Best (and Worst) European Hostels: 2005
Europe's cheapest beds are in hostels! There are more than 2,000 hostels all over Europe and many are destinations in themselves. You can sleep in a castle (Britain or Germany), on a cutter ship (Stockholm), or in an Alpine chalet (Switzerland). Except in Germany's Bavaria region, most hostels welcome travelers of all ages. English is widely spoken by staff and guests and it can be a great way to meet people from around the world.
Which are your favorite European hostels and why? And which were not so great and why?
I am a fan of hostels
I traveled around europe for almost 3 months last year almost 100% in hostels. The best I thought were Ostello Gallo D'Oroin in Florence, Hostel Brikette in Positano. Residence Santa Croce in Venice- right across the Grand Canal from the train station .Jetpak Hostel in Berlin- great location in East Berlin and new. STF Fridhemsplan in Stockholm. Shelter Jordan in Amsterdam was dirty but great staff and a very safe place to stay. Youth & Family Guesthouse in Salzburg has a great location but way to many children and horrible dorm rooms. I found most places on hostelworld.com. Great Website.
Heather <email>
Minneapolis, USA Sat 12/31/2005
My 2 cents worth
I did a month of traveling in europe during the month of May '05. I stayed at hostels the entire trip. Some good, some not so good. I think the thing to remember is that when you are hosteling, you are sacrificing privacy for cheap accomodations, keep that in perspective and you should be just fine.
Here are the places I stayed and my opinions on them
Amsterdam - Bull Dog - Clean, great staff, great Breakfast, good location.
Berlin - Circus - LOVED IT, clean, awesome helpful staff. Only bad thing, was there was no breakfast ... but there was a breakfast place down the block.
Prague - Golden Sickle - cheap, that is about the only thing good about this place. Staff was 'ok'. It was loud, sort of clean. I wouldn't recomend it however.
Vienna - Wombats - Stay here! it is great. Great staff great breakfast, onsite bar, clean. Alittle outside the ring ... but the public transporation is great
Lauterbrunen - Valley Hostel - Great STAFF !! Clean and safe. No breakfast ... but everything is great!
Paris - Woodstock - I wouldn't recomend this one. It was not that clean. The kitchen was scary. The beds were uncomfortable and the staff was so-so.
Enjoy
John
Denver, CO USA Fri 12/30/2005
Familia Hotel
Watch out Familia Hotel,11, rue des Ecoles. Eric the bathroom nazi will charge you if you fall in the bathroom and break the toilet set...Eric shame...
Stay away>>>>>>
Bill
Boston, Ma USA Mon 12/26/2005
Nafplion Greece Pension
If you happen to be headed to Nafplion in Greece, try out the Pension Marinna. Operated by "The Friendly Zotos Brothers", it is a very well maintained pension in a charming city. We paid 70 Euro per night (including breakfast) in November 2005.
Bruce <email>
Manitou Springs, CO USA Wed 12/21/2005
English and Icelandic hostelling
I travel with my teenaged daughter and so safety is very important to us.. We tend toward the HI group.
LONDON: Earls Court. Very convenient, very close to Tube stop. Remember all of London City (original London) is close in... STRATFORD-UPON-AVON: Lovely spot, sheep sing you to sleep and awake. Will need bus from town. Wonderful staff - beautiful countryside. STOW-ON-THE-WOLD: Not readily accessible to most folks unless you have transport, tho I think the busses come through more than once a day. Tiny town, free internet at the library (in an old church) and Will Shakespeare coulda slept here (yup, it's that old). Recently refurbished. BATH: Easily accessible from town, but I have asthma, so would take the bus up, but walk down. Beautiful old mansion. New clean kitchen. REYKJAVIK, ICELAND: HI hostel. Very clean, feels quite Scandinavian. Wonderful hot spot next door for sauna, swimming and hot tubs. (Wimpy American, I didn't last long in even the coolest hot tub.. but the pool was wonderful!)
As to the Y and H in Paris. We spoke with folks who stayed there and only lasted one night (and they were adventurous travellers.) They too indicated it wasn't a happy place...
....and if you are needing a layover spot in or out of the US, the Chicago HI hostel is unbelievable as well.
M. L. Boergert <email>
Raleigh, NC USA Mon 12/12/2005
't Geerwijn Brugge
The 't Geerwijn in Brugge because of it's overall value and location to the town square and attractions. Especially the assistance and "make you feel at home" of the staff.
John Tipton <email>
Linn Creek, MO USA Mon 12/12/2005
Venice hostels
Venice: Foresteria valdese listed in guidebook was a good value for a place to sleep in an expensive city. Keep in mind it is a long walk from Rialto bridge watertaxi stop with luggage & has very limited hours for checking in---plan well! Double room was basic, but clean--dorm room next door could be loud if high season-pack earplugs.
Jan Berg <email>
Rapid River, MI USA Thu 12/08/2005
Lodging
We stayed at CasaOlmata in Rome for 6 days in 2004. It was fine and it cost us only 45E per nite. Extra $$ went toward enjoying Rome. We have stayed at fancy hotels as well but they are often not worth it. I must admit that some have been very special but they should be a splurge, not a habit. Most of our lodging has been in studio apts, pensions and small hotels.We average about $75 nightly for lodging and so our cash winds up going for the FUN things.
We note that you said $500 for three nites. We seldom pay that much for good hotels but spend it if you want to!!
Paul n Sara <email>
Newburyport , MA USA Wed 12/07/2005
Hostels
Shelter Jordan in Amsterdam was great when I visited. Well-run with nice folks. Also great:
Lauterbrunnen, Switz. - Valley Hostel;
St. Goar, Germany, - HI Jugendherberge;
Reutte, Austria - Hostel, short bus ride from town is great;
Koblenz, Germany - Castle Jugendherberge;
Bruge, Belgium - Snuffle (take a sleep sack)
<email>
USA Tue 12/06/2005
DONT STAY IN HOSTELS
It is great that you can afford to blow $500 on a luxury hotel, but most of us cant do that.
I have stayed in nice hotels, too, but I can only travel as much as I do by saving money on hotels by staying in hostels when possible.
I spend only 6 or 7 hours in my room, so the luxury of the room really doesnt matter.
On the other hand, I enjoy meeting the families staying in hostels. That is not always true for big hotels.
To me the atmosphere is much better in a small hostel.
NANCY ANN
TULSA, USA Thu 12/01/2005
Don't Stay at Hostels!
Every Europe trip is a trip of a lifetime. You only get one life (ok, maybe you get lots of them) and to spend this precious time in an environment that sucks compared to a nice hotel is not right. I know all the benefits of staying in hostels. I stay in one. Just one and my last one. You'll make more money. Time can not be replaced. It will make you the person you are. I spent $500.00 for three nights in a luxury hotel overlooking a gorgous valley in Belgium. Wow. I'm glad I didn't stay at the little dirty hotel in front of the train station. It's hard to spend the money but just do it. Remember you can always make more money. You can't make time!
Sheila
Montery, CA USA Thu 12/01/2005
Okie Dokie Hostel -Warsaw
Okie Dokie Hostel in Warsaw is one of the best I have stayed in. Good location. It is about a 10 minute walk from both the "old town" and train station. Clean rooms, bike rentals, free email, friendly staff and great rooms for couples (as nice or better than most hotel rooms I have stayed in). They have a great website.
Bruce
Vancouver, Can Thu 11/24/2005
Pensione near Milan Malpensa airport?
I arrive in the evening into Milan Malpensa (MXP) after a long trip - would like to find a nearby simple but clean, moderately priced and well run authentic/typical pensione (the more the better) or similar accomodation near the airport - preferably away from the city and close to the airport. Any suggestions, please email privately if preferred. Thanks in advance!
David <email>
San Diego, CA USA Sun 11/20/2005
italian farm stay
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the website! You might want the contact details for my stay at the farm between Rome and Naples, near Abruzzi NAtional Park. Here it is: the website is italyfarmstay.com, and the phone number is 3402517941.
adrianne picciano <email>
jeffersonville, NY USA Sun 11/13/2005
Italian Farm Stay
What a welcome break from the hectic pace of sightseeing in the cities! I loved being surrounded by mountains and olive groves, grape vines and birdsong. I arrived just in time to take the olives to the press and got to watch them being made into olive oil- a highly valued substance here! The real stuff-as green as grass and soooooo tasty! Knowing that I woulnd't find olive oil like this at home in the States, I bought 3 litres, and carried it with me the rest of my trip in my backpack.
The weather was beautiful even in NOvember and allowed the other guests and I to take advantage of the outdoor activities such as hiking up the mountain and thorugh the gorge to the waterfall, and the Horseback riding lesson with the only real cowboy in Italy. This one loves Neil YOUng, Johnny CAsh, and John Denver, and I was grateful to hear music from home!
Adrianne Picciano
Jeffersonville, NY USA Sun 11/13/2005
Munchen, Vienna, Bad Gastein, Dobbiaco
I did not stay in the youth hostel at the castle on the hill in the historical center of Nurnberg, Germany, but I wanted to! In Munchen I stayed at the Euro Youth Hotel at Senefelderstrasse 5, close to the Hauptbahnhof, and was very happy with it. It's bar is quite the social scene late at night! info@euro-youth-hotel.de
In Vienna I stayed at the popular Wombats and was quite pleased. It's a little far from the center, but you can hop the metro at the Westbahnhof and get anywhere fast.
In Bad Gastein, Austria I stayed again at the Euro Youth Hotel, paid only E16 for a single with my own toilet and shower! Very nice.
And in lovely Dobbiaco, Italy I stayed at the Jugendherberge Toblach which is inside the Grand Hotel. Telephone 0474-976216. I was treated to a free youth concert in the Mahler auditorium that night, also right there at the Grand Hotel!
David M.
Albuquerque, NM USA Wed 11/09/2005
Instituto Canossiano Venice
I was unable to find room in a hostel for my 17 year old daughter and I on a Sat. night in late Oct. due to the Venice Marathon. After trying several places I booked a room at the Instituto Canossiano in the Dorsoduro district for 94 euros (a double). The place was very clean and quiet and in a beautiful area not far from two vaporetto stops (the Rezzonico stop and the Accademia stop). In contrast to one posting I had read on the internet about this hostel / monastery, it was open until midnight on Sat. night and the young man at the desk told me we could come as late as 1 am. The accomdations did not include breakfast but they did have machines with the cheapest coffee and cocoa anywhere I found in Venice which was a plus.
In addition to visiting the Doge's Palace and San Marco, we were also able to get to the Jewish Ghetto on Sun. and take a very interesting, hour long tour of 3 synagogues in Cannaregio.
Faith
Israel Fri 11/04/2005
Great place between Rome and Naples
Antonello was a great host from start to finish. He picked us up at the station in Sora, arranged for horseback riding, and a hike down a canyon to one of the most beautiful waterfalls I have seen. It was a great break from the crowds of the big city, and since I am a big fan of nature and farm living, it was fun to be in a place with fresh air and good food. There was plenty of space to walk around and enjoy a peaceful break on the farm itself, and the animals were cool too. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone that is a fan of getting off the beaten path and wants to see another side of Italy not yet in the tourist guidebook. It was a great place to stop for a break on the way from Rome to Naples and Pompeii. It is well served by bus and located just on the edge of Abruzzi National Park. One final thanks to Maria for cooking excellent meals, the food alone is worth traveling to this place. If you plan to be in Italy check this place out www.italyfarmstay.com
Brian Medlock <email>
Portland, OR USA Thu 11/03/2005
Hotel/Hostel -Naples Italy
I want to tell you about a WONDERFUL combination Hostel and Hotel in Naples. Hotel Pensione Bella Capri. Rick should take the time to visit it. Great location - Via Melisurgo, 4 80133 Napoli; telephone 390815529494 and fax 390815529265. It's hostel accommodations are located upstairs from the few private hotel rooms with private baths. Standard prepackaged cornettes, cereal, etc for continental breakfast. The owner, Alfredo, is a gem of information; wonderful staff. I walked from the hotel to Teatro San Carlo and to the funicular without incident. This is a place not to be missed.
