Bridge Street Inn

We enjoyed our stay here as we were driving cross country. The inn is clean, cozy, and full of charm. The community kitchen was great with lots of counter space and all the items we needed to make our dinner. So nice to have a place to cook instead of eating on the road! The in is full of charming details and walks the walk for trying to thrive sustainably with the environment! Great staff, very helpful and quick to call me back to help when I was having trouble booking our room online. Thanks! Hope we can make it back to Cambria. The town looks like a great place to walk, explore, shop… and with lots of restaurants to try.

I’m pretty much past my hostel days, but we wanted to visit Hearst Castle and this was by far the cheapest accommodation option in the area (even budget motels in Cambria are expensive, let alone $an $imeon). If you’re prepared for the hostel experience and saving money is more important to you than creature comforts, this is a budget-​friendly basic option.
There are a handful of very small private rooms and a shared dorm room to choose from. Most rooms don’t have a private bathroom, but there are three shared bathrooms throughout the house. The downstairs includes a common room with books, couches, and games (but no TV) and a common kitchen where you can store food and prepare meals. A complimentary breakfast of oatmeal, tea and coffee was included, but we didn’t have it. WiFi was free and worked well, especially downstairs.
We stayed in room 1, located upstairs with a queen-​size bed. There is no private bathroom, just two shared bathrooms on this floor (one with a shower and one with just a sink and toilet). The room has a slanted ceiling and is barely bigger than the bed — you have to edge around it on the sides — and a built-​in bench with small storage cupboard is the only other furniture. There are only a couple of oddly placed outlets, so devices have to sit on the floor against the wall to recharge. We were there in December, so it was quite cold in the room and we had to fire up the space heater that was provided.
The bathrooms were clean, although the toilet paper was thin and low-​quality. The biggest inconvenience was the shower situation. Other reviewers mentioned being offered a hand towel, but we didn’t receive any (and there were no towels in the room). Since we were staying in regular hotels for the rest of our trip, we hadn’t thought to bring bath towels, so we couldn’t shower in the morning. At that point, we decided to just skip it and shower at our next hotel. But if you want to bathe, you should be prepared to bring your own towels. (In fairness, we didn’t ask whether bath towels were available for rental, because we just wanted to get on the road.)
Like many hostels, this place is closed from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm, so you don’t have in-​and-​out privileges during the day. Honestly, with the rooms being so small and no TVs, there’s not that much reason to hang out during the day anyway. We came down to the common room in the evening and a few staff were there, but they were having their own meeting and didn’t really make conversation with the guests who came in to socialize. Of course it’s hard to generalize from just one night, but if you’re expecting the social atmosphere and activities that some hostels offer, you might not get that here. However, the staff was pleasant and helpful during our interactions with them.
It’s a hostel, guys… you get what you pay for. Or rather, you don’t get what you don’t pay for. For one-​night accommodation conveniently close to Hearst Castle, this worked for us, but it’s not for everyone.

Most hostels are clean and well run given my experience particularly the ones belong to the international HI network. However, this September I went to stay at Bridge Street Hostel, it was so bad and harsh treatment to the customer. I booked a private room paying close to the regular local motel rate since I want some privacy not the shared dorm. When I arrived, I was placed on the first floor with a tiny, tiny room like a shoe box.
There is NO single chair in the room and they only provide a small hand towel.
On top of this, people including the property owner talking, drinking and eating outside my room loud and inconsiderate given that my room just next to the dining area and thin wall. The next morning when I prepared my breakfast in the kitchen area and the alarm ringing, a female get into my room trying to turn off while I was telling her, I will do it soon and the kitchen and my room is very close. When I asked for the traveling information, they did not have any. There are two women manage this place, an older and a younger one. Every time I asked the question of the direction on driving, the younger female was ignorant and constantly interrupting during the conversation. It was rude and totally unprofessional. Though they claim they are hostel, but the charge on my room is inflated and the attitude cold and harsh which is unbelievable among the hostels. They are no longer member of international HI and they said because it is bureaucratic. Perhaps given their service, they no longer be able to meet the standard.
Overall, price high and poor service. Go somewhere else, there will be much better choice than this one. Later I have learned they are trying to sell this inn, but still this is no excuse to provide the poor service with high fee, don’t worth it!

I’ve been to hundreds of hostels and dozens of B&Bs. This is one if the best. We need a few more of these up the coast.

I’ve been to bridge street three times now and needless to say, I love it! The staff, Brandon and Jan are awesome people. The place is clean, cosy, and always full of interesting people to chat with. I tend to make cambria my base whenever I want to visit big sur. Since I’m traveling from San Diego, I can make trip up there in 5 hours which is totally doable in a day.

