These are the basics:
Call us: 207-712-7062 | Email Us: info@blackelephanthostel.com
Check in & Check out times
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Check-in begins at 3pm and the doors of hostel are opened
The lobby closes at 8PM M-Th and 9Pm Fri & Saturday (September thru May) and 9PM daily during the high season of June thru August
If you plan on arriving late YOU MUST NOTIFY US ahead of time. There is no additional charge for late arrivals if you have informed us ahead of time. However, there is a $10 "lack of Courtesy" fee for those that fail to communicate with us and come in late!
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We lock our lobby between 11AM & 3PM so we can go about our business and get the rooms all clean and ready for you! Our lobby door is accessible by a code which will be sent to you 24 hours prior to your arrival - so you’re welcome to come in and drop of your bags before check-in.
Check-out is by 10:30am.
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Parking
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Parking for a vehicle is $10/night and is cash only
Friday & Saturday nights only (mid-March until December)
We offer limited parking a few steps away from the hostel on Friday and Saturday nights between April and December.
If you book for Friday night, you must be out of the spot by 1PM on Saturday.
If you book for both Friday and Saturday or Saturday only, you must be out of the spot by 5PM on Sunday.
Please contact the hostel directly to reserve a spot.
We are a city hostel, and with that comes city parking. The Black Elephant is in a great location, so we do have a good amount of free on-street parking available nearby. Keep an eye out for 1 or 2 hour limits on the spots*, but keep in mind that it’s only enforced between 9am-5pm (900-1700), so if you check in at 4 and find a one hour spot across the street, you won’t need to move it until 10am! If you don’t want to do the city parking shuffle, we’d be happy to refer you to some local parking garages – or see below for more info on the matter.
*Please note each side of the street around the hostel has a no parking night, look for that sign! We are not responsible for your tickets.
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additional info and recommendations are at the bottom of this page
Hostel Etiquette
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1) Please don't turn on the lights when others in your room are sleeping. Use your reading lamp or cellphone flashlight.
2) Don’t slam doors. If you are coming and going, especially at night, gently close the door.
3) Be quiet. If you want to chat in the middle of the night, leave the room and let others sleep.
4) Pack bags the night before so you are ready to leave effortlessly and quietly in the morning.
5) Don't unpack your backpack on the floor or take up the majority of the common space.
6) Please don’t talk on your cell phone in the room, it is best to find somewhere private to talk
7) Having sex in a shared dorm is not acceptable. Other guests don’t want to be present for it.
8) Eat your food, not the food other people are saving for themselves.
9) Clean up after yourself. Wash your dishes & keep the kitchen and dining areas free of mess.
10) Internet – Just because wifi is free, you really shouldn’t be on your devices for extended periods of time, especially if you don’t know others in your room. You’re in a hostel, have fun, talk to people!
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What is a hostel?A hostel is a budget-friendly type of accommodation that focuses on a shared social experience.
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Can I change or cancel my reservation?If you have booked through an on line travel agency, such as - booking.com, hostelworld or air bnb - you must cancel through them directly. We cannot help you at the desk. If you booked with us directly and plan on changing your reservation, please call - or email - the front desk at info@blackelepehanthostel.com as soon as possible so we can attempt to accommodate your request. For cancellations, please see our cancellation policy. Our phone number is 207-712-7062
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Cancellation PolicyWe have a 48 hour cancellation policy for dorm beds and a 5 day cancellation policy for private room bookings. This applies to direct bookings only! 3rd party platforms have a cancellation policy of 5 days for all accommodations. Cancellations received after 3 PM two days prior to your dorm bed reservation or 5 days before your private room booking will be charged for the first night of your stay (plus taxes). No-shows will be charged for the full amount of the reservation (plus taxes) and the remainder of your reservation will be canceled. No refunds will be given for early departures. In the event of a group cancellation within 14 days before your expected arrival, we reserve the right to retain your deposit, due to a loss of opportunity. As much as we will empathize with whatever life situation is forcing you to cancel, we must enforce our cancellation policy for ALL reasons for everyone.
