LA's Hottest Secret: Adults-Only Melrose Haven (Amazing Hostel!)
LA's Hottest Secret: Adults-Only Melrose Haven (Amazing Hostel!)
LA's Hottest Secret: Melrose Haven - My Chaotic, Luxurious, and Surprisingly Soulful Hostel Adventure (Adults Only? Yes, Please!)
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Okay, listen, finding a truly amazing hostel in LA, an adults-only one at that? Feels like finding a unicorn riding a self-driving car that pours you rosé. But Melrose Haven? It's that unicorn. Let me tell you about my (slightly chaotic, wonderfully messy) experience. Buckle up, because this isn’t just a review; it's a confession.
First Impressions: Holy Cozy, Batman! (and Is That a Champagne Shower?)
From the moment you step inside, you're hit with this… vibe. Imagine a chic, modern loft apartment, someone's ridiculously stylish uncle's place, but with a pool. And, oh sweet baby Jesus, that pool. More on that later. The front desk? Seamless. Contactless check-in/out? Genius. After a long flight, I just wanted to melt, and they got it. The 24-hour front desk felt reassuring, and the whole place just breathed "chill."
Rooms: My "Home" for a Few Days (and Could I Stay Forever?!)
I booked the Non-smoking room (duh), and it was… well, it was ridiculously comfortable. Air conditioning blasting (LA heat is no joke), Blackout curtains that banished the sun (essential for a sleep-in), and a bed… oh, the bed. Like sinking into a cloud of delicious, fluffy nothingness. Complimentary tea, coffee/tea maker, and free bottled water – little touches, but they make a huge difference. There was even an in-room safe box! My inner worrier sighed with relief.
The bathroom was clean, modern, with a fantastic shower. A hairdryer, slippers, and fluffy towels? Pure bliss. And the bathrobes… oh, the bathrobes. I basically lived in that thing. I could've used more counter space, but that’s the only tiny, insignificant complaint I have.
Accessibility & Getting Around (My Slightly Clumsy Perspective)
Now, I didn't need Facilities for disabled guests, but I did notice the elevator and thought, "Okay, they're thinking about everyone!" The exterior corridors make it easy to get around, and I'm pretty sure the layout would accommodate wheelchairs well, but it's always best to double-check for specifics. Airport transfer is available (praise be!), but I'm a sucker for a ride-sharing app. The car park [on-site] and car park [free of charge] is an amazing amenity, especially in this part of town.
Food, Glorious Food! (Or, My Carb-Loading Adventure)
Okay, let's talk about food. Because, let's be honest, that's half the reason we travel, right? Restaurants on-site? Yes! Poolside bar? Double yes! The Asian cuisine in restaurant was good (I had some amazing Pad Thai), but I was more drawn to the Western cuisine in restaurant. I'm talking burgers, fries, all the guilty pleasures. The breakfast [buffet] was decent, the breakfast takeaway service a lifesaver for early excursions. I'm a sucker for the coffee shop, but their desserts in restaurant stole my heart. I'm a sucker for desserts in restaurant, and I'm not afraid to admit it!
What I REALLY Loved: The Relaxation Factor (and My Near-Spa-Catastrophe)
This is where Melrose Haven shines. They're a hostel that actually gets relaxation.
- The Pool with View: I spent hours just floating, staring up at the California sky. Truly magical.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Oh, the spa. I was aiming for pure zen, but things got… interesting. I accidentally set off the fire alarm while attempting a body wrap (don't ask). The staff handled it with grace – I swear they’re used to this kind of thing. The Body wrap and body scrub are both worthwhile activities.
- Gym/Fitness: I’m not a gym rat, but it looked well-equipped.
- Massage: Yes! I had a massage, and basically melted into a puddle of happy goo. Pure indulgence.
- Sauna: I'm generally terrified of saunas, but I pushed myself.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax:
- Pool with view (already gushed, but seriously, the view!)
