Hostel Житомир

It was quiet at the hostel, and there were playgrounds in the yard. We were there alone with our child, and nobody else was put in with us. The staff were friendly and welcomed us warmly, almost like home. The room was neat and clean. It had a few minor issues, but nothing that spoiled the impression. I liked the convenient location and everything else.

The location has a lighted parking area outside the windows and a bus station nearby, and the hostess is friendly. The receptionist, though, was less so. A four-bed dorm feels like a compartment, about 3.5 sq m. The bedding was clean and mattresses modern, but the beds creaked so loudly I couldn't sleep. Doors lock, but there are no lockers for personal items or valuables. Towels cost an extra 30 UAH. At 175 UAH per person, the price is higher than in Stryi or even Uzhhorod! The kitchen can fit no more than two people. There's just one toilet for the whole hostel, and one shower too, with no exhaust fan and a broken hose.

The building felt like some kind of dormitory, and the other residents matched the setting. Drunk people were breaking in at night, swearing, and I couldn't sleep. The hostel was full while we were there, with just one toilet and a washbasin in the same room for 12 people. You had to wait half an hour to wash. The rooms are no bigger than a train compartment, only two bunk beds and one chair fit. There's no kitchen, just a kettle and microwave in the corridor, and nowhere to sit down and have tea.

It was warm and there was hot water, and you can eat only in the common hall. Towels cost 10 UAH each, something the booking page doesn't mention. The soundproofing is incredible, you can hear in detail what everyone is thinking in the bathroom and shower. The administrator seemed, or maybe really was, pushy and watched every move. It's okay for a night.