Mandarin Hostel

The community room was great, and I liked the little yard too. Getting in was straightforward: the chip opens the door at any hour, or you can use a code if someone else has the chip and key. The inner city is about a 15-minute walk away, with tram and metro options too. I stayed from 03-06/04/15, and everything was fine. Our two-bed dorm was small but cozy and had what we needed. It was clean, with no bed bugs or anything like that, and there was always toilet paper and soap, so I can't confirm some earlier complaints. The hostel is run by a conscientious older man.

I used it as a place to crash while waiting for a bus to the next city, and that was fine, but I probably wouldn't go back. There was no atmosphere, the facilities were poor, and some unhappy guests were leaving before their stays were over. Before my last night, I think I saw what might have been bed bugs crawling on the wall. I would have told reception when I left, but nobody was there to take my key. I've stayed in nicer hostels closer to the city centre for the same price.

The older man who runs the place was adorable. I loved him, and he was really friendly and helped us with a few things. The rooms were cramped and the beds weren't very comfortable, but I still had a pleasant stay. Having a kitchen available is handy if you want to save money by cooking.

It's a good, inexpensive place, and you can get around on foot because it's close to everything. The sheets and toilets were clean, and there was hot water and a kitchen. Wi-Fi was a little slow in the rooms but usable. The pillows, though, were so bad you should brace yourself for a sore neck.