I stayed in the downstairs studio with kitchen + assigned parking spot. Awesome location and fun theme, will definitely stay here again.
Condrah Holoman
The owner of this place is awesome, he has the best prices in town. Beers on tap and the black raspberry ice cream is top tier. Thanks for an amazing experience at the hostel.
David LaMarca
Clean, comfortable, eclectic place to stay. Really close to everything Truckee, CA has to offer, including the Cornerstone Bakery, Dark Horse Coffee, and all the great shops and restaurants, all walking distance.
Brian F.
CJ is the man! Give this amazing dude a raise. Saved my a** and was soooo nice in the process. Good look Red Light. Legends!!!!
john collins
Remember , this is a hostel. Basically a bed at the end of the day. The woman who was on duty was friendly and attentive. The room was clean and well kept as was the bathroom. I stayed In a dorm and had plenty of room to store my gear. I did not notice any road noise and very little from the near by rail line. Granted I didn't sleep very well, but it's a dorm, and I did not use the white noise, ear plugs may help, 5 other people in the room. Keep in mind that the tahoe basin is a world destination and the price is definitely a value. Good beer. Pizza is OK but hey, for 20 bucks it works. Always interesting folks at the bar.
B Money
Just knowing how they clean and run things ? if u knew you'd feel dirty. Find a campsite or a hostelsinternational brand or the west lake hostel.
Ron S.
Here is an account of a disappointing situation that I had one week ago at the Redlight in Truckee CA. Prior to 2-day ski trip to Lake Tahoe I booked a private room at the Redlight in Truckee (10101 West River St). Upon arrival my booking was confirmed then I was asked to show my driver's license. This was unnecessary since I previously booked online and payment using my credit card was confirmed. Nevertheless, I understand the desire to verify identity so I showed my license to the person who was checking me in (Mike or Michael I believe is his name). He then asked for my driver's license so he could take a photo of it and store on a notebook computer he was using sitting on top of the bar. I objected and refused to allow my driver's license to be photographed and stored in an insecure manner. I explained that doing so is a personal security risk; identity theft in particular. I clarified for him that the personally identifiable information (PII as it is called) on a driver's license comprises several key pieces of information that criminals use either to resell on the black market or to commit identity theft themselves. I encouraged him to be vigilant in this manner because identity theft is both prevalent and a long painful process to resolve (look at this or do your own research - He did not seem to grasp the importance of this. He then said "the manager will have to address your request to not have your driver's license photographed and stored. Let me next point out that this person, the manager on duty, and the owner were all naive and lacked personal and business maturity, especially the former two. The photographed driver's licenses were not encrypted, but instead stored in-the-clear which means anyone could see them. The computer they used is a notebook computer that (when I was there) was sitting on top of a counter near the front door. What I did not ask and do not know is if the photos are transferred to any other devices. There are many ways the cache of driver's licenses could be compromised - viewed by unauthorized people and stolen including easily stealing the notebook PC (even though it might have been secured by a Kensington-type leash, that is easily defeated, even by a snatch-and-run). It is also common (very common) for criminals to bribe workers to either gain access to PII or have it exfiltrated ... Imagine a person living paycheck to paycheck earning minimum wage being offered a cash bribe (it happens all the time; do your own research). In addition to the risks posed upon me (the cardholder) the practice of copying and storing a driver's license and any other PII is illegal and it is also explicitly forbidden by credit card processing organizations and organizations that provide merchant services (i.e., accepting payment by credit card). The manager-on-duty also declined to accommodate my request for security, deferring to someone named Zack (sp?), who presumably is the owner of the Redlight. Not only did he decline, he vehemently expressed annoyance and disdain for receiving a phone call from his manager-on-duty on his dayoff to address the matter. His tone was horrible for a customer to hear. While the manager-on-duty and Zack were discussing the matter I was asking the attendant (Mike/Michael) about the facility and being able to see their dog-friendly rooms so that I may stay there on future trips. Which is to say that my intent was to become a regular recurring customer. In the end, my request was denied. I was then insulted and denigrated by being referred to "as a problem," at which point the manager-on-duty said "so that you do not present additional problems I am going to issue a full refund" which she did on the spot. At that point I left. To be clear: - their request is a risk to their guests - their policy violates at least CA state law and credit card policies - they are rude and provided (at least to me) horrible service I of course would never consider lodging at this facility again. I recommend the same for everyone
amir jalil
Nice and cozy hostel in downtown truckee. They have a few restaurants nearby and there is paid parking across the street until 6pm and then it is free afterwards. I stayed there overnight to go snowboarding at northstar. No issues on my end I would stay there again
BRENDAN TREACY
Absolutely horrible, didnt even have the chance to stay, all roads into town were closed all friends in nearby area were snowed in, we try to refund or reschedule our stay and they try charging me 1300 purely for the cancellation because they say I cannot refund or reschedule. Absolutely no help and honestly shocked by the experience. If this was known I would’ve never chosen to stay with them
Jason Ruderman
I have stayed in hostels across the United States. I led bicycle trips for the American Youth Hostels in CA, MA, PA and even France! I love hostels, and this hostel is pretty awesome, and in a very special place, downtown Truckee.There are a few issues though. It's not that warm in the winter, and the air coming into the bunk room is actually chilly. And the front staff does not have control of the thermostat!There is a great "movie room" downstairs with lots of movies, which would be an especially great thing for the winter when the nights are longer, but it is closed off to guests now.There are locking areas above the sleeping areas in the bunk room which is great, but both of my visits there has been an issue getting them to work.
