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Reviews of Kamala Surf & Backpacker Hostel

Primera Entrada Puente de Manglaralto Frente al Mar, 240110 Montañita, Ecuador

#9 of 40 hotels in Montañita

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 71 hostel reviews

8.9

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.5

  • Comfort

    8.6

  • Location

    9.0

  • Facilities

    8.8

  • Staff

    9.6

  • Value for money

    9.0

  • Free WiFi

    6.2

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 19 August 2025

    10
    Pablo is the man, great service, great location and great rooms
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Bungalow - Water Front
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Chilled vibes, good people

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 July 2025

    10
    Beautiful place with beautiful people, for a bargain
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    -

    A little piece of paradise right on the beach front. If you’re looking for a peaceful place close to Montanita, with wonderful people and great vibes, this is your place! Pablo and the volunteers made it feel like home away from home right from the start 💛 also, I highly recommend not booking any activities nearby in advance as Pablo will recommend much cheaper and better options for everything from surfing to whale watching. Thank you, Pablo, I hope I’ll come back one day soon 💛

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 21 June 2025

    10
    Nice staff very nice place with a pool to relax
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    El espacio es muy limpio

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 11 June 2025

    10
    We had a fabulous time - thanks for everything!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow - Water Front
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    A beautiful and relaxing place to stay. The location was just stunning, with access directly onto the beach. Although it’s a little bit out from the main town of Montañita, it’s so easy to get in either via a 2 minute taxi or very pleasant walk along the beach. It’s also a short walk to the town of Manglaralto which has anything you might need - nice/affordable local restaurants, grocery shops, markets, etc. Pablo was a great host, and even helped us gain our Open Water Diving Certificate while we were there!!

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 5 May 2025

    9.0
    Beautiful beachfront location
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow - Water Front
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There weren’t many people there so the bar wasn’t open, but the hosts let us know they could organise food and drinks if we messaged them.

    Amazing beachfront location, super friendly hosts, big pool

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 21 February 2025

    9.0
    We enjoyed our stay at Kamala. People come and go and everyone minds their own business. Everyone was friendly especiall
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow - Water Front
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    You get what you pay for. Property could supply bigger towels. Also cushions on seats or chairs would make it more comfortable. Pillows are like pancakes and outdated.

    Very good reception from staff. Swimming pool is a bonus. Close to the beach. Good breakfast.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 5 February 2025

    10
    A lovely place to chill, have fun and meet new people. Really relaxing for body, mind and soul!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I absolutely love the vibe at Kamala: everyone is really friendly, really relaxed and open. When I’m the mood for socializing, there is always someone to chat to. When in the mood for me-time, there is enough dove to hang out by yourself. They have a really big pool, which I really enjoyed throughout my stay. I also loved the hammocks for a nice nap and the overall location: far away from the busy beach and touristic area. The calm, private beach is just what I needed! And when in the mood for party and more busy areas, it’s only a nice 35min walk on the beach or a 1,50$ taxi away. Really easy. The hostel also collaborates with a surf school, which gets you discounts on rentals and surf lessons. Really enjoyed that! I switched around between a private bungalow and dorms: both really cool and enjoyable. Also a big shout-out to the the managers are making the place really enjoyable: Audrey and Maxime are such lovely people with their gorgeous dog Ruby!

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 4 February 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The beach, the people, the amenities, and dog friendly!

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 4 February 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 12 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There are no fans in the dorms. Sometimes, the air gets a little stale and needs to be moved around.

    The location was awesome. The vibe of the entire property is unlike anywhere else in Montañita, the beach is amazing and the proximity to Manglaralto for food is good. The hosts are very kind and helpful!

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 4 February 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Amazing staff and atmosphere

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 30 January 2025

    10
    Rustic Comfort on the beach
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow - Water Front
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Wish we had time to stay longer.

