FAQ—
Q: What time can I check in?
A: You can check in anytime after 2PM. We have created a contactless check in system for our guests, we will email you detailed self check in instructions. If no one was in your room the night before and it is ready in the morning, we can offer an early check in of 12PM if arranged in advance. If your room had someone in it the night before, we offer a 2PM check in time to allow our staff enough time to do a proper turnover and to sanitize the hostel. Since it is a self check in system, you can arrive anytime in the evening. If you are staying in a dorm room, we ask that you do not arrive past 11PM to be mindful of the other guests in your room or book a private room so that you can arrive as late as you need and not disturb others that are sleeping.
Q: What if I book the same day i am to arrive?
A: You will need to get in touch with an employee so we can send you check in information. You can email us at info@notsohostel.com or call 843 722 8383. 843 330 9087 is our after hours number available for emergencies only. Please read all the rules and emails that we send so that you can access the hostel when you arrive.
Q: How do I cancel my reservation?
A: To cancel your reservation, you must email us at info@notsohostel.com at least 48 hours in advance of your check in date. When you make a reservation, you give your credit card to hold the room and agree to our terms and conditions. If you do not email and cancel 48 hours in advance, your credit card will be charged for the first two nights of your reservation and the remainder of the reservation will be canceled. If you are a group of four or more, you will have to cancel 96 hours in advance. We will not cancel reservations for inclement weather or unexpected circumstances and you cannot cancel your reservation over the phone, you must have a cancellation confirmation emailed to you..
Q: Do you have parking?
A: Yes, our annex location has designated parking spots for each room. Check your confirmation email to see which room you are staying in to see which parking spot you will use. The annex parking lot is located behind the building at 33 Cannon, to the left. The main location has parking as well and you can park in any spot. Just pull down the gravel driveway and park behind the white house at 156 Spring Street. Parking is $10/night and can be purchased as an add on to your reservation when you book online.
Q: Is your price per person or for the room?
If you are staying in a dorm room, the price is per person, only one person is allowed per bed. Our price for a private room is for two people. If you would like to add a third person, there is an additional $10/night charge. There are only a few of our rooms that can hold a third person (Kenya, Austria, Cuba, Cyprus, Aimee and Luca) so if you need to add a third person, be sure to write that in the notes section and mark that there will be three people in your reservation. Double check that you reserve one of the rooms above that can comfortable hold three people. We do not allow sleeping bags in any of the rooms at any time. We provide a fold out couch, linens, pillow and towels for the third guest in your reservation.
Q: What is your checkout procedure and can I leave my car/belongings there during the day of my checkout?
Checkout is at 10AM. Most of our rooms have digital locks but a few private rooms still have physical keys. If you have a key to your room, please drop it in the key drop box. At the annex, it is located in the lobby and at the main location, it is located on the lobby door. There is a $25 fee to replace the room key if it is not returned the day of your checkout. At the annex, you can leave your car in the parking lot on the day of checkout until 2PM. At the main location, you can leave your car in the parking lot until 6PM the day of your check out. We have small lockers at the main location you can store your luggage in (bring your own lock) during the day. All belongings must be removed by 6PM.
Q: Do I need to bring linens?
A: We provide all the towels, sheets, blankets and pillows you will need during your stay.
Q: Will I be able to lock my room?
A: Yes, you will be able to lock your room. All private rooms have either a personalized code or a key. Dorm rooms have a digital lock with a personalized code.
Q: What amenities do you have for guests?
A: Guests are welcome to use our fully stocked kitchen (pots, pans, utensils, cooking supplies, etc.), full sized fridge and gas range stovetop and oven to cook meals during their stay at the hostel. We have hair dryers, an iron and ironing board and lovely porches for catching the southern breeze.
Q: How does the hostel make an effort to be environmentally conscious?
A: The Notso Hostel is proud to be the recipient of the highest award possible (Live Oak) given by the City of Charleston for the Green Business Challenge. We recycle, have a vegetable garden, displace water in toilet tanks, encourage guests to turn off the lights and fans when they leave, we regulate the temperature everyday, recently insulated all of the houses, replaced the windows, painted a peace mural, and for our latest project, we are digging up all of the grass in the front yard and replacing it with plants which will reduce runoff and help replenish the water table. We use plant based cleaners and detergents and purchase every item with consideration. For example, our coffee is fair trade and organic. We also have a certified native species garden at the main location so please, come check it out and tell us what you think!