Great non-profit hostel. The grounds are so beautiful, and the scenery is sublime. The staff was helpful, and love the kitchen (bring your own food) and common areas with games. A few small complaints - the bathroom sink required holding the lever down (annoying - had to turn on the shower to wash my face), and no USB port or power outlet near each bed like some other hostels, although they do have a power outlet in the room, and wifi. While you're in the area, check out Fitzgerald Marine Reserve during low tide to see the sea critters, and walk the Devil's Slide Trail. If you're new to hostels, google "tips for staying in a hostel". It's not a hotel. read more

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I was going to chalk my experience up to just a grumpy old lady but after chatting with another group who went in after us I'm going to change that to grumpy old racist lady I proposed to my girlfriend down the street from here and we came here to take some pictures with the lighthouse, upon passing the gate we were almost immediately approached by this grumpy old lady. Huffing and puffing yelling at us that this is a private property. I (VERY NICELY) told her that we were under the impression that there was an easement to the beach (which is true), she then goes to say that we didn't sign the digital waiver at the door, ok fair enough, I immediately tell her that we will go right away back up to the gate and sign the waiver. She then proceeds to yell at us about how we are not allowed to do professional photoshoots, okay lady I get that maybe I do look like a model (especially compared to her) but some friends with a camera isn't a professional photoshoot. I once again, nicely explain to her that I just proposed and we're just trying to get a few pics of the location and we will go sign the waiver right away. She proceeds once again to repeat herself about the waivers which I don't understand because I already said we would go sign it right away and her talking is actually what is preventing from us from going to sign the waivers. She then ironically says "it's unfortunate that this is what you will remember from your engagement day" like what?! LADY if you know you're ruining our day why are you doing this? but fear not it did not ruin our day because I will not let some old hag ruin my day so I once again tell her we will go sign the waivers, she then has the balls to tell me that "this is a non-profit, there is a donation box at the door" ok PAUSE I would be MORE than happy to donate $50, even $100 to your location but not after the way you just treated us. We end up walking back up to the gate to sign the waivers and run into another couple making their way down the hill. I jokingly told them to make sure they signed the waiver or they would get yelled at to which they told me they didn't and proceeded down the hill. We ended up running into them at the parking lot again and they told us that they lady gave them no trouble even though they didn't sign the waiver. I jokingly said to them it's probably because of race (we are asian, they were Caucasian) to which they replied that they really may have been the case because they had no trouble at all. It's unfortunate such a beautiful location is run by such an old grumpy lady. I 100% own it that we should have signed the waiver upon entry but if rules exist they should apply to everyone regardless or age/race/gender/etc.. and on top of that once I already told her we would go sign the waivers she could have easily sent us about our way but I can't imagine why she felt the need to continuously lecture and yell at us. read more

Such a beautiful place to stay. I'm here in February with my choir group and we stayed just for 2 days-1 night. I think we got lucky with the weather because the skies were clear and it was also not cold, as long as you are prepared and bring layers to wear. It's a hostel with co-ed rooms. I stayed in a room with 5 beds; 1 solo bed and 2 bunk beds and we also had a restroom connected with our room. You check in, and they give you bedsheets and towels and you return them after your stay before you check out. The kitchen is free for you to use. They provide cooking oil, spices, pots/pans, dishes/utensils/cups. The "living room" is a great place to lounge and hang to chat with friends. You can also head down to the beach, just be careful and wear proper shoes because it can get slippery! Would definitely come back if I ever get the chance to! read more

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Cool experience fo stay here. Close to the water, can hear it while sleeping. Cafe on site which served Tiger Spice.

