E.Gwada Hostel

Set in a three-story traditional Creole villa, the E.Gwada has a fair amount of character. It has wooden beamed ceilings in some areas, as well as barn-style doors and windows. The lush surrounding garden with its sweeping views over the island further enhances the hostel’s charm. Vividly-colored accent walls, bold bedding, and thoughtful pieces of artwork are all nice touches that help to minimize the jailhouse-like look that many hostels around the world suffer from.

This definitely isn’t a party hostel -- there’s not much in the way of nightlife in the surrounding area, and guests aren’t permitted to bring their own alcohol on-site (although drinks are available at the bar). The prime gathering place is the restaurant and bar, an area that highlights the hostel’s dramatic views over the sea, Basse-Terre, and southern Grande-Terre. The common area in the garden is inviting as well, while the one in the reception area feels like it could use some more furniture. As with most hostels, the crowd is mainly young solo travelers and groups of friends along with a few couples. Like most of Guadeloupe, the hostel mainly attracts French-speaking guests, but a number of staff members also speak English.

E.Gwada Hostel is set in the municipality of St. Felix, on a quiet backroad off one of Grande-Terre’s main highways. The pretty white-sand beach of Plage de Saint-Felix is a 15-minute walk away. Stretching for about 1,600 feet along the coast, this shady beach is popular with locals. There’s a mini-market about a five-minute walk from the hostel, but otherwise there’s not much within walking distance. It’s about a 15-minute drive to the town of Gosier, one of the island’s main resort hubs. Guests would do well to opt for a rental car, but there’s also a bus stop less than a 10-minute walk from the hostel that offers service to St. Francois and Pointe-à-Pitre. Aquarium de la Guadeloupe can be reached in 15 minutes by car, and it’s just about a 20-minute drive to Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport.

Guest rooms at E. Gwada Hostel are large and tidy, with bold red or striped orange bed linens adding life to the spartan facilities. Most private rooms offer some form of storage, such as small shelving units or closets covered by curtains. The flooring is white tile and decorations are minimal, with most rooms featuring just one or two pieces of interesting artwork. Some have private balconies overlooking the attractive surrounding grounds.

The 18-bed dorm room has wooden paneling that helps to create some privacy between the bunks, as well as several rows of lockers available for guests. Bunks are named after nearby countries, like Costa Rica and Barbade.

The basic bathroom facilities are shared for all room categories. A large bathroom on the main floor includes a toilet, shower, and sink. The dorm room has two shower stalls -- one for each gender. 

Features at the E.Gwada Hostel reflect its value status, but they do add a few comforts for budget travelers. The hostel’s bright lobby area has a white rattan sofa and a few chairs. The space is pleasant enough, if a little sparse, offering a guitar, piano, and a small shelf of board games as entertainment. A collection of wooden chairs, patio tables, and a hammock in the garden form an additional common area.

The reception area opens up to the hostel’s restaurant, Dja & Lobo and Puzzle Bar, which is set on a narrow terrace that wraps around the exterior of the building. There’s a lovely wooden bar at one end, and all tables have spectacular views over the ocean and Grande-Terre. Breakfast and dinner are available here for extra fees, and the bar is open daily. Guests receive a free welcome drink of local specialty, ti’ punch, upon arrival. Free parking is offered on-site and free Wi-Fi is available, but the signal is only strong in the reception area. Transfer services are available for additional fees. Staff can also arrange rental cars and laundry services for surcharges.