Sands Inn Hostel

Sands Inn Hostel Overview

You know what caught me off guard about Sands Inn Hostel? The fact that a 4-star hostel actually delivers on that promise without feeling pretentious about it. I mean, when you hear “4-star hostel,” your first thought is probably “pick a lane,” right? But honestly, they’ve managed to thread that needle pretty well.

The first thing you notice walking in is how they’ve nailed that sweet spot between hostel energy and actual comfort. The common areas have this relaxed vibe where you’ll find solo travelers hunched over laptops next to groups planning their next day’s adventures, but it never feels chaotic. The staff – and I can’t stress this enough – actually seem to enjoy working there, which makes a huge difference when you’re trying to figure out local transport or need restaurant recommendations that aren’t just tourist traps. I watched the front desk guy spend like ten minutes drawing a map for someone, pointing out which streets to avoid during rush hour and where to grab the best coffee along the way.

What really sets this place apart is the attention to details that matter when you’re traveling. The beds (even in the dorms) have proper reading lights and enough outlets that you’re not playing musical chairs with your phone charger. The bathrooms are cleaned multiple times a day – I know because I kept running into the housekeeping staff, and they were always friendly about it, never made you feel like you were in the way. Storage space is actually thoughtful too; you get both a locker and some open shelving, so you’re not living out of a cramped metal box for your entire stay. The common kitchen is well-stocked with basics, and here’s the kicker – the pots and pans are actually in good condition, not those sad, warped things you usually find in hostels that make cooking an exercise in frustration.

The 8.2 rating makes total sense once you’ve been there a few days. It’s not perfect – the walls could be a bit thicker (you’ll hear your neighbors if they’re early risers), and the WiFi gets a little sluggish during peak hours when everyone’s uploading their day’s photos. But those are honestly minor complaints. The location gives you easy access to explore without being right in the middle of the tourist chaos, which I appreciated. You get that authentic neighborhood feel during your morning coffee runs, but you’re not hiking for miles to reach the main attractions. The price point hits that sweet spot too – you’re paying a bit more than your basic backpacker crash pad, but you’re getting noticeably better quality without crossing into boutique hotel territory. If you’re someone who wants the social aspect of hostel life but values your sleep and personal space, this place gets it right.

Sands Inn Hostel Accommodations

Reviews of Sands Inn Hostel

• Anwar from Iraq – 12 March 2025 (9/10)

  The hostel has a good seating area, a small work area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a dining table. The rooms are comfortable, with a charging station on the bed, a small reading light, and a curtain to isolate yourself from others. There's a lockable closet for each person, a private bathroom, and a hairdryer. There's also a swimming pool, table tennis, and a small fitness area (a treadmill, a bodybuilding machine, and various weights). Overall, everything was excellent and good value for the money
  
  What could be improved: No thing

• Ibrahim from United Arab Emirates – 13 February 2025 (9/10)

  Everything especially the perfect organizing of it
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Sajjad_ali from Pakistan – 25 January 2025 (9/10)

  Overall, its a good hostel. Rooms and bathrooms were in good condition. Perfect for solo travellers. Metro station is 5 minutes away. Super markets are also close by.

• Rajeshri from United States – 22 January 2025 (8/10)

  Social vibe was excellent, staff helpful, traditional decorations fabulous, large size of room and convenient location close to grocery store, metro and buses
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Damian from Poland – 20 January 2025 (9/10)

  Very nice hostel in very good location in Riyadh. I’ve seen few comments regarding bad location which in my opinion is not true at all – now with opening of metro is very convenient to get there. Basically 10 minutes walking to metro station and also big supermarket. Hostel is very cozy and is maintain well. Beds are big and you have curtains also you have big locker where you can really pack a lot of your stuff. Of course plugs and lamp are in vicinity of your bed which is very convenient. You have also big common area with also big kitchen, additionally you have swimmingpool which I didn’t use but it’s cool idea to have it. I didn’t need any help but I’ve seen people working there are really nice and helpful with all your questions.
  
  What could be improved: All was good

• Ghulam from Hungary – 20 January 2025 (9/10)

  The host Osama was full of energy in both showing around the hostel which was clean, organized, and had facilties I did not expect (i.e., a pool and gym as well as a noise-isolated "party area" where you could, in Osama's words, "show your salsa moves"). The wifi was pretty good and they offered us tea as well as some sweets (which Osama said were Palestinian sweets).
  The hostel also has some free sight-seeing trip. I would have loved to join them however I was in Riyadh for just a layover so I could not join them but surely the next time I visit Riyadh, I will be staying at this exact hostel again! Worth the price and more!!
  
  What could be improved: Honestly, I do not really have anything that I did not like. It was lovely all the way through. No compaints!

• Mohammed from India – 28 December 2024 (9/10)

  Osama hospitality

• Ramon from United Kingdom – 5 November 2024 (7/10)

  – Amazing staff
  – Very clean
  – there is a Privacy curtain for each bed
  
  What could be improved: – The room door is always open and youre not given any keys or anything to lock the door, so anyone can have access to your room
  – I didnt like the dining area, its just a very small table, and there are always people sat there with their feet out which puts you off your bed
  – The location isnt good at all and also its far to main attractions
  – If youre looking for a social hostel, this is not it

• Hassan from United Arab Emirates – 18 September 2024 (9/10)

  I stayed there for four days and nights; it was the best experience I had for a reasonable price. The rooms were clean with daily housekeeping, and there were separate areas for relaxing, working, and even some games for entertainment. It was also a great spot to meet people from different cultures. Overall, it’s a great place to stay

• Balaji from India – 17 September 2024 (9/10)

  Hygine and clean room and bathroom, common hall environment also nice to spend time in commonplace.
  
  What could be improved: The location is not good, no good lighting facility near the hostel, scarry while you walk alone outside the room.

Surroundings

Facilities