I will never forget this place. We stayed here on our very last night in the Bay Area. Incredible way to end our vacation. Views that rival that of any 5 star ocean side hotel but at a fraction of the cost. I've stayed at a hand full of hostels and this one takes the cake. Friendly/informative staff, clean facilities and beds, cute common area and a cafe to get coffee in the AM. We stayed in a private room with a semi private bathroom and shower. Not a problem for us... the majority of people are only at the hostel to sleep bc they want to get out and see the city. We were able to sit outside and enjoy the ocean view sitting right next to a cute lighthouse. read more

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This lighthouse was built in Massachusetts but was later moved to Montana, California. It is 30 feet tall so it's easier to move. It was brought to California in 1928. Here you can stay the night at the hostel. You can walk down to the beach and there are benches and places to take in all the beautiful scenery. The lighthouse itself is closed. You can enjoy it from the outside. We stayed over night in the hostel. It's a great way to enjoy the lighthouse in the morning and the evening. read more

HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel - Hostels Near Me - Montara, California

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This is a very nice hostel, however, the male manager with the beard acts like everyone is an inconvenience. He scowls most of the time and never says "hello" so it's a very negative vibe. Also, if you need to leave early, before 7 A.M., you are on your own in figuring how to get out of the locked gate. Why are guests locked in, is my question? I couldn't figure out how to work the lock and the bearded manager was angry that he had to unlock the gate at 6:45 A.M. This is supposed to be an international hostel. I'm from France and I was surprised at the lack of friendliness. I've spent my vacations at other hostels and have never been treated so poorly. I don't like being shamed when I'm visiting a hostel, but this person is working in the wrong place. I'm sure they could get a manager to replace him if they are interested in foreign visitors coming to this hostel. I tell my friends to go to the other hostels in the area because of this unhappy, confrontational individual. read more

IF you have a car during your stay here, this place would rank a 5 for its oceanside location, price, amenities, and cleanliness. However, if you do not have car -which I did not during my stay -- you may find it a challenge to stay here. Not becuase if the hostel itself but loaction and lack of public transport.Keep in mind I actually live 30 minutes away and chose to go car free not knowing these challenges so people who are really new to this area may have more issues than I did. a. There are bus stops close to the hostel but the bus does not stop there half the day. So check with hostel staff about this. Even the local bus company Sam Trans gave me the wrong info. On weekdays, the bus runs only every hour and stops by 7-8 pm. On weekends, it only runs every 2 hours There is also no Uber/ Lyft really on the coast. b. Because of a., you may need to walk 10 minutes to the Montara stops which are service all day. To do that, you have to cross Highway 1 and there is no stop sign, crosswalk, light, or even caution sign. Sometimes, there was less traffic and other times there was more so I had to be extra careful. Also, there are a lack of sidewalks so if you have heavy luggage, that is an extra issue. You're walking on gravel/dirt, the road, or the highway. c. There is no real market nearby, just a gas station. If you come on a holiday, the shops may be closed all day or close early. So pack food with you. (The hostel sells a few items but not enough to make a substantial meal. This is definitely one hostel which would benefit from vending machines or even services that deliver meals (I have seen everything from simple sandwiches to gourmet noodle salads) that can be paid via vending machines.) read more

Know that line in "This is Spinal Tap" where they talk about an amp that "goes all the way to eleven"? Well, that is exactly how I feel about the deceptively delicate and alternately dangerous place that is the Point Montara Lighthouse and Hostel. I need to post 11 pictures, not ten (my usual Yelp limit) to share with you what I mean. 10 is not enough. 11 is needed. First, the place is cute, with lots of little decorative features in the gardens and grounds that show you somebody here loves the place, dearly! Christmas decorations, sculptures, and quirky touches like the "non-profit monster" who dares you to toss donations into its gaping maw. Like a muppet on acid, really (see photo for proof). Then, the waves in winter actually crash like thunder before smashing against the rocks below, churning up the water into a sea of raging whiteness. The danger signs are there for a reason! As is the squat little working lighthouse, so much less visually impressive at first than elegant Pigeon Point further to the South outside of Pescadero. In fact, according the Steve N. of Pacifica (see the link in his 2008 review) the lighthouse was once located on Cape Cod before being dismantled and moved by the Coast Guard to Northern California. And the more I observed, the greater grew my respect and awe for the place and tough-as-nails little lighthouse that could. Montara Mountain looms out at you, and the deliciously death-defying Devil's Slide is further to the North. And those waves! Crashing like a Mavericks widow-maker, it seemed to me. But the hostel is so inviting and warm and downright funky that suddenly you forget death and danger and just smile and think to yourself what a wonderful world ... at least for that brief moment of time that it takes for a camera shutter to click. And then reality intrudes, you check your watch, your cell phone rings, and you move on down the road to keep on living. But it's a good stop, though. The pictures do not lie. read more