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Is there a maximum length of stay?You can book up to 7 days within a 60 day period. We do not allow long term stays. No exceptions - it is a city mandated rule.
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Do you offer a work-stay program?We typically offer work trade at our hostel between the months of April and November. We require a minimum 4 week commitment. You must be legal to work in the United States to participate as it is a paid post. We will require you to work 22 hours per week. You will share a staff dorm with up to 3 other people. Your duties will consist of making bunk beds, helping check guests in, socializing with guests and manning our after hours phone line. Your shifts will vary from 10:30AM - 3PM and 11Am - 6PM depending on needs. Please email us at info@blackelephanthostel.com , tell us a bit about yourself, why you are interested in work-stay and how you see yourself contributing to the hostel and we will get back to you as soon as we can :)
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How do I get to the Airport? Are there taxis?There is public transportation to and from the airport - but it is sporadic. We recommend you take an Uber or taxi. We do not offer a shuttle service.
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Kids?While we are happy for you to be a kid at heart, you must be 18+ years old to stay at the hostel. Maine is a marijuana legal state and there is a lot of adult content at the hostel. No kids. No exceptions.
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I have an early flight and need to check out before 7:30... WHAT DO I DO?!Not much, really. All you need to do is leave your key on the front desk and we’ll finish checking out for you! Before you leave your room, just do a quick check and make sure you’ve left your locker key in the lock. If you’re in a private room, please strip down your bedding (the pillowcases, fitted sheet, and duvet cover). If you’re in a dorm, you can just leave it, since we don’t want you to disturb your roommates.
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I have a late flight and arrive after lobby hours. THIS IS A CATASTROPHE, RIGHT?"If you are coming in late, please let us know ahead of time. We will send you late arrival instructions the morning you are due to arrive. We strongly discourage late arrivals to dorm rooms, as it is disruptive to other guests in the room. There is a $10 "Lack of Courtesy" fee for those that come in late without letting us know ahead of time! *Please note - you should set up your ground transportation ahead of time if you are arriving past 9 PM - it is hard to find cabs or Ubers after this time if they have not been set up ahead of time!*
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Curfew?We do not believe in curfews. You are old enough to decide when to come home! Just be thoughtful of your fellow travelers please (watch your noise, and don't turn on the lights)!
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How far are you from town?We are literally in town. Just blocks from the best stuff!
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How do I get to the Black Elephant Hostel?TAXI / UBER / LYFT A taxi from the Portland Transportation Center should cost around $8 and takes about 15 minutes.A taxi from the Portland International Jetport will cost around $15 and takes about 21 minutes. BY CAR From all points outside of Portland: Follow directions to I-295. Take I-295 Exit 7 (U.S. 1 Alternate/Franklin St.). Continue onto Franklin Street and drive approximately .6 miles. Turn Left onto Congress Street. Turn right onto Hampshire Street. The Hostel will be about .1 mile down Hampshire Street, on the left. JETPORT (AIRPORT) BUS (Please note: this route involves 2 different bus routes and you will need to transfer buses halfway through the ride) Take the METRO Route 5 local bus in the INBOUND direction from outside Portland International Jetport's ground transportation booth. When you board the bus ask for a transfer. Ride Route 5 to the intersection of Congress Street and St. Frederic Street. Depart and wait here for the Route 1 INBOUND: Munjoy Hill Bus. Ride Route 1 local bus to the intersection of Congress Street and Hampshire Street. Was .1 mile to our hostel, which is located on the left at 33 Hampshire Street. (The route is approximately 40 minutes total)METRO Route 5 also runs to downtown Portland and connects to other METRO routes, Amtrak, South Portland Bus (Maine Mall), and ZOOM (with further connections to Biddefod, Saco, and Old Orchard Beach) CITY BUS Take METRO Route 1 local bus from outside the Portland Transportation Center. At the intersection of Congress Street and Hampshire Street, depart the bus. Take a right on Hampshire Street, our hostel is located 2 blocks ahead on the left at 33 Hampshire St. Please note the bus terminal and train terminal are located together in the same building. Those arriving by Amtrak, as well as those arriving via bus will be able to meet the METRO local buses here. The METRO local bus costs $1.50 per ride (you do not need to pay when transferring between buses, just ask for FREE transfer slip). If you arrive via Amtrak, ask at the Amtrak desk about your FREE one-way METRO bus ticket. ON FOOT Our hostel is 2.4 miles and about a 50 minute walk from the Portland Transportation Center, or 4 miles and a 1.5 hour walk from the Portland International Jetport. We recommend not walking, as traffic and luggage can make your arrival a bit difficult!