As my BFF would put it… it is a 5 STAR Hostile! My husband told me it was a B&B or shamefully I may not have stayed… booked room #5 with a full size bed… you get 2 great windows, night stand and table/​chair with a full size mirror. Everything else is communal. If you don’t like that or are a germaphobe in anyway do not come (NO WHINY BABIES ALLOWED!) Todd, Mary and Brandon were great! Walking distance to everything. Really cool people all over. Full kitchen and BBQ area for you to use if you are traveling and/​or camping and have your own food. Indoor and outdoor areas to chill. Sheets and bedding were clean and soft (bring your own towels). Have the free coffee and oatmeal in the morning and then get excited that it only cost you what it did. If you love camping, B&B’s and communal gathering have fun! Best night sleep I had in a LONG time! Very QUIET after quiet hours. We will be back and will recommend to people of all ages and genres.

This place is so adorable, great people running it and the location is perfect… I loved it :)

This is a hidden gem along the coast in a not-​to-​be-​missed little town. It is the only hostel anywhere close to Big Sur and Monterey so it’s great to be within driving distance of those places and save money on lodging. Aside from the hostel prices, and the charming and eclectic town (i.e. there is a good variety of restaurants, more than I would have expected), the hostel staff is warm and accommodating. Brandon, Jan, and the other rotating staff have been nothing but kind and helpful the two times I’ve stayed here. Questions about things to do, places to see, and such were welcomed and answered helpfully. Potluck nights and commiserating is encouraged.
It is both clean and cozy. I’ve stayed upstairs and in the 1^st room downstairs by the entrance, and both times it was quiet and relaxed. There are ample blankets provided and the lidsinks are a nice touch for the environment. The kitchen provides oatmeal for breakfast and coffee. They allow use of the kitchen, pots, pans, and utensils if you want to prepare your own meals. There are three bathrooms, one full and one half upstairs, and a half downstairs. Free parking. Free wi-​fi.
I would love to come here at least once a year and truly hope that it continues to stay open because it is the only affordable lodging within a reasonable distance to so many greats sights. Moonstone Beach is beautiful, antique shops are great, Big Sur is about a two hour drive, and just the drive up the coast is absolutely breathtaking.
Big fan.

This hostel is a little smaller than the other ones I’ve stayed at. It seems to be a house converted. It’s right next to a church. Got in late (9:15pm) so it was hard to see. Had to drive up and down the street a little bit. Didn’t spend much time here, as just slept and then left early the following day so it was fine for my needs. Had the room right next to the door, #4 which has 2 bunk beds. I used the bed right next to the window so i enjoyed a little breeze. The kitchen is a little small. Didn’t prep any meals here.
Despite wearing earplugs, when ppl move about it’s quite noisy. Some latecomers in the next room came in late (probably after 10pm) and took them at least an hour talking and settling in. The noises were pretty noticed. Ppl upstairs also walking about late at night so it was creeky. Perhaps a courtesy note posted around the hostel reminding others to be mindful would be very appreciated for those staying downstairs.

Our hosts were Jan/​Brenda. Jan did everything to make our stay great. She made sure my 75 year old dad got the bottom bunk as requested, and she helped us find a restaurant (there are 10 in walking distance).
The house is very hostel-like…multitudes of friendly foreigners… art and history on the walls… community room with books and games… community kitchen…
We paid 70 $ less than the lowest motel for a 45 mile radius, got way more in hospitality and amenities then we would have gotten at a motel…
I would stay again… I would recommend wholeheartedly. .
Its more than just a place for the night.
Ps: Bring your towel, Arthur.

I booked the entire hostel for a party of 8 for my 30^th and it was perfect! The house is perfectly close to some delightful restaurants and shopping, and perfectly sized for staying in and cooking (which we did a lot of). It’s a funky house with a great vibe in a quiet beach town and some cool environmentally friendly features whether you’re into that thing or not.
It’s also in perfect proximity to Hearst Castle and the elephant seals for some day time excursion fun!

So my friend and I booked this place to stay when we visited Hearst Castle. Upon arrival, it is a very cute place from the outside. The owner is very nice and very accommodating.
Some stuff I didn’t really like:
* The stuffy room — by the second night, i had to go to another hotel. For a super cold night, i had to turn on the fan. It is not recommended for anyone that has asthma
* the lock out hours — we had to leave the hostel by 10am and could not return until 5pm. It was very inconvenient for any patrons that would like to rest in between activities during their vacation.
* wifi was not connecting in the room I was in
There isn’t really much to say about this place but I probably won’t be returning.

The exterior of this place has a cottage-​like charm to it with its white picket fence, shutters and floral garden. It’s super cute. You almost expect Mary Poppins to come prancing to the front door offering you a spot of tea.
Instead, what awaits you when you walk through the door is a cold front and an indifferent «whatever» attitude. I was totally enamored when I pulled into town — Cambria is adorable — and to be honest, the staff was a bit of a killjoy for the short time I spent there. Not quite what I expected while roadtripping up the central coast and being charmed by this seaside village.
They do offer a simple breakfast and the beds are ok. Parking is aplenty and the price is probably the best you’ll find in town.
The highlight of this place might be the lidsink toilets. I don’t know why, but I find lidsinks fascinating.
Anyway, the place is fine, I just would’ve appreciated a warmer human experience as I’ve had in other hostels around the world.