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The views are fantastic and we reallly wanted to love this place but it was just super disgusting. The bathroom we were assigned was horrible--- I've seen better in train stations and bars. The whole thing was FILTHY as heck - for the entire 3 days while we were there. -Stagnant water in the tub -Dirt (we hope)-stained towels were just dropped on the floor and not cleaned up -No toilet paper (had to ask twice) -Gross stuff in the sink Oh and despite being a non-smoking hostel, multiple people were smoking MARIJUANA from vape pens IN THE COMMON ROOM WHILE MY TWO LITTLE GIRLS PLAYED RIGHT NEXT TO THEM. The staff didn't seem to notice or care. GROSS AS HELL. read more

HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel - How delightful. Stagnant water in tub.. - Hostels Near Me - Montara, California

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Can YOU say you've stayed overnight at a lighthouse? I can - NEENER NEENER NEENER. I have a thing for the ocean, and adore lighthouses. For less than the cost of a cheap meal, you can awaken to the sound of gulls and crashing surf outside your windows. Sure, the rooms are somewhat spartan, yet clean and comfy, and over at the common rooms, you may hear a lot of foreign accents practicing their english, and you may share a kitchen with a real mixed bunch of interesting people that may want to chat with you about america (how fun is that), but wowza, i love the montara and the pigeon point lighthouse hostels. great fun, great people, great locations. Most hostels are eco conscious (long before these pricey eco resorts), and the friendly host/ess will guide you to local sites to see, as well as good places to eat (but we have yelp help for that). There are hostels in about every city you will want to stay, now, and there are 'party' hostels, and quieter hostels, but I have always felt safe and secure and enjoyed myself. ahhh wait, except for one scarey hostel in Portland (not the Hawthorne one), that I will never go back to, but that was the only one. OH.. yeah and there was one in SF that scared the hell out of me - it was an independent one - but heck, all you have to do is look around, you will 'get' if its scarey or not. Or ask me, and I'll let you know. I think I've stayed in a zillion of them. read more

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I love this place! I've visited every January for five years, and each trip is memorable. I bring up a group of 50 people that fills the entire hostel, so my experience is atypical, but the facility is fantastic. It's perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean--absolutely beautiful. There are tidepools nearby, and you're only a 30-minute drive from San Francisco. They've made a lot of upgrades over the past few years...each bed has a memory foam mattress, there are heaters in each room, and the bathrooms have been redone. The kitchens are well stocked, if you're wanting to cook. There are lots of common areas, and board games and books are available. If you're not super careful, you'll probably drive right by it, but what you find once you actually get there will make up for it! read more

HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel - A room with a view. - Hostels Near Me - Montara, California

The views here are great, and not too overrun with people. The hostel itself is a little iffy. It boasts of a capuccino bar. Not really. You can order such from the front desk, but it's not a coffee bar per se. The kitchen is kept pretty clean. The bedrooms are not. My room, (dorm #5), smelled oh so very foul. My comforter smelled like something I can't fully illustrate to you in this post. The room itself had it's own stench, that when the windows were kept closed for more a couple hours, was unbearable. There really didn't seem any point in complaining about it to staff. There is a lock-out time from 11 am to 3:30 pm and curfew at 11:00 pm. These are tight, inconvenient restrictions for the average traveller or one who enjoys an afternoon nap. Like I said, the view was the most redeeming part. I think I will chose elsewhere when traveling in this area again. read more

I hesitate to leave a review like this...want to keep a "best kept secret"...well, a secret! Here's to sharing! I've stayed here three times. Once in a dorm and twice in private rooms. You can't go wrong either way, but the private rooms have a+++ views. For families, book two private rooms with connecting bathroom...this way you'll get a private bathroom. Be sure to utilize the kitchen and chill in the cozy living room area. Things to do: take a hike above the state beach (front desk has maps). Visit the micro brewery in half moon bay. Grab coffee from local coffee shop half a mile away. Park at Daly City and take the Bart into SF. And of course...stroll down to their beach with secluded beach access. Hands down, best hostel in CA. read more

