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| WHERE DID I STAY (CONT) |
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| Santorini Youth Hostel Anna This hostel was situated in the Perissa beach area. It's about a five minute walk to the black sand beach and about a 15 mintue walk to the stores along the beach. Youth Hostel Anna also has access to a swimming pool that is right across the street. You have the option of sleeping in three different types of rooms depending on the price you're willing to pay. What I liked best about this place was the staff that was there during my time was extremely friendly and very helpful. Sorrento Ostello One of my least favorite hostels as its extremely cramped and the people are rude. The only advantage I found was that it's close to the train station so if you're only stopping for one night, it's an easy access hostel. To give you an idea of the lack of space, we fit 12 people in a room that would probably fit 4 people comfortably. (Also note: Breakfast included usually means one bun and one drink) If you're lucky, they'll throw in the butter at no extra cost! At least it's better than nothing. Rome Backpackers Hostel One of my favorite hostels! The place has a homely atmosphere where you never want to leave. The hostel is located near the train station and has a kitchen (considered a luxury amongst backpackers). During my stay there, one of the managers was kind enough to make all the backpackers a home cooked meal with all the wine and beer you can drink for only 15,000 Lire. They also provide you with information for where to go and what to do while you're in Rome, which I found to be extremely helpful. There is no lock out time nor is there any curfew. Florence (HI Hostel) Ostello Della Gioventi Eropa Villa Camerata Again this was the only HI Hostel I stayed at during my trip. It was difficult to locate, far from teh city and the people were the rudest I had ever met. The good thing about this hostel was that it was extremely large and could fit several people. It was fairly spacious but had a sort of institutional atmosphere to it. Considering the amount of people that were at this hostel, most didn't seem as friendly as other hostels I had been to. To compensate the distance and lack of buses running late at night, the hostel provides a movie every night which gives people something to do. The other down side to this hostel was that it was difficult to find a supermarket nearby for food. Riomaggiorre, Cinque Terre Rooms booked through Robert A different room every night was what I encountered due to Robert's ability to organize himself properly. The second night my friend had to sleep on the floor because either it was overbooked or someone was trying to scam the system. What Robert does is maintain several apartments for people and rents them out to backpackers. In my personal opinion, I think he has too many rooms to look after and isn't well organized to maintain all of them. He is a good resource to know, but there are other options available. Venice Camping Grounds A nice little campground right beside the airport and approximately 25 minutes away from the main city. Because this was a campsite, there was a lot of mosquito's everywhere! Overall, the facility was clean, and there were private buses that left each hour that would take you to the city. Please note that campground includes cabins for people to stay so you don't necessarily need camping gear. Interlaken Funny Farm A frat house in the middle of Switzerland!! This place was incredible. Perhaps not the cleanest place there but the atmosphere was great. The most interesting amenities were the swimming pool that had a pole right in the middle where people could have chicken fights. Or the campfire that was lit every night that was situated next to the Guiness Tent. But my favorite amenity had to be the bathroom that was lit up by strobe lights as well as a disco ball in the middle. Funny farm also has several extreme sports you can sight up through them. Nice Hotel Belle Meuniere Just a block off of the train station and about 7-8 blocks from the beach the location was perfect! What I liked most out of this hostel was the people that worked and stayed there. There was also a garden or lounge area outside in the front which made it easier to meet people. Barcelona Hostel Fernando A hostel that had a beer vending machine off Los Ramblas. Can you ask for anything more? Rooms are a bit tight fitted but it was clean and safe as there was security 24 hours a day. Paris Friends Hostel It was first advertised as only being 5 minutes from the Sacred Heart (Sacre Coeur). What they fail to mention is that its right beside the north train station which is probably the most ghetto place I visited. Perhaps not one of the safest places to be at night but during the day the place is busy as can be. Plus this hostel has a kitchen, though you may want to watch out for the pigeon gang as they constantly stalk you for crumbs. Brugge The Passage A hostel that had a restaurant at the bottom. It was basically a place to sleep for me. The beds weren't bad as they were wooden bunkbeds that had a belgium flash added to the decore. Only stayed for a night so couldn't really tell you much more. Berlin Odyssee One of the funkiest hostels I stayed at. Also my last one. It has a bar inside, internet access, breakfast in the morning and of course, the pool table. The atmosphere here was more of a yuppyish type of scene. Good thing about this place was that there was a walking tour that came out of it |
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