything was shabby in the hostel. I understand that living in Switzerland (where the owner lives) is expensive (the most expensive in Europe), so there is no money left for hostel renovations, but on the other hand, paint and varnish are cheap in Ecuador. In the evening, I noticed that my sheet (and also the blanket) were dirty. I asked the receptionist for a change. He objected that the sheet was clean, there were "only" stains on it. But he changed it for me. The next morning he didn't even answer my greeting. I had to greet him 3 times before he answered me angrily. He acted angry (only towards me) for the next few days. So don't believe it when the owner here responds to every criticism that if the guests didn't like something, they should have complained on the site, because everything could be solved. Yes, you can complain on the site, and then you can "enjoy" unpleasant treatment from the local staff (and/or blocking from the remote owner from writing a negative review). I have experienced many hostels in different countries, so I can compare that this one was the 2nd worst.

I had booked for 5 days and ended up staying for 10. Great communal areas for meeting new friends plus a great terrace to pair with the free coffee. I’d recommend this place for backpackers and regular travellers

Nice atmosphere, got help by staff to book tour, short walk to the town, nice room, nice brekky

Eileen and Julia were the best hosts ever! Nice space, well equipped and clean

The payment option, forcing you to pay extra taxes with the card

The location to the beach is amazing, just a few steps and you are on the beach! I also spent a lot of time on the terrace enjoying the view from a hammock. I would often take my breakfast up there and see whales in the sea. I like that they have a kitchen that you can use and the staff are really friendly.

Nothing

Everything was excellent!! The close proximity to the beach, the beautiful view from the terrace, great wifi on all floors to work remotely and a nice little kitchen to make your own meals. An excellent option for a hostel if you want to come to Montanita to Surf for a while, meet people from all over the world, and do the occasional nite out to town to party.

Everything was great!

meant to stay a night, stayed a week. such great vibes, amazing staff and lovely view of the sea

nothing

they are not nice for the customers