JoNell Vicens <email>
Henderson, NV USA Thu 11/03/2005
Some of Advice
BEST:
Wombats in Vienna, Austria: Clean, secure, nice people, full of hardcore backpackers. Best hostel in Europe.
Oasis Backpacker in Granada, Spain: Free internet, free tapas tours, cheap food, kitchen, great local, helpful and nice staff, cheap! Great place!
Odysee Hostel in Berlin, Germany: In the funky Freiderstein (sp?) neighborhood near lots of cafes, bars, etc. in East Berlin. Great staff, and the place has character.
WORST:
Nest in Valencia, Spain: Dirty and crowded
Victoria
Chicago, IL USA Mon 10/31/2005
Paris, Dublin, Liverpool and London
In Paris I stayed at Le Montclair Montmartre
62, Rue Ramey, 75018 Paris. As you can tell by the name it's in Montmartre, I really loved that section. It's right by a metro line(#12-Jules Joffrin) that is about 10 minutes from all the sights. They were very friendly and the place was clean and comfortable. I paid 30 euros a night but I had my own room. They didn't have a TV but I didn't come to Paris to watch TV. I would stay there again(I hope I can)
In Dublin it was the Four Courts Hostel 15/17 Merchants Quay, Christchurch (Adjacent to Temple Bar) , which cost Me 16 euros a night in a room with 14 beds. Now I'll say something about hostels. If you're traveling over a month, they make good sense because it's cheap and you can cook and store your own food. Now the problem with Four Courts was that in addition to the 14 beds of my room. There was a room next to mine with 12 beds and we all shared 2 showers. That's too much and it resulted in a not so clean bathroom. This hostel was much bigger that the one in Paris. I like the smaller more intimate places. I understand also that a hostel like Four Courts is perfect for large groups that are traveling, which there seemed to be several. They did have a game room and TV and lots of lounge space. Next time I'll choose some thing smaller.
In London it was Generator London (Website) Compton Place off 37 Tavistock Place , London , WC1H9SE England, basically this was bigger than the Four Courts in Dublin so pretty much everthing I said about that place applies to the Generator. I do think the showers were better here. They had separate showers for men and woman on each of the 5 floors.They also had pool tables, a bar, TV room and a little store. Why would you hang out at the hostel bar instead of a real one? again next time I'll choose something smaller.
All the above hostels provided breakfest which was toast, rolls coffee and juice. At the Generator and Four Courts they also provided different cereals. They were also helpful with what things to do around around town. They had pamphletes on the attractions and good advice on directions. They all had internet service at pretty cheap prices.
In Liverpool-which I actually stayed at before London, I stayed at The Liverpool International Inn 4 South Hunter St, L1 9JG I payed 15 English pounds for a bed. I could not find any info here about places in Liverpool so I'm happy to pass on this info about this hostel and Liverpool. This hostel did not serve breakfest but it provided everything else that the others did. This hostel was much smaller than Dublin's and Londons(which I like) and no TV. Remember you shouldn't be watching TV you should be seeing the sights) I don't know if this was part of the hostel but connected to it was the Internet Cafe Liverpool. For Between 3 and 4 english pounds you can get a very hearty breakfest. The cup of coffee I had was the best on my whole trip and I'm a coffee snob from Seattle. They were very friendly there. Liverpool is definitely a place you should consider visiting. If you're a Beatle fan then of course you must make the pilgramage and check out the Beatles story. For the Beatles musuem(which was good) and the Magical Mystery Tour(which was kind of cheesey) it cost me $37 American. You can buy the guide book and skip the bus tour and make your own Magical Mystery Tour. The Beatles tribute band I saw at the Cavern Club was free. You should go to Liverpool even if your not a Beatles fan. It will be the Cultural Capitol of the EU in 2008. There's a vibrant music scene. There is the Tate modern at the Albert Docks. And it's a very beautiful city.
All of these hostels have 24 hour access
Paul O'Connell <email>
Seattle, WA USA Mon 10/31/2005
Western Europe Hostels
After returning from 2 months in Europe, we had some very positive experiences and some just plain ridiculous ones:
Jaques Brel in Brussels: clean, quiet and such a great location - 10 minute walk from Brussels Nord.
Bauhaus in Brugges: There were more locals drinking in the bar than actual travellers. Great food, awesome introduction to Belgian beers, but really noisy. We had a room above the bar, and the music was making the room shake until about 4am. Also, 1 bathroom for EVERYONE to share!
Flying Pig: We had a reso at the downtown pig, and they lost it (put it in the book for july instead of june), so we ended staying at the Vondelpark Pig, which was pretty great. Cheap beer on Thirsty Thursday and a decent free breakfast - pretty nice if you don't take into account all our CDs were stolen on our last day. And BEWARE the double bunks - they are not worth saving a couple euros - easy to get up, but how to get down??
Kabul in Barcelona: This is such a party hostel. We were lucky to score a room with just two beds (early booking paid off), but if you're travelling in summer it's SO hot and really noisy. Clean enough, though. I think we might have been the oldest people there.... and I'm 25.
Beehive in Rome: Hands down the best hostel I have ever stayed in. A stones throw away from the train station, the nicest people, the cleanest rooms, the best breakfasts! Ingmar the cat is a sweetheart and so are the staff. We arrived in Rome at 5:30 am and went to the Beehive to see if we could drop off our packs. Not only did they let us do that for free, we were offered a shower and the most amazing guidebook written by the owners of the place. I fell in love with this hostel and with Rome, and would stay here again and recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Yok Backpackers, York: Killer old mansion, a bit dingy with the most uncomfortable matresses ever. If you're only crashing for a night, it's a steal @ 12 pounds.
Maja
Toronto, ON Canada Tue 10/18/2005
Irish and Scottish hostels
Here are some Irish hostels I liked.
Neptunes Town Hostel- Killarney. The staff was great! I was sick the time I was there and they didn't hesiate to turn the heat up a little in my room and get me extra bedding. Wonderful! Sleepzone- Galway. Reasonable rates and very clean, safe and friendly! I loved it! Free internet access :) Globetrotters- Dublin. Grand breakfast! Down the street from the bus station. Kinlay House- Cork. Clean, bright, friendly! Sheilas Hostel- Cork. The rooms are smallish, but the staff is great! It was busy even in October.
Edinburgh Backpackers- Edinburgh, Scotland. Nice staff but surroundings can get loud. Dorm room doors don't have locks on them. Lovely building. Busy even in October.
Trish <email>
St. Louis, MO USA Sat 10/15/2005
Ljubljana accommodations
We found great private rooms (same owner and building) in Ljubljana which is right near the market in the center. Both have a private bath, one has a balcony and is smaller the other is larger with a small kitchen. The contact is:
Petra Varl
petra.varl@guest.arnes.si
0038641389470
Address:
Vodnikov Trg. 5a
1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
Cost is @ 45 euro for two people and worth it.
Rosie Burns
Seattle, WA USA Thu 10/06/2005
Interlaken, Munich, Copenhagen, Berlin, Amsterdam, Florence
Interlaken: Backpackers Villa was great. Just excellent in every way. So clean, nice people, etc. Not the place to party, but a great place to get a good night sleep and wonderful shower before a day of hiking.
Copenhagen: Danhostel Amager was not great. The rooms were fine but the bathrooms were unappealing. The place is huge and institutional and overpriced (in my opinion). The location is way out of Copenhagen city, so be aware of that. It is very hand to the airport but not to the city.
Munich: Wombats was awesome and so much fun. Definitely only for a younger party crowd. But still clean with very small dorms. The hostel bar is great for meeting people before heading out for the night.
Berlin: the Generator was excellent. Clean, great amenities, great breakfast (for a hostel). Seems out of the way but really is not because in Berlin you take the metro everywhere and the metro stop is practically on the hostel's property.
Amsterdam: Shelter Jordan was not great. Nothing was very clean. The bathrooms were awful (the showers are just a trickle and are gross and dirty, the floor of whole bathroom is covered in water and still people walk around in bare feet, yuck!). However, the breakfast was fantastic! You would get a huge pancake breakfast for free. The price is excellent, and I gather this place is much safer feeling than most in Amsterdam.
Florence: Ostelo Santa Monaca was good. It was not pretty but was clean with good bathrooms. There are lots of rules, be aware of them to avoid annoyance. Good for sightseeing only, not for partying.
www.hostelz.com was a great way of finding suitable hostels.
CB
Vancouver, BC Canada Tue 10/04/2005
Good Hostel in Florence and Venice
Florence: My husband and I stayed at Pensione Canada. We had a private double room which was fairly large with a private balcony. It had a fan and a cupboard for clothing, linens and towels. It's very reasonable. The shared bathroom was large and very clean as well (my husband is extremely picky about bathrooms). Pensione Canada is located in Borgo San Lorenzo - the 1 block away from the street markets and close to Duomo. Although, it was on a busy street it was quiet. We were in Rm #6 and didn't face the street. The lady that runs it - Diletta is incredibly sweet and extremely helpful with directions and eateries. We stayed 2 nights and were very pleased. The only negatives: 3 flights of stairs and no elevator, and a 1am curfew (which was fine for us).
Check out http://www.pensionecanada.com if interested.
Venice: We were afraid of what the Ca Leon hostel might be like from the picure on hostelsweb.com, but it turned out to be very very nice. It was more expensive than the place in Florence, but it we had a Twin Private Ensuite and the included bathroom was worth the extra price (total of 140 US dollars). The entire building is refurbished and they have brand new flooring, tiling and windows. Our room window overlooked a side canal and was very quiet. The lady who runs the place does not live there, and so unlike Pensione Canada in Florence, we were completely on our own and had the keys to the building and our room. The only negative is: you'll never find the building if you look for it on your own since it's tucked away. You HAVE to check in at the restaurant around the corner - Mirabar and then they take you to the place. Its about a 7-10 minute walk from the San Lucia train station in Venice.
Both places above only accepted cash and not credit cards, although La Ceon said that they were going to get a machine installed soon.
DLutz
Chapel Hill, NC USA Mon 10/03/2005
Best 3 hostels Ive been to
Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald, Switz.
La Primula Hostel in Mennagio, Lake Como, Italy
Ostello San Frediano, Lucca Italy
These three are the best.
JOn
San Luis Obiso, CA USA Fri 09/30/2005
Antica Locanda dei Mercanti
The Locanda dei Mercanti in MIlano was the perfect recommendation. We had a wonderful time in Milan and the room in the hotel Antica
Locanda dei Mercanti was everything we could have wished for.
They were all so helpful and it was especially kind of them to give us a bottle of prosecco.
We shall certainly recommend the Locanda to anyone visiting Milan and hope to return ourselves sometime soon.
george sander <email>
NY, USA Wed 09/28/2005
Best Hostel in Europe
Definitely stay at Balmer's Herberge in Interlaken, Switzerland. The atmosphere is amazing, and it's very close to hiking. Price is great, staff is friendly, etc.
Selena
Boulder, CO USA Tue 09/27/2005
HELP. HOSTELS IN EUROPE
Search google.com for “Amsterdam hostels” and then do the same for each town you want to visit.