My friend was not "vaping a pen." He had a pen in his mouth (an ACTUAL pen) because he was writing your tip and thinking about the amount. It was actually very clearly a pen. I suspect you said that because he's Mexican and for some reason this establishment doesn't hire folks that see other races as their equal. Disgusting.
J Cash
Good place to rent a room or bunk for cheap. Shared bathrooms and kitchen were clean, decor entertaining, quiet hours observed. This is an old building and the walls are thin and rooms small. Having a kitchen to prepare your own meals helps as most the restaurants in town add up quick. Also there's a sauna upstairs.
Max Patterson
Good digs in truckee for the vagabond. Clean, cozy, close to food.
Mary Kate Supplitt
I’m quite confident that anyone who complains about this place doesn’t understand what a hostel is, or has never stayed in one. The place clearly advertises it’s a hostel or”bunk style hotel” for those who that doesn’t register. This is the nicest hostel I’ve ever stayed in and I’ve stayed in my fair share of European and Asian hostels. It’s a little on the pricey end but for American prices this is amazing. I’ve paid more for a motel 6 that didn’t provide me a foam mattress and a sound machine. Yes some amenities are shared but that’s because it’s a HOSTEL. I would absolutely recommend. Staff is lovely. Location is divine. Details are too notch. Bed is comfortable. Privacy for a hostel is well above average. I’m so happy to know these place exist in the us for budget travelers who cant afford the $250 Hampton inn aka the next sharpest option.
N R
Just passing through, but was very lucky to find this place. Truckee is really cool, and this place was perfect. Really clean, the bed was really comfortable.
I stayed in the downstairs studio with kitchen + assigned parking spot. Awesome location and fun theme, will definitely stay here again.
The owner of this place is awesome, he has the best prices in town. Beers on tap and the black raspberry ice cream is top tier. Thanks for an amazing experience at the hostel.
Clean, comfortable, eclectic place to stay. Really close to everything Truckee, CA has to offer, including the Cornerstone Bakery, Dark Horse Coffee, and all the great shops and restaurants, all walking distance.
CJ is the man! Give this amazing dude a raise. Saved my a** and was soooo nice in the process. Good look Red Light. Legends!!!!
Remember , this is a hostel. Basically a bed at the end of the day. The woman who was on duty was friendly and attentive. The room was clean and well kept as was the bathroom. I stayed In a dorm and had plenty of room to store my gear. I did not notice any road noise and very little from the near by rail line. Granted I didn't sleep very well, but it's a dorm, and I did not use the white noise, ear plugs may help, 5 other people in the room. Keep in mind that the tahoe basin is a world destination and the price is definitely a value. Good beer. Pizza is OK but hey, for 20 bucks it works. Always interesting folks at the bar.
Just knowing how they clean and run things ? if u knew you'd feel dirty. Find a campsite or a hostelsinternational brand or the west lake hostel.