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Do you have on-site parking?We offer limited parking a few steps away from the hostel on Friday and Saturday nights between April and December. If you book for Friday night, you must be out of the spot by 1PM on Saturday. If you book for both Friday and Saturday or Saturday only, you must be out of the spot by 5PM on Sunday. Please contact the hostel directly to reserve a spot. The cost is $10 per night; cash only. We are a city hostel, and with that comes city parking. Overnight parking is okay, but PLEASE READ THE SIGNS. We are not responsible for any tickets.
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I really LOVE my bicycle and want to sleep with it.Sorry - We do not allow bicycles to enter or be stored in the hostel itself. We have a fenced in garden space with a bike rack for your bicycle. That is as good as it is gonna get - and no, you may not sleep in the garden with your bicycle.
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AccessibilityThe hostel does not have an elevator. We have an ADA compliant room and bath located on the ground floor. This room may be booked as a dorm or a private room. The Black Elephant is committed to facilitating the accessibility and usability of our website for all people with disabilities. We will continue to implement the relevant portions of the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 Level AA (WCAG 2.0 AA) or such other standards as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). On a periodic basis, our website will be tested with assistive technology. Please be aware that our efforts are ongoing. You may email us at info@blackelephanthostel.com or call us 24/7 at (207) 712-7062 with questions or concerns regarding ADA accessibility, including issues accessing the website or with questions regarding the accessibility and personal needs.
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Do you offer linen & towels?We provide all bedding, towels for your shower, hand towels, and bath mats! Because we’re nice like that. We request you do not bring any of these from home, because, we already washed ours and gave them to you, so why not use ‘em, ya know?
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SECURITYWe have cameras in our common room as well as at all entrances to the building. You must have a passcode to enter the building after hours. Each dorm or guest room requires a Key Card to enter. There are lockers with keys provided in all dorm rooms ! :)
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May I bring my pet? He is exceptional in every way...Nope. I am sure he is - but you may not. Service animals only - if your dog is required because of a disability and has been trained to perform work or a task for you - it is permitted. If it just provides comfort or emotional support, it does not qualify as a service animal under the ADA. The ADA does not apply to assistance animals, therapy dogs or emotional support animals.
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Do you provide lockers?There are lockers with keys provided in all dorm rooms ! :)
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Do you have a safe place to store my luggage?You may store your luggage in our lobby if you arrive early or have a departure past our check out time. This space isn’t secured, so we do not suggest leaving valuables. We are not responsible for your belongings.
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Is there a minimum / maximum age limit?While you can be too young to stay with us, you must be 18 or older, you CANNOT be too old!
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Do you allow group bookings?Yes! We offer group bookings. You may only book up to 4 beds on the website or a private room. If you are looking to house a larger group for an event or just a weekend of shenanigans with friends, we encourage you to do so. You can book the following large rooms as privates directly on our website: -FISHSIX (sleeps 6) -Enterprise (sleeps up to 8 in 2 full over full bunks) -Professor Booty Private (sleeps 8 in 4 twin bunks) If you are looking to accommodate more people or need multiple large private rooms - Just please contact us directly via phone or email (207-712-7062 / info@blackelephanthostel.com) and we can assist you.