Also go to these webpages: hihostels.com , iyhf.org , hihostels.com or hostels.com.
Some pages include travelers comments on the facilities. If you decide to rent a room, or bunks in a dorm, you can reserve by email and ask for a confirmation in writing.
MARYJANE S.
DALLAS, TX USA Tue 09/27/2005
St. Christopher's - London
Well I made a solo trip to London a couple years back and had the BEST time at St. Christopher's Village! First of all, its in a more residential neighborhood, so there are lots of affordable places to eat. The staff is fantastic, there's a great bar (they own 2 within a stone's throw) and it sit on top of a night club! Lots to do, clean rooms, great people. I'd go back again and again.
Jaime
Philadelphia, PA USA Mon 09/26/2005
Regent Palace Hotel---London
My friend and I stayed at the Regent Palace Hotel in London for $80 a night. Don't let the name fool you---it's far from a palace, but the location was excellent---just steps away from Piccadilly Circus. Showers and toilets are down the hall, but there are also in-room showers available. The staff was very pleasant, and the concierege even got us discounted tickets to the theatre. There is also an Irish bar on the premises featuring live music. If you are willing to spend a little extra, this is a great place. For more info, check out londonhotels.com. I believe the address is Glasshouse Street.
Steve D. <email>
Columbus, Ohio USA Sun 09/25/2005
Michaelangelo Palace
Sam Odfrey sums up this place perfectly. Don't go there. I stayed for a few days over Easter 2004 and the various foul odours are still in my nostrils, nor will I easily forget the rude, unprofessional staff. What made it worse is that the Gulliver in the same building is completely different; clean, friendly, airy - if only I'd booked there!
Elaine
uk Sun 09/25/2005
Hostels/Hotels in Rome, Paris, Germany & Luxembourg
We spent 2 weeks in August backpacking through Italy, France, Germany and Luxembourg. My recommendations...
Rome: The Beehive is the best! We were traveling with a group of 8, and the Beehive rented us one of their apartments. Beautiful place, perfect location, great price! The people at the Beehive are just the best.
Riomaggiore in the Cinque Terra: We stayed in rooms for rent, but if I was to do it over, I would stay in Rick's favorite town Vernazza. It is beautiful, larger and has alot to offer. Rooms are for rent in every town.
Paris: We stayed at the BVJ Hostel near the Louvre. You can't beat the location and the price! The hostel was okay, lots of young kids running about, but it was clean with good showers, and good breakfast.
Cologne, Germany: Hotel Friends is a really cool hotel with reasonable rates for double occupancy.
Luxembourg, Luxembourg: Hotel Carlton located right across from the train station, excellent free breakfast! The people are so pleasant and the hotel is beautiful. Very reasonably priced as well for double occupancy.
Erin
Longview, TX USA Fri 09/23/2005
Good hostel in center of London
I had an excellent experience at the The City HI youth hostel in London. It was quiet, clean, and most of all incredibly well-located. It's literally under St-Paul's Cathedral, and right next to the Millenium Bridge.
kena <email>
Montreal, qc Canada Sun 09/18/2005
Bad room (London)
My wife, daughter (3 1/2), son (11 months), mother and father just returned from a week trip to England. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express on Belgrave in two rooms. My wife and our children were in room 505 and had an awful experience. My parents were in 502 and had a better experience.
Due to a heatwave it was extremely hot in these top floor rooms (no A/C). Room 505 had only one window so we had to leave our room door open at night to circulate air. My parent's room 502 had two windows so it was not as bad for them. The staff was extremely helpful, even giving us their lobby fan to cool the room down. Perhaps this is not an issue during the winter but I would definitely not take Room 505 during the summer.
Jim
Fremont, CA USA Tue 09/13/2005
Prague Guesthouses
Guest House Lida in Prague is a fantastic place to stay. The owners (Jan and Jiri) are fantastically informative and friendly. The rooms are an excellent value in a quiet part of town, well maintained, with easy access to metro and downtown. Really a great place!
Joyce Kinnear <email>
San Francisco, CA USA Sun 09/11/2005
LONDON PARIS AMSTERDAM
Shane: Join the Hosteling International organization and buy the EUROPEAN Hostel Directory. It lists hundreds of hostels with descriptions, room rates, how to find them using public transportation, email addresses to make reservations and all you need to know to make your choice.
My wife and have stayed in them from Thailand, across Europe and in Scandinavia. They are all different, but all economical; some have rooms for 2 with bath facilities.
I can also recommend Formule1 (one) motels in 12 countries of Europe
(hotelformule1.com/formule1/index) Rooms are around $20 for up to 3 persons.
pat
wy USA Fri 09/02/2005
London, Paris, Amsterdam
I'm making preliminary planning for a trip next spring (maybe tail end of May to early June), London, Paris, then Amsterdam. I would like to sleep for $10 a night, but for the sake of clean bathrooms, quieter buildings and expecially for good locations, I would happily increase that (but no more than $20, please). Any ideas would be appreciated.
Shane <email>
Orlando, FL USA Thu 09/01/2005
Gryon, Switzerland
This last summer three friends and myself traveled through Europe for two months. By the time we arrived in southern Germany we met up with some other travellers who recommended a small town in Switzerland to visit. They told us about Gryon in southwestern Switzerland and just raved about it. So we decided to check it out.
We were initially going to stay for two nights, but ended up staying four because the place and hostel was so relaxing. The hostel was called Chalet Martin and had the most amazing view of the Alps. If anyone has the chance to go, I would highly recommend the town and hostel.
Roy Trammell <email>
Anderson , SC USA Wed 08/31/2005
Eurohostel
My husband and I spent three nights at the Eurohostel in Helsinki last week. It was clean, quiet and convenient. A great inexpensive place in expensive Helsinki! The #4 tram is right behind it and it's convenient to the ferries to Estonia and you can get a 20 Euro taxi to the airport at any time after about 3 AM. The restaurant attached has good food also.
Julie
Utah USA Wed 08/31/2005
first hostel experience
I stayed in the Westend Hostel in Edinburgh. They said it was a few minutes from the center of town. After poring over the map and stumbling around with my luggage on my back for over an hour, I arrived in West End and located the hostel. Turns out the "center of town" is between the hostel and the train station, so I had farther to walk than I thought. Should've taken the bus.
Dorm room was quiet (except for road noise and fireworks, which I ignored) and the bunkmates were nice, but the place smelled strongly of male sweat and cigarette smoke. Not much air circulation -- no fans. Bathrooms were clean enough, but there were no towels available at the desk sadly. They said "we'll have some tomorrow afternoon, they're out for laundry." I couldn't shower that night at all, and the next morning there still weren't any towels, so my only choice was to dry myself off with a sweatshirt. Shower drains didn't work well and after a couple minutes I was standing in inches of water. At least the water was hot.
When I checked in the first afternoon, I had already paid a deposit by booking online. I was a bit surprised when they demanded the remainder of my balance for both nights of my stay immediately, when I hadn't even slept there yet... the other thing that annoyed me was, when I came home the first evening exhausted and wanting a cup of tea to relax, I sat down in the lounge thinking I'd have plenty of time for it, because the lounge closed at 11 pm and it was just past 10. I was not glad when the hostel manager threw everyone out and shut the place early, because he wanted to catch up on sleep!
I did my best to take it all in stride, and for such a cheap bed I wasn't expecting great service or anything...
Elizabeth <email>
Seattle, WA USA Wed 08/31/2005
Astor Museum Inn
I am interested in staying at the Astor Museum Inn in London. Please let me know if you have information about it. Thank you!
Lisa Montalvo <email>
Bellingham, Washington USA Mon 08/29/2005
Munich
While in Europe earlier this month we stayed in a great hostel, Easy Palace Hotel & Hostel. They have two locations. One is literally in front of the Munich train station, and the other is a few blocks away. We stayed at the one near the train station, which is half hostel and half hotel. THe other location is entirely hostel. It was very nice. The price was good, and the location was even better. It was only about a 15 minute walk to the Marienplatz so we never bothered with the S-Bahn and walked everywhere! I feel like you get more out of your experience by walking versus car or subway.
Candace Vocelka
Longwood, FL USA Mon 08/29/2005
Madrid
Just returned from Madrid and would reccommend Hostal Gonzalo from Rick's book. About two blocks to Prado, two blocks to Reina Sofia, two blocks to Plaza Santa Anna. Not for everyone, but clean, central and priced right.
Randall S <email>
Keystone, CO USA Sun 08/28/2005
Levanto's hostel
Great location for visiting Cinque Terre and for getting away from all the American tourists! Wonderful receptionist who bent over backwards to help us contact our travelling companions when we got separated! Nice big rooms- right up from the beach.
Pam <email>
McPherson, KS USA Thu 08/25/2005
Cochem Youth Hostel
Cochem, Germany: Excellent Hostel across the river from the DB station. Come out the main DB door, cross bridge at your left 11 o'clock. DJH is on right across bridge. Clean, Nice, and brand new. Well worth the stay. Standard euro breakfast (cold cuts, bread and jam)
Bryan Edmonds
Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, GE GE Sun 08/14/2005
Hostels in Munich and Gimmelwald
I have two hostels that will absolutely blow your minds. The first is "The Tent" in Munich. What a great atmosphere - if you don't mind sleeping under one of two large tents (one with bunk beds, and the other with mats on the floor) along with dozens of other travelers. Everyone there, both the travelers and the employees, are hospitable and friendly, they have awesome bathroom and laundry facilities, and there's always someone new to meet and to enjoy a beer with.
The second place is in Gimmelwald, Switzerland. It's called the "Mountain Hostel". Petra runs a tight ship, but she's one of the most friendly people I've ever met. Facilities here are also great, and the wood heated hottub is a great way to spend the night after a long day of hiking. Again, the travellers and the staff are more than friendly, and the scenery cannot, I repeat CANNOT be beaten. The Alps are literally in your lap. Stay at either of these two places and you will not be disappointed.
Chris Laingen <email>
Manhattan, Kansas USA Sat 08/13/2005
Hotel Torretta in Montecatini - Best value in Italy
La Torretta is a wonderful place to stay during your visit. This family run hotel is intimate and nurturing while providing cost conscious customers incredible value. The rooms are spacious, clean, and well tended to in your absence. The meals, if you choose to take that option, are all 3 courses and just wonderfully cooked. Save room for dessert because it is a family member who is the pastry chef. This region is a wonderful area to be pampered in and you see many wealthy clientele passing through. The service at La Torretta is tailor made for the most demanding clientele. This is where I will stay on every future visit to Montecatini.
Jenson Daniel <email>
Washington DC, DC USA Thu 08/11/2005
Hostel in Barcelona
In Barcelona, I stayed at the Hostel Kabul. Just a warning: it has a total party atmosphere. Think sangria parties and dancing on tables. If you are still in college and you don't mind giving up privacy (I had a 18 person room), it's fun and cheap to stay there. It's close to the beach, one block off the Ramblas, and in a plaza with a bunch of restaurants. Plus it was the only hostel to get a real American breakfast (bacon and eggs) throughout my entire trip.
Mo
San Diego, CA USA Tue 08/09/2005
LODGING HELP
Natali:
Get a map of Germany and choose a small town half way between Munich and bolzano. Avoid Innsbruck if you want to avoid more costly housing.
Small towns offer many zimmer freis and pensions. When you have a car you can take advantage of the small cheap places off the beaten path. That is why I spend the extra money for the convenience.
H.A.D.
TULSA, USA Sat 08/06/2005
Great Britain B&B's
Favorite B&B in Great Britian:
Crestow in Stow-on-the-Wold. Beautiful home, gorgeous antiques, warm and welcoming host Frank and a wonderful view of the Cotswolds. Frank is an excellent cook - the breakfasts are hearty and yummy!
