Great staff. Clean. Reasonable rates. Walking distance to downtown. Comfortable living room area.. Large dining table and kitchen. Nice bathrooms and showers downstairs. I had a private room with a full-size bed and a bunk bed above, a desk, and a fan/heater. Patio in front of the building is nice to sit and write/read. Plants make it very pleasant. Several parking spaces in the back. Laundry is available at a small cost. The Amtrak train station is nearby (a block up a short hill) and a great Italian restaurant-- Rosa's -- is across from it. The train museum is also within a short walk. This is located in the older section of San Luis Obispo which is interesting and quiet. The neighborhood is very walkable and Mitchell Park/Senior Center is only a few blocks away. I enjoy staying at the Obispo Hostel. My family has lived in this town for over 65 years. This place is a great way to experience old SLO. read more

NEVER STAY HERE! DEPLORABLE CONDITIONS! 0/10 I've stayed in almost every hostel in California and this was one of the most disgusting private rooms I've ever stayed in! The smell was worse than the stains all over the bed and walls--microwaved fish and week-old wet dog food! It took everything in me to stay in this place and I was so deeply disappointed by the conditions. I've never been so disappointed with a hostel in my adult life! read more

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Staff here is super friendly, especially Maria and Steve. Thank you so much for your hospitality! You don't find little sweet communities like this just anywhere. Nice people from all over the world, very easy to talk to and hostel is very accommodating. Location is amazing! Farmers market and downtown were just down the street. read more

Hostel Obispo - Chill living room area.. great conversations and spontaneous jam sessions. - Hostels Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Neighborhood feels safe and location is convenient. Bed mattress was basic. Breakfast was pancake and waffles. The all-female dorm is a closet; five beds in there is overly aggressive. It would be nice to have individual lights (and outlet) at each bed; when the room ceiling light is turned off, it's DARK (unless you have your own light source). read more

Stayed here for a night because I wanted to meet people. Wasn't super social, enjoyed the pancakes, common room was comfy. Wifi was good, bed wasn't great. Each dorm bed's amenities also weren't great, no individual light, no curtains, no places to really hang up clothes. Bed was fine and mine was squeaky. Bathrooms were individual and mostly clean, each one had a toilet and shower, quite spacious mostly. Friendly staff for sure. read more

I can't say enough good things about Hostel Obispo. Very cool vibe and well organized. Staff and clients are great. I will definitely be going back to this establishment the next time I am in San Luis Obispo. And a great location to explore downtown San Luis Obispo. Easy walk from the train station and downtown. Loved it! read more

The man that checked us in at night was very sweet and friendly. The morning staff and off duty staff that was there hanging out was very unfriendly. Beds super, super uncomfortable and stained. Breakfast was sourdough pancakes which were fun and something new to us. I was just hoping my son's first hostel experience was better than this one, as this one was a huge disappointment. I can't blame the guests behaviors on the property but other than one elderly woman, they were also not friendly and that was a huge bummer. I wanted my son to see random folks joining, telling stories and laughing as a whole. Lastly, there is a parking lot but there is not space for all the guests or wasn't the night I stayed so finding street parking was un-fun. Rooms in the area are cheaper and nicer. I just was hoping in this beach town it would have been a fun experience for my son. Truly was the complete opposite of that. I would not recommend. Not to mention the cleanliness of this place is far off par for my liking. Location in general was nice, convenient and the area is very cute. The house has some rad things to look at in the common area. read more

Hostel International is a proven institution for travelers (not tourists) with millions of devoted clientele around the world. It's aim is to provide clean and affordable accommodations with the opportunity to share meals and socialize. Obispo is in a fantastic location, beautiful soulful house very quiet and cozy, with welcoming staff. Loved the open kitchen/living area which screams "let's talk"! And coffee with pancakes is a great extra! However know that while most rooms are shared and you can pay for a private room, those rooms are Spartan - no extras at all. Just beds and maybe a desk, no side tables or a place to hang your clothes. But for HI travellers it's about the experience, not amenities. So don't book if you want 5-star treatment. Do book if you want to save money, hang out with world travelers and soak up good vibes and great local info. read more

