Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel is located right on the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean in the Monterey Bay of California above Santa Cruz and has wheelchair accessible pathways everywhere. There are also four little bungalows and one of them has been converted to be wheelchair accessible.
There’s a minimal cost per person. It is an affordable way to spend the night on the coast but does not have the conveniences and perks of a hotel, like a restaurant, mini toiletries, and a television. No, you need to come prepared with toiletries and either bring groceries or plan to eat out. Each bungalow has a full AC/Heating unit, so don’t get worried about getting too hot or cold. It’s usually very windy here, so plan accordingly.
Before arriving, call the front office and tell them to put the ramp out for the front office to check in. There may be someone standing around who can do it but I rather not wait. At check-in, you will get the key to the building as well as your room. The hostel requires a small deposit in case you lose your key, but they will take what you have and will give it back when you turn in the key. Towels are also an additional small fee.
The Dolphin Bungalow is wheelchair accessible and has three rooms. One room has a single bed whereas the other two have a few bunk beds. The single room had two doors and got bright in the morning as the sun was rising. The biggest of the rooms has a bathroom but no shower. The beds are moderately comfortable (don’t expect feather-top pillows). In the single room, the closet doors have been removed for a little easier access though the closet bar is not lowered. Extra blankets are in the closet if needed. Most guests are expected to change the bed sheets when they leave and take the dirty ones to the office but the hostel cleaning staff will take care of it if you are physically unable to. The staff is super laid-back.
Just a few feet down the hall is the other bathroom, consider the community bathroom. It is very large for a wheelchair to maneuver around. You can roll right up to the sink and there are grab-bars around the toilet. The wooden sliding door was heavy but other than that I was impressed with the bathroom. Around the other corner was the community shower, which has a hand-held shower nozzle and a large plastic bench with a back. Across from the shower is the community kitchen. It’s a full kitchen with almost anything you need and is used by guests most commonly at night. Since the hostel is a shared environment there are a few common courtesy rules. For one, quiet time starts at 11pm; noise carries very easily. Also, don’t eat someone else’s food, and finally, no drinking. However, the idea is to not have people drunk, loud, and rowdy but if you chill with a glass of wine or two in your room and clean up afar yourself then no one is going to mind.
The back door has a pretty big lip, not doable for some. Plus, the wind pushing the door close makes it that much more challenging. Outside is a small patio to read a book on while enjoying the ocean. If unable to travel out the back door then use the front door and follow the path around to the right to the patio. The pathway in the back takes you behind all four bungalows and to the entrance of the hot tub. Yes, this hostel has a hot tub with an ocean view; when you check in schedule a time slot. The hot tub wasn’t completely in the ground, only partially, so some may need assistance while others will not.