Houston International Hostel

Bedbugs! Horrible. The staff was nice and the house cool but that will not make up for the suffering I experienced from being attacked by a throng of bedbugs. I had over 75 bites all over my body and had to get steroid shots and special antihistamine drugs because my skin was so overwhelmed with it. It cost me hundreds of dollars in doctors visits and medications and so many sleepless nights. I have scars now from all the bites most horrible itching I have ever felt, for weeks this went on and then the terror that they might have come home with me!!!! I was there over Labor Day weekend 2016 so this is recent. And no amount of cleaning will get rid of bedbugs. Don't let them fool you. I'm sorry to leave such a bad review because the staff were very nice but The place needs to be shut down and tented, they need to pull all the carpets and seal all the mattresses. It's a great place but they should really be closed until they deal with this properly. Worst experience of my life. Not worth it. If you have never been bitten by these things you won't get it but trust me, It's horrible.

The whole place felt dingy, dirty, stale, cluttered. Poor repair and strange vibe from the staff (talks to you looking in a mirror while sitting on a couch with her back to you, etc). It is cheap, and it is a place to sleep (and possibly shower - only two shower/toilet combos for the whole place - the place was almost empty but I still waited in line, and seeing the showers decided to shower at home the next morning). I didn’t experience the bedbugs mentioned in some earlier reviews, though I could easily believe that being a problem, possibly one that could re-occur. They also only take cash, which can be a hassle - I understand saving on fees, but it’s so easy to accept card payments today, even if you pass on the fees - unless maybe they’re trying to keep the income under the table? The place could be great with some young energy and work, but as it was felt like a homeless shelter in an old run down house by an eccentric old lady who doesn’t have energy/can’t see to clean or to update things.

The woman who runs it is sweet and kind. But I think she may need to hire help / more help. It needs to be fumagated. Spider bites? (Pic) I also saw a tick, I believe. Looked like a tick, at least. The people staying there, that night, were nice. I almost stayed another night, but while waiting, a bug crawled on my lap. I'd had enough, after that. Good rates for shared and private rooms, but it needs a good cleaning.

It is a great place: calm and quiet in a very convenient location. They have a piano and the BEST kitchen I have ever seen in a hostel. It is very good for saving money by cooking there. The only matter that needs to be improved is the lack of lockers to save things (but it felt safe, though)

Don't be fooled by the price. Any typical hostel should cost roughly the same, however there are a few things that differ. The owners are incredibly pro you made the mess you clean the mess. This is fine as it is definitely part of the hostel philosophy and charm. The problem is that at the end of the day, THIS IS A BUSINESS, and as a business it is there responsibility to clean for those who dontd do it themselves. It's just the burden of operations. This place is filthy. Floors need to be swept, bathrooms fixed, surfaces dusted, surfaces cleaned, etc. I would honestly go even further and just say the place needs to be gutted. I like old buildings and their charm but I wouldn't be surprised if there was lead paint dust or asbestos somewhere. I can't prove this but again given the shape it's in.... I didn't have any issues with staff but I was in and out most of the time. I also haven't had any issues with bed bugs yet but I am crossing my fingers. I left during my stay for a motel and don't regret the extra money spent. Bottom line, if this is how the owners run their business and take care of their property, it should be pretty clear that you should avoid it. This is definitely one case where you shouldn't go as budget as possible. Although it waswa cheap lesson learned, don't do what I did....

There is some charm to this place that no other hostel I've been to has. It could be that the house is old or just the decoration, but you won't find a cheaper and nicer hostel around. The personnel was very kind. Remember to ask for advice on how to enjoy your visit to Houston!

DO NOT STAY! Me and a friend had to leave on night one of three. We literally saw a bed bug crawling on the couch. We decided to stay the night cause we had no other place to go. Woke up with a few bed bug bites. Place is absolutely filled with them.

The owner was super nice and accommodating and went out of her way to make sure I had a good stay. The location is nice and was pretty easy to find. They also have a cat that hangs out by the porch! For the price, this hostel is a good place to stay if you're looking for cheap travel.