Biarritz Surf Hostel Reviews – By Budget Expert (2024)
Looking for some Biarritz Surf Hostel Reviews to help you choose your perfect place to stay in Biarritz? I’ve got you covered! As someone who has stayed at 30+ hostels around the world, I can easily tell you which ones raise the ordinary to the extraordinary. Recently, I traveled to Biarritz and had the pleasure of staying at the Biarritz Surf Hostel for a few nights. To give you a better idea of what to expect and how this hostel stacks up in comparison to others I’ve stayed at, here’s my complete and honest review.
Biarritz Surf Hostel Review Overview
Perched along the Bay of Biscay in southwestern France, Biarritz is known as the jewel of the Basque Coast. It’s the place the wealthy often go for vacation as the glamorous resort town allures visitors with its perfect blend of surf, sophistication, and seaside charm!
As a coastal paradise, Biarritz features everything from luxury 5-star hotels to an array of more affordable accommodations, perfect for any type of traveler! In this review, I’ll be delving into my first-hand experience staying at the Biarritz Surf Hostel, discussing everything from the property itself and the rooms to all the wonderful amenities and overall ambiance! This way, you’ll be able to get the complete picture and hopefully decide whether this hostel is a match for you!
Biarritz Surf Hostel Pros
To start, this is one of the highest-rated hostels in Biarritz that offers both shared and private rooms. Granted, there are only a few hostels in the area, but even looking at the review numbers, this hostel has the most number of reviews. Given both its higher rating and the fact lots of other guests backed the rating, these are two of the main reasons I initially decided to book the hostel.
But, to go a little deeper than just rating, here are all the specific reasons why I wholeheartedly recommend staying at Surf Hostel Biarritz for any budget travelers passing through this quaint seaside town!
✅ 🏄♀️ Check rates & availability for Biarritz Surf Hostel here!
Booking || Hostelworld
1. Cozy & Comfortable Ambiance
First of all, the Biarritz Surf Hostel has the absolute best atmosphere. Unlike some of the other popular chain hostels I’ve stayed at, such as the People Hostels or the infamous St. Christopher’s Chain, this hostel has a much more intimate feel.
This is likely because the boutique hostel is located in a transformed country house. In total, there are only 5 bedrooms, which can accommodate 15 guests and a couple of on-site staff members. As a result, it only takes a day time to go from feeling like strangers to feeling like one big family. Or, at least, that was my experience.
But, to add to the charm, the hostel has surfing-themed decorations all over the place, such as surfboards hanging in the middle of the stairwell! There are also several common spaces throughout the hostel. For example, there’s a large, fully functioning kitchen that everyone is free to use.
Upstairs, you’ll find two other common areas. One is a room with long wooden tables, perfect for getting some remote work done. The other is a large sitting area with couches, bohemian-style chairs, books, games, and a huge flat-screen TV. Truly, this hostel exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel at ease.
2. Free Breakfast
Next to the welcoming atmosphere, arguably the best perk of this hostel is that it includes free breakfast. For those of you who haven’t stayed at other hostels, this is pretty rare. Most of the time, hostels charge a small fee of anything from €3 – €10 if you want their breakfast. And sometimes, the breakfast is quite sparse. I’m talking only a single beverage and one pastry.
Here, the breakfasts are a whole ordeal, but in a good way! 😉 At the Biarritz Surf Hostel, a communal breakfast is offered in the kitchen from 8:30 – 9:30 AM. Yes, I know, for some, this may seem ridiculously early, but I promise it’s worth waking up early for!
During breakfast, the table is usually set up with all the plates, bowls, cups, and silverware neatly laid out. In the middle, you’ll find an array of fruits, different slices of bread, some granola, warm pastries, like pain au chocolats, juices, coffee, and yogurt! Then, for the hour, everyone just digs in and chats! It’s the perfect family-style meal and atmosphere for getting to know everyone else in the hostel.
For me, it was a great time to plan day trips from Biarritz with some of the other guests at the hostel! So, if you ask me, their communal, free breakfast is one of the best features that makes this hostel worth staying at!
✅ 🏄♀️ Check rates & availability for Biarritz Surf Hostel here!
