Going from the Czech Reupblic, central Europe, up to Scandinavia by train, does sound a little strange, and up to Sweden is almost a full day’s travel. But with days left on my Interrail, why pay for a flight?!
I got an early train to Hamburg for 7hrs, Continue Reading…
The Island Hostel is a fairly new, basic, relaxed hostel. Located on one of the islands on the Danube, between Pest and Buda. It has 3 large dorm rooms with around 12 beds and they all open onto a large patio/terrace which looks onto the river. While basic, the relaxed setup makes a cool atmosphere and nice place to chill out, especially in the mega-heat of summer!
It’s cheap as chips at €8 a night, they have a computer with free internet they sell cheap beers at reception. They also have a small kitchen and fridge you can use. Totally casual.
The place is run by ever-energetic Phemie, a funky British/Chinese girl who is mates with the guys from Carpe de Noctem. She works 24/7 but always greets everyone enthusiastically with a smile and offers advice on what to do and see. I don’t think the place would be the same without her!
I caught the train with Catherin and Clare up to Zurich and again tried my luck at getting a bed as I hadn’t booked anything. There are surprisingly few hostels in Zurich, considering it is one of the biggest cities in Switzerland, and certainly where all the money and glamor is (maybe thats why!). City Backpacker Hostel (Hotel Biber) is a few CHF more than most other hostels in Switzerland (OK, it is Zurich), but you dont get sheets, the rooms are small with many beds, a tiny locker, and very small kitchen and common room with expensive internet. Its also about 10-15min from Hauptbahnhof and a slightly confusing walk first go if you don’t have a good map. But there really isn’t much else to pick from.
Its best feature is the terrace on top, but they make you leave at midnight. Anyways I found a bed, stayed there no problems and met a few cool people which is what its all about!
So I almost missed the train Continue Reading…
Tags: catherine, christoph, clare, hostel, lucerne, luzern, switzerland
no comments yet.
Bern Backpackers is in the center of Bern, Continue Reading…
Interlaken is a great starting point to hit the mountain areas and many adventure sports (including Sky Diving and other things you won’t catch me doing). We stayed at The Lazy Falken Hotel, which is less than 10min walk from Interlaken West Train Station, and is a pretty cool hostel. They have a great kitchen for use, bar downstairs, terrace up the top, projector to show the football, fussball table and they can organise all of the crazy adventures you want. Rooms are smallish but you wont be there long, have en suite shower and toilet, and even a small TV which I hope you never turn on! unfortunately they don’t have lockers but will keep stuff at reception for you.
After Christoph went home to do the whole “work” thing, I met some cool people in the hostel bar, including Aussie (surprise), Swedish, Brazilian, German and American. We had a few drinks and learned the famous Beer Pong game from the Yanks.
Tags: backpackers, falken, hostel, hotel, interlaken, lazy, TV
no comments yet.
For whatever reason, I keep going back to Astor Quest in Bayswater, London.
There is nothing particularly special about this hostel, but it does stand out above the general crappy-standard of London hostels, and you simply can’t beat it’s price and location combo, and general Bang-for-Buck. Continue Reading…
Tags: accommodation, astor, bayswater, budget, cheap, hostel, hotel, london, quest, royal, youth hostel
no comments yet.
After getting off the bus we jumped on the train and headed to Athens Backpackers Hostel. Quite large rooms with little balconies looking to the street, small bar downstairs where we went to sleep for a few hours because we couldn’t check in yet, people just walked around us going to breakfast, we then found the upstairs lounge directly above with comfy sofas, a projector screen, speakers etc! Good place to meet people, have a drink etc. Close to the station and some of the attractions are within walking distance. Internet was OK but the computers were ancient! They also run tours etc from there.
Now Athens may appeal to some, Continue Reading…