Discover House of Trestles, a vibrant 4.2-star hostel and hotel in San Clemente, CA, offering cozy private rooms and shared kitchens. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and easy access to San Clemente State Beach and local surf spots in a welcoming, pet-friendl
Guests highlight the clean rooms, artful atmosphere, and helpful staff, while noting mixed reviews about cleanliness and dorm-style accommodations.
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Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
House of Trestles, nestled in the heart of San Clemente at 2717 S El Camino Real, offers a vibrant and eclectic lodging experience that perfectly blends comfort with a community-driven atmosphere. With a solid 4.2-star rating, this hostel-hotel hybrid is an appealing choice for travelers seeking a laid-back stay near the surf-friendly beaches of Southern California.
The accommodations vary from cozy private Sky Rooms to spacious Gallery Suites, catering to different travel styles. Guests appreciate the clean living spaces and the welcoming vibe. While some reviews highlight a need for deeper cleaning in certain areas, the overall atmosphere remains inviting, fun, and true to the local surf culture. The spacious Gallery Suites, featuring private kitchens and living areas, offer an excellent option for those wanting a home-away-from-home feel. Meanwhile, the Sky Rooms provide more intimate, yet private quarters, with updated and well-maintained shared bathrooms.
One of the standout qualities of House of Trestles is its community spirit. Staff members like Thomas, Addison, and Jonathan are praised not only for their professionalism but also for their personable and helpful nature, contributing to a warm, inclusive environment. This facilitates a sense of belonging among diverse guests, many of whom share a passion for surfing, music, and local culture.
The property’s amenities enhance its appeal without overwhelming guests. Free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, parking, and pet-friendly policies address practical needs, while smoke-free and kid-friendly environments maintain a comfortable atmosphere. Although the hotel lacks a pool, fitness center, and airport shuttle, its prime location—just an eight-minute walk to San Clemente State Beach and close to public transit—compensates by offering easy access to the outdoors and local attractions.
House of Trestles excels as a hub for travelers who value authenticity, community, and proximity to nature over luxury. Its alignment with the coastal lifestyle and emphasis on shared experience make it more than just a place to stay—it’s a place to connect, unwind, and embrace the Southern California surf scene. For surfers, adventurers, and culture seekers visiting San Clemente, House of Trestles stands out as a memorable and worthwhile destination.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
I think the advertised photos are whats tripping people up on their reviews, they should show actual photos. Youre not getting a curtain bed but its a bunk. I came in with pretty low expectations but I found the place pretty adequate given the price. Could use a good deep clean but I thought the atmosphere was fun and the location is great. In response to people upset about a staff member staying there???? Thats how a lot of hostels work...its called "work for stay"
Our bunk (Sky Room #Y) was super clean, had a very cool vibe, felt cozy (heater worked great for Cali winter)and safe and was perfect for our quick trip in for some surf. House of Trestles is a super eclectic hostel/hotel with a clean shared kitchen and living spaces. The Sky Rooms are totally private other than sharing 2 very closely located bathrooms. The restrooms were updated and kept pretty clean. My favorite part of our stay was the artwork throughout, our cute, and very clean room and comfy bed and the free community breakfast and delicious coffee. Thanks HOT. We will be back.
My boyfriend and I stayed in the Gallery Suite at House Of Trestles, and we liked it so much that we ended up staying an extra night! Thomas was on staff while we were there, and he was really friendly and helpful with renting us a wet suit and boards. The Gallery Suite was clean & roomy, and we had our own kitchen, living room area, and bathroom in there. It was awesome.... it felt like being in a really cool apartment! It doesn't matter if you are a surfer or not, honestly. If you like surf culture, the beach, and cool art, then House Of Trestles is a great place for you. Everyone at House Of Trestles was respectful of everyone else and their space & belongings. It was a great experience, and San Clemente is a beautiful town! Highly recommend! :-)
From before my stay here, everyone was super chilled and professional. When I arrived in San Clemente, Addison came to pick me up from the train station, Jonathan was awesome, a fellow punk rock fan, Jonathan showed me around, gave me all the information I needed for a comfortable stay. Everyone there from all over the world was super friendly and welcoming, from the minute I arrived I felt like I was part of a family vibe. The bed was perfectly set up, not small, storage locker was bigger than any other hostel I've ever stayed at. Bathrooms were clean. Overall so far my stay here has been super chill and comfortable. I definitely recommend that you stay here, very close to the beach. The best part of the place is the artwork inside and outside. Thanks guys for an awesome stay. I would actually live here. If you skate, they have a small full pike inside.
An 8-minute walk from San Clemente State Beach, this laid-back hostel is 2 miles from San Clemente Pier and 2 minutes' walk from the El Camino Real-Avd San Luis Rey bus stop.
Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in California. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.
184 reviews San Clemente, CA 92672, United States
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