Ivory Tower Hostel

TLDR: bed bugs, filth, and a host who seemed drunk. The central location isn’t worth it. The beds were infested. Some bugs got into our bags, so we had to clean everything thoroughly afterward. We spent most of the second night awake, killing bed bugs and trying to protect ourselves. Quite an experience. The place was filthy too. The so-called reception was covered in random books, leaflets, and clothes. The rooms smelled like bleach mixed with feet, and though the host told us it was clean when we arrived, it clearly wasn’t. When we asked where we could safely leave our belongings, maybe in a locker, he showed us an ancient treasure chest full of papers and other dirty things, and we wouldn’t have had the key. The host was another major problem. He greeted us from the balcony smelling strongly of beer and wine, then went off on several rants that had nothing to do with the amenities or where we’d stay. He was unprofessional and seemed out of it throughout the visit. He invited us to a club even though we had two minors with us. Whenever we tried to leave or get something, he’d butt in and keep talking for an hour. There were also his strange advances toward me and my cousin, and his generally pushy attitude. DO NOT GO HERE!

I’ve never had an experience like this at a hostel. The owner, Ozzy, is an absolute legend and always ready to welcome you. If you want a quiet place near the tourist attractions, he’ll make sure you feel at home. If you’d rather get into the city and its inner life, he’ll stick with you and help make it a weekend you’ll remember. We’ll be back to hang out soon, bro. Driving into Sofia doesn’t prepare you for what it’s like once you step inside ivory tower.

Luxurious? It’s no five-star hotel. But it’s memorable, welcoming, enjoyable, and just a stone’s throw from everything you might need in Sofia. Bizarre and eccentric? Absolutely. Ozzy is a truly odd bloke, in the best way. He puts real care and compassion into making newcomers feel welcome, while still giving them plenty of space. He’s an all-round legend. I stayed only one night and had the time of my life. Strongly recommend.

We got the refund in the end, and Booking.com cancelled the reservation, not the hostel. But because the platform won't let you review a cancelled stay, I want to warn others not to assume every positive review tells the whole story. I arrived during check-in hours to find a shirtless man who was meant to check me in. He said Booking.com had overbooked him again and claimed it wasn't his fault. Instead of the room I had paid for, he offered a foldable bed at a lower price off the platform. The place was dirty, though I hadn't expected much for the price, and his attitude was unprofessional. He didn't even ask for my booking number, and I had to ask about getting my money back while he made excuses. As he put it, “we are not a five star hotel, this is our vibe, take it or leave it.” I then spent more than 30 minutes on the Booking.com hotline and another 45 waiting for the property to respond about a refund. Scam :(