7brunnen Hostel

The kitchen and sink were extremely dirty, the table was covered in crumbs, and there weren’t proper utensils. In the room, there was no bin, the heater didn’t work and its handle was broken. We’d booked a double bed but were given two singles instead. It’s about 15 minutes to the U-Bahn or bus stop. The toilet situation wasn’t worth discussing, and both the shower and sink only had cold water, with no proper hot water.

The beds are large, and the hostel is quiet and comfortable with everything you need. There’s a bus nearby for getting around. Personally, I’d advise against buying the ticket. The bathroom, though, is rather small and cold.

There’s a washing machine, and a wash costs only about €2-3. Free towels are included, which I rarely see in European hostels. The bed is roomy and comfortable, sturdy rather than a metal bunk, so other people’s movement barely bothers you. Lockable room lockers and luggage racks are provided, and you can leave bags free before check-in or after check-out. The tradeoffs are the location and the self-service setup. It’s about a 40-minute walk from the main train station, and the closest metro or tram stop is 10-15 minutes away on foot. Reception is seldom staffed, so check-in and check-out are self-service. For comfort, security, and value, I found it a very good stay compared with most hostels in Europe, as long as you’re prepared for those drawbacks.

I stayed for 12 days. The rooms were quiet, and the bed was roomy, private, and made of wood, so it didn’t shake. The place is good and reasonably priced, and the owners always try their best to help or sort out problems. Some nicer decor would make it cozier, but I was happy there.