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Montara Point is one of those places that I will remember for the rest of my life, partly because I proposed to the woman of my dreams there. Upon deciding where and when I was going to propose, I emailed the staff at the lighthouse and gave them some insight on my plan. They were very quick to reply and gave me all the info and help I needed. They let me reserve a little area to set up with props, friends, cameras and etc before my initial arrival. Some time later I arrived with my girlfriend and did the deed. By the time my girlfriend took off her blindfold, we were surrounded by folks and staff just as happy as we were. I chose Montara Point because of the beautiful scenery, having the ocean a few feet away and because of how the place was run. It reminds me of simpler times, times that I didn't really get a chance to live in because I am 22. There is no fancy big screen tv's or huge pool and hot tub, but there is a cozy little room with a stellar view and the best vibes you can ask for. And that is exactly what I wanted. This will be our pre-honeymoon destination, anniversary destination and any other excuse we can think of to come here destination. I am excited to come back and I hope this place never changes. P.s If you guys from the hostel are reading this- Thank you. Also, if you need help with any work on or around the grounds, I would love to volunteer. P.s.s She said yes! read more

HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel - Proposing to my now fiancé at Montara Point Lighthouse. - Hostels Near Me - Montara, California

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We had a family reunion and I encouraged two families to stay here as a rallying point. There is no denying the beauty of the place. I would only say they need to work on convincing non-believers. Clean, happy place. It is all about sharing. read more

What a beautiful spot! An amazing place to retreat to if you're in the bay area and are looking for a quiet, peaceful place to catch your breath and appreciate life for what it is. I've stayed here many times multiple days in a row. Very friendly and helpful staff, great conversation. Maybe I love the staff because they are my friends... but go ahead and strike up a conversation, they are great company and wonderful people. The coffee bar is great, even if you're just visiting for a day, grab a cup of joe or a latte, go sit on the benches next to the lighthouse and watch the world go by. read more

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Located a short 15-20 minute drive north of Half Moon Bay, Hi Point Montara Lighthouse is a historic and still operating coastal emblem. The historic lighthouse opened in 1875 to serve as a maritime compass and guide ships through coastal fog. Today, the lighthouse has expanded to a hostel and beach access point for hikers. However, the lighthouse still retains its historic roots and still operates as an aid to navigation by the United States Coast Guard. If you're searching for a beautiful coastal backdrop, short beach hike or an convenient way to access the beach, Hi Point Montara Lighthouse is an ideal Half Moon Bay destination. read more

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I loved this hostel so much. I had a pretty horrible day the night before I found this place, and was very close to giving up my trip and just head back home. But from the minute I got here, the hostel had such a warm, welcoming and homely feel. Made all the better by having some pretty incredible dorm mates. Waking up to the sounds of the ocean right next to the hostel was unbeatable. I have nothing but great things to say about the place that gave me the boost to continue with my trip. I'll never forget my stay here. read more

HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel - Hostels Near Me - Montara, California

We make a yearly trip here as a family and we're always so happy with our stay. As a family of 6 (two adults and 4 children), we are limited by space, cost, and how family friendly where we stay is. Point Montara checks every box. There are a variety of rooms to stay in. Most have dramatic ocean views. Falling asleep and waking to the sounds of the waves crash on the cliffs is heavenly! The rooms are just what you need, plus comfortable beds, and very basic. We always book one of the two dorm rooms since we have enough people to fill the beds. We get our own bathroom this way too. :) The shared kitchens have the best views. The kitchens are well stocked and have the best views available. The living room space has books, magazines, toys and coloring books. We've met really great people there. This year, we stayed on the weekend before Halloween when the hostel has it's big Halloween event. The kids had a blast, but the staff was really busy. I think the hostel suffered a bit of housekeeping care due to all hands needed on deck for the event. Forgiven by us, since I know that they typical standards are higher, but I can see how other guests could have been turned off. If we go this weekend next year, we will check in the night before the event so we wont have to wait for towels, etc. read more