I had never stayed at a hostel before, but the price was right and I was in town for a Spartan race (I am 57). Gary was so wonderful when I checked in Friday night, and though I was gone the whole day the next day, I had some wonderful conversation Saturday night, and thoroughly enjoyed Sunday pancake breakfast before departing. The room was fine, the bathrooms are clean, and the people were very friendly. Washer & dryer were available, and so were bicycles, but I did not use them. I stayed 2 nights, and yes - there were 5 of us women in one room (it was a full house) - but even though I had the "squeaky bed", I had some of the best sleep I had gotten in quite some time. I would stay here again in a heartbeat. Definitely beat being alone in a sketchy Motel 6. Try it - you might like it (like I did!). read more

It was my 1st time at a hostel and I thought my experience was great! The rooms and bathrooms were very clean. It was located in a quiet and safe neighborhood. Gary was very welcoming and made you feel as if you were in your grandmother's house. See you soon! read more

A few bad reviews need to be disregarded because this hostel is GREAT. It's a few blocks off Higuera St. where all the shops and bars are at. Very homey and comfortable. The staff, Alyson and Clay, were the kindest, most helpful people. And then they had tons of food to share and really yummy sourdough pancakes. Stay here! read more

Ok, so this IS a hostel and I have never stayed in a hostel before (I am 74), the price was right $55, it looks nothing like the pictures on their website just fyi, nothing! my room was small with 4 beds in it (not larger wooden beds like on the website picture, small metal beds), it was ok comfort wise. They give you sheets as you check in to put on the bed then when you leave you take off the bed and put in a bin. And yes it does include pancakes in the morning - but you make them and wash your dishes afterwards. It IS in a nice location, very walkable, I got there at night so I did not walk around (had rental car anyway), cute patio to sit on outside at night or morning. It was OK, I guess I just don't sleep well in a room with 3 others in bunk beds with a fan going (one girl had to put a fan in front on a window that was open , it was about 60 that night but I guess he needed a fan anyway). The check in person was friendly and explained the rules to me. I got in late and had to leave fairly early the next morning so not a long stay. I could have packed better (for shower stuff) Just know what you are getting into. They do give you a towel along with the sheets when you check in, its a very thin and well used towel, bring your own if you are staying extended time (honestly you can get better towels at Walmart for $3 not sure why they don't replace them more often). I did not have the occasion to talk to many of the other people there, but the few I talked to was pleasant. So all in all ok stay, I probably won't do it again - might just stay at Motel 6 if I need a cheap place for one night. Just an honest review -- not a bad place to stay, after all it IS a hotel -right? read more

Marty is so nice! He made mated me want to stay here I love staying here! Great pancakes :)

What a dump! I will never be staying here again!! I got food poisoning from the pancakes & my stay was really unpleasant. Stay away from this place! It is a nightmare. read more

My first hostel stay was here back in April 2012. Good place to ease into it!! I loved the environment, the cleanliness, the adorable house, the people. Met some cute European guys at breakfast....there are worse things than eating scrumptious sourdough pancakes (batter & griddle provided then, and I think still are) whilst conversing with a man from France, one from England, and another from some other European country. Great hostel! Small. read more

Hostel Obispo - Making Sourdough Pancakes from provided batter on a provided griddle. Ask the story of the sourdough starter!! Its an oldie! - Hostels Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

My husband and I loved our stay at this cozy inn, in a quiet neighborhood, that also serves as a hostel. Our top story room was airy, clean, and comfortable, with open beam ceilings and good lighting. As our host, Jarred was kind, courteous, and interesting, one of the best parts of our stay. We reserved through Airbnb for a mere $80 per night. The value for this lovely arrangement was superb. Just a block from the train station, it worked perfectly for us. Thank you Jarred! read more

I stayed here 10 years ago in college and loved it. Came back again, and it was just as wonderful as I remembered. The staff are very nice, and the rooms are clean. The living room and kitchen are cozy, and the sourdough pancake are a nice touch, and excellent for community building. The porch and garden are also lovely and charming. Highly recommend this place! read more

We love it here!who knew we could have spent our old rougher nights as a couple just houses down in distance to old home in the most peaceful place we've slept in all of slo thus far. If only we knew now what we knew then...we'd be rich famous and on a yacht...but for now here will do. read more

