Lonely Planet was right about everything. Fantastic hosts, clean and well looked after hostel, cheap and easy. Little bit out of town but it is definitely manageable and good if you want to save the pennies. I highly recommend that you stay here!

I had a great time staying here. Carlos was really helpful and knows heaps about Dallas. It's not like any other hostel that I've ever stayed in. If I come back to Dallas i will definitely stay here.
Only problem is the public transport all stops at around 10 or 11 at night, but Carlos will go and pick you up if you get stuck in town.

Cleanliness - Good. The beds and sheets were clean and laundered. Kitchen, showers were clean too.
Comfort - the beds are ok. I've seen worst. the common area is nice.
Location - it sucks. it is way out of main areas of interest. train is one way to get around to airport and Downtown. but it does not run on Sundays. I would have preferred a hostel in downtown but this is the only in the city. Carlos, the host will ride you to downtown and airport. but seriously $20 for 10 min ride to airport !! overpriced !!
The host- Carlos is generally a nice guy. backpackers can get into some ugly situations but Carlos will watch over you like a Grand daddy. he will give you a ride even in the middle of night, tips on sightseeing etc. but he will advertise his taxi service too much.. and since the only hostel in Dallas is located way out of the town and trains dont run at odd hours you have to depend on Carlos.

I had a great time in Irving Dallas. One of the housekeepers named Carlos will do anything to make you feel at home. He's your cabdriver, tourguide, information centre etc.. Free internet, coffee, linnen, towels, hot showers and laundry services. For $20 per night you've got your money's worth! Highly recommendable.