Leevin Hostel George

Update: after two months, the refund still hasn’t come through. My bank says a refund hasn’t been made by the hostel, and after trying to contact them, they got no response. The bank says a refund should take a maximum of seven days, not 70. I have the fake invoice and will have to file a complaint. When I booked for the wrong date, I had to cancel and book again for the right one. The receptionist said I’d get a refund but would need to pay again, on top of what I’d already paid. When I came back, the refund still hadn’t arrived. They gave me what I believe was a fake refund invoice, then said I owed them money and couldn’t check in unless I paid twice. I had to show proof that they owed me money. Then my towel was stolen. When I asked for another, the receptionist said I could buy one or call the police so they could check the CCTV. I had to buy one. When I extended my stay, the same receptionist demanded a €50 cash deposit or said I couldn’t check in, even though they already owed me €40. Another receptionist kindly let me check in without the deposit.

The reception staff were friendly, helpful, and did what they could, but their good attitude couldn’t make up for the management’s failures. I was disappointed by the way things were handled at Hostel Leevin George. When responsibility and professionalism were needed, management fell short, with poor communication, little empathy and inadequate handling. I wouldn’t recommend staying here if you want support from competent management. I won’t return unless they make serious changes.

The Brazilian lady at reception was nice. The bathrooms were disgusting, the building is falling apart, and people were sleeping in the social areas. They don’t advertise that the place is being used to house asylum seekers. The website pictures give the opposite impression. I was terribly disappointed. £170 for three nights in a nine bed dorm is extortionate.

The beds are snug little spaces, so they might feel too enclosed if you're claustrophobic. I found them comfortable and private, though, and the rooms were clean enough. As a solo traveller staying in a hostel for the first time, I was nervous about safety, but the place felt great once I arrived. It's a pleasant spot, under a 15 minute walk from Temple Bar, and check-in and check-out both went smoothly.