Lagos Youth Hostel

With a shared patio and living area, this hostel has a laid-back, friendly vibe. Its facilities certainly aren't fancy, but with its great location in the city center, it draws plenty of guests looking for bargain rates. The private rooms with bathrooms are especially popular. There isn't much here, save for some dated common spaces like a kitchen and living area, and it's best to use as a base for exploring the city. For young backpackers and others on a budget, it can be a good option, so long as you aren't too fussy. Keep in mind that this isn't really a social hostel -- there are no organized activities, after all -- and those staying here must be Hostelling International members. 

This hostel is located in the historic center of Lagos, surrounded by shops, restaurants, bars, and a supermarket across the street. The beach and marina can be reached in less than 10 minutes on foot, as can the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira. The baroque church of Santo Antonio is a three-minute walk from the hostel, and the Mercado dos Escravos is four minutes away on foot. The picturesque cliffs at Ponta da Piedade can be reached in five minutes by car. Bus and train stations are nearby. The closest airport is in Faro, about an hour's drive away.  

This hostel offers private rooms with two beds as well as typical dorm-style rooms (available as female-only or co-ed). The dorms are plain, with two sets of metal bunk beds, and a desk and chair. Sheets, towels, and a blanket are provided, and there is a reading light above each bed. Each guest gets a locker that has a hanging rod and shelves. Walls are painted a soft yellow, but there is no decoration. Private rooms have two twin beds with patterned bedspreads and small throw rugs atop the tile floors. Some have art on the walls and even a TV, although these are old tube units. Some private rooms have their own bathrooms, too, with a bidet, glass shower, and pedestal sink. Common bathrooms are basic, with closed showers, sinks, and toilets and bidets in separate cubicles. Previous guests have complained that the communal bathrooms can get smelly since they are generally cleaned only once a day. Some rooms have balconies, which are surrounded by a wall, so they aren't beautiful, but they do provide outdoor space. Rooms can be noisy, especially those by the street. There is no air-conditioning, though Wi-Fi is free throughout. 

This simple hostel doesn't offer much in the way of amenities, but breakfast is included in the room rate. It consists of meat, cheese, cereal, yogurt, and bread, as well as coffee and juice. It is served in a sunny breakfast room with rows of wooden tables and chairs. The shared kitchen has two refrigerators, a double sink, microwave, and hot plates, as well as cookware, dishes, and utensils. They all appear to have been well-used. A sign reminds guests to "Keep it Clean." Laundry facilities consist of two large outdoor sinks with a clothes line hanging overhead. A patio in the center of the building provides tables and chairs where guests can eat, smoke, or just hang out. A common living room has a billiards table, flat-screen TV, cushioned benches, and beanbag chairs. A vending machine dispenses drinks and snacks. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.