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this place is an paradise and their stuffs are amazing such an hidden jam. i loved bring here such and place to enjoy morning without hustle bustle read more

HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel - Hostels Near Me - Montara, California

We come up as a group of 50+ people, mostly teens. They are very understanding and patient with our group. They are very knowledgeable of the surrounding area and stuff to do. It is an unbelievably beautiful view and grounds with tide pools just down the trail. Two full kitchens to cook in with lots of cookware to use. The staff is very friendly, Chris, Janice, Brian, Chad and David. read more

HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel - Hostels Near Me - Montara, California

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this place is run like a Liberal Nazi Camp. I appreciate & enjoyed my time . ----The views are trillion dollar views---- TAMIM read more

My brother, a respectful and quiet man, has fallen on hard times and is homeless. For Christmas, I wanted him to get out of the cold and stay near my daughter who lives in Half Moon Bay. I arranged and paid for him and his girlfriend to stay 4 nights at the hostel. I asked when helping them check in if there were any stipulations or concerns about me paying for their stay. The woman that helped assured us there was not. After one night, we received a call that they were being given a hard time for not having IDs. I spoke with Janice the manager and questioned why they needed IDs when we had already asked if there was anything needed. The woman was argumentative and rude. She insisted that all guests needed to have IDS. I asked repeatedly to be clear that if they had IDs they would still be allowed to stay. She assured us that yes, all they needed were IDs. I take my brother and his partner to DMV. We waited for 2 hours to get them IDs . Then the hostel calls me and says they're no longer welcome back. I assure her we've gotten IDs. We're told they they "don't fit in" because "they were loud and giggling" and it was disruptive. I cannot assume to know why simple giggling meant they were no longer welcome. I had paid, given my ID, taken on the responsibility of their stay. Was it racism because we didn't fit into the predominantly white community? Is it classism because my brother is not an affluent man? I'm not sure the reason but it was rude and bad business practice to turn away responsible, paying customers after miscommunicating what was needed for them to stay. It was the day before Christmas eve and I couldn't find an alternative hotel for my brother. It is almost 40 degrees and raining outside and this hotel has turned us away and we cannot return. So on top of bad business, they are also heartless and uncaring. I would have been less upset had these rules of IDs and "fitting in" been communicated clearly when I made the reservation or when we checked in. Instead it seems the staff was finding any reason to kick them out because they didn't like the way they looked. I thought hostels were known for a warm welcoming community place to stay. Do not expect that here. Do not expect hospitality or kindness. Do not expect basic human decency and civility. I would never recommend this place for any level of guest. There are more accommodating places in the area with staff that communicates clearly and isn't prejudice. read more

Stay at a hostel: Check. The Point Montara Lighthouse hostel was probably the best choice I could have made to start my hostelling adventures. For all the times that I've been to Half Moon Bay, having lived in San Carlos for years and years, I can't say I even noticed this place. Hostels never cropped up as a viable option...but a conversation with my friend at the start of summer led me to coordinate a stay here with her and her family. Glad I did. Driving in, you are faced with the most incredible views of the ocean, a tiny lighthouse, and the adjoining buildings. The first building you see is an L shaped one with a great room for events, and two sets of private rooms sharing a shower and toilet. We stayed in one of those private rooms, while my friends stayed in the main building in a room for six (conveniently, there are six in their family, so essentially, they had a private room with an ensuite bathroom!) The main building holds four rooms with six bunks each, two fully equipped kitchens, a family room and a large room with several dining tables, a couple of restrooms, a laundry room and the office. The third building is a beautiful old clapboard victorian where the hostel employees live. The grounds are made up of different viewing levels, little gardens, three areas to park cars (the ones closest to the buildings get snagged first, of course), and an amazing half moon seating area of benches overlooking the ocean. I could have lived/slept here the whole time. So amazing. The office staff are nice and helpful, the guy is eternally smiling and good natured. They have a little espresso machine behind the desk and will make coffee drinks for you upon request. I had an Americano for $1.50 and it was delicious. Our room had the most amazing view of the ocean and the little semi-private beach below the bluff. My kids played on the beach and I could keep an eye on them from my window! Access to the beach is 24-7 for guests and only one hour at a time for visitors who have to check in with the office. The walk down is easy enough and it was a little sheltered cove of bliss. We made dinner there one night, and the kitchen was all ours. The other kitchen was taken over by a large extended family traveling up the coast, but there was plenty of room to share. After dinner, we played games in the dining room at one of the large farmhouse tables, drinking chais and eating cookies. The kids all had such fun running around the grounds, to the beach and back, exploring, calling out to each other...such a fun time. Part of the hostelling rules: you change out the sheets and make your bed before you leave. This was easy enough. Towels are provided by the front desk if you need them. You bring your own toiletries. The rooms are very basic but clean, and the beds are very comfortable. I had the best sleep both nights... Going to bed with the ocean right outside your window is quite possibly the best thing in the world, only surpassed by waking up to the same sounds/scene. I had two nights of this and was loathe to leave. Would I stay there again? Definitely. read more

