As I prepare the content for the Dining Traveler Guide to Puerto Rico book, one of the things I want to feature is a spectrum of experiences. This journey took me to do something I had not done in my twenty years of travel: a stay at a hostel! Thankfully the team at Poshpacker introduced me to Grateful Souls Hostel in Aguada, Puerto Rico. So how did a 36 year old with a champagne taste fared in a hostel? Well… here’s the story!
The Scene: My friend Carlis from Spicy Candy DC and I were on a road trip through the west coast of the island. We arrived to Grateful Souls Hostel on a rainy Sunday afternoon. The owner was not in town that day and there were no guests at the main house. We called the manager, Jose whose number was at the door. He arrived shortly after our call and gave us a small tour of the house. The house is large and spacious tucked into a small residential neighborhood. There is a large balcony in the back of the house which lends a gorgeous view of the ocean. The property also offers surfboards for rent and other beach items for you to either borrow or rent. Dining Traveler Tip: We hear the best time to go to the Aguada area for surfing is is in the winter months.
The rooms: We had our own room with two comfortable full sized beds. The bathroom was shared but we were the only guests so we didn’t have the full hostel experience in that sense. Overall, the room was comfortable. For those who haven’t stayed at a hostel before: make sure to bring your own towels and toiletries as they are not provided.
The location: There had been a lot of rain the weekend we arrived so the beach was a little murky, so we did not jump in the water. However, the beach area was very clean and we also ran into a few locals walking their dogs. Don’t miss the sunset! Gorgeous view from the beach area in front of the house.
For beach time, we headed to Crashboat beach in Aguadilla, a thirty minute drive from the hostel for crystal clear waters and lively vibes. It’s one of my favorite beaches in Puerto Rico. Also, you MUST eat at Marullos Art Cuisine Restaurant just a five minute drive from the hostel. We loved it so much, we ate there two nights in a row!
My experience: Although this is not my usually style of travel, I am glad I was open to experience Grateful Souls Hostel. I think it would have been different if there were more people staying at the property. I always hear that one of the highlights of staying at a hostel is the people you meet. However, everything was clean, there was high-speed internet, and we felt safe. At the time, Puerto Rico was going through a drought and water rationing was in effect. After a day at the beach we went to shower and there was no water! I wish the management would have left a note letting us know the water schedule.
The verdict: For years, one of my gripes about travel in Puerto Rico was the lack of affordable lodging options. I am glad to see more unique options currently being offered. Grateful Souls Hostel adds a unique and affordable lodging experience to the island. For locals, the west coast has long been a destination for a weekend trip with its gorgeous beaches and laid back vibes. The property represents just that.
