603 North Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90048 Bus 10, 48, 212, 217, 218, 780 (MTA; stop: Fairfax/Melrose); DASH Fairfax (LADOT; stop: Melrose/Fairfax) Tel 1 877 666 2002 Websitewww.bananabungalowus.com
BUG review
This is a cheerful hostel with large funky retro style rooms. It is in a lively area near the intersection of Fairfax and Melrose Avenues and it offers free parking and inexpensive daily tours. All rooms have en suite bathrooms that are teeny and old, but clean nonetheless. The kitchen is huge and spotless, with a centre island, extensive cooking supplies, and lots of refrigerator space. They also have a makeshift movie room with rows of old sofas and a big screen television to watch new-release DVDs. Staff are warm and welcoming and it is a great place to meet and mingle with the international backpacker crowd. It is a better pick than the Banana Bungalow on the other side of Hollywood.
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Price Dorm bed $20-26 Double/twin room $65-89 Prices are in US dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
Pros:
Friendly guests
Cons:
Aggressive staff member and bed bugs
TravellerJohn
saw things this way
Maintenance
(3)
Cleanliness
(3)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(3)
(Review ID: 11844)
The hostel is actually pretty good. Its got good facilities and nice decor and the people staying there are friendly. There is entertainment and drinking encouraged in the evening. However there are some bad points, one of the security guards is completely hostile. He shouts extremely aggressively and attacks people for no apparant reason. He uses obscene language which people shouldn't be subjected to. He completely ruins the vibe of the place by doing this and i saw him upset so many people, including girls. I understand a security guard needs to be firm, but his behaviour is completely uncalled for. He seems to enjoy bellowing profanities at people and intimidating people. He is a big, very tall, black American. So watch out for him!
Also the hostel is overrun by bedbugs. I even saw staff members covered in bites!
in an excellent location for tinsel town gawping and very friendly and safe cheap too !! 18 March 2007
Pros:
the mini bus tour which showed us skid row what an eyeopener
Cons:
the fact that they wont take homegrown americans to see the underside I wonder why??
suzanne T
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 1287)
bearing in mind me and my friend are well old we were made very welcome and any teenager of mine that wanted to stay here would be encouraged to go those kids are having a great time food was yummy too! we went last june (2006)