Grand Hostel Coconut

The location was good and the staff were polite. I appreciated the early check-in, the included towel, and having a lift. Still, for what was offered, it felt a little overpriced compared with similar hostels I've stayed in. Communication could be much clearer. It took days to get a reply to my email asking for the WiFi password. At check-in, nobody explained where the kitchen was or what the house rules were, and nothing was provided in writing. Later everyone in the room got a message saying not to eat there, though the listing doesn't mention it, there's no sign, and the table in the room makes it seem allowed. Clear instructions when booking or checking in would prevent confusion and follow-up messages. There were also maintenance and safety concerns. The toilet didn't flush properly, and even after letting the very small shower run for a while, the water stayed lukewarm. The buzzer is extremely loud at night, and guests are expected to let people in after hours, which woke me several times. Other guests often left the front door open, which didn't feel secure. A clearer way to get in after hours would help.

I spotted signs of bedbugs around the beds and told the staff. They checked and said they get bedbugs in summer. They said they hire someone to deal with them, but leave the stains on the walls. They offered me another bed in the same room, but it had the same problem when I looked.

The staff were pleasant and helpful. We arrived early, left our bags in storage, and checked in later. The emailed directions for getting inside were easy to follow, though arriving during reception hours seems like the better option. The place has a quirky, distinctive feel, with dim lighting and well-worn furniture that gives it a Victorian look. We had Room 12 and saw no bedbugs, although we kept our things off the beds just in case. A staff member was treating the room around the beds and lockers when we arrived, so they do seem to be trying to address the problem people have mentioned. The mattresses and protectors looked new, and the sheets and towels were clean. The beds were comfortable enough, and the privacy curtains were useful. There were outlets by each bed, but no shelves. Only three of the four beds had lockers, so we shared one. The air conditioning didn't work, so the room got warm. With the window open for air, mosquitoes came in. On the second floor, the two toilets were fine and always had paper, but the only sink was in the shower room, which could use an upgrade. More shelves and hooks would help keep things off the floor. It took about three minutes for warm water to come through, and the temperature changed suddenly. There are only two showers for the whole hostel, so leave extra time. I can see why the place stands out, but for me three stars feels harsh and six out of ten seems fair.

It’s a stylish, unusual place that book lovers would enjoy, and I liked having curtains. But comfort could be better, the locker was awkward to reach, and the walk to the city centre is long. The area didn't feel very safe. Being near the station was useful, though that was the main plus for me.