The Bunk Hostel

We booked breakfast for our group of 12, and it was the best hostel breakfast I’ve had, better than most hotel breakfasts too. The staff were very nice, and the rooms were clean. Reception isn’t staffed around the clock, but someone is just one phone call away if you need help. We had a really nice stay and I’d absolutely recommend this hostel.

The rooms and bathroom were clean, and the location next to Essen train station was very convenient. But the hotel was clearly understaffed, and there was no social life at all. I booked by phone because the website wasn’t working properly. I told them I’d arrive before 4 pm and checked that it was okay. They said it was no problem. I got there at 1 pm, but the front door was locked and no one was around. There was only a phone number on the door, and nobody answered. Eventually another guest let me in, and I waited in the lobby for three hours until the boss arrived. He was one of the rudest people I’ve met, yelling at me and demanding €10 for early check-in at 3:30, even though I’d been waiting since 12:45. I refused because I’d been told when booking that I could come early at no extra charge. He eventually let me into my room. The next day at checkout, the same boss, a man, barged into the female-only dorm without warning and told me to leave right away. I was half dressed and shocked to see a man in the room without a knock. Don’t stay here!

I found what looked like a bed bug in my bed during the night, and saw bugs in the shared kitchen too. I contacted the hostel, but nobody was available to help. I couldn’t sleep and ended up spending the night in reception. They refused my refund request. Hygiene and customer care were extremely disappointing. Based on what happened to me, I’d strongly advise other travelers to consider this before booking.

The place is clean and modern, with a well-equipped kitchen, though there’s no oven. There’s also a free machine for coffee and hot chocolate. A few things could be better. If guests are expected to label their food, labels and pens should be provided. Check-in is at 4 pm, but I had to wait 30 minutes for someone to open the door. I was lucky someone inside let me in. The luggage cupboards don’t have a way to secure them with your own lock. I found the bunk bed ladder awkward, with only one handrail on the far right, even though I usually sleep on a top bunk. The bathroom could use more hooks or a stool for belongings.