Hostal Sant Carlo

For €350, I got six nights in the height of summer, less than some hostel dorms were asking. If I’d paid regular hotel prices, I’d feel very differently. It’s nothing fancy, but you get what you pay for, and it wasn’t bad at all. The room was small and had no AC, though the included fan did the job. Check-in was quick and straightforward, and the staff were friendly enough. The location is very central, and I felt safe walking around late at night or early in the morning. I’m not sure why some reviews are so negative.

I was hesitant because of some bad reviews, but the place pleasantly surprised me. It was the cheapest private room I could find in the area. The hostal was quiet most of the time, though one guest did check in or out during the night. The building has an old-fashioned feel, especially the lift, which took me back in time. Staff were welcoming and friendly. My room was small, but clean, comfortable, and had everything I needed. There were two shared bathrooms, both clean, with consistently hot water.

I paid a third of what most hotels and hostels were charging, so it could suit someone on a budget. The room was an okay size, but very dirty, and there was noise at times from people checking in around 3 or 4 in the morning. The main building was easy to find, but finding the hostel itself on the third floor was another matter.

It’s a bed for the night, nothing more, so don’t expect anything beyond the basics and you’ll be fine. The place is really quiet, which makes for a good night’s sleep, and it’s in a great location. It’s a converted apartment on the third floor, though don’t count from the ground floor. There’s warm, drinkable water and a shared bathroom, except in no. 7, which has a private one. The beds are comfortable. If you’re comparing it in your head to an English hostel, you’ll hate it.