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My family traveled here for a family reunion. We were coming in from different parts of the country, and there were 22 of us all together. I can say, without going into tons of detail, that we felt that we were met with hostility and a nasty attitude from the moment we walked in the door, as if we should apologize for inconveniencing them so much for being guests there. They were angry we did not arrive at the same time (almost impossible with a group like that - 22 from around the country). They were angry the group organizer was not the first to arrive and didn't want to check us in without her. It took a lot of negotiation to allow us to pass the check-in responsibilities to someone else so that we could get into the kitchen and get cooking for the meal we had to have done in three hours and could not delay any longer. They made special accommodation for us to use a hall they don't normally allow groups to use as we rented the rooms on both sides, which is the reason I have given them a second star. I really appreciate that. It saved our family gathering. I considered giving more stars for acting like a normal human beings several more times, shocking us, but thought, I shouldn't raise your rating based on behaving like you SHOULD to counteract the number of times that were simply intolerable behavior towards your guests. Before we left to go to the hostel we called to ask if we should bring our own coffee. We were told, no, there is a cafe, and it's available all the time. Even Easter Sunday, we asked. Yes, even Easter Sunday, we were assured. It took three hours to get a cup of coffee from the time we first asked when we got there, and every time we asked it was as if we were causing a huge inconvenience, we just had to understand that we can't ask for things on demand, and to be patient, and that we would get it eventually. We could have brought our own coffee! You told us not to! Three hours is a long time to wait when you are having a caffeine withdrawal. The blankets are filthy. Make sure you use your topsheet. Some very young children took theirs off and we got into a lot of trouble for it (they were upset they had to wash the blankets, which begs the question, do they ever wash the bedding?). Anyway, some of the staff members were REALLY nice (particularly the new one, I'm sorry I can't remember his name. Chad?) Janice was not. She is the person who deals with groups. I felt like I was walking on eggshells the entire time I was there. Everyone was worried about what they were going to say or do to make the staff angry at us (not things that NORMALLY make staff angry - things like asking for your room number instead of asking your group leader for your room number. Yes it is a mistake, but no, you do not have to be NASTY about it.) If you are going as a lone traveler and are self-sufficient and have stayed in hostels and know what it's like, then this is a beautiful location and I recommend it. If you are staying in a group and don't like being made to feel like trash for daring to rent a space out and being a guest, I don't recommend this facility. read more

