Grand Hostel Manin

I spent a few weeks traveling solo and staying in hotels, and this hostel was a highlight because I met so many lovely, friendly people of different ages. There are older people staying here too. The hospitality and local hiking recommendations were fantastic, and the whole place has a warm, friendly feel.

I had trouble getting to La Spezia and arrived late for check-in, but the staff helped turn it into a great stay. They're friendly and give you lots of guidance for making the most of your time. The hostel is clean, has good beds and good vibes, and the location is perfect. I stayed in a shared room with a private bathroom and found it very pleasant.

A couple of days after I checked out of Grand Hostel Manin, Giulia from the staff messaged me to say I'd left a pair of pants behind. I had a fair amount of American cash in a pocket that I needed for my travels, and by then I was already four hours away in Rome. Ariana, a hostel volunteer, went out of her way to exchange the money through her bank and get it back to me that same day. I'll always be grateful for that kindness to a stranger. During my solo travels around Italy, this was easily my most genuine experience. I felt at home within minutes and was welcomed like family. I'll be back.

The staff at Grand Hostel Manin were so friendly and knew their stuff. Their recommendations for hikes, food and places to explore made the trip more memorable. The kitchen had a nice range of breakfast items, and it was a good space to cook and meet other travelers. This was the cleanest hostel I've stayed in. The beds were really comfortable, and fresh, clean sheets and blankets were ready when I arrived. It felt like home, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone after a comfortable, clean and welcoming place.