Christy <email>
Seattle, WA USA Sat 08/06/2005
Lodging Help!
I need a cheap, nice place to stay somewhere between Munich and Bolzano. Any suggestions? I was thinking around Innsbruck, or possibly even Bolzano itself. I will be in a car.
Natali <email>
Salt Lake City, UT USA Fri 08/05/2005
Hostelworld.com
Because the Best of Europe Book had so few recommendations for hostels, I turned to hostelworld.com. It's a very easy site to use that allows you to make online reservations (for a $2 fee, of course), review previous ratings and photos and tells you how to get to the hostel. If you don't want to book through them, just take down a few hostel names, google them and then call them directly or get directions.
Antonia <email>
Milford, DE USA Fri 08/05/2005
Amalfi Coast's cheapest sleep
Thumbs up for a small, budget Bed and breakfast in Salerno Italy on the Amalfi Coast called "MY SALERNO APARTMENT" www.mysalernoapartment.com Cute, clean place and the nice lady of the house speaks perfect 'north american' english and had alot of resources to help with transit, planning excursions and suggested a few restaurants - that we tried and enjoyed very much. Salerno = convenient daytrips to Pompeii everywhere along Amalfi Coast, cheap food, the best bar/restaurant/nightlife scene. We spent a few days chillin' and just hanging out in Salerno wandering the old part of the city, trying the local wines, eating great food and watching the fashionable locals on Via Roma at nighttime... it's like finding an untainted paradise!
the city's site is here - http://www.comune.salerno.it/la_salerno_turistica/default.asp
James Veer
Somerset, NJ USA Wed 08/03/2005
Hotel Domus
My family stayed in an apartment at the Hotel Domus in Lugano, Switzerland 27 July 2005.There was no air conditioning and not even a room fan to help blow away the grime. And we were covered with bug and spider bites when we left after only 1 night. It's not the place to stay.
Jay Gillespie <email>
Tucson, AZ USA Tue 08/02/2005
Salzburg
For 2 nights, we stayed at Trude Poppenberg Bed and Breakfast (mail@trudeshome.com). It was a pleasant experience. She had a wonderful breakfast for us each morning (with home made cake) and shared with us her vast knowledge of Salzburg. She was a wonderful hostess and eager to help us out in numerous ways.
Konni <email>
Bay Point, Ca USA Sun 07/31/2005
Academica Hostel, Helsinki
We stayed here earlier this month. Although it was a bit hard to find (we had a rental car), it is within walking distance of downtown and was a good place to stay. We booked in the new part of the hostel and had a private family room for the three of us. It is a student apartment building, so our room had a small kitchen and a bathroom ensuite. Very clean, came with towels, blankets, sheets, etc. There was nothing in the room but the beds and a couple of chairs and desks, but it did have a nice balcony. All rooms come with Scandinavian breakfast buffet at nearby restaurant run by a culinary school. A bargain at 80 euros (for Finland), and free offstreet parking.
Chris
MA USA Thu 07/28/2005
Prague & Budapest
Prague: Stayed at the Boathouse, which was by far my favorite hostel. Its located outside the city, right on the Vltava River; the tram ride to get there is relatively short. Also, a huge homemade dinner could be purchased for $4. The staff was incredibly friendly and there was even a cat! Stay here if you're looking for a bit of a rest, instead of a party hostel.
Budapest: Stayed at the Marco Polo Hostel. Although it was clean and spacious, the staff was very rude, even after messing up our reservations. Also, we didn't meet an english speaking hostellers here.
Jenifer <email>
Fort Worth, TX USA Wed 07/27/2005
hostel reference site
And completely forgot to add a website that really came in handy for finding hostels for cheap, www.travelpunk.com. great networking, planning and reference site.
Sherry
Lynnwood, WA USA Tue 07/26/2005
Hostel reviews
As I am planning another trip to Europe next summer I've started to peruse the sites again, something I avoid when I don't plan to go to keep from torturing myself. Headed for Italy, germany and Paris this time. Here are my Hostel reviews for A'dam and Belgium.
A'dam - Vondelpark is a bit out of the way, hellacious hike from the train station, but it's clean boy/girl dorms and showers, business like staff and a decent breakfast spread.
Stadoelen is right on a canal, right outside the red light. Quiet, coed showers, boy/girl dorm rooms. Nice staff, decent breakfast.
Flying Pig in the red light is comfortably shabby, great staff, minimal breakfast, co-ed dorms, single showers. Free internet access, encourages lounging, own bar. Good experience.
5-point in the red light, nice staff, slept through breakfast (could have stayed up for it...actually got a disapproving fatherly look for that when we came in at 6am), own bar, co-ed dorms, individual showers. Decent price. Only problem was the unique and spacious lockers, 50-gallon drums that are very loud when you roll in at 0-dark-thirty. You can't be quiet, keep jammies or whatever you need in your bed.
Brussels - HI Brueges(?) Small boy/girl dorms & bathrooms, friendly staff, decent food. Italian restaurant around the corner is terrific. Picked up a fellow traveler from NZ here.
Bruges - Johnny Rocket's, smaller coed dorm rooms, single showers, big bar, don't remember eating here. Staff was eh. Don't miss the chocolate museum, really interesting.
Sherry <email>
Lynnwood, WA USA Tue 07/26/2005
Casa Capellini in Cinque Terre
I have to put ina plug for Casa Capellini! We were in Cinque Terre for a few days in June and stayed at Casa Capellini in Manarola. We had booked via email and their web site and everything went smoothly. We stayed in a small, clean room with a queen sized bed, private shower, small balcony and amazing view. The cost was 46E. The rooms are upstairs from the owners' home right off the square. We got to watch the local kids playing soccer and hanging out.
We corresponded via email (in English) with Giovanni and then in person with his wife. We managed fine with some basic Italian and English between us!
Giovanni Capellini, Via E. Cozzani, 12 Manarola, Telephone: 0187 92 08 23, casa.capellini@tin.it
Sue
Royersford, PA USA Tue 07/26/2005
Zagreb addendum
I forgot: the hostel in Zagreb also sports a 9:00 am lock-out and no breakfast. It is cheap, however!
James B.
Spokane, WA USA Tue 07/26/2005
Zagreb HI hostel no good
Add my vote to those against the major HI hostel in Zagreb. As I soon as I got to my room I realized how lucky I was that I was staying there only one night. It was dingy with an even dirtier bathroom.
Even worse, once my roomates showed up they informed that the night before a thief had made off with 400 euros and a passport from one fellow and with a camera from another. The only upside was that they suspected the person who had the bed I currently was occupying. Still, I locked up my stuff and kept valubles on my person.
All in all, the sooner they raze or drastically overhaul the place, the better!
James B.
Spokane, WA USA Tue 07/26/2005
Great Slovenian hostels
I travelled to four countries this Spring but was most impressed with Slovenia. This was due in part to the hostels I stayed at in Ljubljana, Bled, and Piran.
Most impressive was Celica in Ljubljana. As no doubt you have heard, this is a most funky, friendly, and trendy hostel based in a renovated prison. Although the staff and most guests were indeed young, there were also older people and families among those present. I stayed in both a dorm and one of the cells (which could have been cleaner, to be honest). Note, however, that they do charge more for people over 35--something my companion called a "geezer tax"! Reservations are strongly recommended as even in late May people were knocking down the doors to get a bed.
The HI Hostel Bledec in Lake Bled was also pleasant, with an ample breakfast and clean rooms and bath.
Finally, Hostel Val in Piran was nice, if unspectacular. I was lucky in that I got a room to myself. Their breakfast was also quite good.
James B.
Spokane, WA USA Tue 07/26/2005
Madrid hotel
My husband and I just returned from two weeks in Spain (including him Running with the Bulls). We followed the advice in Rick's Spain book and had a fabulous hotel stay in Madrid. We stayed at the Hotel Plaza Mayor. The location could not be better and the staff was very friendly and helpful.
Felicia
Washington , DC USA Thu 07/21/2005
Prague and Paris hostels
Prague--The Golden Sickle. Near Wenceslas Square, which can become rather seedy at night (prostitutes and drug dealers literally approach you nonstop). Staff was nice, free internet--but had two problems with a thief following guests in, and the staff didn't bother telling anyone so he came back the second night (with a key that he had stolen) and stole more. Pretty dusty, but overall OK.
Paris--Absolute Paris. Basically a hotel. Extremely easy directions, friendly staff, clean towels, nice shower and sink in room, extremely clean, right across street from grocery store.
Square Cailencourt--excellent, free internet, tons of students to meet, great location in nice area of Montemartre (no seediness). Shower had no door though, just curtain.
Jen Gaynor <email>
Atlanta, GA USA Tue 07/19/2005
pension seible
my wife and i recently stayed in munich,germany at the pension seibl,by far the worst recomondation by rick ever,this place is an absolute DUMP i found the manager in pesonal the hotel loud and dirty,no parking.i think ricks readers should avoid this place even if its 10 euros cheaper.by the way all of ricks other suggestions were pretty good excecept salt mine tours ,boooring.
jeffrey k <email>
springfield, ma USA Tue 07/19/2005
HOTEL in Vilnius
What can I tell about the worst Vilnius hotel which recognise itself as 4 star hotel " Congress" - terribllllllleeeeeeee and nothing else.
hotel <email>
Brussel, Belgium Mon 07/18/2005
Hotels/Apartments in Cinque Terre, Italy
By now you may have heard that the Cinque Terre is a beautiful but over-crowded place to visit. We visited here about 5 years ago and at the time we were the only American tourists in the area and it seemed very "untouched" by tourism. When you go there now it is quite different. Be prepared that hotels/apartments will be expensive, as well as the food (which by the way is not as good as it was years ago, higher prices, poorer quality) and also be prepared to see lots of other tourists.
As far as sleeping arrangments go, avoid the people that hang out down by the train station ready to offer you a great deal on a room. We fell for this trap not once, but twice, and both times after being lead through town we were only disappointed to find out that the rooms for rent had something wrong with them, either they seemed like fish, or had cobwebs all over or something else and the prices were high for what you were getting. After being lead asray twice we decided to search for rooms on our own. We found Mar Mar rooms in Riomaggiorre to be a good bargin for the apartments you got. We also heard that apartments in some of the less popular towns offer even a better bargin, such as apartments in Corniglia. Stick with the companies that run the rooms and you are less likely to get scammed.
Jodie
Olathe, KS USA Sun 07/17/2005
Hostal Residencia Valencia in Madrid (Gran Via 44)
We had a not-so-good stay for three nights at the Hostal Valencia (located on Gran Via 44--there are two Hostal Valencias in Madrid). This hostal was listed in Rick Steves' book as a place that "works in a jam" (see Rick's entry below).
Besides being "well-worn and stark", the beds are hard, uncomfortable, and come with no blankets other than the flimsy bedspread--which is probably not laundered between guests. When I requested one, I was told by the person at the counter (in Spanish) that they were locked up somewhere and he couldn't get me one because the maids were gone. I asked if I could have two the next day, but never received them. Language-barrier was probably a problem as well.
We were happy there was a television (which hangs next to the beds at the ceiling so you have to sit sideways on the bed and look up), but there were only 5 or 6 channels Spanish-only channels--no CNN in English which we had in all of our other hotels. Not a huge deal.
Oh yes, they hang all of their sheets outside, so things like hairs never get removed by a dryer. I can't tell you how many strange hairs I came across.