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Location is amazing, a short walk from the train and a cute little park. And it's a nice walk Way from the little town with awesome restaurants and shops. The hostel is really welcoming and it's quite clean. They have Sourdough pancakes in the morning and they are very interesting. Beds are softer than average. read more

Hostel Obispo - This is a very cute and welcoming hostel. It's within easy walking distance from the train and a nice walk from the little town. - Hostels Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

I think if I would have stayed in one of the upstairs rooms I would have given this hostel four stars. However, we stayed in the downstairs four bed room at the front of the house, just to the right when you walk in. The good: The house is very, very cute and lovely. I love old houses and this one if filled with charm. We were greeted friendly enough by the staff and helped with our plans in town. We only stayed one night but I could see enjoying spending several nights here as it has a friendly vibe. Which is great because it is a small hostel. We met some great people and talked to a Dad and his two great kids much of the night and the next morning. Pancakes were made the next morning as advertised and everyone seemed to be enjoying them. (I don't eat pancakes much so didn't participate). Staying in a hostel is NOT like staying in a hotel so if you're shy, you may need to get over it because it's like sharing a home with a bunch of strangers until you reach out and engage with them. The "needs to be improved": The bathroom and shower by our hostel room was by far the most filthy and disgusting I have ever seen in a hostel. The bathroom looked clean enough however the smell was so horrendous that I was literally gagging. It smells like someone has been peeing in the corner on the floor for sometime now. Do you know the smell of male tom cat pee? This was worse... The shower (in a different room next to the bathroom) was filthy. I have pictures of this. If you can't clean the shower curtain then please replace it. The shower it's self looked as if it had never been cleaned. Needless to say, I did not use the shower and only used the bathroom when the other one down stairs was in use. This is not acceptable conditions for any establishment hostel or otherwise that hosts guest. Smaller complaints about our room: It was the least decorative of any of the rooms. It could use a little TLC The mattress covers (or at least the one on my bed) could use to be replaced. There is nothing like removing your sheets in the morning (as is customary at hostels) and seeing stains of whatever kind all over the mattress cover that you just slept on all night. Also, there is an area above the door that is used for storage which either needs some kind of doors to cover it or organize it better. It just looks shoddy. So all of my complaints above could easily be addressed and I hope they are because this place is otherwise to cute to get such bad reviews. read more

If I was a few years younger and bumming around the coast, i think this would be an ideal hostel. very clean, warm, and welcoming. it felt like a very "safe" place to stay too, as a woman. Feels very much like a big guesthouse, especially with the living room full of musical instruments and big dining table where everyone was playing guitar and chatting it up. unfortunately, we ended up here on memorial day weekend, when campsites up and down the central coast were booked solid, so our review may be a bit tainted by our camping let-down. we had booked two bunks in a four-bed room, as all the private rooms were already taken. but when we arrived to check in, there was only one bed available in our booked 4-person room. my fiance and didn't want to split up (there was another bed available upstairs) so we ended up paying for only one bed and squishing in to a top bunk. beware of the downstairs bedroom - you can hear all of the noise from the common room and all of the bathroom noise too! Also, you get a crazy sound from the water running in the bathroom upstairs every time someone flushes or uses the sink too. the bunks were a little shaky - i kept hoping it wouldn't collapse and mush the girl snoring below us. all in all, not so bad for 25 bucks total, but we probably would have had a better night camping given the choice. we opted not to stick around for the morning pancakes and went to take a big nap in Montana de Oro to catch up on sleep instead. read more

