Hostel Vrba

I liked being in a quieter area that was still an easy walk from the city center. As a woman traveling alone, I also appreciated how clean and well organized the place was. Staff were friendly and helpful, and one of the women at the front desk gave me useful tips for things to see and do nearby. My six-bed dorm was a little cramped and warm without air conditioning. They had a fan, which helped a bit. A very pleasant stay.

The hostel itself is decent and the location is fine, but the experience was spoiled by the manager and receptionist, Alex. There were rules posted everywhere, it felt like more instructions than artwork, and whenever she saw you she’d remind you of another one. The atmosphere brought back being at boarding school as a teenager. Check-in is at 3 p.m., and she wouldn’t let me in even a few minutes early to sit down or use the restroom. I’d arrived about 30 minutes ahead in pouring rain, but she still wouldn’t open the door until exactly 3. With policies and attitudes like that, it’s hard to feel welcomed.

A clean, welcoming place to rest when you’re worn out from traveling. There’s a kitchen with everything you need and access to three bathrooms. A great hostel experience.

The kitchen and common room share a space that closes at 22:00. I didn’t need to cook after 10pm, but wished I could have stayed in the common room longer. Nights were quite warm in early September. Our four-bed room had a large window that opened and two fans, which was enough then, though in midsummer I’d consider paying more for a hostel with air-conditioning. On arrival, the receptionist gave me a map and talked me through plenty of recommendations, including helpful tips on prices. The place was friendly, clean and everything worked. I loved it.