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I'm a Portland local. Can I stay?Of course! Enjoy a great stay with us during your staycation or while you find yourself in between apartments. Please note, the maximum length of stay with us is 7 days in any 60 day period.
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Do you offer breakfast?We don’t provide breakfast, but we do provide AMAZING coffee from local coffee gurus Coffee by Design. We are within stumbling distance of some real gems when it comes to breakfast food, so ask us at the front desk and we’ll point you in the right direction.
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Does the hostel have a kitchen?We do!! Our kitchen is big, fully equipped, clean, and always full of people who are willing and eager to take your first pancake if it turns out a little funny-looking. And feel free to pop up to the Co-Op or another local market and get ingredients to make breakfast in our kitchen. We also have the tools for you to boil a lobster if you feel daring! An excellent space for cooking like you're at home!
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Can you bring alcohol into the hostel?Yes you may. BUT drinks are not allowed in the sleeping areas. Please store your drinks in the fridge and enjoy it in the garden space or common areas only.
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Does the hostel have free Wi-Fi?Yes, we have Wi-Fi throughout the hostel.
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Do you have laundry facilities?Unfortunately, no we don't. But there is a laundromat called Lookin' Good that is one block away!
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Do you have female only dorms?We have two female dorms! They are called Hey Ladies and Fish Six. Please contact the front desk if you need assistance booking a bed in those rooms.
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Do you have private bathrooms?All of Our bathrooms are "private-style" - meaning - if you are in the bathroom, it is all yours! Our bathrooms consist of one toilet, one sink and a shower. We do have private bathrooms assigned to some of our private rooms. Please read the listing description to learn if you have a private bath or shared bath designated to your room.
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Me and my friend want to share a bed, can we book one bed in a shared room?"NO. Guests in shared rooms must buy a single bed for each individual. NO BED SHARING IN DORMITORIES.
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Can I request a bottom bunk bed?Yes you can request a bottom bunk. Please call or email the front desk IN ADVANCE and we can check to see if we can accommodate your request. We cannot accommodate same day requests for lower bunks.
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Is there someone at the front desk 24 hours?Staff will be at the front desk during our lobby business hours - 7:30 to 11AM and 3 to 8 or 9PM depending on the season. However if you have a dire emergency we do have an after hours emergency number and we can try our best to assist you. (If it is a medical emergency please call the proper authorities).
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Can I have packages mailed to the hostel?Yes, but please let us know ahead of time and keep the parcels within reason - nothing huge and heavy. If you expect more than one or two packages, please make arrangements with a local mail hub - we will not be responsible for forwarding your mail to you if you should miss it.
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How do I get to Acadia National Park?Acadia National Park is about 160 miles from Portland. The best way to get there is by car. Typically, entering Acadia National Park into a GPS will route you out of Portland on I-295, which merges 46 miles later with I-95. Continue north to Exit 182A and follow I-395 East a short distance to Exit 6A for US-1A. In Ellsworth, pick up ME-3 East to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. You can take a bus from Portland to Acadia National Park via Bangor, ME, Bangor - Concord Coach, and Acadia Gateway Center in around 4h 52m.
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Where is the best place to get lobster?Here are some of our local favorites: Portland Lobster Co. 180 Commercial Street (9 min walk) High Roller Lobster Co. 104 Exchange Street (8 min walk) DiMillos On The Water 25 Long Wharf (8 min walk) Harbor Fish Market 9 Custom House Warf (7 min walk) Luke's Lobster 60 Portland Pier (10 min walk)
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I work from home. Do you have a space where I can get work done?We do have areas in the hostel where you can do your work. However, those spaces might not necessarily be quiet, as we love community and shared space. If you need a quiet space we suggest going to the co-work space nearby called CloudPort. We are not big fans of zoom calls in our communal or dorm spaces. Please note that we will prioritize dance parties over your productivity - most folks come here to have fun - and they hold the trump card.
Here we are!
33 Hampshire St.
Portland, Maine 04101
Feel free to contact us with any questions about rooms, reservations, or transportation!