I was extremely disappointed by my experience at this Hostel. I've stayed domestically and internationally at Hi's and have never experienced such an aggressive employee. I had a reservation for a female dorm room. There was a loud snoring person who made it difficult to sleep. It was the middle of the night, I decided I would find an open bed and square up in the morning. I found a bed open in a room down the hall there were 3beds in there. I was asleep for about an hour when the door burst open and a man about 50yrs old started yelling at me. He woke me from sleep and it took a minute for me to realize what was going on. I didn't know if he was a guest or an employee. He was yelling at me very aggressively and cornering me in the small room blocking the doorway. He kept demanding my name and telling me I was in the wrong I was in a private room and needed to get out. I got up, fearful and shaking gathered my things and asked he move, I had to ask multiple x for him to move so I could get out. He kept coming closer and I asked him to stop yelling at me so I could speak, I put my hand up 3x asking calmly he stop yelling at me and to please move. I didn't give him my name again I didn't know he was an employee. Nothing about how he handled that situation was right. As a single woman, traveling solo I've never felt as unsafe at a hostel as I did with this person and this incident. I walked downstairs to gather myself and think of what to do next. There was a woman I asked if she worked there, that I had an experience upstairs with a aggressive man and felt unsafe and needed to be re-roomed. She said she was a volunteer and she would get her co-worker to help me. Once I realized she was looking for the very person who I had this incident with I realized I was unsafe. I told her no I can't talk to him I need to talk to you. He came downstairs and walked right past me, into the staff quarters and I realized he was a staff member. He shared with her about me, I could hear it thru the door and then came out walked past me again not acknowledging me or addressing the scenario. She stayed in the room knowing I was out there. Seemingly was also afraid of him. Finally another man, came downstairs and into the staff room. After about 10 minutes I knocked and asked his name Julian, for the name of the other man. I shared my side, that I wasn't allowed to speak, yelled at, in a dark room woken up, made to feel I did something wrong, and was cornered by an aggressive large older male and felt unsafe and asked for another bed on the ground floor. He apologized and helped me find a ground floor room. I ended up not sleeping and left at 7:25am. A hostel is suppose to be a safe place no matter where you come from. This was not the case here with Curt / Kirk working. Deeply saddened by my experience. read more

I have never stayed in a hostel before but coming up to San Luis Obispo I decided to check one out. They had fantastically friendly service and a great community. You practically couldn't tell the difference between the friendly guests and the friendly administrators. Had a cool European vibe. I definitely recommend this place and definitely plan on coming back and staying again! :) read more

Hostel Obispo - Picture I took of the front after my stay. Beautiful place. -Joseph - Hostels Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

This place is just odd. I've been in many hostels in the states and Europe and as others have said, I do not feel like this one compares well. It is in a good location, that's about all this place has going for it. The staff seems out to lunch - we got no instructions such as towel info, room key, check out time. Nothing. I learned more from the yelp reviews than the people who work here. They totally nickel and dime you, as others have said - charging for the room key, towel, etc. If you want to charge more, just do it and provide these essentials. I mean, come on, you're going to withhold a room key for a room I just paid for as a private? Ridiculous. I would say book elsewhere. If it wasn't for the fact we were only staying a night, we would have found other accommodations. read more

What I liked: Clean, close to downtown, easy parking, there were two cats (I missed my kitties back home!). They also had a bunch of California travel books and brochures on hand. What I didn't like: Closure between 11am and 4:30pm. While I completely understand why they do this, it could be pretty inconvenient depending on your situation. You can't bring in your own pillows or sleeping bags (again, I get it, but I felt silly sleeping on this ancient pillow while my own sat in the car). And while I felt safe personally, it's worth noting that during the hours of 4:30 and 10pm, anyone could, conceivably, walk into the hostel and into your room. (After 10pm, you need a code to get in.) There are lockers, but I'm not sure what the situation was with them. read more

I've stayed at hostels both in the U.S. and overseas. I've seen worse (complete with fleas), and I've seen much much better. Hence the two stars. I was going to say 3stars, but it's not "A-ok." Pros: -location - close to downtown in a nice neighborhood -it's a cute little house Cons: -the staff was so-so friendly but clueless. -bed sheets were clean but dust bunnies everywhere. I haven't seen those since the college dorms -one shower/bathroom didn't have any hot water but no warnings so you have a 50-50 chance of taking a nice trickle of a cold shower. -we reserved way in advance and confimred but somehow they lost it. they never admitted it (she was making phone calls to see if people were going to show up) but luckily we came in when it was empty -loud loud loud. You hear people hawking a loogie, peeing all night, slamming doors even after quiet hours. Another note on the staff is clueless comment - they removed all of our stuff from our room because they "forgot" that we had reserved for two nights. Maybe it happens, but I don't know anyone that would leave a large suitcase full of clothes, glasses, and other cosmetics in a room and skip town? We didn't try the pancake breakfast with a "donation" but opted for one of the numerous cafe's. And as others said, you're not offered a key to lock your private room - even after you pay $60+/night. I think we should have looked at these reviews first and paid a few more bucks to stay at a Best Western. read more

