Zostel Srinagar

Definitely worth staying when in Pahalgam. Warmest hosts! Lovely views!

Couple • India • Sep 2026

Nice clean room, safe moto parking and great team running the Zostel. Thanks guys.

Solo Traveller • Australia • Aug 2026

Good place to stay for day or two. Near to nishat garden and can get shared taxi just outside the valley. Bed sheets and blankets were not so clean .

Solo Traveller • India • Aug 2026

The biggest problem with this hostel wasn't the building—it was the attitude and professionalism of the management.I asked the front desk how often the dorms were cleaned and was told they were cleaned every day. Since I had been in the room all day, I politely explained that nobody had cleaned it that day. Instead of checking, the manager immediately argued with me, insisting I was wrong and repeatedly telling me the room had already been cleaned.A short time later, four staff members came to clean the room and apologized, explaining that they had cleaned it the previous day but had forgotten to clean it that day. I had been right all along. When I pointed this out to the manager, instead of apologizing, he sarcastically replied, "Yes, you're right," and walked away.Later that day I reported cigarette smoke coming from the staff area behind the female dorm because I am allergic to cigarette smoke. Instead of responding professionally, the manager entered the female dorm in an agitated manner and insisted that nobody had been smoking. Another guest confirmed she could smell the smoke as well, yet he continued arguing instead of apologizing or investigating calmly. He even reviewed the security camera footage and came back to show me videos in an attempt to prove I was wrong.What upset me the most was that I constantly felt I had to defend myself instead of simply being listened to. Every concern became an argument rather than an opportunity to solve a problem.Later that evening, one of my roommates, who speaks the local language, translated comments made by the front desk staff after I returned to the hostel. According to her, they were saying things like, "She's back again," and wondering when I was finally going to leave. Whether they expected me to understand or not, speaking about a guest in that way is incredibly disrespectful and unprofessional.I have traveled extensively and stayed in many hostels, and I can honestly say this was one of the poorest examples of customer service I have experienced. Hospitality begins with listening to guests, treating them with respect, and taking responsibility when mistakes are made. Unfortunately, that was completely missing here.I have stayed in hostels across several countries during my travels in Asia, and I understand that not every property is luxurious. However, cleanliness, honesty, privacy, and respectful customer service are basic expectations anywhere in the world. Unfortunately, this hostel failed in all four.

Solo Traveller • Ecuador • Jul 2026

As a solo female traveler, I cannot recommend this hostel.One morning, a staff member opened the female dorm without knocking or announcing themselves. This should never happen. Guests may be sleeping or changing clothes, and the bed curtains don't even close completely, making privacy even more important.Another ongoing problem was cigarette smoke coming into the female dorm from the staff area behind the building. I have a cigarette smoke allergy, and it caused me headaches throughout my stay. Despite reporting this more than once, I was repeatedly told that there was no smoke.At one point, another woman staying in the room confirmed that she had also noticed the cigarette smoke since the day I arrived, as well as staff entering the female dorm without knocking. It was frustrating that my concerns seemed to be taken seriously only after another guest confirmed them.Throughout my stay there was also a constant flow of men moving around the property, which made me feel less comfortable than I expected. Combined with the lack of privacy and the staff's handling of complaints, I never felt the level of security that a solo female traveler should expect.If you are traveling alone, especially as a woman, I strongly recommend looking at other accommodation options before booking this hostel.I have stayed in hostels across several countries during my travels in Asia, and I understand that not every property is luxurious. However, cleanliness, honesty, privacy, and respectful customer service are basic expectations anywhere in the world. Unfortunately, this hostel failed in all four.

Solo Traveller • Ecuador • Jul 2026