Tree House HOSTEL

The location in the old town is really convenient, and there’s a lift. Our room was spacious and clean, and the shared bathroom was too. Each evening we’d chat with other travelers. When we arrived, the owner kindly explained how to check in. Really nice hostel.

The common room downstairs, with its puzzles and books, was the only real bright spot for me. I spent four nights at Tree House Hostel in a female dorm, and I wouldn’t stay again or recommend it. For the price, the value just wasn’t there, and the stay felt disappointing and uncomfortable. On the fifth floor, just three toilets served all the dorms, and the bathrooms were often in poor shape. They were shared by men and women, including people from mixed dorms, which made running into unfamiliar men while I was in a female dorm uncomfortable and inappropriate. The dorm itself was very crowded, though self check-in worked reasonably well. The place felt outdated. Doors use traditional keys that make a lot of noise, and people were constantly coming and going through the night. The central old town location also meant plenty of noise from outside, so sleep was difficult. Quieter electronic or keypad locks would be much more practical. There was also an air diffuser in each room that made an unpleasant, loud sound every 15 minutes, even overnight. The beds and mattresses weren’t comfortable. My bed had no individual power socket or reading light, just one shared socket somewhere behind the bed. Guests are told to take off their shoes and walk around in socks or slippers, but the carpet was visibly dirty, so that felt unhygienic. I also felt unsafe when a very drunk, loud and confused man repeatedly tried to get into our female dorm around 6 a.m. He kept at it for several minutes, and I had to tell him he was in the wrong place. Alcohol is officially not allowed, and something like that should never happen in a female dorm. One staff member was unfriendly too, adding to the uncomfortable feeling.

The kitchen and common room feel super cozy, and the atmosphere is great. Staff were friendly, there are fans in the rooms and shared spaces, and you can leave your luggage before check-in. The coffee is good and free, as is the tea. It’s a great deal for the price, and I’d book again. It’s a ten-minute walk from the bus station, right in the center, so it can get pretty loud outside. Rooms are shared, and the locker seemed small at first, though I did fit my backpack in. I found the bunk bed stairs a bit hard to climb down. Keep in mind the reception isn’t open 24/7.

One of our best meals came from shopping at Central Market and putting together a big platter in the kitchen. The place is spread across several floors, which can be inconvenient if you want to hang out in the common area. It gets noisy at night, but the music stops pretty sharply at midnight, and I slept fine after spending the day walking around the city.