Ok, so it's a 53-euro-a-night hostal on the Gran Via. If this were all, I'd chalk it up to a "you get what you pay for." What made me the most upset was on the third night, the night noise woke me up several times during the night. No, we weren't on the street side and it wasn't traffic noise. Throughout the night, doors slammed and it sounded like things were crashing down in the room next to us (which was open and used for storage of furniture and other things). Once I'd fall back asleep, another door would slam or something would fall and crash. I once wondered if there was some sort of disturbance in the place. Needless to say, I was exhausted the three days we stayed in this hostal because I couldn't sleep.
I read in Rick's book that I could request the complaint book. Since the proprieter didn't understand my English, I asked for it in Spanish. He wanted to know my complaint and I explained in Spanglish all of the noises. At first he tried to blame it on other hotels in the building, but I explained that it was doors slamming and things falling and crashing. He then said it may be the wind (they keep all of the windows in the hall open and they are shutter type windows). While it may have been a wind storm causing the noise, I don't understand why the person working the night shift steps down the hall wouldn't have secured the windows. He never did give me a complaint form and I decided I'd just wait until I got home to write a review.
At any rate, this was my experience. If you choose this hostal, keep these things in mind.
Ricks' Entry:
"The next two are well-worn with stark rooms and traffic noise: Hostal Residencia Continental with 34 rooms (Sb-€37, Db-€48, Tb-€66, includes tax and air-con, 3rd floor, tel. 915-214-640, fax 915-214-649, www.hostalcontinental.com, continental@mundivia.es, Andres SE) and Hostal Residencia Valencia with 30 rooms (Sb-€42, Ds-€52, Db-€55, Tb-€70, Qb-€80, includes tax, 5th floor, tel. 915-221-115, fax 915-221-113, www.hostal-valencia.com, info@hostal-valencia.com, Carlos and Antonio SE)."
John <email>
Wauconda, IL USA Sun 07/17/2005
HOSTELS IN ITALY
Lois; Going through a travel agent will be more costly because you will pay his fee. Visit your local library and research the book, “HOSTELS FRANCE AND ITALY” by Paul Karr. On page 299 you will fine his choices: Fawlty Towers, Pensione, Ottaviano, Sandy, M&J’s Place, Fore Italico and Pensione Alesssandro. In Venice he lists: Casa Gerotto, Ostello Santa Fosca, Ostello Venezia and Ardchie's Hostel
If you do a google.com search for "Fawlty Towers Rome" you will find that hostel’s home page. Do the same for each hostel (enter name and town) and you can then decide which you prefer. If you reserve by email be sure to ask for email confirmation of your room.
M.S.CHANDE
MIAMI, USA Tue 07/12/2005
HOSTEL HELP
Mike: I have stayed in hostels in 13 countries and would not be concerned about membership. Many don’t require it. And you wont know which do until you check in. I just select a hostel I want to stay in and pay the registration fee whatever it is. You wont find one membership which will work because there are a number of associations . And each one has its own rules.
CHARNA
TX USA Tue 07/12/2005
HELP
I've been planning a Euro trip and despite trying to follow Steves' advice in books, I'm having trouble finding one hostel membership to purchase that will provide me with access to the most hostels around Western europe. Are there enough to be able to go ever there without a membership and obtain reservations on the day? I've looked at the International Youth Hostel Federation but can't quite figure it out when it tells me there are only 3 of their hostels in Paris.
Mike
Marion, Ohio USA Mon 07/11/2005
bed and breakfast
The Rooms bed and breakfast is a great value for Vienna, clean, new, easy access to subway and quiet. Would definitely stay there again.
the rooms <email>
Indianapolis, In USA Sat 07/09/2005
Burg Stahleck in Bacharach
Last month we stayed in Burg Stahleck in Bacharach. This was a great hostel for our family (my wife, 2 kids and me) The rooms had more character than your average hostel, the food was good and it was a castle! A very cool old castle. It was great fun to roam around in and outside. The views of the Rhine were incredible. The hike up the hill took about 15 minutes but no biggie. Prices were good too (about 90 dollars a night for the family room for four and dinner for the four of us was about 25-30 dollars)Also, the town of Bacharach was one of the cutest little German towns we visited.
spey <email>
east moline, il USA Fri 07/08/2005
Ostello 5-Terre in Manarola, Cinque Terre
Ostello 5-Terre was a great family hostel. Me, my wife and our two kids age 11 and 14 stayed there for two nights last month and we were really pleased. The rooms were spotless, the food was very good and the common area and terrace were great for mixing and playing games with the other guests. In addition, the view was to die for. The prices were good too - 88 euros per night for the four of us.
spey <email>
east moline, il USA Fri 07/08/2005
Cheap Barcelona Hostel Needed!
My friend and I will be staying mostly in Barcelona for a good week and we were hoping to find an awesome hostel to stay in that's not too far from the main attractions. Of course the ultimate factor is inexpensiveness. If anyone has any suggestions it would be very much appreciated!!
Meghan <email>
Santa Cruz, CA USA Thu 07/07/2005
Hostels in Italy
Hi all,
Can anyone suggest cheap accommodations in Rome and Venice? Planning a trip late February, early March for 5-6 people. Would it be cheaper to book through travel agent or do on our own? Thanks for any help.
Lois <email>
Providence, Ri USA Thu 07/07/2005
Sweet Dreams and Peaceful Slumber
I realize that Grindelwald is not exactly an ETBD destination, but I had a fantastic hostel experience at the Youthhostel Grindelwald on Terrassenweg. It's a bit of an uphill hike from the train station but so worth it! I was there in early November so I had the place almost to myself. I stayed in a 4-bed room all alone. The very nice bathrooms were right across the hall. The room had French doors that opened onto a balcony that overlooked the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau mountains as well as the village of Grindelwald. At night, there was a nip in the air, but I was able to keep the balcony doors open because the beds are furnished with thick, fluffy duvets! As I fell asleep, the only sound I could hear was the distant clanging of cowbells and an occasional muffled "Mooo." It was the most peaceful I think I've ever felt in my life. The staff were extremely nice, and the public areas were comfortable. Best of all, the place was spotless! A perfect fit for someone who's slightly older than the usual hostel demographic.
Jennifer
Richmond, VA USA Sun 07/03/2005
Y & H Youth Hostel
The Young and Happy hostel in Paris is to be avoided like the plague. The staff is neither friendly nor helpful and the rooms are FILTHY and overpriced. They gave us a room that was under renovation, the door was a piece of sheet rock, no door handle, and the only method to open it was to kick it! It also smelled as if people had used the room as a toilet. The showers are a safety hazard as the water leaks out onto the tiled floor, creating a very slippery mess. Also, they do not refund your money under ANY circumstances.
Hannah
Mukilteo, WA USA Sun 07/03/2005
stayokays amsterdam
the stayokays in amsterdam are indeed outstanding but be aware that large groups invade the Vondelpark one in summer and can spread noise throughout the building, while the Stadsdoelen doesn't allow groups and is on a quiet canal closer to downtown but not in a park.
rick
sf, ca USA Sat 06/25/2005
Villa St Exupery
Our first stay in a hostel was at the Villa St Exuprey Hostel in Nice. We had a twin room with our own bathroom, paid $52 a nite. What made this place so great was the garden areas and the barbeque pit. It is on the hill above Nice and we had a great ocean view from our room. The man in charge gave everyone information about different areas to visit and someone was usually available to answer any questions.Add to that the substantial breakfast, computers, laundry service and onsite bar in the evening. We had reserved for two nights and added a third after we arrived because we liked it so well. Incidently, we are in our 60's but felt completely comfortable being the oldest ones there. One word of advice, if you want to stay in a private room you should reserve as far in advance as possible. This has been voted one of the ten best hostels in the world.
Norma Szabo <email>
Chehalis, WA USA Thu 06/23/2005
NOT BAD RESEARCH!
I notice it isn't one of your criteria Greg but the hostels you list all rank in the top 2-3 per city. I can also tell you are not a partier! I have stayed at many on your list and they stand way above the others. In Berlin I would go with Hallesches Ufer which is a quieter riverside IKEA showplace with huge b'fast spread (Circus is named correctly). In Prague all 3 are good but the extra distance to Boathouse is paid off in best meals and pampering in the business. I would choose the Palace in Rome for its a.c. in summer. Absolute Paris and London Astor Museum are cramped but the best you'll find for cheap. BV Louvre is crimey. Vondelpark in Amsterdam is the best park hostel I've found with unbelieveable breakfast. You are getting double your money's worth from that list! Kudos.
Rory
Nashville, Tenn USA Tue 06/21/2005
ARE THESE GOOD HOSTELS
Greg~~~Go to this page:www.eurotrip.com/hostels. Click on Reviews at the top of the page. You will find Sir Toby listed under Prague. There should be travelers reviews for all the hostels you list. I always like to read reviews from people who have stayed in the hostels I am considering.
M . S. CHARNY
DALLAS, USA Tue 06/21/2005
Are These Good Hostels?
Hi. Getting ready for Europe trip and did 6 months of research on hostels iso 1) least expensive, 2) best breakfasts, 3) reasonably quiet and 4) clean and nice. Any comments on my finalists?
PARIS - Absolute Paris, BJV Louvre;
PRAGUE - Sir Toby's, Hostel U Melounu, Boathouse;
BERLIN - Meininger Hallesches Ufer, Circus;
ROME - Hotel Alessandro Palace or Downtown;
AMSTERDAM - Stayokay Vondelpark, Bulldog;
LONDON - Astor Museum, Hostel 442
Greg <email>
LA, CA USA Mon 06/20/2005
Hostels
Wombat's in Munich was my favorite hostel overall. It had spacious, clean rooms (each with a toilet and shower), a bar, and a nice lounge area. Boathouse hostel in Prague was kind of far from the center, but they have the most amazing free breakfast I've ever had. I hated Hotel Boissiere in Paris.
David
Atlanta, GA USA Mon 06/20/2005
Interlaken, Switzerland
"Backpacker's Villa" in Interlaken is great. So clean, nice staff, nice people, laid back and low key (no parties). www.villa.ch
Vancouver, BC Canada Sat 06/18/2005
Europe's Famous Hostels
Having toured most of Europe I would have to say my favourite hostels are the "Europe's Famous Hostels" chain that include YoHo (Salzburg), Circus (Berlin) and Wombats (Vienna). All these hostels are clean, have a 24 hour reception, no curfew, their own bar and a free phone to call their associated hostels if you want to book ahead! Staff are friendly, helpfull and all speak english. I totally recommend them!
Von
Dublin, Ire Sat 06/18/2005
Best and Worst of Benelux:
Of the seven places we stayed on a trip to Benelux, the best place we stayed was DeDraecke in Gent, Belguim (cute town!) the front door faces the moat and back of a medieval castle, nice rooms with private baths, great service.
Worst was Shelter City in Amsterdam. Besides the extremely loud parties going on until all hours, the products they use for cleaning the bathrooms are overwhelmingly nauseating... we thought the smell would dissapate over time, but no such luck! Even avoiding the bathroom wouldn't solve the problem because you have to pass the bathroom through a hallway to get to their bar/dining area/common room/internet access. Needless to say, we didn't stay a second night!
