BANANA BUNGALOW WEST HOLLYWOOD HOTEL & HOSTEL, Los Angeles

Situated on Fairfax Avenue in central West Hollywood, this hostel places you 1 block from the Melrose Strip (shopping, dining, nightlife), 15-20 minutes walking from The Grove and the original Farmers Market, and 2 km from the Sunset Strip. Beverly Hills is 4 km away. Bus lines 10, 217 and 218 stop within a block, providing direct connections to Hollywood, the Walk of Fame, LACMA and the beach. Universal Studios and Magic Mountain are roughly 10 minutes by car. The neighborhood is busy day and night, with grocery stores (Trader Joe's, Whole Foods) and restaurants within easy reach. Street parking is available but can be competitive, while the on-site garage offers a convenient but limited-cost option.

Private rooms include one or two twin beds in addition to a Queen, plus a full private bathroom with bathtub and shower. Some rooms feature balconies with views of the Tiki Courtyard, West Hollywood Hills or Fairfax Avenue. All private rooms have air conditioning, heating, satellite TV, a safe, closet, wall fan, USB charging station, mini fridge and microwave. Dorm rooms (six or eight beds) provide lockers, closet space, shelves, fans, air conditioning and private bathrooms (except Budget Traveler Dorms, which share a bathroom). The building is older and the rooms can be dated; road-facing rooms may experience street noise. Air conditioning is centrally controlled and may be turned off overnight, potentially making the room warm during heatwaves. Some rooms have thin walls, so noise from adjacent spaces is possible. The property is repurposed from a hospital, and a few rooms have small lockers suitable only for personal items (laptops, makeup bags); larger luggage can be stored in the luggage storage room but that room is closed in the evening. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Breakfast is included and offers a selection of cereals, oatmeal, toast with spreads, waffles, fresh fruit, yogurt, pastries, bagels, and hot drinks (coffee, tea, hot cocoa). The breakfast is self-service and items may run out quickly, so it's wise to arrive early. There is no full-service restaurant on site; however, the common kitchen is available for those who prefer to prepare their own meals. Nearby options include several fast-casual establishments such as VOWburger, Cofax, and Prime Pizza within a 5-minute walk. Free coffee and tea are available all day in the lounge areas.

The property organizes free or low-cost evening activities every night, including karaoke (Wednesdays), comedy nights, free BBQ on Fridays, and occasional pizza and drink nights. There is a billiards lounge, foosball table, basketball court, and a games room. Outdoor spaces include a sunny Tiki garden with an outdoor shower, a courtyard with music and refreshments, and a picnic area. A small fitness area with weights and a workout space is available. Guests can also access events at the sister property on Hollywood Boulevard (karaoke, etc.). No spa or swimming pool is present.

Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available in all areas. A 24-hour reception allows flexible check-in and check-out. Free luggage storage is provided on arrival and departure days (the storage room closes in the evening). A communal kitchen is stocked with a stove, microwave, refrigerator, and cooking supplies. Additional facilities include shared lounge areas with satellite TV, a business centre with photocopying, an ATM on-site, safety deposit boxes, and laundry facilities (coin-operated, with free soap provided; the laundry room opens at 4 PM and closes at midnight). The property is accessible by elevator for wheelchair users, and select rooms are adapted for mobility needs. Parking must be reserved ahead of time and costs $9-$11 per day. Pets are not allowed.