Call us: 207-712-7062 | Email Us: info@blackelephanthostel.com
Directions
By bus from the Portland transportation center
Take METRO Route 1 local bus from outside the Portland Transportation Center. At the intersection of Congress Street and Hampshire Street, depart the bus. Take a right on Hampshire Street, our hostel is located 2 blocks ahead on the left at 33 Hampshire St. Please note the bus terminal and train terminal are located together in the same building. Those arriving by Amtrak, as well as those arriving via bus will be able to meet the METRO local buses here. The METRO local bus costs $1.50 per ride (you do not need to pay when transferring between buses, just ask for FREE transfer slip). If you arrive via Amtrak, ask at the Amtrak desk about your FREE one-way METRO bus ticket.
On foot from
the portland
transportation center
Our hostel is 2.4 miles and about a 50 minute walk from the Portland Transportation Center, or 4 miles and a 1.5 hour walk from the Portland International Jetport. We recommend not walking, as traffic and luggage can make your arrival a bit difficult!
By bus from Portland international jetport/airport
**Please note: this route involves 2 different bus routes and you will need to transfer buses halfway through the ride**
Take the METRO Route 5 local bus in the INBOUND direction from outside Portland International Jetport's ground transportation booth. When you board the bus ask for a transfer. Ride Route 5 to the intersection of Congress Street and St. Frederic Street. Depart and wait here for the Route 1 INBOUND: Munjoy Hill Bus. Ride Route 1 local bus to the intersection of Congress Street and Hampshire Street. Was .1 mile to our hostel, which is located on the left at 33 Hampshire Street. (The route is approximately 40 minutes total)
METRO Route 5 also runs to downtown Portland and connects to other METRO routes, Amtrak, South Portland Bus (Maine Mall), and ZOOM (with further connections to Biddefod, Saco, and Old Orchard Beach)
By bus from Brunswick, Yarmouth, Freeport, or Monument Square
Take METRO BREEZ EXPRESS bus in the SOUTHBOUND direction, to the intersection of Congress Street and India Street. (Some bus drivers will allow you to depart at Congress Street and Hampshire Street if you ask in advance, if so turn right on Hampshire and walk 2 blocks to 33 Hampshire). If you depart the bus at Congress and India Street, walk down India Street 2 blocks and turn right on Newbury. We are on the corner of Newbury and Hampshire (our front door is located on Hampshire St.) The METRO EXPRESS bus costs $3 per ride.
By taxi
A taxi from the Portland Transportation Center should cost around $8 and takes about 15 minutes.
A taxi from the Portland International Jetport will cost around $15 and takes about 21 minutes.
By car
From all points outside of Portland: Follow directions to I-295. Take I-295 Exit 7 (U.S. 1 Alternate/Franklin St.). Continue onto Franklin Street and drive approximately .6 miles. Turn Left onto Congress Street. Turn right onto Hampshire Street. The Hostel will be about .1 mile down Hampshire Street, on the left.
Parking
You may not park in the lot behind our building on Newbury Street. YOU WILL BE TOWED.
We are a city hostel with city parking. You can typically find street parking nearby and we offer some spots on Friday and Saturday nights (between the months of April and November).
To reserve a spot please contact us directly. Keep in mind- this is a city! Parking is not guaranteed and city parking laws apply!
See below for additional information on nearby parking garages and lots. Our favorites is the Ocean Gateway lot ( it is too new to be on the map) located at 2 Commercial Street at the base of India St. on the water. This lot costs $15 per day. You can pay through the Parking Passport app or at a kiosk in the lot. - Sadly though, this lot closes for the season on November 15th
During the off and snow season we recommend #18 - The County Courthouse Garage - they charge a max of $18 in a 24 hour period - on snow ban parking days, it is a flat rate of $10
House Rules
Payment & Arrival
The Black Elephant Hostel may pre-authorize your credit card before your arrival. We take payment for your first night's stay at time of booking and payment for the remainder of your stay is due at check-in. We accept credit card payments only. A valid passport, government-issued photo ID or driver's license, as well as a credit card (in the name of the reservation) is required for check-in. The Black Elephant Hostel is a traveler’s hostel. It is meant for those that are passing through or here for a short visit – not for those that find themselves without a home. There are length of stay restrictions. We reserve the right to ask for proof of onward travel. No third party reservations! No outside guests are allowed in the hostel. If you bring someone into a dorm room to share your bed, you will be fined the cost to book the entire dorm room and expelled from the hostel. You must be 18 or older to stay at the hostel.
