Hostel Reviews

Budget travel means hostels, hostels, hostels. Although some hostels can be less than favorable, most of my experiences with hostels while traveling through Europe have been positive. For your traveling convenience, I’ve included reviews of all the hostels I can remember staying in during my travels. Happy hostelling, friends!!

Austria

Vienna

Hostel Wien- Myrthengasse (HI)- Vienna is expensive, especially during Christmas time (the Vienna Christmas Markets are absolutely enchanting) so budget hostels are not so budget. Myrthengasse will cost you about 20 euro per night and if you are not a member of Hostelling International, it will cost you an extra 3.50. However, Myrthengasse offers a great breakfast with lots of options for free so overall, a good place to stay when exploring Vienna.

Croatia

Split

Apinelo Hostel- this hostel wins the award for most helpful staff. My towels were changed daily; my laundry was neatly folded on my bed before I even checked to see if it was finished. The receptionist is bursting with enthusiasm and will give you endless amounts of info on the best places to see in Split. The rooms are basic and comfortable while the showers are perfectly clean. The kitchen is well equipped but the hot plate takes ages to heat up so keep in mind that the traveler favorite meal of pasta will take all night to cook. Location wise, you can’t beat this hostel. The harbor, Diocletian’s Palace, and a wonderful supermarket are just around the corner.

Czech Republic

Prague

Hostel Dakura- perfectly fine but nothing special. The staff is nice enough and the rooms are decorated with vibrant colors but check-in is late and the staff are not always available to answer your questions. If you’re looking for basic amenities and close proximity to the bus station, this hostel will do.

Estonia

Tallinn

Angleterre Apartments– I have a confession: in Tallinn, I splurged on a private apartment and yes, it was beyond worth it. If I’m ever lucky enough to rent my own studio, I hope it looks exactly like one of the Angleterre rooms. The apartment design marries modern with old-fashioned brick so perfectly, granting you the perfect reprieve after you’ve gotten hopelessly lost in old town (bring a good map). Location wise, Angleterre is outside of the center but all the important sites are still within walking distance. The average room costs just under 50 euro if you book during the off-season.

Hungary

Budapest

Maverick City Lodge– by far, the best place I stayed in Budapest! This clean and simple hostel hasn’t been around for long but it has risen quickly in popularity. Guests appreciate the spacious rooms, modern bunk beds, and privacy. The lockers are spacious and secure while the beds are fit with curtains and shelving space. Guests can also enjoy a delicious discount breakfast at neighboring restaurant Fat Mama but keep in mind that Maverick City Lodge serves free tea and coffee all day. Easily reachable from the center with an average price of 12 euros per night, you’d be crazy not to stay here next time you’re in Budapest!

Casa de la Musica Hostel- I had a decent experience here but the beds aren’t very comfortable while the bedrooms are sans air-conditioning during the summer. The staff is friendly and accommodating, opening reception early if you need to check out before catching a morning bus. If you’re looking for a hostel you can party at, Casa de La Musica’s brightly lit courtyard, booming with music, will not disappoint. However, if you’re looking for a restful night’s sleep and a more filling breakfast, I suggest staying somewhere else. Prices per night are also slightly more expensive than Maverick City Lodge.

Italy

Naples

Neapolitan Trips Hostel & Bar- this place is the perfect spot to wind down after exploring crazy, chaotic Naples. The comfy common area connects to a large, well-equipped patio where free musical performances are often held in the evening. Guests can also clinch a free drink from the bar if they play beautifully enough on the grand piano. Breakfast is free and includes classically brewed Italian coffee. The receptionist also loves to teach willing guests some key Italian phrases. I highly recommend this hostel to anyone brave enough to visit Naples.

Sorrento

Piano di Sorrento- the Almalfi coast is an absolute must-see but if you’re looking for budget accommodation, be prepared to stay both a train and bus-ride away. This hostel may not be ideal location-wise but the staff are friendly and the rooms air-conditioned. Sadly, this hostel does not have a kitchen so don’t expect to make your own food while staying here. Their large bar does offer food but perhaps not the authentic Italian cuisine you’re hoping for.

Perugia

Ostello di Perugia Centro– the view from this hostel is absolutely stunning. It’s the perfect place to get lost in the beauty of Italy and journal away for hours. The interior is also gorgeous with classic painted ceilings that reach high into the sky. Your stay in Perugia will be perfect and pleasant if you stay at this wonderful hostel.

