Buddha Bee - 18 to 35 years only

The place was dusty, mouldy and damp, and didn’t feel pleasant to stay in. After two nights, my friend had bedbug bites all over, so we left on the third day. The owner denied there were bedbugs despite what we’d seen, though we did get a refund. I still think the infestation came from poor hygiene and upkeep. At €50 a night, I don’t think Buddha Bee is worth it. You can find cleaner, nicer places for that money, like Sol a Sol. I also find the women-only branding odd when the hostel is owned or managed by a man. It comes across as a marketing strategy, not a genuine woman-to-woman initiative. The experience was nothing like the reviews had led us to expect, and I wouldn’t recommend staying here.

I came away with a bad case of bedbug bites, including on my arm and hand, and I can only imagine how many were on my back and legs. The bed was uncomfortable too, though I don’t expect much from hostel beds. The whole place had a musty, run-down college co-op feel, especially the outdoor lounge, where the couches were covered in blankets that didn’t look freshly washed. We also waited outside for over 20 minutes with all our luggage while the front desk employee was elsewhere in town. We tried the number on the door several times and nobody answered. One employee had a serious attitude near the end of our stay. Maybe she was having a bad day, but she didn’t seem happy to be working. Payment was cash only, which we hadn’t been told, so we had to walk to an ATM in the city centre and come back. There was a handwritten board listing activities around town and at the hostel, but when we asked about it, the employee knew nothing. I wouldn’t recommend this place unless you bring your own sheets, have somewhere else to shower, and don’t mind a bed that feels like cardboard. Cheers, Buddha Bee.

The only real drawback was the bathroom wait. There are just two, so mornings and evenings often meant queuing. Otherwise, I really loved this place and would happily recommend it. It’s small, maybe around 14 people, which gave it a homey feel and made it easy to chat with other travellers. The rooms were comfortable and had good storage. The host was friendly and helpful, and everything was clean. There’s a nice outdoor spot and a little rooftop terrace, and the kitchen was decent. With the sweet decorations, every room felt cozy, more like home than a hostel. Great location too, near the sea and surrounded by restaurants. 10/10.

It was my first time staying in a hostel solo, and I felt so comfortable that I extended my one-night booking to four. The place was clean and peaceful, with a relaxed, homey atmosphere and a perfect location. The hosts and the women working there were lovely. Shout-out to Lois for the great vibes. Such a good spot for a solo woman traveller. It’s cash only, but the ATM by Spar is close by, so that wasn’t a big deal.