babushka Grand HOSTEL

The living room is the heart of the place, and a lot of good times happen there. You'll probably feel welcome and join in with the social side, or you can just go back to your room. The staff were really, really great, and the place was very clean. Laundry service was second to none. I hope I can come back soon. It's presented as an aristocratic place, which might be laying it on a bit. There are high ceilings and a chandelier, and that's pretty much it. It's the sort of place you either adore or just don't get.

The place itself is clean and better than average, but the real charm is the cheerful older Ukrainian couple who run it. They made me feel like I was staying with family, and she even made me food a few times. She mostly speaks Russian, using gestures and the odd English word, but somehow gets directions or instructions across, even with their very confusing Russian microwave.

After a long train ride from Crimea, I reached Odessa exhausted and unsure where I’d be staying. The welcome at Babushka Grand hostel put me at ease right away, with kind faces and a warm bed. It felt like a castle inside, with immaculate decor. The rooms were clean, service was very good, and the rates were reasonable. It’s also very close to the central train station. I’d recommend it to travelers coming to Odessa.

Such a hip place. The main room and kitchen are together, with plenty of space and a cool feel in summer. There’s an upright piano, lots of chandeliers, high ceilings, and balconies on both sides, one facing the courtyard and the other the main street. You can choose from different rooms.