Archive for January, 2009
Thursday, Jan 29th, 2009
Categories: Hostels
Thoughts of February are inevitably dominated by Valentine’s Day. But whether it makes you want to run away with a loved one or run for the hills in despair, it all comes down to one thing – another great excuse to get away and explore…
Gone are the days of scruffy bunk beds and drunken students; hostels seem to be getting flashier by the minute! And when it comes to doing Valentine’s Day on a budget, they can make a seriously attractive option in these times of financial crunch.
From a jacuzzi in Reykjavik to a view of the Nile, these five smart hostels offer chic comfort and more than a hint of romance, all year round.
The Luxury Hostel: Baldusbra Guesthouse, Reykjavik, Iceland
Right in the heart of Reykjavik, this hostel combines an excellent urban location with spacious private rooms and a secluded garden. Enjoy a long walk under the never-setting summer sun or warm up in their Jacuzzi and Finnish sauna.
A guest writes: “The location was ideal, the owner was most helpful, the breakfast was very good and… it had a hot tub and a sauna! What else do you need?” (Posted 31st October 2008)
Book Baldusbra Guesthouse now!
The Relaxation Hostel: Mandragora B&B, Budapest, Hungary
All narrow cobbled streets and baroque architecture, the picturesque Hungarian capital makes a perfect destination for two. Situated in a peaceful pedestrian area, this Budapest hostel is a haven of colorful mosaics. Extras include yoga, meditation classes, massage and sisha pipes.
A guest writes: “Chilled out, great to relax at, good location… perfect to recharge!” (Posted 7th October 2008)
Book Mandragora B&B now!
The Picturesque Hostel: Hotel Oranienburg, Vianden, Luxembourg
Against the backdrop of the River Our, this medieval village in Luxembourg is the ideal setting for a romantic gettaway. Enjoy scenery and a well-stocked wine cellar at the intimate Hotel Oranienburg. The understated elegance of the hostel’s French restaurant offers the perfect spot for a dreamy dinner, followed by a walk through the unspoiled countryside.
A guest writes: “This hostel is in a quiet part of Luxembourg in a very old village, it has a great location right under a castle and the rooms and breakfast were both great.” (Posted 21st August 2008)
Book Hotel Oranienburg now!
The Exotic Hostel: Wake Up! Cairo Hostel, Cairo, Egypt
The newly opened hostel overlooking the Nile is in the midst of the exotic city’s bustle, with all the best of Cairo’s sights, restaurants and shops just steps away. Rooms enjoy panoramic views of the Nile, Old City and Tahrir Square, and couples can currently enjoy a free trip for two to Giza and the pyramids when they stay three nights or more.
A guest writes: “This hostel was like an oasis in the desert.. thanks guys for everything.” (Posted 9th November 2008)
Book Wake Up! Cairo Hostel now!
The City Hostel: Metropolis Hostel, Istanbul, Turkey
Metropolis Hostel – situated in trendy Sultanahmet – offers views of the Maramara Sea and the Bosphorus from their rooftop bar and restaurant. With its buzzing nightlife, famous Grand Bazaar and relaxing Turkish baths, Istanbul makes an excellent destination for starry-eyed couples looking for an exciting city break.
A guest writes: “Bathrooms were clean, sheets were clean, the view outside our window was great. Overall, everything about this hostel is what other hostels should hold their standard to.” (Posted 22nd January 2009)
Book Metropolis Hostel now!
Stayed in a romantic hostel and want to recommend it? Let us know!
Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is here to stay.
In today’s world, the occasion provokes as much cynicism as gushing emotion, but the 14th of February is actually a day of weighty historical substance that includes Christian martyrs, a lady named Ester Howland and the Al Capone-driven Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre.
There are two Christian martyrs who apparently ‘gave birth’ to Valentine’s Day: Valentine of Rome (martyred February 14th, AD 269) and Valentine of Terni (martyred February 14th, AD 197), although it’s a matter of debate as to precisely whom (if indeed either) supplied the day with its romantic connotations.