    Happy to have found this relaxing place run by Audrey and Maxim. The pool was large and clean. We enjoyed long morning walks on the beach right outside. Staff were super friendly. Nice breakfast. We had our car so it was a quick drive into either Montanita or Olon.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 January 2025

    10
    Wonderful and 1000% highly recommended
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow - Water Front
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We really loved it at Kamala and even had our longest stay as we kept extending it. Everything is just perfect, the location right on the beach and close to town was perfect, the bar is great with everything you need, the laundry service is very good (the smell is wonderful!), there was table tennis, a wonderful area to sit, a kitchen that has everything you need and a pool table, the bungalows are very comfortable, with their own hammock on the balcony and the beds with mosquito nets and a huge pool. The breakfast was delicious and on top of that the hosts are just wonderful people! We had such a great time and already miss it very much. The hosts are really so friendly and helpful.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 January 2025

    10
    Perfect place to relax!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There was no kettle in the kitchen :) but I’m sure this will be sorted soon. It’s a really nice place.

    Absolutely great place to stay with amazing staff! Super chilled, with direct access to the beach and very spacious as well (swimming pool, volleyball pitch, bar, social space). Audrey and Maxime are super friendly and helpful! You can order food or do your laundry there with good prices and no stress 🙌🏻 Hostel is based in some distance from the town but taxi cost almost nothing there - so if you want to have a night out and party it’s super easy to do!

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 25 January 2025

    10
    It was so good I came back for more!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    It’s a place where you feel at home instantly. Nice and quite atmosphere. A place for relaxation out of the frenzy of Montañita after a night out in one of the clubs. Good job, Audrey and Maxim!

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 16 January 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Maxime and Audrey are Incredible owners. They succeed to create a real community life in their hostal. They are kind and attentive. The place is super located, you are close to wake up the feet in the sea. This peaceful place deserves your attention. Thank you so much for this experience.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 2 January 2025

    10
    Best Place near Montanita <3 WOW
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Bungalow - Beach Front
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Everything was just perfect <3

    The owner of this place are amazing!! They are so nice and helpful. Also the place is just WOW…. So chilled and right next to the ocean. It’s perfect if you dont want to stay in a crowded place and still want to be near the city. We will definitely come back <3 lots of love

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 30 November 2024

    10
    Relaxing, tranquil, fun
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Such a great location right on the beach and walking distance to a small town with grocery and liquor store. Staff were amazing, comfy beds and good cooking facilities. Nice bar to order drinks, massive pool, fast internet. Such a good vibe, I ended up staying 3 more nights than intended as I was having so much fun. Would highly recommend :)

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: 23 November 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The mattress could be harder

    This is one of the best hostel i ever been Location is just at the ocean Very nice area where you can spend time with other travelers Quite place but not far from montanita Staff is very helpfull and friendly. I felt like in home. It was not easy to leave this place.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: 9 September 2024

    10
    Clean, comfortable and relaxed
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    I wish I could stay longer

    the only hostel in Montañita with direct beach access AND a fire pit by the water. Perfectly relaxing with all the beach vibes.

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 18 August 2024

    10
    Kamala is a beach paradise where you can escape the real world and enjoy the simpler things in life.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    I loved it all.

    Kamala sits in a beautiful location. It is just far away enough from Montanita to be able to enjoy the crazy nightlife if you wish but also have peace and quiet and is right on the beach.

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: 2 July 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The owner is an amazing guy who makes everyone feel welcome great location and great atmosphere one of my favourite stays in a long time

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: 12 June 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Kamala Beach Hostel offers a cozy retreat for surf enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. With its prime location steps away from the sand, guests can easily access the waves for an exhilarating surfing experience. The hostel's relaxed atmosphere, affordable rates, and proximity to the beach make it an ideal choice for those seeking a memorable coastal getaway filled with sun, surf, and relaxation. Additionally, the hostel has an amazing pool and a welcoming owner who ensures guests feel right at home throughout their stay.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: 6 May 2024

    10
    Restful, relaxing and fun
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 5 nights

    I don't have any complaints. I was very happy with my choice

    the staff and location were fantastic! Traveling as a woman by herself I felt incredibly safe. The owners gave me a great deal of helpful information about restaurants and other activities available.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 17 March 2024

    10
    A have to stay when visiting Montañita
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Honestly have no dislikes about this place. It's amazing!

    What's not to love? This hostal is beautiful and located right by the beach with a perfect sunset every day. Owner and staff are super friendly and made sure I had all I needed. Gave me all the information about the area and places to visit, to eat and do laundry. I recommend everyone to stay here.

    Stayed in March 2024

Showing 1 – 25

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