- Spa, sauna, and steamroom - pure bliss (once I learned how to not set off alarms)
- Gym/fitness center if you're feeling virtuous. (I wasn't.)
- Massage - essential.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing - practical and appreciated.
Cleanliness and Safety: Making Me Feel Safe (Which, Being a Nervous Traveler, Is a Miracle)
This is where Melrose Haven truly excelled. The whole place felt immaculate. They clearly take hygiene certification seriously. I saw the staff trained in safety protocol, daily disinfection in common areas, and individually-wrapped food options. The whole operation left me feeling safe and comfortable. The rooms sanitized between stays, were a big plus. I felt especially comforted by the CCTV in common areas and outside the property. (I'm a worrier, okay? Sue me!)
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (Especially When You're Hungover)
- Daily housekeeping – glorious!
- Concierge – super helpful with recommendations and directions.
- Luggage storage and laundry service – lifesavers for a clumsy traveler like myself.
- Cash withdrawal – super useful.
- Ironing service – very necessary.
The "Meh" Stuff (Because No Place is Perfect)
- Honestly, there wasn't much. The Wi-Fi for special events might be useful, but I didn't use it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Where the Calories Don't Count (Or, My Excuse to Overindulge)
- Poolside bar: Essential.
- Restaurants: Several with A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, and Western cuisine in restaurant.
- Snack bar: Perfect for late-night cravings.
- Happy hour: Definitely took advantage.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Caffeine fix achieved!
For the Kids: (Ha! Just Kidding!)
I, fortunately, didn't need it, but this is an adults-only haven. No babysitting service, no kids facilities, no problem. It's a sanctuary of serenity.
Internet Access & Business Facilities – The Grind Never Stops (Sadly)
- Internet access – wireless
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Fantastic!
- Internet access – LAN
- Wi-Fi in public areas - essential.
Overall Verdict: Run, Don't Walk (But Maybe Don't Run Into the Spa…)
Melrose Haven isn't just a hostel; it's an experience. It's a place where you can actually relax, where the staff are kind, and where you can indulge in a little bit of luxury without breaking the bank. Yes, it's adults-only, which is a huge bonus in my book. It’s stylish, clean, and just… good.
Would I go back? ABSOLUTELY. In a heartbeat. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to make a reservation… and maybe practice my silent spa-ing. Grade: A+
Escape to Paradise: Unveiling Palmanova, Mallorca's Hidden Gem!Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your perfectly-polished travel brochure, this is real life, Melrose Hostel style. And trust me, after a few days in this place, you'll need a stiff drink (which, conveniently, the hostel sells). Here's my attempt at a travel itinerary, or, as I like to call it, “a chaotic scattering of events and feelings, generously seasoned with existential dread and questionable life choices.”
Melrose Hostel Madness: A Survival Guide (with questionable advice)
Day 1: Arrival and the Art of Pretending to Be Cool (and Failing Spectacularly)
- 14:00: Arrive at LAX. Jet lag already hitting me harder than a rogue wave in the Pacific. The airport itself is… well, it's LAX. All shiny surfaces and people who look like they’ve just emerged from a wellness retreat. I, on the other hand, look like I've slept in a ditch (which, let's be honest, might be the truth in a few days).
- 15:00: Uber to Melrose Hostel. The driver, a guy named Kevin who talked non-stop about his screenplay, almost drove us to the wrong address. Classic. The hostel itself… a vibrant explosion of murals, mismatched furniture, and a palpable sense of "anything goes." Checked in. The front desk guy, who looked about 20 years old, had a nonchalant air that suggested he'd seen it all. I immediately felt old and out of place.
- 16:00: Settled into my shared dorm. It’s… cozy. Translation? Small, with four bunk beds and a potential symphony of snoring waiting to happen. Met my roommates. A woman from Germany named Anya who's traveling with a backpack that looks like it's been through three wars. And a dude from France named Jean-Pierre who speaks fluent English but pretends not to, so he can avoid conversations. Clever.
