New Generation Hostel Urban Brera

The location was the one clear positive for me. I booked a private room and didn't use the kitchen, so I can't comment on that. But the noise was awful: the walls are so thin you hear people in the hallway and water running, and I couldn't sleep before an early flight. On my second visit, the room was a little cleaner and somewhat better, but the shower was still clogged with limescale and the bathroom smelled musty. The first time, the room wasn't very clean either. Its “view” was a messy roof with cigarette butts and construction rubbish. The bed squeaked, the spring mattress was old, and the thin sheets weren't enough on a cold, rainy night. They gave us small hand towels on the first stay, but none on the second. The AC was hard to adjust and didn't really work. Breakfast was just coffee and a croissant, not worth it when there's a much better bakery nearby. I stayed one night the first time, then came back for two more.

I only spent one night in a female dorm, so I didn't ask to move, but people should know what they might be booking. There was mold across the bathroom walls and on all the window sills, as well as under the AC right above my bed. The black mold looked severe, which seems like a serious health concern. I know lots of houses in Italy have humidity problems because they're not really built for damp weather, but that doesn't make it okay to put people in rooms like this.

The hostel's prime location is a real shame to waste, because the reception staff's attitude dragged down the whole stay. I had several interactions with one male staff member (looks asian), who acted as though speaking to me was a huge favor. There wasn't even a simple smile or kind word, and the attitude was truly terrible. Good staff can make you forget small problems with a property, but here the poor service overwhelmed everything else. Management needs to know how much the staff is ruining a place that's otherwise well located.

I was made to feel unsafe and uncomfortable here. I booked a four-bed dorm, but was assigned a small room with one male guest. When I told reception I wasn't comfortable, they said there were no other beds. Then I found someone using my bed and locker. The first response was “it's not possible,” and they only checked after I went back to reception. I was right, and suddenly they had another bed for me. I thought I'd have the room to myself as I fell asleep, but a man came in during the night. The whole place felt strange, and it was dark and ugly. I wish I'd paid a bit more for another hostel and been able to enjoy my stay. Not recommended for solo females.