It is with disappointment that I write this review. I have stayed at Hostel Obispo several times over the decades. I have always loved to stay here. It is a safe place for single women to travel to whether I book a dorm room or a private room, and the rate is fair, the neighborhood is a dream. Breakfast is always great as well. This last stay I booked a private room. I first want to say that Logan is amazing. He is a huge asset to the hostel. As far as the room, the curtains were ripped and some hung backward. The tops of the rods were covered in noticeable dust. The blanket I was provided was old and torn. The towels we borrowed for the shower were so old if they were at my home I would have retired them by now. I had the feeling that something had changed since I last stayed there. I don't know if it's new management or something else but it just felt like things were getting a bit old. I do hold out hope that things will turn around since I have such affection for this location and have been visiting there for so many years. But for now I won't be taking any friends with me again until I can be sure it will be a comfortable stay for them. read more

Can't think of a bad thing to say! It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I'm a casual person and I will only stay here. I have stayed in 2 separate rooms thus far, both co-ed bunk rooms. Had places to charge my electronics and interesting people as room mates! Beds were comfy, sheets are air dryers in the back yard (look in back yard if no one is at the office, they are hanging sheets) I only wish I didn't have to leave so early so I could try the Sourdough pancakes! I didn't realize how Crazy expensive hotels are in SLO. read more

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This is one of the strangest hostels I've ever stayed in. They are closed from 10am-4:30pm... they essentially kick you out and make you wander around aimlessly for 6-1/2 hours. The bike parking rack is an open-air wheel-bender, just off a dark alley. I was unable to lock my bike to the actual rack because there were so many abandonded bikes - I had to lock my bike to another bike... and my bike had to sleep outside!! They do have male/female only rooms, you just have to ask. I didn't get to taste the pancakes, because the staff didn't get up early enough to make them by the time I had to leave. I stayed here for 3 nights and the only good thing I have to say about it is that it is only a block from the train station. read more

So this place is just right. Clean. Staff was very chill but also task driven. I bunked while here. Pancakes were epic! Clair will be missed. Logan is the bomb! read more

Hostel Obispo - Hostels Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

I've stayed here every time I've come up to SLO, and have always enjoyed my stay. Cute, quaint house-turned-hostel with an intimate feel. You often get pulled into conversations with people at the breakfast table. Showers are clean, as are the beds and the storage units. Make sure to get up at least at 8 to beat the shower/breakfast crowd. Pancake and coffee breakfast, donations welcome. And always, always, great staff. read more

I definitely recommend Hostel Obispo. I have stayed here twice, on trips about four years apart, and both were very pleasant experiences. We stayed here over the New Year and it was perfect. Very comfortable, affordable, and had everything we needed. The location is great, in a quiet residential neighborhood but walking distance from Downtown San Luis Obispo which is filled with lovely cafes, restaurants, and bars. SLO is a wonderful stopping point if you are exploring California's beauty. We visited Santa Barbara, Los Olivos, Morro Bay, Big Sur, and Paso Robles and this was all done very easily from this starting point. Looking at the other reviews, I see that many were upset about the closure between 10:00-4:30. For us this was not a problem because we had no plans to hang out at the hostel. It is a great space to rest, change, and sleep while exploring the exciting things Central California has to offer. The staff was very nice and we really enjoyed that they made coffee and pancakes in the morning. The hostel was very clean and cozy. I really love it's Victorian feel. I recommend Hostel Obispo if you are looking for a nice place to rest your head after an exciting and filled day, want to save a little money, and prefer a homely vibe to that of the sterility many hotels offer. read more

If you're looking for a centrally located, chill place to stay on the central coast for a fraction of the cost you'd pay elsewhere, look no further. The hostel is a short 4 block walk to the main drag in SLO, Higuera street. It's also very close to the train and bus stations. I was driving, and parking was a breeze. No permit, meter, or street cleaning issues here. The bathroom and sleeping rooms were clean and there are a plethora of books and local area information to keep you entertained and informed. The also have complimentary sourdough pancakes on Sunday morning. No matter your age, if you're a no frills type, who wants the best bang for your buck, this is your best option in the SLO area. Sure the beds squeak and you might have a snorer sleeping above you, but for less than $30 a night for a shared dorm room there are some sacrifices you have to make. They also have private rooms, which are still a good value if you're traveling with a partner and want more privacy. You'll most likely make some new friends and enjoy swapping travel/adventure stories with like minded people while saving your hard earned money at the same time. read more