A cozy little hostel with great views, including its own lighthouse and private beach. You can relax on the benches outside watching the waves crashing upon the rocks, or the setting sun. Lots of fresh air, but toasty (not too toasty). Sturdy beds with thick, comfortable foam mattresses. Very clean and tidy; kitchens and bathrooms were constantly being tended to. Friendly staff. Low key; you definitely don't need to worry about loud, drunken roommates returning late at night. A big caveat: If you're staying in the dorms (which I did) is the bathroom situation at peak time in the morning. There are 4 shared bathrooms in the main building, but they're private in that they accommodate a single person (or cozy couple). However, 2 of these bathrooms are accessible only from the dorm rooms in the far corners. So, the 2 remaining bathrooms must be shared among about a half-dozen dorm rooms (some housing up to 6 people), guests in the lounge or kitchen, and guests from the corner dorms when there's a queue for their own shared bathroom. Stay in the private annex, try to get the dorms with their own bathroom, don't drink too much before going to bed, or don't wait until 9:00 to get up. Another note: Although there's food and a general store nearby, it's somewhat limited. The closest supermarkets, fast food chains, bank branches, etc are in Linda Mar (north) and Half Moon Bay (south), both about 6-8 miles out. There's a smaller market at Moss Beach (about a mile to the south) along with several restaurants as well. read more

Point Montara - the *other* lighthouse/hostel on the pumpkin coast. Not as well known as Pigeon Point, since you can't see the lighthouse from the road, and even if you could, it's so tiny you'd hardly notice it. But in many ways the setting is more picturesque than Pigeon Point, with a cute cottage, cypress trees, and unbeatable views towards Devil's Slide. Of all the sweet cliffside hotel locations I've seen in Scotland and Ireland, none of them were any better than this. So whether or not you ever intend to stay in a Bay Area hostel (and I know I sure don't), you really ought to take a minute to stop in here on your next trip up or down the coast, especially if it's near sunset. I'll let the photos explain the rest. read more

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I've stayed in a LOT of hostel, but very few put it all together like this. First, it's just 7 miles down Devil's Slide to my old surf spot, Linda Mar. Second, it's $25 for a very comfortable and sturdy bunk bed with a full and stocked kitchen. Third, it's the most like staying in a comfortable, big home of any hostel I've been in. Any age, any country, anyone at all can find a quiet, calm place to rest and see the very best parts of the Bay Area. How's that for an unsolicited advertisement? Plus, if you meditate, as I do, you get a bonus on Wednesdays when the local Vipassana group has an open session in a building that for some reason has the most bad-ass paper-maiche red dragon I've ever seen. Seriously. It's a trip to meditate deep with Eragon staring at you from 3 feet away. read more

I was so excited to finally stay at the lighthouse after stumbling upon it by accident a year ago just trying to turn the car around. Only have been to one other hostel in Europe so wasn't sure what would be the same or different, but was not disappointed. The desk staff greeted us upon our arrival and went over the rules and such, very nice and friendly. We perused around the common area which was very cute, some people quietly enjoying board games or their laptops. We ended up in the BEST private room called Watch Room which was directly on the cliff adjacent to the lighthouse itself. The views cannot be beat, and I'm sure you'd pay out your nose to get that kind of cliff-front accommodations down at the HMB harbor. For $80 a night I was not expecting a ton except for the scenery and experience, but the bed was actually super comfortable type of memory foam with cute Ikea frame and very soft sheets. Going to the bathroom away from the room was inconvenient but not the end of the world, it was quite close to the room and the property was well lit at night so the only thing I had to brave was the brisk sea air. It was great to just 'unplug' for a night without TV/computer and just listened to the waves. Waking up to the amazing scenery after sleeping to the sounds of the ocean was fantastic. We bought tasty lattes at the front desk cafe and sipped them on the bench overlooking the ocean, then wandered the rest of the trails down to the beach. Fabulous stay! Definitely great if you want a 'different' type of hotel experience or you're on a budget, plus everything there is meant to inspire eco-consciousness. Then splurge on brunch at the Half Moon Bay Brewery after saving money on the room :) read more

HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel - The Watch Room - Hostels Near Me - Montara, California

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Be careful here. They take your credit card number months and months in advance but they don't send a confirmation of your reservation. They don't send a reminder, but they DO call you on the day of your supposed reservation, at 10.30 at night, to let you know that they are charging your credit card for a night's stay since you didn't show up. Seriously? And Nicki was rude, her boss Janice (with no last name or phone number) is not available to appeal to. read more

