Areva Hostel & Apartment

Our room was tiny, windowless, and hot and stuffy, with an AC unit that didn’t work. When we asked about it, the woman told us it was broken and kindly gave us a little fan, but it barely helped. We spent three sweaty nights on an uncomfortable bed because we didn’t want to make a fuss. We’d booked a private double through booking.com. When we arrived, we were offered a discount if we cancelled through the app and paid directly. We were confused, but agreed. We now realize that meant we couldn’t leave a bad review on Booking.com. Some other rooms seemed fine, with windows and working AC, and the bathrooms were clean, but there were only two for the whole hostel, which wasn’t enough. Some people live there permanently, so the small kitchen was often messy, with dishes piled up and food left over the counter. Staff were sleeping in a small alcove in the hallway. It’s a shame to write such a bad review when some of the other rooms seemed perfectly fine.

It’s a great spot for meeting other travelers, and the staff are so welcoming and helpful. The location is great too, about a five-minute walk to Republic, the metro, and lots of nightlife.

The people working here were the most memorable part. They were exceptionally friendly, flexible, and accommodating about everything. I also liked the kitchen, the central location, and the reasonable price. It’s a small place with a lot of people, though, so the two bathrooms were often occupied. I don’t remember seeing any windows for fresh air, either, so it won’t suit everyone.

It’s a budget-friendly place with a nice atmosphere, and I’d happily stay again. The kitchen had everything needed to make meals, and the location was handy for public transport, good cafes, and the main attractions. The rooms were clean, the beds comfortable, and I liked having privacy curtains and lockers. The bathrooms were kept up well, with hot water always available. I’d recommend it to solo travelers.