Katie <email>
Minneapolis, MN USA Thu 06/16/2005
Munich and Prague Hostels
Just got back from my European vacation. I highly recommend Pension Unitas in Prague www.unitas.cz. It has a hostel in the lower ground floor. The friendly service, included buffet breakfast, cleanliness and central location make it a perfect place to stay while in prague. I stayed at the 4 You hostel in Munich. It's location is great (3 min walk from Hautbanhof), but it's impossible to sleep at night. VERY NOISY. There is no carpeting or anything to absorb noise. The bathrooms are also quite filthy. The only redeeming things about it are the terrific buffet breakfast, friendly staff and proximity to the main train station and the sights. I would look elsewhere if you want to actually get some sleep at night. Try some German travel websites. In case you want to chance this dump http://www.the4you.de/
Mario <email>
Los Angeles, CA USA Mon 06/13/2005
Casa Olmata
While spending eight weeks in Europe doing research on my dissertation, I stayed in several different cities. In each city, I stayed in places Rick had mentioned. Casa Olmata in Rome was the best hostel I stayed in on the whole trip. I caught a virus while in Rome (the first time I have ever gotten sick while traveling) and the owners of the hostel went out of their way to make sure I was OK. This included emailing my husband to let him know I was sick and couldn't get out of bed, but was being taken care of, to calling in their family doctor to stop by and see me on his way home from work at 8:00 that night. They were amazing! On a side note: I have to agree with the post under "chocoholics" about Angelina's in Paris. It has THE BEST hot chocolate.
Kimberly
Dallas, TX USA Mon 06/13/2005
THE TENT IN MUNICH
The Tent in Munich is a giant melting pot of cultures and cold inexpensive German beer. I had an amazing time talking to backpackers from all around the world. At night we all sat around the fire and shared our stories and drank some beer. There is a very communal atmosphere at the tent. Everyone takes care of everyone else. Make sure to bring a sleeping bag because it can get cold, but don't let the temperature stop you from this one of a kind experience.
Ed Seib
Indianapolis, IN USA Sun 06/12/2005
Tiber Camping
I stayed at the Tiber Hostel about 4 years ago with friends and it was great. We stayed in the dorms all 6 of us in one room. It was great. We had a huge room all to ourselves and was able to use both the shower and toilet without having to share with other. There are also a few nice places to eat near the train stop.
<email>
Newport Beach, Ca USA Wed 06/08/2005
Tiber Camping and Hostel in Rome
If you're going to Rome on a real budget, check out Tiber Hostel and Camping. You can access them through their own website or through hostelworld.com. You pay about 40 dollars a night for a double (17/pp). It's located a bit outside of Rome, but public transport works so well there, and the hostel runs a shuttle bus to bring you to the commuter trains. Their restaurant is cheap and absolutely delicious, complete with a range of food from wood-fired pizzas to gnocchi with fresh mozzarella. There is also a small store where you can purchase anything you need at drastically cheaper rates than anything you'll find in Rome. The staff is helpful, friendly, and interesting. The rooms are actually trailers divided in the middle, so that one trailer makes two doubles. The bathrooms are small, but clean. Best of all, it's located on the Tiber River, in the middle of what looks like a camping ground out in the middle of a national forest. Because it also serves as an actual campsite and RV park, you meet all generations from all over the world. It's such a wonderful place. I highly reccommend it.
Ashley Berthelot <email>
Baton Rouge, LA USA Tue 06/07/2005
Beware Hotel Ivanhoe but stay at the Loft Apt
Do not stay at Hotel Ivanhoe in Rome near the Colosseum on 50 Via Urbana. The picture of the room on-line is a lie. I stayed here one night and the room was so small I thought I was in a closet or a small work cubical. The shower was tiny and made for a 5yr old child. I was on top of my room mate the entire time we could not even move around the room. The walls a super thin and I could hear my fellow travelers coming and going all through the night. It is not worth it for the price. To top it off the manager was rude. Spend your maony else where. If you want a nice loft apt go to this site http://members.tripod.com/loft_colosseum/ . Apt A and B are the best I did not have a chance to see the other apt. I stayed in apt A and it was well worth the money and space. Private entrance and close to markets, money exchange, Colosseum, the metro is a stroll away, a couple pharamacy's around the corner, eating places, you can catch the bus by the Coloseum to the Vatican or other areas in Rome, and one stop from the main Train station "Termini" where you can catch the train to other cities in Italy or the airport.Happy Travel!!
Parker <email>
Newport Beach, CA USA Mon 06/06/2005
Barcelona
Hello.Desperatly i am looking for a hostel or anything where i can sleep and survive in barcelona. i dont have much money or nearly nothing as i lost my job. do u know some people there where we( my friend and me) could stay or some cheap other things? would be nice if u could write a mail. thank u
Doreen
zeitz, Germany Mon 06/06/2005
Cheap Hotel and Native English Tours Rome
I was just in Rome yesterday and found a very cheap hotel through a tour company www.angeltoursrome.com so if the number is not correct you can ask them. Its a hotel near the station, its not great but the location and price was fantastic. Hotel Bolognese 0039064441391 ?30 per night for a private room for two. the tour company gave us student deals, they are native english speaking tours rome and we did the vatican tour with them for ?10 each not including tickets.Nick
Nick Davis
london, USA Sun 06/05/2005
ItalyFarmStay
This lovely self-sufficient, organic farm nestled at the foot of the Abruzzi National Park is a gem. It is a nice respite from the tourist centers of Florence, Rome, and Venice. The host provides everything on site and offers hikes, hanggliding, and cooking lessons! Definitely stay here.
Angel
Culver City, CA USA Sun 06/05/2005
Hostels in Berlin
My husband and I stayed at a great hostel in Berlin, which was located close to everything. It was called "Green Eggs and Ham". I highly recommend this place to stay. It was clean, spacious, and the owners who ran the hostel were very friendly and helpful. They also own a cafe located in the hostel which is open for breakfast and lunch. They will give you a great deal on the breakfast if you stay in the hostel. We also stayed at the hostel right across the street, The Easterner and did not think very highly of this one. The toliet/shower situation was pretty gross. There was only two showers for the whole hostel, which had about 20 people staying there and one of the showers was located right next to the toliet in the same space. Although the staff at the Easterner were very friendly and helpful we were really glad we moved across the street to the Green Eggs and Ham. We loved this place and highly recommend it. Both of these hostels offer a Free Walking Tour of Berlin which we really enjoyed. The location of these hostels is perfect, right in the middle of everything! If you are trying to decide about whether or not to go to Berlin, I have to tell you that if you don't go, you are missing out. This city is awesome! It has a great energy and so much to see and do. We wish we would have planned to spend more time in Berlin because it was such a great place to visit.
Jodie B.
Kansas City, KS USA Sat 06/04/2005
Italy Accomodations
Just returned from Italy. I would recommend all of these places we stayed.
Florence - Hotel Maxim is inexpensive, clean, free breakfast and right near the Duomo. Small bathrooms. Great location.
Siena - Palazzo Masi is fair-priced B&B right next to the Il Campo in 14th century building! Siena is stunning!
Milan - Hotel Speronari has small rooms but great location and inexpensive.
Vernazza - Tonnino Basso has GREAT newly-remodeled rooms with good size bathrooms (hard to come by in Italy!)and computers w/free internet.
Cathy K <email>
Austin, Tx USA Thu 06/02/2005
BRUSSELS, LONDON, PARIS, DUBLIN, GALWAY
My pick of hostels (used hostelworld.com to book, personally found no problem with them), given: v. clean (except Paris) and central location. Unless otherwise stated no lock-out/curfew.
- DUBLIN: Four Courts; great atmosphere, great location, 3 mins from Temple Bar. Ensuite rooms + bathrooms in halls.
- GALWAY: Sleepzone; awesome, really helpful staff & free internet, ensuite facilities.
- BRUSSELS: HI Bruegel; lock out/curfew but insanely clean and comfy, also showers in-room.
- LONDON: Ace Hotel, not the cheapest at 25quid (for 3 bed private ensuite) but is the best "hostel" i've ever stayed in, felt more like hotel. Comfiest hostel bed ever. A little out of the way but 2 tube stations close by. Definately worth it.
-PARIS: BVJ at 20 Jean Jacques Rousseau, not the best or cleanest esp. when school groups around but does the job and is in a great location opp the Louvre. Can't book through hostelworld, call for booking, staff are disgruntled but will speak english.
may
Antigua Wed 06/01/2005
Eastern Europe Hostel
Krakow, Nathan's Villa - My favouriate hostel. These guys are friendly and helpful. Travellers get free internet usage, free coffee/tea all day. The best part - there isnt a check-in/out time!! Highly recommended*****
Warsaw, Oki Doki Hostel - Near the city centre, clean, free internet, staffs are quite friendly. Recommended****
Prague, Apple Hostel - Fantastic location. Hostel isnt very clean. Shower rooms without doors. Neutral***
Vienna, Hostel Ruthensteiner - One of my favourites too. The people there are friendly!! Nice garden to meet fellow travellers. Clean sheets. Recommended*****
Budapest, Yellow Submarine - Terrible. dark and gloomy walk way. Only 1 toilet for all guest. Girls shower room is part of the washing area. There are bed bugs around.. Saw bugs bite on a guy. They charged my have messy accounts- overcharged me (and i have yet to hear from them).
Eve <email>
Asia, - USA Mon 05/30/2005
Co-ed showers
I stayed at the hostel in Menaggio. The shower room on the second floor where the dorm rooms are appeared to be co-ed. I carefully showered to maintain my privacy, then later discovered a private shower/toilet room designed for one person. Next time I stay in a hostel I will ask if there is a private shower or one for women only.
USA Thu 05/26/2005
RE Co-ed Hostels
They are exactly as they sound but are not bad. I stayed in them in Spain and Italy. More questions, email me.
Jamie <email>
Seattle, USA Wed 05/25/2005
Oktoberfest
Annie,I am in a similar situation, heading to Oktoberfest but not having made any arrangements yet. Wombats City Hostel might be worth a look. It's new, in walking distance to the Oktoberfest grounds, and best of all, doesn't even start taking reservations for Oktoberfest until June 1. I found it on hostelmunich dot com. Maybe I'll see you there.
John <email>
New Orleans, LA USA Wed 05/25/2005
Oktoberfest in Munich
Help! I am trying to book a hostel the first weekend of Oktoberfest, I wanted to wait until I had confirmation from a friend who I found out this week can in fact go. We are two 23 yr old Females and I only found one hostel in town availavble, they don't even have lockers. Do you have any secrets, or places I could and should look that are not well advertised?! I want to make reservations before it is too late and it looks like it already might be, any ideas or advice would be much appreciated... thanks so much.
Annie <email>
Redmond, WA USA Tue 05/24/2005
Cheap hostel in Malaga
The Hostelling International (HI) hostel in Malaga is reasonable, and located a 5 minute walk to the beach/main boardwalk. We went in July, and it was full of young people (read: a little noisy at night)but it was very reasonable, clean and had a nice pool.
Sheila <email>
Vancouver, BC Can Mon 05/23/2005
CO ED HOSTELS
Sheila.... Every hostel is different from the next. I have stayed in hostels in 13 countries from the orient to E. Europe. Never seen co-ed bathrooms. Often I have rented a private room for 2 with private bath in hostels. Do a web search for the specific hostels you consider and read about them before you decide. I always search for ?hostel Paris? or whatever city you need and find more than I need. The web page will usually tell you if private rooms are available or if only dorms--- how many bunks in each dorm.
T. O. DAGGOR
WY USA Thu 05/19/2005
Hostel in Budapest
Best place to stay in Budapest - Caterina Hostel - newly renovated - helpful and friendly staff. The hostel is quiet - travelers in the late 20's early 30's so you can sleep well at night...they have nice clear bathrooms and they wash, dry, and fold your laundry at a resonable price. Close to the Octogon subway station - great restaurants in the area.
