Green Tortoise is a company that consists of a
bus touring group as well as a pair of
hostels. The hostels' main branch is in
San Francisco,
California and the other is in
Seattle,
Washington.
The tour company was started in 1974, since then over 500,000 people have toured with Green Tortoise. They offer an affordable way for people to see the
world. They own a few charter buses that have
bunk beds and other recliners that fold out of the way during the day. They travel to places like
Costa Rica,
Mardi Gras,
Burning Man,
Alaska, and
Yosemite, just to name a few. Those who travel with the company are usually young people who want to see the world
backpacker style. Everyone cooks and cleans for each other and enjoys a
communal atmosphere.
The San Francisco hostel is located the
North Beach area in SF. It is within walking distance to tourist spots such as
Fisherman's Warf. It offers special features such as free
email, free breakfast, and no
curfew.
The Seattle Hostel is located one block away from
Pike's Place Market in Seattle. Inside it is safe, and friendly. They offer many events such as a weekly free dinner,
pub-crawls, movie nights, and
free beer once a week. People who want an affordable, non-typical stay in Seattle should stay at the hostel. You can stay in a private or
dorm style room,
co-ed or single sex.
I have been fortunate enough to stay for a week in the Seattle Green Tortoise Hostel. I would recommend it to anyone with an
open mind and an
adventurous attitude. I met and became
friends with people that I would normally never get the chance to meet. If it wasn't for
college and a
job waiting for me back home I would have stayed for an entire
summer in the hostel, doing trade work, and
meeting people. It was an experience of a lifetime.