Gaia House Hostel

Location: Located in favorable areas like San Blas neighborhood, close to attractions such as Plaza Del Armas and Sacsayhuaman, with easy access to food options; some are in quiet zones

I can't believe that I had such a horrible experience at this place given all of the other positive reviews... I booked through hostel world and arrived early in the morning after a night bus. I wasn't permitted to use any of the hostel facilities until after check in. This is a relatively expensive hostel in cusco and the first place that was not welcoming upon arrival after a long night bus. They also prohibit you from using facilities after check out. This should be clearly stated on hostel world and/or the website to avoid confusion. I would have booked another place given that I was getting in so early... This wasn't the end of the world, because it is not necessary to provide the guest with anything before check in and after check out; however, in my opinion that is what makes a hostel worth 5 stars... The one star review is due to the situation when I was attempting to pay for my room the night before an early 5am check out the next morning. Hostel world's rate was 39 soles/night. Before I extended, i checked with the lady at the front desk to make sure their rate was the same as hostel world. Some hostels are notorious for changing the price if you extend your stay so after 7 months of budget travel, I always check the price before extending. I did not think to get this confirmation in writing. I asked to pay that morning and the receptionist kept saying, "later this afternoon". In the afternoon, another receptionist asked me to pay right that minute and reminded me to clean and give back the Tupperware in the fridge. I wasn't due to check out until the next morning and it was MY Tupperware in the fridge that I bought in Lima! He then proceeded to charge me 46 soles for each night! I told him that I was quoted 39 soles upon extending... The owner/manager who witnessed the first conversation was there for both conversations, denied that this happened! We even had a discussion about it where I said "39 soles is a lot but ok". I was forced to leave and look for a new hostel at 5pm the night before a big trek because the owner refused to honor the discussed rate! He was smirking and laughing as he asked me to pay the 46 soles or leave... I had spent the morning buying/renting and buying a bunch of supplies for ausungate and was unable to carry everything. He laughed at me as I left struggling under the added weight when I was not expecting to have to switch hostels last minute. I hate when people have you in a vulnerable position and change the price. The behavior of the staff and owner were atrocious and this was my worst experience in my 7 months of travel. The icing on the cake was the guy with active COVID-19 hanging out in the common area telling everyone that he has COVID! Please book a different hostel.

Such a lovely place to stay! Felt like home with well equipped kitchen and good area. Super sweet owners; always there to answer your questions and help you out if you need anything with 24/7 service. Super comfortable beds plus hot showers. Extended 3 times 🫢