New Generation Hostel Belgrade Center

The price was okay, the lockers were great, and the location made it easy to walk around the city. But I wouldn’t come back. I’ve stayed in lots of hostels, and this one is right near the bottom of my list. It made my time in Belgrade worse. 😀👍 They put me in a room full of older men, including one who was very loud and drunk. He spent the night walking around and singing with a beer in his hand. When I raised it with the staff, the woman kept insisting it was fine and that I could put up with it because I was only staying a short time. Later, two men were arguing in the room, and all the noise and disruption meant I couldn’t sleep during the few hours I had before my flight. There was also a guy smoking by the window. The shared bathroom was always filthy and disgusting, with lots of pee and hair of some kind everywhere. They provide nothing besides a bed, so you have to buy toilet paper and hand soap, and bring your own plate and cup. That’s really inconvenient for a short stay. The lockers are good, but having to leave the key at reception whenever you go out doesn’t feel very safe.

The location was a real plus: it’s near the bus stop and tram lines, so we didn’t have to hunt around with our luggage. I’m not great at following navigation, though, and still couldn’t find the hotel even after reaching the area. A kind man working at a market above it left his work to show me the way. My friends’ Booking.com reservation hadn’t been confirmed, so they had to stay elsewhere. When we got to the bus station, I went to their hotel first. The owner welcomed me inside so I wouldn’t be cold and let me visit my friends, even though I wasn’t staying there. He patiently explained the rooms, kitchen, and other facilities so they’d feel at home. I don’t want this to sound like an advertisement, so I won’t name the hotel. That kindness made what happened at my own hotel feel even worse. I’d changed my New Year’s plans and decided to celebrate in Macedonia instead of Belgrade, so I asked to check out a day early. I submitted the request through Booking.com, but it wasn’t approved. I understand the no-refund policy, but I didn’t think I should have to pay taxes for a day I wouldn’t stay. At reception, the response was rude and dismissive: “How can I know if you checked out or not?” The receptionist copied my passport and then forgot to give it back, but accused me of not handing it over. Nobody explained the towel cards, kitchen, or bathroom facilities, so I had to ask about everything. At checkout they told me to leave the key at reception because it was open 24/7. If it’s always open, I wondered, why did they need to check whether I’d checked out? My friend asked if he could help carry my luggage to the room, and they said no. All the repeated refusals were disheartening. The next evening, some lively and sociable local young people checked into my shared room. I had to get up early and couldn’t sleep because of the noise. They eventually left for a party, but I didn’t want to stay in the room anymore. I might not have minded in a better mood, but I wasn’t feeling well. Around 10-11 pm, I asked reception to move me, and got another no. I said I’d manage the night and leave in the morning. They offered me another room for 70 euros, saying that was the New Year’s rate. I thought about going to my friends’ hotel, but it was too late and they had no rooms left. They suggested I return the next day and said they’d offer a better rate. By then I didn’t want to spend any more time in the country. I packed and left around 8 am. At checkout, another receptionist asked why I was leaving early when I still had two days. I was exhausted and irritated, snapped back, and left. I know my behavior wasn’t right.

The beds were comfortable, and each one had a plug nearby. There was also a large locker with charging plugs inside. The staff were kind, and the location was great, with a bakery nearby and a tram or bus stop not too far away. I didn’t mind leaving the key at reception, but my room was short on soap most of the time. There was only a tiny bar when I arrived.

My bus reached Belgrade late, and my other hostel wasn’t returning my calls or emails. This was one of the few places open at 1 am, and the simple bed and hot shower were just what I needed. The staff were kind and friendly when I checked in and out. Thanks, everyone!