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Post by mcfish123 on Dec 4, 2007 15:58:18 GMT -5
So, after much research, I think I have found the hostels I'll be staying in. For three cities, I have a couple hostels listed because I'm not sure which one to choose. What do you guys think?
Berlin- Circus Hostel
Munich- Wombats Hostel
Venice- Hostel Santa Fosca
Rome- The Beehive or Hostels Alessandro (downtown)
Paris- Le Village
Amsterdam- Hostel Cosmos or The Flying Pig (downtown)
(Although, I read on hostelworld that you shouldn't go to the Flying Pig if you don't smoke weed all the time. Is that true? Are all the hostels like this in Amsterdam?)
Any feedback and/or suggestions would be much appreciated!
Thanks!
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Post by WillTravel on Dec 4, 2007 16:28:14 GMT -5
I haven't been to these, but I've heard of almsot all, and they have very good reviews and are very popular.
For Amsterdam, the StayOkay hostels do not allow smoking in the hostel (what you do outside is up to you), and these are quite popular. The Flying Pig also has two locations - so if you go for that one, figure out which you want. I don't recall hearing about Cosmos.
For Rome, I get the impression that the Beehive is rather quiet and sedate, but of very good quality. I think the Alessandro has younger people - just my impression.
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Post by me on Dec 4, 2007 17:55:19 GMT -5
stayed at two of those Italian places in 2004: the Beehive and at Santa Fosca. the Beehive was great. but, i've heard that the kitchen is now closed to guests. if Alessandro has a kitchen that's open for guests to use, that might be better. cooking your own meals is a great way to save. a restaurant tab can be a budget buster. Santa Fosca has great prices, especially for Venice! but, the crazy reservations system is a pita <pain in the ass>. Venice has no in-town alternatives in the price range. |
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Post by Eagle on Dec 4, 2007 19:15:59 GMT -5
mcfish123, I normally use a mix of Hostels and budget Hotels when travelling, so don't have much experience with those you listed.
However, I have stayed at Alessandro Palace in Rome and would certainly recommend it. It's an easy walk from Termini station, has good facilities (Bar, Internet access, laundry in the vicinity) and the rooms were clean (I was in a four-bed Dorm). The room I was assigned to had modern electronic card access, which also controlled the electrics in the room (for energy conservation); when the last person leaves, they remove their card and the electrics switch-off about a minute later. There were lockers in the rooms, but no keys were provided for these. Smaller metal lockers are provided down by the front desk, and these were lockable. A "Continental breakfast" is provided and while it was somewhat basic it was adequate to get the day started.
I've heard good reports on The Beehive, but it's a bit smaller than some of the others as well as being very popular (which means it's often fully booked).
Happy travels!
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Post by madamtrashheap on Dec 4, 2007 19:55:09 GMT -5
Your Berlin and Vienna choices are good ones too, so all up you should be fine with accommodation.
As per WT, not all Hostels allow smoking - to add to the StayOkay there's also the Inner Amsterdam (near Van Gogh Museum) that doesn't allow smoking of any kind in the Hostel. The Flying Pig Downtown is all about the party, whilst Uptown is still fun but a little quieter if that's what you prefer.
I think PONR can confirm the kitchen situation at The Beehive as she was there a few months ago.
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Post by pointofnoreturn on Dec 5, 2007 18:56:04 GMT -5
The apartments have a kitchen but the main Beehive where the dorm doesn't - although there is a lovely cafe/restaurant with organic food at a good price.
Still, I would recommend the Beehive. If you're travelling solo, use the dorms. If you're travelling with someone else and plan to stay in Rome for a couple of days (longer than 3), an apartment room would be cheap and you'd save money on food obviously. It was immaculate in terms of neatness, large bathroom and free internet/computer. The kitchen was well-stocked and everyone shares it. There's 3-4 rooms in each apartment but I never really saw any of the other travellers so it was all good.
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Post by mcfish123 on Dec 6, 2007 13:26:34 GMT -5
I hear very good things about the Beehive, but are the Alessandro Hostels better for a younger crowd? And if I choose Alessandro, should I stay at the Palace or downtown?
Seriously, thank you so much for the help!
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Post by Eagle on Dec 6, 2007 13:48:05 GMT -5
IMO the best choice would be Alessandro Palace, as it has some facilities (ie: Bar) that are apparently not available in the downtown location. However, I believe those staying downtown are eligible to use the Bar at the Palace location. I think both properties are within easy walking distance from each other?
Based on my experience, there seemed to be a good range of ages at Alessandro, however probably leaning towards a younger crowd.
Happy travels!
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