Hostel Piero

Hostel Piero feels like a family-run place, not a chain. The hosts are warm, and the attached restaurant serves food with a homey feel that matches the rooms. If you go in expecting something cozy rather than corporate, you'll probably enjoy it. The showers are in individual rooms that lock, with sinks and hair dryers. I liked having the choice of a room with regular twin beds instead of bunks, especially after weeks of sleeping in cot-sized bunks. The terrace is a pleasant place to relax at day's end, and the rooms have mini fridges. The hosts are kind, but keep in mind that reception follows the restaurant's hours, so Sunday arrivals may be awkward. Payment is cash only. It's about a 20-minute walk from the train station, or a five-minute walk from the Viadukt bus stop. The area is peaceful, and I felt safe, though you can't lock your room door. That could be a serious security concern if the hosts weren't nearby or the hostel were in a busier area. There are air conditioning units in the rooms, but no way to switch them on, so mine was too warm at night. I also wasn't comfortable with the urinal having no privacy barrier in a toilet room that isn't separated by gender.