- 17:00: Attempting to be social at the hostel bar. Ordered a ridiculously overpriced beer. Tried to make small talk with a group of Australians. Failed miserably. My brain decided to shut down. Ended up pretending to be engrossed in my phone, which, let’s be honest, is pretty much my default setting.
- 19:00: Pizza night! (advertised on a chalkboard, in a questionable font). The pizza was… adequate. The conversations were… interesting. Learned that Anya is running a marathon. Jean-Pierre, still pretending to be mute, ate three slices. And I, well, I spent most of the time contemplating the existential dread of eating cheap pizza with strangers.
- 21:00: Early night. The jet lag is brutal. Attempted to read in bed. Failed. My internal monologue, a constant stream of self-doubt and anxiety, was far more entertaining (and exhausting).
Day 2: Hollywood Debacles and the Search for Meaning (Mostly Failing at Both)
- 08:00: Woke up to Anya doing yoga in the middle of the dorm. Decided to hit snooze instead. I'm not a morning person.
- 09:00: Breakfast. The hostel provides… something. It tasted vaguely of cardboard but did the job. Coffee, thankfully, was strong.
- 10:00: Hollywood tour. The walk of fame: disappointment personified. Shiny stars. Throngs of tourists. People dressed as superheroes who look more desperate than heroic. My expectations, sadly, weren't met. I got a snap of a star with my name (not me) and did not felt fulfilled.
- 12:00: Lunch at a dive bar. Greasy burger, cold beer. Perfect. (I feel a pattern emerging). Observed the locals, mostly looking like they'd seen things (and possibly done things).
- 14:00: Attempted a hike to the Hollywood sign. Got lost. The LA sun nearly fried me. Ended up collapsing in a shady rock with a water bottle, and a vague feeling that I don't belong anywhere.
- 16:00: Back at the hostel. Sat in the common area, nursing a beer and watching the world go by. The sheer variety of people here is fascinating; a reminder that everyone's on their own journey, as confusing and messy as mine. Jean-Pierre finally cracks a smile. Turns out he speaks perfect English!
- 19:00: Hostel cooking night. Made a disastrous attempt at pasta. Almost set the smoke alarm off. Anya, the marathon runner, saved the meal (and my reputation).
- 21:00: Drinks with Anya and Jean-Pierre. Surprisingly, we had a great convo. Learned that Anya is running the marathon because she needs "a purpose". Jean-Pierre is secretly an artist. He actually showed me his art on his phone, and to my surprise, it was great! I actually open up by sharing with them about my fear of being inadequate, and my longing for something more. The three of us are kind of a mess, but hey, we're a mess together.
Day 3: Beach Bliss and the Realization That I'm Okay with Being a Mess
- 10:00: (Finally) Got up. Slept a little later.
- 11:00: Beach day! Headed to Venice Beach. The scene: vibrant and chaotic. Surfers. Skaters. Street performers. People selling questionable remedies. The whole vibe is kind of liberating.
- 13:00: Got a tattoo in a whim at a beachfront parlour. Didn't even think it through. I'm not going to tell you what it is.
- 14:00: Lay around on the sand, feeling the sun on my face. The ocean stretches on forever out in the horizon. Found a little bit of peace just watching the waves roll in.
- 16:00: Walked down the boardwalk. Watched the skaters, and I kind of envied their effortless cool. Then I saw a guy juggling flaming torches. Suddenly, my life didn't seem so crazy, after all.
- 18:00: Dinner at a taco truck. The tacos were phenomenal.
- 20:00: One more final drink at the hostel, and then I will be leaving the place.
Final Thoughts:
Melrose Hostel: Not perfect, definitely messy, and full of weirdos (myself included). But somehow, it's… great. It's a place where you can be yourself, no matter how imperfect that self may be. A place that, for a brief moment, made me feel like I belonged. Did I find meaning? Maybe not. But I did find some good pizza, a few laughs, and the fleeting comfort of knowing I'm not the only one who's utterly lost. And hey, isn't that enough for now?
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