Booking || Hostelworld
3. Spacious Bedrooms
Another advantage of this hostel is that there are spacious rooms. I won’t say they are huge, but you have a decent amount of space to move around without having to tip-toe around everyone’s stuff. Plus, in any given room there’s a maximum of 4 people, which helps add to the welcoming vibe and makes it fairly easy to get to know everyone in your room.
In terms of the actual beds, I thought they were pretty comfy. They each have outlets nearby for charging your devices, a little night light, and privacy curtains. Oh, and when you check in, they leave real towels on the bed for you to use. That’s right, no having to pay an added fee for renting the towel. It’s just automatically provided to you! 😅 That said, I still highly recommend investing in a good microfiber towel to use as a beach towel or shower towel for other hostels!
✅🧖♀️ Check out the microfiber towel I love to always travel with
4. Lots of Storage
There is also plenty of storage around the hostel. Within the rooms, your assigned bed corresponds to a giant locker. The lockers have lots of shelving and comfortably fit my small carry-on suitcase and large personal backpack. But, even some of my roommates who were traveling with giant backpacks (55L+) were able to fit their stuff inside without a problem.
Oh, and compared to other hostels, the hostel provides you with a padlock and key for your locker. Depending on whether or not you’re prone to losing small keys, this can be a blessing or curse. 😂 Either way, just think of it as one less fee you have to worry about on-site!
Along with plenty of storage in your room, there’s also storage for all the delicious basque food leftovers you might have. As I stated previously, this hostel has a communal kitchen. Within the kitchen, 4 mini-fridges are labeled by the names of each of the rooms in the hostel. One fridge is shared by the two smaller rooms. This means that you only have to share a fridge with, at most, 3 other people. I’m personally a fan of this method cause it just keeps everything much more tidy.
Most other hostels have one massive fridge and it’s just a free for all. You label your stuff, carefully place it into the refrigerator, and pray that it doesn’t magically disappear amongst the other items left by 30+ other people. 🫠 Regardless of whether you want to cook your own food, bring home some leftovers, or simply refrigerate a few drinks, you can easily do so!
5. Large Bathrooms
Since the hostel was converted from a country home, the bathrooms are real bathrooms — not just stalls. There are 2 sets of bathrooms, one downstairs and one upstairs. Now, you might be thinking that it might be inconvenient to have a toilet and shower in the same room when it has to be shared by so many people.
However, during my stay, I rarely ran into issues and became a fan of the abundance of bathroom space. 😙 If one bathroom was being occupied, I just went to the other one, which was normally available. Only with the showers, you might have to wait a little bit.
Oh, and another big perk of this hostel is that there are laundry machines available! So, if you’re traveling around Europe for weeks or even months, like I tend to do, and need to get some laundry done, they’ve got you covered. It costs €2 each for washing and drying, which is quite reasonably priced. You just pay them at their little reception desk. For context, I’ve been to hostels that charge €4 for washing and €4 for drying, which adds up quickly. And imagine needing to run the dry cycle more than once. 🫠
🚨 EXPERT PRO TIP: Always carry some cash in the local currency for situations like these. Also, if the hostel offers laundry and you’re traveling around for a while, do laundry then! It is not fun having to find and wait around at a laundry mat all day!!
6. Rentable Equipment
Another standout feature of the Biarritz Surf Hostel is that they have rentable equipment. Guests can rent bikes for just €15 a day. This is convenient if you have only a day in the city and want to cover lots of ground quickly. It’s also just nice for going for a leisurely bike ride as Biarritz is pretty walkable. Just know that there are some steep hills here and there.
And, of course, a huge advantage of this hostel is that they offer free surfboard rentals! Yes — FREE. Unless you’re looking for a more advanced surfboard that’s made of fiberglass or epoxy, I recommend taking full advantage of this amenity!
Furthermore, if the water temperatures are on the colder side, they also have wetsuits available for rent. And, if you’re a complete beginner but looking to participate in the famous local surf culture, you can purchase surf lessons from the hostel. I can’t personally attest to how good they are since I didn’t take any lessons from them, but they probably offer a better deal than the local going rate.
