Place is relatively nicer compared to other cheap hostels around San Juan. As an architect myself, I can't help but point out: stair steps are too steep, shower rooms don't have natural/mechanical ventilation, A/C placement inside the room is awkward. Great for barkada bookings!

Tanawan Hostel is a decent place to stay for those travelling to Elyu in groups. While the place itself is posh, I'll point out some minor issues: 1. The stairs are too steep. After exerting effort to walk the incline of Urbiztondo Road, you'll run out of breath in the stairs. Not recommended for those going to Elyu looking to get drunk. 2. Only two toilets, one for male and one for female. What if two male guests had diarrhea and the female one was occupied... 😭 3. Beds are bunk beds. But the upper beds' barrier was wood and some of them in our room was a bit shaky so it was dangerous. Still very close to the center of Elyu surftown and there is a small BBQ stall right outside the entrance to Tanawan.

This place is a hidden gem for budget-friendly accommodation. Despite its affordability, it doesn’t feel like a budget option at all. From the moment we arrived, the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. Their effort to cleanliness is impressive; they are constantly tidying up, ensuring that the entire place remains spotless. The bathrooms, in particular, are always pristine, which is such a relief. The Wi-Fi here is exceptionally reliable, even with a high volume of guests, which was a pleasant surprise. It made it easy for me to stay connected and get some work done without any issues. While I did notice that the water pressure could be stronger, this minor detail didn’t take away from the overall positive experience.

Staff: 8/10 The staff were attentive. AC: 6/10 The air conditioning was decent but took some time to cool the room, even though there were only two of us. After spending time at the beach and having lunch, the room was still not as cool as we would have liked. WiFi: 2/10 The WiFi was a major letdown. It didn’t reach our room well, even when standing near the door. While it showed as connected, there was virtually no usable connection. Ps. Bring your own towel, towels are not included on your stay.

Clean rooms, great staff, and comes with a beautiful view! Only challenge was walking uphill, but everything’s good nevertheless.They also have a nice common area with duyan where people can chill and enjoy the vibe. Place feels safe and secure too.