Avenue Hostel & Suites

At check-in, they gave us a ticket for either free pizza or breakfast. There was also a free coffee machine and water. I booked a private room with a shared bathroom, and both the room and bathroom were clean. The construction work was finished, so there was no need to worry about it.

I was told the manager was on holiday when I asked to speak to someone in charge, which felt awfully convenient. I’d arrived on February 2 and booked three nights. Right away, I asked the receptionist about adding a night, and she told me to book it online. I did, and it went through. Then I found out I’d have to move rooms for the extra night. On Thursday the 5th, I came down to switch, only to be told I had to wait until 3 to check in. They could have prepared the room first or at least taken some care to get it ready while I waited, but I sat there for more than three hours. The staff seemed to be hanging out, dancing, and waiting for 3 o’clock to hand over the key instead of doing a professional job. I’ve travelled in 8 different countries, and this was the most unprofessional place I’ve seen. It felt like it was literally run by kids.

The view from my double room with a balcony was great, and I loved staying here. Nights were too cold, though. I wish the building, especially the rooms, had heating. The kitchen was also cramped and didn’t have enough equipment to make a meal. I’d give it 7/10.

The staff were nice, our reservation went smoothly, and I felt safe the whole time. But after five nights, I wouldn’t choose this place again. We had a private room, and the bathroom smelled bad. Its odd sliding door didn’t give you privacy in the shower. There was construction right outside our window, with hammering starting around 6:30 every morning. At night, people talked loudly in the hallways and slammed doors, so the hostel was noisy throughout. It wasn’t the worst, but I’d stay somewhere else next time.