7. Excellent Value
Last but certainly not least, I recommend staying at this hostel because it simply offers so much value for what you pay. Yes, you could argue that all the amenities are baked into the price. But, the way I see it is that you pay for everything at once and then don’t have to worry about paying for breakfast, towels, etc. on-site. Your hostel experience is simply more carefree this way!
Not to mention, the staff is super kind, personable, and friendly. At times, I found myself forgetting that they worked at the hostel because we would chat and it felt like just talking to another hostel mate. I often felt a sense of community and camaraderie amongst the guests, which you just don’t see in a lot of hostels. At least, not the ones I’ve been to. Therefore, between the awesome amenities, fun space itself, and laid-back atmosphere, I’d say this hostel is 100% worth the money.
✅ 🏄♀️ Check rates & availability for Biarritz Surf Hostel here!
Booking || Hostelworld
Biarritz Surf Hostel Cons
You can likely tell that I think exceptionally highly of this hostel. So trust me when I tell you that I struggled to think of any cons 😂. The only possible downside that comes to mind is the location. Biarritz Surf Hostel is located a bit further from the local beaches and Biarritz’s main tourist attractions. For reference, it’s about a 20-25-minute walk, depending on how much stuff you’re lugging with you and your walking pace.
Also, when you’re walking from the downtown area to the hostel, it’s a bit of a hike uphill. Nothing terrible, but I could see someone with limited mobility or who isn’t used to some steep inclines not having the best time making this commute to and from town.
The good news is that there is a free bus that runs until 5 or 6 PM and has a stop right in front of the hostel. It passes by once or twice an hour, so you’ll have to stay on top of the posted bus schedule, but it’s a nice transportation option.
Furthermore, as I mentioned earlier, the hostel does rent out bikes. So if you want to explore the area quickly, you can rent a bike for €15 for the day!
Aside from that, this hostel is basically flawless in my eyes. And honestly, the flip side to this con is that the area surrounding the hostel is quite peaceful. You’ll hardly hear any external noises, if any, and you can enjoy all the scenic greenery around the property!
Biarritz Surf Hostel Review Recap
Alrighty, with all my pros and cons in mind, here are my ratings for the Biarritz Surf Hostel!
- Cleanliness & Comfort: ⭐️ 10 / 10
- Neighborhood: ⭐️ 10 / 10
- Proximity to public transport: ⭐️ 10 / 10
- Proximity to tourist attractions: ⭐️ 9.5 / 10
- Atmosphere and ambiance: ⭐️ 10 / 10
- Amenities: ⭐️ 10 / 10
- Customer Service: ⭐️ 10 / 10
- Overall Rating: ⭐️ 10 / 10 – Best hostel I’ve ever stayed at!
Who is this hostel ideal for: This hostel is the perfect choice if you want to be located in a safe and tranquil part of town and don’t mind being about 20 minutes away from town on foot. It’s also well-suited for those who are keen on surfing as the hostel has surfboards available to use for free as well as wetsuit rentals. Most of all though, I believe this hostel is perfect for anyone looking to make friends. As someone who frequently solo travels, I know how it can be a lonely journey at times. When I came to this hostel, it quickly felt like I was at a giant sleepover with great friends rather than just sleeping at a nice hostel or hotel.
🚨 Insider Recommendation: If you have an inkling of interest in booking this hostel, do it NOW! This hostel is often completely booked and I found that guests will sometimes stay for weeks during the summer surf season!
So whether you’re someone who is outgoing and loves chatting people up or someone who struggles to strike up a conversation, this gem of a hostel is a delightful option!
✅ 🏄♀️ Check rates & availability for Biarritz Surf Hostel here!
Booking || Hostelworld
Other Places to Stay in Biarritz
If this hostel is completely booked up for your travel dates or just want to explore some other options, don’t worry — I’ve got you covered on that front too! Below, I’ve listed some alternative places to stay in Biarritz that are on the more affordable side. These are based on my research for when I was planning my trip as well as where I’ve personally stayed. That’s right — yah girl has stayed at multiple places around Biarritz. 😉
Budget-Friendly Stay
- Hôtel Palmito — Nice 3-star hotel is right next to the beach | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10
- Centrally located near restaurants and bars
- Hôtel Saint Julien — Lovely 3-star hotel in 19th century family home | ⭐️ 9.1 / 10
- Rooms have views of the ocean and Pyrenees mountains
- Hôtel Au Bon Coin — Modern 3-star hotel | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10
- The hotel has a bar, elevator, & terrace, and offers a daily breakfast buffet
Mid-Range Stay
- Hôtel Littéraire Jules Verne — Excellent 4-star hotel I enjoyed | ⭐️ 8.5 / 10
- Daily breakfast buffet, gym, outdoor pool, and excellent service!