We spent only one night at the hostel.
That was cozy, clean and the staff was really friendly.
Thanks again.

Nice, small and clean hostel for a reasonable price.
We only made the mistake to book it for two nights. It is closed between 11 am and 5 pm and that means you can not get in at all. They have a Hostel Policy and then hold on to it very strictly. Even a coffee after dinner was not possible because the coffee was only available in the morning.
Never the less I think it is good place to stay there for one night. Arrive late and get up on your way early. Definitely I do not recommend to stay longer then one night.

Bottom Line at the Top — Why stay anywhere else on the central California coast. (unless you really need that private bathroom)
This place would be great for anyone looking for a quick weekend getaway from LA or SF. All the other multi star reviews say it all. Quirky bed and breakfast feel in a small out of the way town.
For myself it was a leisure trip and a nice overnight stay in the 4 bed «dorm» room. While lucking out at having it all to myself, the wide beds and tall room would have made sharing easy.
Just remember its a small place 5 rooms, one with 4 dorm beds and the private rooms sell out fast in the summer months.

Huzzah for lid sinks! This place is amazing. Even though I checked in last minute, just after the front desk was meant to close, I found the staff to be very friendly and accommodating. The environment is cozy and kitschy, and the beds were comfortable. The common spaces encourage leisure activities; make a cup of tea, curl up with a book, and chat with the long distance biker who just got into town. The oatmeal breakfast is simple, yet wonderful.
Located at the heart of Cambria, near Big Sur and Hearst Castle, there’s plenty to explore. I would highly recommend checking into this quaint place for a few nights. It will charm you!

My 8-​year-​old daughter and I stayed here for two nights and had a wonderful experience. When we called, a full bed was suggested for the two of us. Once we arrived, we realized we’d be better served with a larger room and we were quickly and cheerfully accommodated to room 3.
The room was very cozy and there was plenty of room for the two of us. This room would be perfect for a family of 3 as well.
All of the caretakers were lovely, particularly Jan. We chatted over breakfast and she gave us some ideas for our time in Cambria. Breakfast is a yummy DIY organic oats with toast. A perfect way to start the day.
Energy conservation is serious business here! The lidsinks were a source of endless fascination by my daughter (and me too) and I even found a YouTube video produced by the hostel on how to make your own. Proof that sometimes the simplest ideas really are the best. The only drawback to this dedication came from the reality of winter. We visited in February so the room was quite chilly in the morning when we woke up. A few minutes of running the space heater did the trick!
This is an old house with all the charm that comes with it. As such, be prepared to hear the goings-​on throughout the house. I rather enjoyed reading in bed and listening to a talented intern of the hostel play guitar downstairs.
The most important thing is that quiet hours are very much adhered to!
I would most definitely stay here again. Thank you for the wonderful visit!

You will not find a more welcoming and warm place to stay. I wanted to go on a adventure so I looked up Hostels in the Central California area, I came upon this one and loved the pictures of the rooms and the location so close to horseback riding and Hearst Castle. I love that they are environmental conscious and have a really awesome sustainable system set up. Their morning breakfast is great, and their book library is really awesome and they have free wifi!
This is my new favorite place and I will come here often when ever I need to get away and find some peace and relaxation :)
You are going to love love love staying here.

I arrived mid-​afternoon and was warmly greeted by the host Brandon. The drive down was absolutely breathtaking, and when I saw the Bridge Street Inn my heart skipped a beat. It looked so welcoming, and is situated in a quiet neighborhood with pretty flowers lining the sidewalk and entrance.
Brandon showed me around the hostel and answered all my questions, even helping me with my bags, which is a lot better treatment than you’d get at a run-​of-​the-​mill hotel.
I stayed overnight in room #3, an incredibly regal room with a comfortable queen-​sized bed (I HIGHLY recommend this room if you’re traveling as a couple or three-​some) and slept very well.
The hostel is situated right in a little shopping area and has great cafes, restaurants, galleries and etc. There’s loads of touring information and everyone’s knowledgeable and friendly. This is possibly the most down-​to-​earth place along the coast of California I know.
But back to the hostel — the facilities are spotless & well kept; the house is old but beautiful and lends itself a homey feel. They promote genuine & unique sustainable practices (ask about the lid toilets!) which I really love.
In short, at the Bridge Street Inn you’ll meet amazing people, get a great night’s sleep for a good price, and get the convenience of having so many sights to see and activities to take part in nearby. ^.^