I wanted to go far away from the city and relax in SLO... so I did. And it's worth it! The entire weekend was sunny, beautiful sea cliffs to see, good restaurants and a nice hostel to stay: Hostel Obispo. The staff is great, the place is welcoming, clean and quiet. It isn't like a hostel, but more like someone's place with conviviality and chatting with other sympathetic guests around a lovely fireplace. Breakfast is good and simple: homemade bread, pancakes, maple syrup and coffee. I recommend this place for those who want to visit SLO County surroundings during the day, eat in downtown SLO for dinner, and get together in the evening at the hostel. Thank you for this nice weekend! read more

I had to catch an early bus in the morning. Quiet time didn't begin till 11pm or at least it was supposed to. Mistake to stay on ground floor as staff did nothing to quiet noise, very inconsiderate. Kept me up till 1am. Also I was told I could turn in my key at 7:30am to get the 3 bucks back but at 7:45 there was no one there and I had to take off. No smoking on front porch say all the signs but many were doing just that. Nice facility and location but disappointing visit this time. read more

Good! Cheap, clean, warm-welcoming, this house has a soul! Everybody was cheerful, the bed was clean and I didn't come across creeps. Perfect for a HI! read more

Stayed in a mixed dorm for 33$ (30 if you're a member of hostel international). The room was clean. The bathrooms and kitchen were clean. There was a nice community area. Staff was great; very friendly and helpful. Location was within walking distance of the main part of town. There is a place to lock up your bike. They also offer free breakfast. Would definitely stay again read more

Lovely Victorian house with a lot of flowers in a quite street. Homey environment. Hand-drawing map to help you getting around San Luis Obispo. Small but cozy living room, big kitchen. Very friendly staff. I left a book there two weeks ago and they still helped me find it and going to mail it back to me. Tips: don't get the mix room... if you can't stand snore like me...it was one of the longest night in my life... The mattresses on the bunk beds in that room also not comfortable and make a lot of noise. They offer an interesting sheet-bag to be used as both the fitted sheet and the flat sheet, wait, and the pillow case... Hard to explain, you will have to see it in order to understand what I'm saying. Oh, the pan cake made from their pancake mix tasted weird... Prepare some quarters, so you will be guilty free to drink their coffee and eat their pan cake. read more

All I needed was a place to crash for the night in SLO and this fitted the bill pretty well. I had no problems reserving a dorm bed over the phone. I was told they prefer cash but they readily accepted my credit card without fuss. The lady at the front desk, Janet, was very cheerful and friendly. Like the others mentioned, the mattresses did make a lot of noise and I was quite conscious about moving around while sleeping. But the sheets felt and smelt clean. But then being a camping/backpacking kind of guy I am not too fussy. I got a great deal on a rental bike though. May be because I was the only one renting a bike that day! For 10 bucks I got a pretty decent mountain bike that I rode comfortably all the way to Morro Bay and back. The gears shifted pretty smoothly and brakes were decent. It was the best of the lot though and you need to be lucky to get it. Thanks to Janet who took the trouble to find out the best bike for me. I left by 8:30 am but there were no signs of the pancakes by then so I have no idea how good they are :( I came back around 12:30 pm after my bike ride and they were kind enough to allow me to use the restroom to freshen up. Lots of hiking and other informative guides to SLO and the region lying around. I wish I was there for a couple of days more. It is a great place to explore the region. Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Hearst Castle, Pismo beach, etc. All close by I would definitely stay again if I travel solo to SLO again read more

June 3 2014-- It is eclectic & charming. It is an older beach home. Beds comfortable. I was surprised to use a very old blanket --finding this nobby 100% alpaca wool both light & comfortable!!' Inside & out this hostel fits the whole atmosphere of this town. San Luis Obispo has been called the happiest town in the US. The people who stayed while I was there readily played the piano & guitar sitting in the main room. read more