Inselhostel

The receptionist was especially kind and even helped me collect some coins. The rooms were clean, and the kitchen and wash room were very well maintained. Perfect location, just a few meters from the station.

Even facing the train tracks, our room was really quiet, and the staff were friendly. We had a great stay, with nice, clean common areas. The only issue was the showers, which switched off after a minute, so you had to keep pressing the button to get the water back on.

The hostel is handy for the main station, less than a five minute walk away, though early morning announcements can be heard. It's only accessible by stairs, so that could be an issue if you have limited mobility. I found the place one of the best hostels I've stayed at: everything was clean, including the common room and kitchen utensils. Towels are included in private rooms, and the staff are friendly.

Back for my second summer in Lindau, and my second summer at the brilliant Inselhostel. I love this place. Here's my 2018 review, with an update from this year. The atmosphere is the main thing for me. It feels like home, warm, easy and happy. There aren't frills or luxuries, but you have what you need. The staff are absolutely wonderful. Reception isn't open around the clock, though there's an emergency phone number. The facilities are simple and adequate. The kitchen is well equipped, with pots, pans, four separate hobs, an oven, microwave, a locker and a shelf in the fridge. There's a great supermarket nearby. My room, #3, was bright and roomy, with a decent wardrobe, a study, a large mirror and a really comfortable bed. The radiator is enormous, so I'd guess it would be nice and warm in winter. There are Miele washing machines and dryers, separate for men and women, at 1 Euro a go, plus clotheslines and a steam iron and board. In summer you do sweat, so laundry is necessary. I found the shared toilets and showers adequate and never had to wait. I stayed two weeks and had no complaints about cleanliness. Of course, if the person before you leaves things filthy, that's not really the hostel's fault, since the facilities are shared. Others have mentioned the shower taps, and I agree they're a pain. You have to wave your arm, hand or whatever body part you can use in front of an infernal sensor to start the water. I sort of figured it out after a fair bit of practice. Update for 2019: I've mastered it! Slowly move your hand towards the black sensor above the mixer valve, then pull it away when you're about an inch from it. And it works. The location is tops, right opposite the train station and a stone's throw from the Dialoge language school if you're attending. Lindau island is small and easy to get around on foot. The bus terminus is right out front too. The downside is noise. Rooms facing the station have gorgeous views, as you can see in the pictures, but open the windows and you get rattling Diesel trains and street noise. They also get baked by the late afternoon westerly sun and can become really warm. For summer, especially if noise bothers you, I'd ask for a room facing away from the railway stn. It's not a disaster, though, my neighbour said it doesn't bother him at all. The hostel occupies a floor and a half in a nondescript late seventies building, and I guess it was fitted out with care around 2015. The lift doesn't reach the hostel. It's on the first and second floors, so I suppose it isn't suitable for people with mobility restrictions. Would I come back? Absolutely! A few tips: book early and bring a hairdryer. Take two towels or more because they stay soggy. Do laundry on a weekday, since the clotheslines are in high demand on Sunday. The lake is great for swimming, but bring flip-flops or plastic sandals because the wooden bridge over the railroad on the way there has splinters. Bring an umbrella and mosquito repellent too. Try not to drink too much. I failed. Enjoy!