Central Hostel

The room was fine, and the location is great, but being right in the city center meant a lot of noise. I managed by shutting the window, turning on the air conditioning, and wearing earplugs. The staff were the bigger problem. They were slow and unfriendly, and it felt like smiling was out of the question. It came across as just a money business. When I arrived early, I couldn't use the hostel space because it was being kept for the cafe. I had to buy something there to be allowed to sit in the cafe area while waiting for check-in. Walking through the entrance felt like hitting an invisible barrier, as if hostel guests weren't welcome inside. I don't understand why more space couldn't be set aside for guests. And there was no hot water when I wanted to shower in the evening.

The rooms were clean and cozy, and our midweek stay was quiet. We didn't have any of the shared bathroom problems that can come up in hostels. The staff were really friendly, available to help at the desk, spoke English, and answered WhatsApp messages quickly. I first visited Central Cafe two years ago and liked it enough to return recently with friends. It's been renovated and feels even better now. Right in the city center, it's easy to walk to the main sights, and bus stations are convenient if you're heading to Kish or farther out.

The coffee shop attached to the hostel has a little terrace where you can relax, work, or just hang out before exploring the city. It's right in the center, too. Inside, the place feels very modern, with great design. The rooms and toilets were spotless, and the receptionists, Gülnar and Dasqin, were so friendly and helpful. Loved staying here.

After cycling four days from Baku to get here, I had to turn around and look for somewhere else to stay. I wanted to check in and asked where I could keep my bicycle, but the person working there had gone to lunch and told me by phone to wait until 13:00. When I explained I had a bike, he said to leave it out on the street. That was ridiculous. I just wanted to visit Sheki, and he offered no way to store my bicycle.