Florence

Bigallo Hostel– it takes two buses and an exhausting walk up a hill to get to this place from the center but I promise you, it is more than worth it. Housed in a former monastery for monks, this hostel has lots of character. You can sleep in traditional wooden alcove beds much like the monks did, just be sure to wear bug spray as the screenless windows attract a fair amount of mosquitos. Although waking up with bug bites may not sound appealing it’s hard to pass a place like this up. From the patio you can see all of Florence and the most spectacular Tuscan sunsets. The staff go above and beyond to ensure you have a nice stay, offering delicious pasta dinners paired with wine for a low price. Breakfast is free and includes chocolate cake! I’m almost certain you’ll love your stay here.

Camping Firenze- although this place was close to 6 miles away from the center of Florence, I would gladly stay here again. I stayed here during the grand opening so there were a few quirks (randomly flushing toilet etc.). However, the private Bungalow paired with free access to the complex pool and cheap, delicious breakfast was simply grand. If you are exploring Florence for the first time, I would suggest something much closer to the center but if you don’t mind hopping on and off a few buses, Camping Firenze is a perfect option.

Cinque Terre

Ostello di Porto Venere– budget-friendly accommodation in Cinque Terre is hard to come by but this hostel, located outside of the Cinque Terre in equally as beautiful Porto Venere, is a great option. The view from the hostel patio is absolutely gorgeous-the kind you could look at for hours. The rooms are comfortable enough though perhaps not so secure. From Porto Venere, you can take a bus into the Cinque Terre and then move through the five villages via train. When exploring the breathtaking Cinque Terre, this hostel is definitely your best bet.

Rovereto

Ostello di Rovereto Il Fagio- when exploring the Gate to the Dolomites, this is pretty much your only option. The connecting restaurant has delicious food options, including “biramisu” (tiramisu made with beer) while the free breakfast is decent. The wait staff are friendly but the staff at reception tends to get annoyed with guests easily. If you choose to stay here, don’t take it personally when reception isn’t so warm and friendly.

Venice

AO Hostel Venezia Mestre- located in Venice Mestre, this hostel is only one quick train ride away from the center of Venice. The building itself is modern and spacious and most importantly, air-conditioned. The rooms are large, the beds comfy. It’s a good place to stay if you’re booking last-minute but if you’re looking to save money on transportation, look for accommodation closer to the center.

Milan

Hostel Colours- Milan wasn’t my favorite city but this hostel was a nice place to end my summer trip through Italy. The staff is full of energy while the common area is fit with comfortable chairs, a pool table, and a large TV. The beds are basic but perfectly suitable. Overall, a good place to stay if you are staying in Milan but have little interest in exploring the city.

Latvia

Riga

Cheap & Good Apartments-yikes. On my way to this very cheap apartment complex, I witnessed a man try to physically fight an uncoming tram. I was also mooned when I stopped to ask someone for directions. As you might have guessed, this complex is in a very dodgy area. The owner is a kind and joyous man but according to the hallway walls, Satan has stayed at these apartments several times. You will also need to unlock four doors to get to your room. I assure you, these security measures will not make you feel secure. I recommend reserving your hostel way in advance when traveling to Riga so you have a better chance of staying someplace the devil hasn’t been.

Lithuania

Vilnius

Fabrika Hostel- Vilnius is an intriguing and overlooked city that has a lot to offer, except when it comes to accommodation. I was surprised at first when I was the only person staying at Fortuna for all three days in Vilnius. However, after I used the scary, unhygienic bathroom and got bed bugs the following evening, it made more sense. You never have to worry about Fortuna booking up, even at the height of tourist season but if you want to avoid bedbugs, dirty bathrooms, and a very forward receptionist, stay clear of this place at all costs.

Poland

Warsaw

Dream Hostel Warsaw- I ventured into Warsaw only after my travel plans fell through but Dream Hostel made my stay in Poland’s capital absolutely delightful. The common area was gorgeously decorated and inspired me to travel on. The clocks were set to Hogwarts and Winterfell time which is always important to know. The breakfast, which comes for a fee, was delicious while the beds were so incredibly comfortable. I extended my stay and would gladly return to Warsaw’s most delightful hostel.

Gdansk

Midtown Hostel- I love any place with a book exchange and DVD selection. The hostel is not far from the center but it is a little hard to find from the street. In any case, it’s a nice place to stay that will give you no reason to complain.