On our last drive up the California Coast, my boyfriend and I spontaneously decided to prolong our journey. We were looking for somewhere in the under $80 price range. For only ten dollars more than a cheap motel room right off of the 1 freeway, we got a lovely, clean, and comfortable private room at the Point Montara Hostel right on the sea cliffs. We were able to make a reservation in minutes, just an hour before our arrival. It was such a treat to listen to have the sound of the ocean to fall asleep to instead of freeway traffic. A bucket list experience for any adventurous sojourner! read more

If it's possible to be reincarnated, I want to come back and live here. The grounds and ocean are lovely at sunset and on foggy days. You might not see much sun but the natural scenery is magnificent. First visited this spot back in 1996 and have loved it ever since. read more

You will be hard-pressed to find a view this good from your bedroom for a price this cheap. For $65/night (cheaper if you are a member), you receive a humble room with amazing views, and will fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves. There are 4 private rooms (each are bunks with a double bed on the bottom and a twin on top) that occupy a small annex on the side of the old Fog House. Each set of rooms shares a shower and bathroom much like a European-style hotel. It's not the most private, but it's not bad either. Need I remind you of the view and the fact that you are staying on a lighthouse with paths to a nature preserve and your very own private beach? Because this is a lighthouse, you have access to once-held government land--in other words the most prime location imagineable. You really cannot beat the location, the setting, the remoteness, and of course, the novelty of staying at a lighthouse. read more

Beautiful scenery! Going down to the beach from the lighthouse is barley a hike! So so close to the light house itself! If you're in a mood to take a small walk with a beautiful view this place is perfect for you. More of a hidden gem. read more

HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel - Down the beach we go! - Hostels Near Me - Montara, California

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WHO KNEW?!? This place was a hidden gem. When I parked and saw the entrance, I thought it was pretty basic but you have to go through this fenced area and walk into the private beach. Holy guacamole it was a beautiful secret find! You really have to be there..or look at my photos...but the waters are crashing against the rocks, there are little hills with flowers all over, and just cliffs to the right. The beach is small but it is so clean and way better than Santa Cruz or what not. Half Moon Bay is a little treasure I need to explore more since I only had a few hours but I can imagine strolling along to the different beaches. Umph def coming back read more

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I guess I've been going to good hostels lately-- first the Marin Headlands, and now this one. You don't actually stay in the lighthouse (it's operational, but very small), but the old lighthouse keepers' quarters. It's well-kept and the staff is very knowledgeable about the area. The kitchens and common areas are nice, complete with roaring fire. The only complaint I had was the sub-arctic climes of my room and amazingly thin walls. Maybe that was just because my room was next to the pay phone. At any rate, it's a very relaxing place, and an extremely easy and quick trip from SF. There's not really a lot to do after dark, but they do have many board games... read more

Ok, so I got a private room for an ex-gf's birthday. We just stayed one night, but I thought it was pretty cool. I was a wee bit under the weather which didn't improve from Sam's Chowderhouse. I have to admit it wasn't quite as romantic with the other hostel guests(teenagers) right outside our room until midnight, but it was nice to watch the sunset. Free wireless helped us map out the next day's travels. They also had a kitchen, where I made dessert. It was pretty cool to wake up to the sound of the ocean, too. read more

This place is the prettiest place I've ever stayed the views in every single room are breathtaking, and you could not beat the price! This place will always be one of the warmest and most scenic places I've ever been to. The beach on property is so beautiful, and obviously the lighthouse makes for some gorgeous photo ops. The wifi is amazing, but don't come here for that reason so many travelers stay here and it makes for a much more interesting stay when you connect with others. The fireplace in the living room makes you feel so cozy on brisk nights, and the art throughout the building mostly painted by the manager is inspiring. The staff is very friendly and helpful! So much to do within the town there's hiking, the Fitzgerald marine reserve, restaurants, coffee shops all within walking distance. read more

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Lovely place to be for relaxing serenity Until you have to leave at 5am and have trouble getting the complicated lock chain pin metal gate to open I had to be at work at 6 am I did call manager She ended up coming up very angry and proceeded to yell at me and lecture me Ugh before coffee She told me that I cannot stay there again unless I can figure out the gate Oh well there went my serenity I guess there are other places to stay I just felt talked down too Other than that situation My stay was restful read more