Sejal S
chicago, IL USA Wed 05/18/2005
Co-ed Hostels
Co-ed Hostels and showers. Is this exactly how it sounds?? I guess I'm really wondering about the showers. Are they open for males and females all at the same time? Are most hostels like this and does the information in the books and on websites tell you this? Thanks for enlightening me.
Sheila <email>
Cedar Rapids, IA USA Wed 05/18/2005
Go Directly To Jail -- and Love It!
If you are traveling to Ljubljana, Slovenia, check out the best, and funkiest, hostel I have ever stayed in: Hostel Celica (pronounced "Tse-li-tsa"). This three-storey building was formerly a delapidated 19th century military prison! It has been completely renovated and converted into one of the hottest hostels in Europe. The ground floor (American first floor) houses the reception desk, luggage room, dining room (breakfast included in the price of your stay), bar, and gallery for special cultural events. The first floor (American second floor) is where the 29 original prison cells have been transformed into cosy private rooms for one or two persons. These rooms have both solid steel outer doors and inner doors with traditional bars! There are communal bathrooms and a universal worship room on this floor. During the afternoons when the guests are sightseeing, organised tours of the hostel commence. Guests only need to lock the inner barred door to safeguard their belongings. The second floor (American third floor) was originally the storage attic and has been transformed into dormatory-style rooms with multiple bunk beds and private bathrooms. There is a communal kitchen and laundry room on this floor. This is certainly the CLEANEST hostel I have ever seen! No hostel organisation membership is required to stay here, and visitors of all ages are welcomed. RESERVATIONS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. The Hostel Celica is located three blocks east and one block south of the Ljubljana bus and train stations. Visit their website at www.souhostel.si or e-mail them at info@souhostel.si .
Jerry Scott Horn <email>
Fort Lauderdale, FL USA Wed 05/11/2005
LUCA APARTMENTS, PRAGUE
LUCA APARTMENTS, PRAGUE - DO NOT DEAL WITH THIS COMPANY.
I would NEVER use this service again. I paid 1200 CZK for what I thought was a "flat" in Prague. When I arrived, I realized it was only a small, dirty room in some woman's apartment. I had been travelling all day and did not want to bother finding another accomodition, so I decided to stay and paid for 3 nights.
On my second day, I came back from a long day of sightseeing and wanted to change before going out for dinner. The woman I was staying with initially invited me into her (actually, our shared) kitchen to introduce me to her friends. After chatting a bit, she told me to go to my room and stay there (??!?!?!? 1200 a night to be told to go to my room?). ANyhow, I went to my room, changed and then went to dinner.
Things became much worse. At 3 am on the second evening, I was awoken by this crazy woman YELLING and BANGING on my door - this is very scary at 3 am in a dirty, sketchy room in the middle of prague. I didn't knhow if I was going to get beat up, robbed, or what, but she continued and I opened the door. She grabbed my keys and told me I had to leave the next morning. I am not sure why this happened at 3 am, but it could've only been to intimidate me. At any rate, I was by now scared as I have ever been and just wanted to get somewhere safe, and fast. THe next morning I tried calling for this woman to inquire about my $1200 CKZ which I had pre-paid. THere was no response so I left for the train station and am now in Vienna where I know much safer and reliable housing sources.
AVOID THIS LUCA APARTMENTS OR RISK A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE!
Sean Michalec <email>
Calgary, AB CANADA Sat 05/07/2005
London, Paris, & Amsterdam Woman Traveling Alone
London -- International Youth Hostel. Great, clean, super secure (I was a 28 year old woman traveling alone). The pub was bumping every night with cheap drinks. Never more than 10 minutes from anything I wanted to see.Paris -- started at the 3 Ducks. Dirty, showers are in the courtyard (yeah, outside). Only stayed one night. Young & Happy Hostel for the rest of my time. Not the best but showers are in the rooms and that's nice. Again, never more than ten minutes from anything.
Amsterdam -- stayed at Flying Pig Downtown. THIS IS IN THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT. I thought I was staying at the other one, the one closer to the museums, so don't get confused like I did. Overall very safe, fairly clean, tv going all day, cheap drinks.
Cecilia <email>
Cincinnati, OH USA Fri 05/06/2005
lodging
Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland--Valley Hostel! By far one of the best and friendliest places I've stayed! Martha and Alfred make you feel like you are just coming back from a visit somewhere else. Rooms & bathroom very clean, easy access to internet, laundry, train and hiking. I can't say enough good about this place.
Prague, Czech Republic--I ended up staying in a pension (this is like a boarding room in someones home). I & K Pension. This too was awesome! We had a full blown apartment for two of us and it was the least expensive way to go. Breakfast was included and the trams were right down the street. The owners were very helpful and made sure we were well equipped with maps and english guidebooks as well as a few tram tickets before we headed out. Pensions are a great way to go!
Erin <email>
Rockville, MD USA Thu 05/05/2005
HOSTELS
If you can only afford hostels, then use them and be happy. I have stayed in them in 13 different countries. I often don?t have money for a hotel and I have found hostels very convenient. And cheap. They charge by the type of bed you rent. The prices vary. They offer dorm beds for $10 to $20 a night and private rooms for 1, 2, 3 or 4 persons for $30 to $50. Some have bathrooms in the room and others have the toilets and showers down the hall. I never book in advance. You can nearly always find a bed.. Do a google.com search for each town you will visit. Search for ?London Hostels? and etc. Some have email addresses where you can reserve a bed. Read about them and especially the comments from travelers who have stayed in them.
LARRY CUTT
ORLANDO, USA Wed 05/04/2005
England Hostels
In August, I am doing a study abroad program at Oxford. I was planning on flying into London a week or so earlier to see England. I haven't really made any plans yet. I was just wondering what I should do about lodging. I can only afford hostels, but I don't know anything about how they work. Should I book in advance or do I just show up? How much do they cost. Also, if anyone has any specific hostels to recommend that's be great.
John Laracy <email>
Jersey City, NJ USA Wed 05/04/2005
The Pink Palace Corfu!
I have just got back from a trip around Europe! It was my first one and it was the best time I have ever had! The on place that I really feel I have to reccomend is The Pink Palace in Corfu, Greece! It was the perfect place to party and rest after the long summer tour and it's so sociable, I made a million new friends from all over the world!!The rooms are for two or three people, have private bathroom with a blow drier and a private balcony from which to watch the longest sunsets ever!!!!I had so much fun that I extended my stay twice and I definatley plan to return next year!!!
Cody Black <email>
Seattle, Washington USA Sun 05/01/2005
Stay at SHeraton Skyline Heathrow London
I was looking for very budget location for my 3 day stay in london. Since none of hotels or even cheapest b&b in or near central london would have been less then 60GBP per day, i decided its worth trying out airport hotel and 2 hour return trip daily to central london via tube using 19.2GBP 3 day visitor travel card with peak hour travel included.
So using priceline i started bidding at US$40 per night and eventually increased it to $63 per night plus taxes/fees. It costed me US$306 for 4 nights (or 40GBP per night).
I was flying in to Heathrow Terminal 3 on first night and flying out of same terminal on 4th day. So disadvantage as to location from central london was advantage in my two trips to and from airport as it took just 3 min by cab from airport costing 7.2GBP and 3GBP from Hotel to airport by Hotel Hoppa bus service.
Checking was swift, never much of queue. When i indicated if there is any special offer for media since I write, they sent me fruit basket 10 minutes after i checked in. Even though I booked use priceline, they were quite friendly. No special remarks as to "you shouldn't have booked thru priceline" as I encountered later in week at DoubleTree Jersey City (USA).
Room was excellent their sweet sleeper bed too tempting to stay out awake. I had called in advance and requested airport runway view room (else you get parking lot or swimming pool side room). Room is just outside runway where planes touch ground and taxi towards terminal. So in morning and evening hours it can be fun watching different 747/777/A320s land with different airline liveries. I had requested on phone to give me 2nd floor room which is all executive room floor with better and big newly furnished room with sweet sleeper bed and was given that. Even though there is nothing between your room and runway, but hardly any aircraft noise as hotel building has excellent insulation.
Room had wetbar which is quite useless unless you are not the one paying bill. Bathroom is clean, nice had shoe shine sponge apart from shampoo, shower gel and mouthwash. Shower was GROHE and was difficult for me to figure out how it worked but their engineer came and showed me which buttons on shower knob to click to turn tap flow to shower flow.
TV is good big but mostly non english channels catering to foreign crowd. There was Sony channel from India and also lot of reference to India in their literature like maps. on City map of sheraton skyline, all advertisements were about Indian bridal makeup, indian food catering etc. Also downstairs I read notice that in inhouse pub friday nights are "Mumbai Nights". May be this hotel frenchise is owned by some indian.
There is tea/coffee maker with enough supply of milk/cream to make two cups of coffee/tea. If you need more you can just ask house keeping staff in corridor. I carried my own tea bags as one supplied by hotel were too mild for my Indian taste. I had to request plates, knife, fork, spoon to eat fruits/kellog etc and they supplied it.
Their is safe deposit box in room next to reception desk and I used it to store my stuff.
Swimming pool was clean, heated and uncrowded , never more then 2-3 people in it. But never got chance to use it.
If you have to visit central london, get out of hotel, walk right and in 100 meter or so you will be on bus stop, you can catch 285, 555, 556, 557 bus and it will take you to Hatton Cross tube station without any fare as hotel and station both falls in fare free zone. It takes 4 min from hotel to tube station and another 45 min to reach picadilly by blue line or victoria by changing tube to Districtline at Hammersmith tube station (do it here as next train is on same plateform without you haveing to go up/down to other plateform).
So instead of paying GBP 85-100 per night at central london, it may make sense if to spend 40GBP at Sheraton Skyline if you have 2 hour extra daily. Also you would save 2 hour, money and energy while going to/from airport.
On checking bill on TV on 2nd day, there was 1 GBP charge with GUEST SERVICE as explaination, I called and was told it was for charity, i asked them to remove it and they did it. This was in bad taste as they should earn profit and do whatever charity they feel like doing it. They shouldn't debit room with charity charges without authorization and wait for few fools not to notice it.
Vipul Shah
Mumbai, NS India Sat 04/30/2005
Spanish Hostels
reviews of the hostels i stayed in in Spain:
Barcelona: Para?so Traveller's Hostel, that's what it was called on hostelworld.com, but when i got there the sign said Pensi?n Para?so. 22 euros a night, no free breakfast, very clean and colorful, not very social, at night the area was a little sketchy for a solo girl, about a 15 minute walk from las ramblas...overall: ok, i've heard of better/cheaper places in barcelona
Granada: Oasis Backpackers Hostel, 15 euros a night with free breakfast, free coffee and tea all day and free internet, awesome location in the Arabic neighborhood Albaic?n with teter?as (tea houses/hookah bars) on every corner, cool bar and dinner deals on some nights (i had soup, salad, paella, and sangr?a for 3,50) plus organized tapas crawls, great for solo travelers, lots of friendly people, kinda hard to find at first (especially when you arrive at 11pm in the midst of Holy Week processions) but once you knew where it was you were fine and it was close to everything, overall: my favorite hostel in my favorite city in the world
C?rdoba: Albergue Juvenil (HI youth hostel), 12,50 euros a night (with HI card for under 26) with free breakfast (the other meals which cost extra are like elementary school cafeteria food), institutional feeling hostel with lots of families and school groups, very clean and excellent location, no common areas or opportunities to meet people unless you get someone cool in your room, overall: good but boring for the solo traveler
Sevilla: Hostal Nuevo Suizo, 18 euros a night but other people were paying other (higher prices), free breakfast and coffee and tea all day, free internet, the shared rooms are cramped with no lockers but it seemed pretty safe, privates seemed nicer but i only glanced in, common room was cramped, located in sevilla's shopping district, 5-10 minute walk from Cathedral and Royal Alc?zar, reception was helpful for finding stuff to do, overall: pretty good, but probably not worth it if you're paying more than 18 euros
note: the free breakfast in Spanish hostels is coffee/tea and toast, but that's usually what it is in Spanish houses tooHappy traveling!