Romania

Brasov

Centrum House Hostel-This hostel had a nice atmosphere and favorable location but offered little to no privacy. In order to get to the female dorm, you have to walk through the male dorm which can lead to some awkward moments (always knock first). This hostel is nice but certainly not memorable.

Sibiu

Smart Hostel Sibiu- I loved the staff here! They were fun, supremely interesting, and kind enough to make all of us guests a delicious chocolate cheesecake. The rooms are nice enough and the free breakfast includes fresh eggs. Location wise, you’re just a stone throw away from the heart of Sibiu. Can’t beat that! There are only two bathrooms so expect to wait but also expect to have a wonderful time at this hostel!

Cluj-Napoca

Spot Cozy Hostel– this particular hostel has a special place in my heart. Although it’s a bit of a trek from the center of Cluj, you would be crazy not to stay here. It’s right next to Cluj’s beautiful Central Park and not too far from a good market. The staff is both artsy and compassionate, always ensuring you have slippers on your feet and blankets wrapped around you. The common area is perhaps the cosiest you’ll come across in your travels, especially when the receptionist brings her energetic lab to work. You can also count on a complimentary shot of Romanian brandy, just be sure to keep it out of reach–that dog’s tail is long!

Slovakia

Bratislava

Hostel Folks- when I stayed here last year, the hostel was brand new. This hostel is perhaps the cleanest I have ever come across: the floors literally sparkle. If you enjoy space, this hostel is a perfect option. The rooms have lots of floor space if you have extra luggage while the gigantic common room is a great place to put your feet up after a long day of travel. Prices have increased since I last stayed here but during less busy months, you can stay at Hostel Folks for around 13 euro a night.

Patio Hostel- patio hostel is a perfectly fine option. Due to the number of rooms available, you’re likely to have few if any roommates in your room during winter months. There’s breakfast available for 2 euro but if a juice box and 7 days croissant isn’t enough, you’re better off making your own. Also, keep in mind the kitchens do not contain stoves. But Patio Hostel is perhaps the only hostel in Bratislava that offers guests free drinks at the bar downstairs. Not a bad option if you’re looking for a place close to but not directly in old town.

Art Hostel Taurus a great place for free breakfast (the only in town), good music, and bedbugs. While I can’t complain about the staff or atmosphere, I could have done without the bedbugs. My roommates seemed unscathed by the bugs so perhaps I attract them more than others. Location wise, Art Hostel Taurus is just below the castle, perfect for late night walks to one of the best viewpoints of the Bratislava skyline. Just don’t be surprised if you wake up itchy the next day.

DREAM Hostels– weary travelers should be forever thankful for the angelic force that is Dream Hostels. After absolutely loving the Dream Hostel in Warsaw, I decided to give this one a try and I was not disappointed. The staff is great fun while the building is impeccably clean and beautifully decorated. The beds are fit with two outlets, shelving space, and a bright reading light. Privacy is also respected with bed frame curtains and spacious, locked drawers beneath the beds. Although breakfast is only provided for a fee of 4.50 euros, the kitchen is well-equipped with plenty of utensils and fridge space. This hostel is a bit of a walk for Stare Mesto but it is by far my favorite place to stay in Bratislava.

Slovenia

Ljubljana

Hostel 24– only 2 minutes walking distance from the center, Hostel 24 is the perfect option for those looking to explore Slovenia’s lovely capital. The rooms are incredibly spacious and the instant coffee options are extensive (hazelnut cappuccino etc.) Much like the city itself, this hostel also wins big decoratively. The walls are bright, humorous, and inspirational without being tacky. No complaints when it comes to this hostel.

Hostel Tivoli– this hostel offers free breakfast and if you’re lucky, free liquor. I stayed here during off-season so there weren’t many travelers. If think the receptionist took pity on the solo traveler looking particularly solo so he poured me a free shot accompanied with some buttery popcorn. The Slovenian liquor tasted medicinal but the popcorn was simply scrumptious. The rooms are modern and well-ventilated but the bunk beds are stacked three beds high so if you decide to stay here you better hope for some courteous roommates.

Lake Bled

Bled Hostel- Lake Bled does not have a lot of accommodation options so you can’t be too picky. That being said, Bled Hostel is a perfectly acceptable option. It’s incredibly close to famous Lake Bled and situated next to some nice little restaurants. The beds aren’t the most comfortable and security is very low (no lockers) but since most Bled visitors only stay for a night, guests are generally happy with Bled Hostel.