Green cube hostel

The bed was comfortable and had its own lights and a spot to charge devices, all for €20. Reception was welcoming, and check-in and check-out were easy. I didn't feel safe sharing the room with people who looked homeless, especially since there were no lockers. The toilets were very dirty, even inside the bowls, and the morning smell was so awful I nearly vomited and couldn't brush my teeth. Water from the shower also ran into the toilet area.

I kept putting off writing this because it had been weeks since my visit, and after reading the reviews beforehand I wasn't sure where to start. I'm so glad I trusted my instincts and booked this overnight stay in Sofia. It changed how I think about the city and its people. This place felt like a little haven in the middle of a busy city, somewhere I could walk into and feel at home. The staff were lovely, and the entrance was warm and bright with yellow, my favorite, and green. I loved it. I've been to Sofia a few times and previously chose more expensive places that weren't as convenient for the sights. Here, the central bus and train stations, the biggest market, and Sofia's center are all within walking distance, so it's a good option on a budget. Some people call the location dodgy, but the building is on a busy road. I felt very safe walking back before 10 at night after visiting the Christmas fest. I even got off the wrong bus farther away and walked back for 15 minutes in the dark without any trouble. Bulgaria has felt like one of the safest countries I've visited so far, though as a woman traveling alone I still take care in a new country. Despite the busy road, I had a peaceful, undisturbed night. It may have been a quieter time, but I found the stay comfortable and the place clean. I loved the lemon tea from the coffee machine and looked forward to it. I spent time relaxing at reception and met another woman traveling alone; the next day she took me to see an Orthodox church, a lovely bonus. The owner was so helpful and amazing, and even dropped me at the bus station. I couldn't get a taxi, perhaps because the ride was too short and they were unsuccessfully looking for one nearby. With my heavy luggage, the uphill walk would have been a problem. I didn't use the kitchen, but had a look and found it quite clean. I also toured the building, and for the price I think it's not bad at all. A few things could be improved, but for the people they're catering to, they're providing the best service for what they charge. I'd say go for it and experience Sofia differently for a fraction of the price. I can't wait to stay again. Thanks for making my visit so memorable.

The staff were great, and I'm glad I chose this place. Towels and shower gel are provided. There are large free luggage storage areas and laundry on the ground floor, with the showers and kitchen upstairs. It's an easy walk from the bus and train stations, and manageable even with luggage. There's no elevator, but a few ground-floor rooms are available if you request one in advance, just five steps up from the street. Each sleeping pod has a privacy curtain, personal light, and charging outlet. The outlet is upside down, though, and my heavy universal adapter wouldn't stay in it.

The biggest issue for me was the front desk response when I reported that the bedside outlet didn't work. The man on duty brushed me off, repeating that he had never tried it and that I should figure it out myself. Whether he had tested it wasn't the point. I expected help solving the problem, not an excuse that it wasn't his concern. His initially polite manner vanished as soon as I raised an issue, and the response felt unprofessional and dismissive. I hope management improves staff training so guests get real assistance. The room's general ventilation was okay, but air circulation on the upper bunk was extremely poor and made sleeping uncomfortable. The outlet by the bed was completely useless despite my trying it several times.