Lobby Hours & Check-in/Check-out
Front Desk open from 7:30 to 11 AM Check out is at 10:30 and Check-in is between 3 and 9 PM
We offer free luggage storage for our guests.
Please be sure to check your email 24 hours prior to your arrival for helpful information.
We have the right to limit lengths of stay.
**Please let us know if you will be a late arrival ahead of time! We will send out late arrival instructions on the day you are due to arrive. arrive. We strongly discourage late arrivals to dorm rooms, as it is disruptive to other guests in the room. There is a $10 "Lack of Courtesy" fee for those that show up late without informing us ahead of time! **
Cancellations
We have a 48 hour cancellation policy. You must cancel your reservation by 3 PM 48 hours prior to your arrival. You will be charged for one night of your reservation in the event you do not show and the remainder of your reservation will be cancelled. Group cancellations rules are outlined below.
Group Bookings
We do not accept online group bookings of 4 or more people unless you are booking a private room. You must contact the hostel directly if you want to make a booking for a group. Group reservations may be asked for payment in full prior to arrival. In the event of a cancellation less than 14 days before your arrival, we reserve the right to charge 50% of your overall reservation total due to loss of opportunity. Any reservations made for a group without first contacting the hostel may be cancelled without a refund of your deposit.
Service Animals
You must notify the hostel at the time of booking that you will be traveling with a service animal. We do not allow service animals in training, emotional or therapy support animals. We prefer that you book a private room for you and your service dog, as others in a shared space may have issues with dogs. Your service animal must be under your control and with you at all times.
Bicycles
We have a walled garden space with a bike rack. The space is only accessible to guests. You may store your bicycle here. You may not bring your bicycle into the hostel.
Deposits & Fees
We take payment for your first night's stay at time of booking - which will be refunded in the event of cancellation within the 48 hour cancellation policy. If you have made a group booking you must cancel 14 days in advance to receive a refund on your deposit.
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$5 unreturned room key fee, if the room key is not returned upon check out.
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$25 unreturned locker key fee, if the locker key is not returned to the locker at check out.
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$10 wrong bunk fee - $5 failure to strip bed fee
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We have a minimum $50 cleaning fee for spills,vomit etc..
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$10 "Lack of Courtesy" fee for those arriving late without informing us
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Any damage done by a service animal will result in a fine that will cover the cost of repairs.
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We have a late check-out fee of $25 per person.
If you book using a promo code you agree to any changes in fees necessary in accordance with the terms and the conditions as described in the offer.
Discretion
All bookings are subject to availability and Black Elephant Hostel reserves the right to decline any booking at its discretion.
**please note, if you make a reservation and are visibly ill upon arrival - or have a temperature - we will not allow you to stay. We will refund you for your stay and will not be liable to find you alternate accommodations **
Alcohol Consumption
No person under the age of 21 may consume alcohol, and it is illegal to contribute to them. Alcohol is not permitted to be consumed within the dorm rooms, please relocate to the common area. We reserve the right to remove any guest for public intoxication at any time.
Conduct
As a guest of The Black Elephant Hostel you must respect and comply with the requests of our staff and treat hostel property with courtesy. You may not jeopardize the health or safety of our staff or other guests, nor interrupt their enjoyment of the property. We do not allow weapons, drugs, or smoking inside the building and the hostel is not a place for poor conduct such as drunken or aggressive behavior. Failure to comply with these rules will result in dismissal from the hostel property without refund.