Hotel RK Buckner Hostel (San Diego, USA)

The staff are attentive and casual. However, they don't seem to go out of their way for you.

Don't expect perfection, but you will find little things like the free breakfast a nice gesture, especially at a hostel. It's basic but you do get an endless supply of pancakes.

The hostel location is pretty cool. It's a couple of blocks from Market St and you can easily get back to the hostel after a night on the town. There is a grocery store a little over a block away, and a Starbucks near the grocery store. If the hostel breakfast is not enough, there are plenty of places to eat in the vicinity.

You may encounter people on the road, but the others at the facility appear to be using the place as a home. You may get the feeling that you've barged into someone's private residence, so you might clash with a variety of types. Basically, it's not a place where you are going to meet a lot of young backpackers on the road that you can make friends with.

You are not allowed to put food in the room fridge, yet there's a fridge in the room, strange. In addition, the communal fridge may or may not be working and don't be surprised if you find some little critters inside. The kitchen area is not kept up to the best standards either.

You have to pay a deposit for the key, which should be returned to you upon your departure from the facility. Nevertheless, it seems that when it's time for you to leave, no one is at reception so that you can receive your deposit.