Pat B.
Yelp
Horrible handling of booking error and uncaring general manager.
I booked this hostel through a booking site because it look wonderful and had a great location. With the great autumn weather and plans to meet friends in DC, I thought it would be fun to stay in Adams Morgan for an extended weekend and explore the city, something I rarely can do in a relaxing fashion because I live 40 minutes away and usually just go in for one activity. So, I read the info at the booking site where it stated what I needed at check-in; I had to be over 18 and have a government ID. I also cruised the hostel website. I booked my four nights, packed my bags, and had my daughter drop me at the metro. I rode in, walk to the hostel from the metro stop, arrived at the front desk. I handed over my ID and was told I couldnt' check in because I did not live at least 90 miles away and it was the hostel policy. I was stunned because nowhere when I booked did I see this condition nor did I see it while on the hostel website. But, yes, there was such a statement in tiny print no where near where one actually hits the button to book the hostel. When I pointed this out to Andy, the manager with the "I could care less" attitude, he refused to admit that such a strict rule should have a prominent place where one could actually not book without seeing that issue. I ended up having to take an Uber back home and my weekend was ruined. When I asked for the name of the owner, Andy refused to give me his name. I don't think I have ever run into a business who would send someone away over that kind of error; they would normally make an exception. I am a professional woman, not a homeless person seeking a cheap night's stay. They knew this and they knew that their poor information on both websites was unfair, yet, they coldly just sent me away. If they are going to have such a bizarre requirement (and I have never been at any other hostel that had one like this) it ought to be VERY prominent, so that people don't show up and end up without a place to stay.
Oh, yes, and I asked Andy, as his name tag said, to please give me the name of the owner so I might contact him. He told me the owner was unavailable and he was unable to give me his name. Turns out, Andy is none other than Andrew Nimmer, who IS the owner of Belmont Realty which owns High Road on Belmont Road. So, not only is he an unpleasant human being, he is also a liar.