Russell Scott Hostel

The room was clean, with fresh sheets and a nice duvet. The employee who welcomed me on my first night had cleaned it well, and that is why this isn't a one-star review. I barely slept, though, because the bed was so uncomfortable and I woke up with aching joints. There were too many beds squeezed into a tiny room, no storage, and no lockers, so I had to carry all my things around the city. The front door and bedroom only used codes, which didn't feel safe. I left after one night because I couldn't face returning for a second. The kitchen, the only shared space, was filthy, and the so-called continental breakfast was just a few dusty jars of cereal. An employee spent the morning telling guests to wash up. One person left a mug while going upstairs to change, planning to come back for their drink, and the employee called after them and spoke as if they were a child. They had to explain themselves. It's an unacceptable way to treat paying guests and made me avoid the kitchen. I felt watched and judged on cleanliness in a hostel that made me feel dirty just being there. It wasn't relaxing at all. I felt like a socially anxious teenager again.

I paid £75 for four nights, so it was very cheap, and the workaway staff were the best part: friendly people who were happy to help. Curry devine down the road sells a banging lamb curry. There was nowhere to dry wet waterproofs or other clothes, and the only shared space was the fairly small kitchen. It was quiet while I was there, but I imagine it'd be awful when busy. The kitchen was messy, and my room was untidy when I arrived and when I left. It was hoovered once during my stay. There was black mould on the ceiling above my bed, and the mattress was in bad shape. The cleanliness complaints in other reviews are fair, despite the argumentative owner disagreeing. I don't think they've ever been there. They also don't recycle, which is irresponsible.

Staff were lovely, and the kitchen facilities were good, but the place smelled and the floor was sticky. The showers didn't look very clean either. I didn't have a good stay. The whole place felt strange and uneasy. It didn't feel like a proper hostel, more like shared housing, and some people seemed to be living there permanently. Get an Airbnb!

The reception staff were friendly, but the rest of the stay was pretty rough. Our room key was hidden inside the room, and we only found it when we checked out, so our things could have been taken if someone had wanted to. Thankfully, nothing was stolen. The room was far too hot at night and I woke up sweating several times. It was dirty too: the carpets, toilet and showers all looked grubby from long-term use, and the building seemed to be coming apart. I was glad we had a private room because the bunk dorms looked really depressing. Parking was a nightmare. There was just one space at the hostel, and my car's handbrake couldn't hold it on the hill outside. Breakfast was just as bleak, with three cereals and cheap coffee. I didn't expect much, but if breakfast is included, some fresh fruit or a gluten-free choice would be good. It's a cheap place, though given the facilities, I'd say it should cost even less. I guess you get what you pay for.