- See my review of Jules Verne here
- Hôtel Villa KOEGUI Biarritz — Stylish 4-star hotel near beach | ⭐️ 8.7 / 10
- Near the local market, serves a homemade breakfast buffet, & has a bar
- Hôtel Le Garage Biarritz — Chic 4-star hotel | ⭐️ 9.8 / 10
- Has an outdoor pool, on-site bistro, cafe, and sun terrace
Alternatively, for those who prefer visual maps, check out the interactive map below. You can input your exact travel dates and the number of guests traveling to access real-time housing prices in the vicinity.
Visiting Biarritz FAQs
Although prices for the Biarritz Surf Hostel fluctuate depending on the season and demand, on average, you can expect to pay ~$50-$65 per night in a shared room.
There are two main beaches suitable for surfing in Biarritz. First, there’s La Grande Plage, which is the beach that is directly in front of downtown Biarritz. The second is La Côte des Basques, which is further South on the coast. For more advanced surfers, a popular town to go surfing is Hossegor, which is about 35 – 40 minutes North of Biarritz. It has a reputation for its incredible barrel-forming waves!
Yes! Beginners can surf in Biarritz. There are plenty of surfboard rental shops right by the beaches and no shortage of surf instructors and surf schools! Click here for beginner surf lessons or more advanced surf instruction.
The best time to visit Biarritz is during the summer months. This is when the weather is most pleasant and there are fewest rainy days. During June, July, and August, the average high temperature is in the mid-high 70°Fs, while the average low temperature is in the low 60s°F. Additionally, you can marvel at the annual Biarritz Surf Festival, which takes place at the end of June. Or, if you visit Biarritz at the beginning of July, you can then head nearby to Bayonne to partake in the annual Fêtes de Bayonne! This 5-day event is the largest festival in France!
Unlike Paris, Nice, and even Lyon, Biarritz is more affordable! For the average traveler, I’d recommend budgeting anywhere from $75 – $100 per day, excluding housing.
Wrap-Up: Should You Stay at Biarritz Surf Hostel? (2024)
For those visiting Biarritz and looking for an easy-going yet fun place to stay, I highly recommend the lovely Biarritz Surf Hostel! As the name suggests, this hostel embraces the vibrant local surf culture and welcomes surfers of all levels. But, even if you aren’t a surfer, this hostel is worth staying at for its intimate atmosphere, the abundance of amenities, and fantastic customer service!
And, as someone who has stayed at 30+ hostels around the world, I can honestly tell you that this is my favorite hostel I’ve had the great pleasure of staying at thus far. So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly place in Biarritz to take in the world-class beaches and explore the local sights, check out the Biarritz Surf Hostel! It truly is one of a kind and quickly feels like your home away from home!
✅ 🏄♀️ Check rates & availability for Biarritz Surf Hostel here!
Booking || Hostelworld
Want to Learn More About France?
🏖️ Nice: Discover the South of France by visiting my favorite city, Nice! The coastal town offers delightful cuisine, and proximity to a prolific wine region, and serves as an ideal starting point for excursions to Monaco or leisurely strolls through medieval French villages!
🍷 Lyon: Dedicate a few days to discovering the allure of the “Little Paris.” Immerse yourself in the enchanting wine-tasting region just a stone’s throw from the city center!
🥖 Paris: Eager to discover the wonders of the City of Lights? From art museums to the iconic opera house, grand sporting events, and beyond, Paris has an abundance to offer! Alternatively, understand the differences between Paris and Milan, the twin fashion capitals of Europe.
🏰 Toulouse: Famed for its blush-hued architecture, Toulouse invites you with mouthwatering cuisine and intriguing history. Serving as a perfect base for captivating day trips, including an excursion to the medieval city of Carcassonne!
