Hostel La Ballena Backpacker
Calle Principal S/N
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Why people book this hotel
“I have stayed at this hostel before, as it is our gate way into the Samana penin…”
“- nice location -;friendly staff, Agustín and Tely, amazing guys - nice decor”
“Since my partner and I do not own a car, we hike everywhere or take public trans…”
“Good location, the staff and the cleaning lady were very nice”
“The set up is good, the rooms are private, the private bathroom is great and the…”
“Comfy beds with mosquito nets for better comfort,”
“Great value for money”
“giving great hiking informations, organizing my travel, finding my next hostel …”
“Clean rooms”
Overview
Situated in Las Galeras, within 700 metres of Las Galeras Beach and 1.2 km of La Playita Beach, Hostel La Ballena Backpacker offers accommodation with free WiFi throughout the property. Boasting an ATM, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The accommodation features a shared kitchen, a shared lounge and currency exchange for guests. Certain rooms are fitted with a kitchen with a fridge and a stovetop. The rooms have bed linen. Colorada Beach is 2.4 km from the hostel. The nearest airport is Samana El Catey International Airport, 75 km from Hostel La Ballena Backpacker.
Traveller reviews
De Leon
couple
April 20, 2026
“Great place in a prime location, an oasis after a long hike”
I have stayed at this hostel before, as it is our gate way into the Samana peninsula where we go for long treks. Since my partner and I do not own a car, we hike everywhere or take public transportation and the hostel is in a perfect location where supplies are ready and available. The set up is good, the rooms are private, the private bathroom is great and the art is tasteful. In general the architecture and layout of the hostel is great, it has a well stocked kitchen (though small) that works. This was a priority for us as we wanted to cook our meals. It served us very well, though it may be a little cramped. Refrigerator, free drinkable water, a small terrace that looks out into plantain fields. Staff is great and helpful and the guys that were there at the time were very relaxed and nice. Would really recommend if you are not SUPER picky about noise (which is around until about 10pm).
Dejan
solo_traveller
April 2, 2026
Everything perfect. Amazing
Victor
couple
January 10, 2026
“A bipping alarm ignored all night became a nightnare”
Good location, the staff and the cleaning lady were very nice
Julian
solo_traveller
December 27, 2025
“A hostel that can be the best in the Galeras”
- nice location -;friendly staff, Agustín and Tely, amazing guys - nice decor
Kinga Gawlik
solo_traveller
December 8, 2025
Great staff- very helpful and communicative and giving a lot of good advices. The hostel is small but very cute and location is perfect. Comfy beds with mosquito nets for better comfort,
Giancarlo
solo_traveller
June 16, 2025
Attention from staff, location, facilities, everything.
Adrian Adrian
extended_group
April 23, 2025
Overall the Spanish guy tried to help in all he could. However, I did not like how the italian person handle the 2 items described below.
Gabi
extended_group
March 17, 2025
“Disappointing Stay at La Ballena Backpacker”
Las Galeras
Rex & Elaine McCarthy
couple
February 25, 2025
“I would give it 5 stars if it wasn't for the noise”
Staff is amazing. Place is close to everything. Good water pressure , beds were ok. No air con ,but a big fan that kept us cool with a cross breeze. There was screens so limited mosquitoes. Great value for money
Vikesh Gandhi
solo_traveller
January 22, 2025
“Overall ok”
Top location.
Isaias
extended_group
January 19, 2025
Clean rooms. There was drinking water available in the lobby.
Evelyn matus
couple
November 30, 2024
“Eventful”
The manager in site Sophie made an extra effort to meet the requirements. The owner acknowledgef some mistskes The staff oversll seem that they all are trying HARD
Erik
solo_traveller
November 20, 2024
“Basic but nice place”
Staff and volunteers are really nice and helpful. It is a typical backpackers hostel in a beach village with a relaxed vibe. Dont expect any luxury but its a good place to meet other people. There is a kitchen which does the job. Beds are alright and have mosquito nets
Giulio
couple
October 17, 2024
“Good location and great vibes in the hostel. Super reccomended for your stay in Las Galeras”
Magda
couple
May 2, 2024
“Nice place for backpackers.”
Close to the beach, atmosphere of the room.
Heins-Bunde
solo_traveller
April 17, 2024
Best Traveller Hostel It s a nice hostel with even nicer people working there. Angie, Sophie and Thai helped me wherever they could...giving great hiking informations, organizing my travel, finding my next hostel as well as organising affordable ways to go to great places and come back.... This girls are just beautiful and I had a great time with them. I will never forget. I highly recommend this hostel to all travelers, especially the ones who travel alone.
Gabrielė
couple
March 26, 2024
Good location and friendly workers.
Diana
couple
February 13, 2024
“Good option for the private room in Las Galeras :)”
Great location in the center of Las Galeras, cosy rooms and really good value for money :)
Marcia
extended_group
February 6, 2024
Common rooms, view on the patio, free drinking water.
Serik
solo_traveller
December 30, 2023
“Good”
Overall the place was good, no hostel vibe though
Facilities
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible, Toilet with grab rails, Lower bathroom sink
Activities
Walking tours, Hiking, Diving, Horse riding, Snorkelling
Cleanliness & disinfecting
Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines, Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays
Entertainment and family services
Board games/puzzles
General
WiFi available in all areas, Non-smoking rooms, Facilities for disabled guests, Air conditioning, Designated smoking area, Minimarket on site, Adult only
Internet
WiFi, Free WiFi, Internet services
Kitchen
Shared kitchen
Outdoors
Terrace
Reception services
Invoice provided
Safety & security
Key access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguishers
Safety features
First aid kit available
Services
Shared lounge/TV area, Grocery deliveries, ATM/cash machine on site, Currency exchange, Laundry, Luggage storage
Double Room - Disability Access
The double room features air conditioning, a wardrobe, as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 1 bed.
Double Room with Private Bathroom
The double room provides air conditioning, a wardrobe, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 1 bed.
Economy Double Room
This double room has a full size bed and a private bathroom. Terrace and shared kitchen.
King Room
The double room's kitchen, which features a refrigerator and kitchenware, is available for cooking and storing food. This double room has a private bathroom, a coffee machine, a dining area as well as an outdoor dining area. The unit has 1 bed.
Twin Room
The twin room's kitchen, which features a refrigerator and kitchenware, is available for cooking and storing food. This twin room has a private bathroom, a coffee machine, a dining area as well as an outdoor dining area. The unit has 2 beds.
Twin Room with Private Bathroom
The twin room provides air conditioning and a wardrobe, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 2 beds.
Hotel Policies
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