Hostel recommendations

[Mikul]

I have found a lot of hostels, but I am down to just a few and I am having trouble finding places to stay.

Capri – I am looking to stay on Capri from 8/16 for 2 nights. The best I can find is $235.80 (USD) (170 Euros) for 2 nights. It seems the middle of August is the worst time to go to Capri for the budget traveler. I emailed 2 hotels/B&B’s and they were booked or didn’t have any space available.

Cinque Terre – Haven’t looked at for a hostel yet. Not sure where to stay. 8/1 for 4 nights.

Bologna – Everything budget wise is not available for one night on 7/31. Not many dorms listed at hostelworld, and the ones that are listed are outside of town.

[Eagle]

Mikul,

Unfortunately you've discovered the reality of travels to Capri, especially in August. You might have a look at www.hostelscentral.com/city-374.html to see if any of the properties will fit your budget (different types of accommodations are listed). One alternative might be to take a day trip to Capri, and use Sorrento or Positano as a home base?

Your choices in the Cinque Terre should be much easier! The "official" Hostel is located in Manarola, and seems to consistently get good ratings. I paid them a visit when I was last in that area, and it seems to be clean and well run. The only problem I have (and the reason I chose to stay elsewhere) is that they have a strictly enforced lockout in the afternoon. I like to be able to come back to the room to rest my aching feet, so that doesn't work for me. Have a look at www.ostello5terre.com/home_en.html for details and prices.

If you'd prefer to stay in one of the other villages, check a few Guidebooks for B&B and other budget listings. I've used www.5terre-marmar.com/ in the past, and have been very pleased with the accommodations - nothing luxurious but clean and comfortable. They also offer a small number of Dorm rooms in a "mini Hostel".

For your stay in Bologna, have you checked out www.hihostels.com/dba/list.php?lang=E? There are probably some independent Hostels in that area as well, but I find the HI Hostels to be safe, clean and fairly predictable so usually look there first.

Whichever places you choose, I'd suggest pre-booking them NOW! August will likely be very busy and crowded.

Cheers!

[Mikul]

Thanks Eagle! I was hoping to start booking today (Friday). I just need to verify with work what days I can get off and also book a flight.

I visited the website for Capri, but there is no availability.

I did see the hostel for Bologna, Bologna - Due Torri-San Sisto, but it is 6km outside of the city. I was hoping to find a hostel or inexpensive place to stay in the city center.

I will check out the hostels and dorms that you recommended. I will probably try the "official" Hostel.

[un0oiseaux0rebelle]

I'm staying in Manarola in June at the Casa Capellini. I found it in a rick steves guidebook and it's supposed to be just a small place with some double rooms and great views. it's 50euro for a double--if you've got someone to share that with it might work out. it think the site is casacapellini-5terre.it or something like that.

[Mikul]

I have gone ahead and booked most of my hostels as of today.

For Cinque Terre, I sent a request to Hostel 5 Terre and now just waiting for a reply. I am traveling solo and prefer the more inexpensive dorms.

In Anacapri, I booked The Lotus Flower B&B. The best I could find was a double for 2 nights, a total of about 120 Euros ($163 USD) total. This is 50 Euros less then I could find before.

Bologna, I booked the Due Torri-San Sisto, which is a little bit out side of the city center. I will only be there for one night, so I guess it wont be too bad.

[Eagle]

Mikul, It's good to hear that you're getting the Hostel situation sorted.

Regarding the stay on Capri, I'm assuming you're aware that Annacapri is a different town on the island. There will be slightly extra cost and time to get there from the main port town of Capri. When you see some of the stores there, you'll see why things are so expensive in that particular location. There are some very "high end" shops on the island, catering to the rich & famous.

Happy travels!

[madamtrashheap]

Just to add to Eagle's information about Capri/Anacapri, there are a few ways to reach Anacapri when you arrive on Capri:you can either take a bus (cost approx Euro1.30 single tkt) from the Marina Grande (where you'll arrive by ferry) which will go up to Capri Town, or take the Funicular (cost Euro1.30, tkt booth is opposite the actual entrance to the Funicular) to for a 5min ride up the hill to Capri Town with great views. After that you can switch to one of the small orange busses for a hair-raising thrill-seeking ride up the winding road to reach Anacapri. They drop off in the main (small) square in town so it won't be hard to find your accommodation. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the port all the way to Anacapri, but they can be expensive and not nearly as much fun as that bus ride! And to top it off, there's a chair lift at Anacapri that takes you right to the tip if you're feeling game!

[Mikul]

Thanks madamtrashheap. Actually, the b&b I am staying at offers free pickup and drop off service from the ferry port, all I need to do is call them when I am about to board the ferry. However, I will be on my own when traveling around the island.

[madamtrashheap]

Nice B&B you've found there! Remember to let us know how it was when you get back.

The transport info I've given you applies for your time alone then, but I'm sure the B&B will be able to assist you once you're there, they may even sell bus tickets at their reception which will be handy.

[lia80]

130 euros: that's something less, even though still quite a lot... here's where I found it: www.flashbooking.com/navigation/europe_italy_capri--island-of-_all_all_lotus-flower.html
August in Italy is rather complicated, especially around the 15th, because it's national holiday, and no one would stay at home on the 15th, everyone's on holiday!!
Good luck - if you don't find anything right in Capri, you could stay in Naples: it's very well served with ferries, and it's just half an hour - and Naples' just wonderful!!!

[grandroach]

Hello, my name is Aaron. I have traveled round the US and now live in Germany. I loved hosteling so much I have opened my doors to to others. Come stay at my place! I am also trying to build a network of house/apt sharing, like couchsurfing but with a bit more...
stayatmyplace.freewebspace.com
talk to you soon! A