Laura
Austin, TX USA Thu 04/28/2005
Hotel Plaza Mayor
Hotel Plaza Mayor in Madrid probably is the best located hotel I have stayed at in Europe. Literally steps to Plaza Mayor and the heart of Madrid. The staff is wonderful and the rooms are comfortable. The rooms on the first floor seem nicer than the higher floors. The staff was very accomodating to my groups last week; we had A LOT of luggage and they let us store it there for a few days as we went to Portugal. We are planning our return already there.
Marc <email>
Greenwich, CT USA Thu 04/28/2005
Rome and Florence
My friend and I iust came back from Italy. For good places to stay:
Florence: Hotel Maxim. Good price, clean and good location in Florence (walking distance from a lot of the major sites).
Rome: Beehive. Clean, very cheap and stones throw from the Termini (train station, very convenient.
Young O'Yith
USA Wed 04/27/2005
Sleep in Straw vs. Hostel in Switzerland
Has anyone tried the "Schlaf im Stroh" (Sleep in Straw)program over 200 farms are a part of in Switzerland as a low cost alternative to hostels? In researching hostels and budget accomodations for my 22 yr. old son going to Europe in May-June, I came across http://europeforvisitors.com/switzaustria/articles/schlaf_im_stroh.htmFor 13-20Euros sounds wonderful, breakfast provided--and it sounds like fun! Wondering if anyone has actually tried it.
Jean <email>
Bedford, TX USA Wed 04/27/2005
Don't Use HOSTELWORLD.COM
I used HOstelworld.com to book my hotels and hostels, and I never recieved any confirmations! This became a problem when I needed to change my plans, but was not able to find the contact information for my reservations (which are supposed to be disclosed in your confirmation). In addition, they charged me extra charges on my credit card.I wrote them 6 emails asking them to resend my confirmations, however I never recieved a response.Ultimately, I will lose a lot of money from reservations that I am unable to cancel.I WILL NEVER USE HOSTELWORLD.COM again, and i would encourage you to do the same.
Caroline <email>
Charleston, SC USA Wed 04/27/2005
Rome & Paris
When in Rome, stay at M&J hostel. Its very close to the train station and city buses. When in Paris stay at Hotel BelfortI book all of the hostels that I stay at in Europe off of www.hostelworld.comIts a very reliable website with cheap booking.
Louise <email>
st peters, mo USA Tue 04/26/2005
Hostel Reviews
My daughter and I will be in Europe for 45 days, starting in June. I have our Hostels & Hotels booked. I am thankful I ran across 2 site that give reviews on hostels. Bug Europe http://www.bugeurope.com/reviews/ and http://www.hostelz.com, I will give a report on each when we return.
JB
USA Mon 04/25/2005
Briefly visited the Loch Lomond Youth Hostel - already had accommodations in Glasgow but would seriously consider trying the hostel next time. It's an amazing building with a lovely view of grazing sheep and Loch Lomond. See http://www.loch-lomond.net/accommodation/youthhostels/youth_hostels.html
Carol <email>
Seattle, USA Sat 04/23/2005
A'Dam and Paris Hostels
Well I getting ready to head out to Europe in May and this is my first time leaving the country and I'm 25 (pathetic I know) but I am sorta nervous and very much excited to go out there. We are staying at the Stadsdoelen, and I haven't heard anyone say anything about that hostel just curious if anyone is familiar with it and also what is the first Coffeeshop I should visit? I'm really looking forward to getting out of the states, more particullarly Utah, and I want to make this the best vacation ever..
I'm also gonna be in Paris after A'dam and in Paris I believe we are staying at the Pointe Rivoli if anyone has input on either that would be great..
Big T <email>
provo, UT USA Thu 04/21/2005
Milan & Venice Hostels/Hotels
Does anyone know of good hostels or cheap hotels in Milan & Venice Italy?
Steven <email>
Seattle, WA USA Wed 04/20/2005
Great Hostel in Dublin
If you're in Dublin, the Four Courts is the way to go. The hostel was CLEAN and the staff very friendly and helpful.
CJ <email>
Des Moines, IA USA Tue 04/19/2005
HI MEMBERSHIP
Caroline~~~it depends on how many different hostels you plan to stay in. ~~~ Some don?t ask to see your membership card. ~~~ Some will add a $2 charge each night you are there if you are not a member.~~~ Every hostel has different rules.~~~ Since you are there two months, I would suggest buying the membership.~~~ I have traveled with it and without it and can?t tell you whether it pays to buy it because I haven?t traveled two months. ~~~ Just be sure to ask if there is a discount with the membership card.
MARY JANE S.
TX USA Mon 04/18/2005
HI Membership
Is HI Membership really worth $28? We are going to backpack around Europe for 2 months. Please write any helpful comments.
Caroline <email>
Austin, TX USA Sun 04/17/2005
Italy Farm Stay
Just as Daniel in College Station I also stayed at Antonello's farm stay in Italy (ItalyFarmStay.com). I loved it there. I came for two days and stayed more than two weeks. It's the perfect place to lay back and relax. I'd recommend this lovely place to anyone wanting to experience the simple life you're not sure still exists in Italy.
Jim <email>
Denton, TX USA Sun 04/17/2005
Michelle
Try the Happy Hostel in Vienna! My friend and I got two bed room, that had a private bath and little kitchen. It was great.
LA, CA USA Sat 04/16/2005
Farm Hostel
When I went to Europe in the fall of 2004 I stayed in one of the most unique hostels. While in Italy, I came across this hostel that is nestled in the mountains inbetween Rome and Naples. The place was called ItalyFarmStay and I think they have a website called that with a .com at the end. Anyways, they grow all of their own food and make their own wine. they have farm animals and the owner (antonello) took me up for many an excursion to the mountains, which he has a strong passion for. If you will be in this area I strongly reccomend this cheap and unique place. You can email antonello at antonello70@hotmail.com or email me for more reccomendations. Enjoy your travels!
Daniel <email>
College Station, TX USA Fri 04/15/2005
Best Hostel
Cat's Hostel in Madrid was the best. They have a courtyard and a bar where people could gather and talk. I met so many cool people. The rooms are clean and the hostel is pretty small.
Reina Caredio <email>
Seattle, Wa USA Wed 04/13/2005
hostels in spain
Best place?s:Madrid- Cat?s Hostel, friendly staff, a bar downstairs, cleanMalaga- Picasso?s Backpacker Hostel- aka the best place EVERRRRRRR
Jess Dyrdahl <email>
West Fargo, ND USA Tue 04/12/2005
Best Places in Italy
Tuscany: Villa San Uberto very near Radda. UNBELIEVABLE junior suite for 108 Euros. Fluent English spoken; swimming pool in the warm months; close to Radda and Castellina (and relatively close to San Gimignana, Siena and Greve. It's a villa that has been completely re-built with all the creature comforts (and a HUGE suite). Must have a car.
Florence: Hotel David... at just 84 Euros. Excellent old hotel with loads of charm and very helpful staff (that speak fluent Enlgish). Probably this cheap because it's a little bit further away (15 minute walk - but buses are easy to use).
ROME: Hotel Lancelot is right by the Colloseum (and, therefore, in easy walking distance to the ancient sites). Great staff (again, speaking fluent English) and wonderful service. We had a room with a terrace that viewed the Colloseo for 110 Euros.
All 3 places can be served through the venere.com site. All 3 have excellent reviews at TripAdvisor.
Mark <email>
Portland, OR USA Mon 04/11/2005
Hostels/budget hotels in London & France
On my trip to London and France in March of 2005 I stayed at two hostels worth recommending and two budget hotels definitely worth recommending.
London: Carr-Saunders Hall, a dormitory at the London School of Economics and Political Science. The place was spotless (even the kitchen). I had a single room with a sink, and there was a common (co-ed) shower room with toilets on each floor. A tasty breakfast was included. The cost during Spring Break was 26 pounds a night. It is close to three Tube stations.
Nice, France: Villa Saint-Exupery. Take the bus to the St. Maurice bus stop, climb up a hill, and you're there. $38 a night, breakfast included. The facility is lovely and clean, except for the kitchen. It was gross (guests are responsible for cleaning up after themselves)! The former chapel of this renovated monastery is the social hall, and the stained glass windows add a lot of warmth. Internet access is free, when it's working! I would recommend it for inexpensive, safe, clean lodging in an otherwise expensive city.
Arles, France: My favorite budget hotel in France is Hotel le Cloitre. The owner of this two-star hotel has spent the last 15 winters renovating this beautiful old building in the heart of the medieval town of Arles. Single room with full bath was 45 Euro (breakfast not included). Definitely worth the price!
Nevers, France: My second favorite budget hotel is a one-star hotel within walking distance of the train station called Hotel Beausejour. I had a room with a double bed and full bath for 34 Euro a night. Breakfast was 6 Euro. Highly recommend this one!
Heidi Jeffreys <email>
Virginia Beach, VA USA Sun 04/03/2005
HOSTELS B&B IN ATHENS
My wife and I stayed a week in a private room (with bath) in the Victor Hugo Hostel in Athens 2 years ago.
We paid $22. It was clean and the free breakfast was great. It was so good that we ate all our evening meals in their restaurant.
You can email for reservations and get a confirmation by email. Read other travelers comments too. Go to :www.bugeurope.com/reviews/Greece/Athens/gr012/. Note the street address and the cost. Dorm beds ?6.75-9. It is centrally located and a 5 minute walk from the underground.
The travel agency next door gives discounts to hostel guests; we took air conditioned bus tours every day we were in Athens, but many sights are within walking distance of the hostel.
C. CHANDLER
TULSA, USA Tue 03/29/2005
Rome Hostel and Sorrento Hotel
Maria's Hostel is a cosy place to stay in Rome (not in Ricks book, but should be). We paid 52€ per night for a double with a bathroom down the hall. There are only 4 rooms and 2 bathrooms, so you rarely have to wait to go to the bathroom, everything is clean, and the bed is comforatble (not saggy and springy). Although the breakfast is tiny, there is always milk in the fridge along with coffee, tea and hot chocolate, so you can just help yourself (and they supply all the pots and pans to cook with). The hostel is only a five minute walk south east of the train station on Via Principe Amedeo, 138 Int. 8 (apt. 8). The neighbourhood felt very safe during the day (less so at night, especially near the park between the hostel and the train station, it wasn't filled with criminals or anything, but we did see a few needles), but the hostel is very quiet and relaxing, and it backs onto a small courtyard (not the street). Definitely a winner! Email Maria at maria49@tin.it you will not be disappointed!And when in Naples, keep going south to Sorrento. We found Naples to be dirty and unfriendly (and that was after seeing Rome!), but Sorrento was a gem. Sure it's touristy, but we stayed at the Hotel Desire (in Rick's book) just a 10 minute walk out of the main town, and it was amazing! We had big plans to tour farther south, but we're so comfortable there we decided to slow down and enjoy. We had a lovely room with patio overlooking the ocean, and a breakfast of fresh rolls with jam. Everything was very clean (the cats stay upstairs and away from the guest rooms, although they do like a good scratch behind the ears if you want to seek them out). I was quoted 90€ per night for a double but they ended up only charging us 70€! Now that's hospitality at it's best.Happy Travels!
Kate McKenzie <