Here is an account of a disappointing situation that I had one week ago at the Redlight in Truckee CA. Prior to 2-day ski trip to Lake Tahoe I booked a private room at the Redlight in Truckee (10101 West River St). Upon arrival my booking was confirmed then I was asked to show my driver's license. This was unnecessary since I previously booked online and payment using my credit card was confirmed. Nevertheless, I understand the desire to verify identity so I showed my license to the person who was checking me in (Mike or Michael I believe is his name). He then asked for my driver's license so he could take a photo of it and store on a notebook computer he was using sitting on top of the bar. I objected and refused to allow my driver's license to be photographed and stored in an insecure manner. I explained that doing so is a personal security risk; identity theft in particular. I clarified for him that the personally identifiable information (PII as it is called) on a driver's license comprises several key pieces of information that criminals use either to resell on the black market or to commit identity theft themselves. I encouraged him to be vigilant in this manner because identity theft is both prevalent and a long painful process to resolve (look at this or do your own research - He did not seem to grasp the importance of this. He then said "the manager will have to address your request to not have your driver's license photographed and stored. Let me next point out that this person, the manager on duty, and the owner were all naive and lacked personal and business maturity, especially the former two. The photographed driver's licenses were not encrypted, but instead stored in-the-clear which means anyone could see them. The computer they used is a notebook computer that (when I was there) was sitting on top of a counter near the front door. What I did not ask and do not know is if the photos are transferred to any other devices. There are many ways the cache of driver's licenses could be compromised - viewed by unauthorized people and stolen including easily stealing the notebook PC (even though it might have been secured by a Kensington-type leash, that is easily defeated, even by a snatch-and-run). It is also common (very common) for criminals to bribe workers to either gain access to PII or have it exfiltrated ... Imagine a person living paycheck to paycheck earning minimum wage being offered a cash bribe (it happens all the time; do your own research). In addition to the risks posed upon me (the cardholder) the practice of copying and storing a driver's license and any other PII is illegal and it is also explicitly forbidden by credit card processing organizations and organizations that provide merchant services (i.e., accepting payment by credit card). The manager-on-duty also declined to accommodate my request for security, deferring to someone named Zack (sp?), who presumably is the owner of the Redlight. Not only did he decline, he vehemently expressed annoyance and disdain for receiving a phone call from his manager-on-duty on his dayoff to address the matter. His tone was horrible for a customer to hear. While the manager-on-duty and Zack were discussing the matter I was asking the attendant (Mike/Michael) about the facility and being able to see their dog-friendly rooms so that I may stay there on future trips. Which is to say that my intent was to become a regular recurring customer. In the end, my request was denied. I was then insulted and denigrated by being referred to "as a problem," at which point the manager-on-duty said "so that you do not present additional problems I am going to issue a full refund" which she did on the spot. At that point I left. To be clear: - their request is a risk to their guests - their policy violates at least CA state law and credit card policies - they are rude and provided (at least to me) horrible service I of course would never consider lodging at this facility again. I recommend the same for everyone
Nice and cozy hostel in downtown truckee. They have a few restaurants nearby and there is paid parking across the street until 6pm and then it is free afterwards. I stayed there overnight to go snowboarding at northstar. No issues on my end I would stay there again
Absolutely horrible, didnt even have the chance to stay, all roads into town were closed all friends in nearby area were snowed in, we try to refund or reschedule our stay and they try charging me 1300 purely for the cancellation because they say I cannot refund or reschedule. Absolutely no help and honestly shocked by the experience. If this was known I would’ve never chosen to stay with them
I have stayed in hostels across the United States. I led bicycle trips for the American Youth Hostels in CA, MA, PA and even France! I love hostels, and this hostel is pretty awesome, and in a very special place, downtown Truckee.There are a few issues though. It's not that warm in the winter, and the air coming into the bunk room is actually chilly. And the front staff does not have control of the thermostat!There is a great "movie room" downstairs with lots of movies, which would be an especially great thing for the winter when the nights are longer, but it is closed off to guests now.There are locking areas above the sleeping areas in the bunk room which is great, but both of my visits there has been an issue getting them to work.
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My friend was not "vaping a pen." He had a pen in his mouth (an ACTUAL pen) because he was writing your tip and thinking about the amount. It was actually very clearly a pen. I suspect you said that because he's Mexican and for some reason this establishment doesn't hire folks that see other races as their equal. Disgusting.
Good place to rent a room or bunk for cheap. Shared bathrooms and kitchen were clean, decor entertaining, quiet hours observed. This is an old building and the walls are thin and rooms small. Having a kitchen to prepare your own meals helps as most the restaurants in town add up quick. Also there's a sauna upstairs.
Good digs in truckee for the vagabond. Clean, cozy, close to food.
I’m quite confident that anyone who complains about this place doesn’t understand what a hostel is, or has never stayed in one. The place clearly advertises it’s a hostel or”bunk style hotel” for those who that doesn’t register. This is the nicest hostel I’ve ever stayed in and I’ve stayed in my fair share of European and Asian hostels. It’s a little on the pricey end but for American prices this is amazing. I’ve paid more for a motel 6 that didn’t provide me a foam mattress and a sound machine. Yes some amenities are shared but that’s because it’s a HOSTEL. I would absolutely recommend. Staff is lovely. Location is divine. Details are too notch. Bed is comfortable. Privacy for a hostel is well above average. I’m so happy to know these place exist in the us for budget travelers who cant afford the $250 Hampton inn aka the next sharpest option.
Just passing through, but was very lucky to find this place. Truckee is really cool, and this place was perfect. Really clean, the bed was really comfortable.