Ostello della Gioventu Il Castello

The view was beautiful, and the room was roomy, though four sinks for two people felt a little odd. It’s good value for the price. Breakfast is where I’d make changes: fresh squeezed orange juice, fresh fruit salad and good natural yogurt instead of the artificially flavoured processed kind, plus a wider pastry selection. Improve that, and my score would jump to five stars :)

The staff were really friendly and helpful, and it was nice to have beach umbrellas available. We had a room meant for eight, just for the two of us, so there was loads of space and a perfect view over the city. The location alone would get five stars from me. That said, the hostel could use a bit of a makeover, especially the rooms and bathrooms. Most of the beds were older bunk beds, and the shower and toilet rooms could be modernized. Breakfast was okay, but the sweetened juice and yogurt could easily be replaced with fresh fruit and plain yogurt.

The location and views were excellent, but the hostel terrace also operates as an outside night bar. We had strangers drinking gin and tonics beside our drying swimsuits and towels, and the noise kept us awake until 1:30 am when the bar closed. I really wouldn’t recommend it for a family or anyone hoping for a quiet night.

Late September 2019. We had a spacious room with a wonderful view, and the hosts were the friendliest. It was comfortable, clean and very good value. Breakfast was the best, with a variety of meat, cheese and fruit, plus homemade cakes. I’d certainly return.