A&S Hostel Minskiy

Bedbugs kept dropping from the top bunk and biting me, so at 1 a.m. I had to find somewhere else to sleep. The place was disgusting, with insects around, and the storage drawers couldn't be used because they were supposedly already taken. I strongly recommend it.

For what it costs, the hostel was pretty comfortable, and the window view was lovely. The host, apparently Tatyana, was friendly, and you can use an iron or cook something. I was worried after reading Booking reviews about bedbugs, but thankfully didn't see any. It can be tricky to locate, since it's inside a typical high-rise building. Bring cash because that's the only way to pay. Also, if you have large luggage, expect an extra storage charge.

The main draw is the location and low price, 130 UAH through Booking.com or 100 UAH a night directly with the commandant. But a bedbug problem can cost far more if the insects get into your home. A long-term resident told me they've been trying to clear them out for ages, and I saw one crawling on the wallpaper before it ended up on the windowsill. I posted photos three times, but Google keeps removing them. A woman renting a bed had been bitten too. They sometimes ask people to leave for six hours during daytime treatment, but it hasn't fully gotten rid of the bugs. They should deal with them before taking new guests. There isn't much room in this poorly maintained three-room apartment, with bunk beds packed into each room. One toilet and one bathtub serve 26 people, and the commandant says each person gets 15 minutes for bathroom use. The bathroom drain is poor. The kitchen is cramped, with two chairs, one table, and a small refrigerator stuffed full. The balcony has a table, two chairs, a bin, and drying rags. A jar of cigarette butts on the table stinks, and people smoke there while laughing at the no-smoking sign. The commandant who put it up laughs too. There's also a sign banning alcohol on the hostel grounds, which they think is ridiculous.

The place was dirty and smelled awful, the sheets had blood stains, and there wasn't enough hot water for everyone. Even though we'd booked ahead, they told us it was full when we arrived. The administrator kept prying into what guests were doing and commenting on it. The view from the window was gorgeous, but not worth 130 UAH.