Azores Youth Hostel on Santa Maria is a great place to stay on the island! I have no idea why this place has some bad reviews. Everything was perfect for me. I stayed in a 4-beds dormitory. Hostel is very clean. The breakfast is included in the price, it's simple but ok (well... the coffee is not good). The receptionist is very polite and helpful. My flight to Santa Maria was delayed - I called the hostel and without any problem they agreed for a very late check-in in the middle of the night (2am). If you are looking for a not expensive place to stay on Santa Maria - this place is for you.

Coffee for the breakfest could be better.

Me and my partner had a twin room, which was spacious with air conditioning (although we only used this once, since we usually slept with the balcony door open at night). The beds were somewhat hard, and as a pregnant woman, it was a little rough. But all over the Azores, the beds, even in expensive hotels, weren't good. The showers were amazing and warm (the shared ones we got to use) with great pressure! There was a simple breakfast included, which was enough to fill the belly if need be. The location was perfect 6-8 min from the airport and dmabout 10 min walk directly into the heart of Vila do Porto.

I had written about an early check-in since our flight was changed to a 6 30 am flight but NEVER got an answer to this day. The bathrooms were dirty for the first 2 days, and the reception was basically never attended to. But the girls apologized later on and said they were understaffed. During the last 3 days of our stay, when the reception was attended to and the bathrooms cleaned, it made a huge difference. The pool isn't working at the moment and probably won't be for a while.

A great position as a starting point in order to explore the island, Ocean /fort view, next to the hiking trails, a short walk to the marine, supermarket, bus stop. Swimming pool with a lovely view, friendly, very helpful & professional staff, included breakfast.

There could be more power outlets (when more then 2ppl in the dorm it gets a bit restrictive), the courtesy lights at the bunk beds are too strong, white light in direction of your face :( but fortunately there is a lamp with a dimmer on the desk. The washrooms and toilet area could be cleaned more often.

The hostel is located in the biggest city on the island very close to the airport as well as all the necessary shops and a big parking lot just in front. The staff is very friendly, facilities are quite simple, but for the price it is a good deal, especially with the breakfast included.

The breakfast didnt have any vegetables and the equipment of rooms/bathrooms are a bit old, but considering the price it was a very good deal

We have been staying here for short breaks over the past 5 years and know the island well. Great setting with fantastic views. Delightful, helpful staff. On bus route. Easy walk to supermarkets, bars etc… Interesting building, beautifully renovated with comfortable, practical decor and lovely spaces to chill. Everything works and the breakfast is plain and simple but good. We are always out of season so have never used the outdoor pool but it always looks like a great bonus. Highly recommended for a no frills, affordable stay where there are twin rooms with private bathrooms if preferred. We are booked again in February!

We stayed for two nights at the Azores Youth Hostel. We booked a double bed room with our own bathroom. Staff was very friendly. Breakfast was basic. Room was standard but clean. The beds were okay. Bathroom was simple but had a good shower. The shared space looked pretty good and also clean. Location was at the bezinning of the main street and you could walk easily to some great restaurants and supermarkets.

Breakfast was simple and basic but...hey....... it's a Youth hostel! We had nothing to complain.

amazing location, comfortable twin rooms, pleasant outdoor area, staff helpful and chatty, very good value, main street has everything you want, best walk on island to Formosa starts here, lived up to sunny island name for me

it is a mix of budget hotel and hostel but could be very quiet for solo travellers out of season; no problem for the resilient single travellers

Receptionists unfailingly polite and friendly. Room clean and hot water in the shower. Breakfast buffet plentiful.

Very noisy road outside, so difficult to sleep at times. Shower room drains smelt bad. No kitchen as in other youth hostels, so no kettle or chance of making a hot drink, or heating own food, which is unusual for a youth hostel. Coffee in coffee machine barely drinkable.

Bright, spacious room with private bathroom for a good (low season) price. Fantastic location. Very quiet inside the hostel when we were there.

The street can be very loud at some times. Breakfast is very basic and not sufficiently filling before a hike.

This is the third time we have stayed. Great location, stunning views of Atlantic and marina, easy and short walking distance to centre of Vila do Porto and also on the bus route. (For an up to date timetable, visit the transport office opposite the Fossil Museum). The building has been simply but imaginatively renovated to also provide some twin rooms with private bathroom which, for a retired couple like us, is perfect but all the facilities are first rate. Good typical Portuguese breakfast. Clean and very comfortable throughout. Charming, helpful staff. And a swimming pool! The price is usually higher than you might expect for a Youth Hostel, but we took advantage of a Black Friday deal which halved the price. Nevertheless, it must rate as one of the best Youth Hostels around. Thoroughly recommend.

in the past there has been a well equipped communal kitchen available. We were a little,disappointed to find that it has not re-opened since COVID but it is no reason not to stay here as there are affordable cafés and restaurants close by.