Romantic connections probably came later courtesy of legend, which has it that Valentine (an amalgamation of the two) was a Priest imprisoned for illegally officiating wedding services. On the day of his execution, he wrote a final love letter to his sweetheart (possibly the jailors daughter), signing it ‘Your Valentine’.
Nowadays, though, such thoughts are generally forgotten in the Hallmark fluff of chocolate hearts and giant musical cards. But how to survive worshipping the Vday (or, equally, painfully extracting its existence from your mind) in these times of economic gloom? Here’s our credit-crunch guide to get you through the day…
One for the Lovers
The Couples…
Increasingly, Valentine’s Day has become a national (if not international) holiday, with a long Valentine weekend comprising of romantic getaways in an idyllic city. Let’s say you want to enjoy snow in Reykjavik, or Shakespeare in Verona (or, for that matter, hit any of the 10 classic romantic destinations) but arent’s quite up for selling one of your kidneys to pay for it.
With your bank balance in mind, such romantic weekends can still be on the cards – as long as you plan accordingly. First off, book a double room in a hostel (much cheaper than hotels, and with flashpacking and the like taking hold, often cozier too) and then try one or more of the following…
- Make your own romantic dinner. Jamie Oliver (yes, we know he’s headbuttingly annoying) has a good line in five pound meals.
- Deck your room out with candles and flowers. If you’re feeling really budget-minded, you could always pick the flowers yourselves.
- Rent a movie and watch it in the TV room instead of heading out (or on your laptop, if you’re that way inclined). (Ed. – Note to men: there are times when you have to bite your lip and sit through ‘You’ve Got Mail.’ This is one of them. Sorry.)
- Get raunchy between the sheets. It’s not for us to say too much on this one, but remember: you’ll probably never see the hostel workers again.
- Use protection. Children are much more expensive than a weekend away.For more cheap but passionate ideas, take a look at these sites:
10 ways to have an unforgettable evening
Myvalentinesblog.com
Valentinesdayworldwide.blogspot.com
And the Singles…
As long as you’re up for the fun, there are few better days to be backpacking as a singleton than Valentine’s Day. Just think: all those likeminded travelers miles away from home, looking for love just because it’s the 14th of February… And as you’ve never met them before, you can even save a few quid on Valentine’s gifts!
Here’s a few tips on how to pull in a hostel on the ’special day’:
- Try to look good. We know traveling takes its toll, but a mere ten minutes spent with some water and a sponge will make all the difference. Trust us on this one.
- Pick a hostel with a large kitchen, and cook a meal for everyone (you could even use heart-shaped pasta if you’re so-inclined). You know the old saying; there’s no better way to someone’s heart than through their stomach.
- Use the chat-up line “how do you say ‘I love you’ in your language”. Priceless. (And be sure to keep us posted on the results of this one – Ed.)
- Don’t get dribblingly drunk. It’s just not romantic.
- Be prepared for the difficult ‘canoodling moment’. You’ve met someone you like, but you’re both staying in dorms. What do you do? We’ll leave this one up to you…
For more tips, hints and helpful asides (not to mention the odd dodgy chat up line), have a look at:
Online-love-guru.blogspot.com
Valentine’s Day survival guide
And Tips for the Haters!
The Couples…
Want a reason to avoid celebrating with your current squeeze? Here’s three ready-made excuses that don’t dare mention anything as blindingly obvious as the credit-crunch:
1. Due to your sensitive nature (read: artsy, intriguing and principled) you simply can’t endorse a celebration that condones the destruction of our planet.
2. Due to the same sensitive nature, you find it hard to celebrate on a day that has seen so much blood-shed and turmoil. Then talk about how, in 1929, the Valentine’s Day myth took on an altogether sinister air, with Al Capone orchestrating the assassination of seven rival gang members in prohibition-era Chicago.
3. Quite simply, you have better plans.
The Singles…
For all you anti-Valentine singles (you certainly won’t be alone in that sense, at least), there are a few pretty juicy options available. So disown Valentine’s Day without missing out on the fun…
- Go to an Anti-Valentine’s party. You don’t have to be nice to people, you don’t have to look good, and you can get blabberingly drunk. Awesome. Strictly no canoodling, though…
- Celebrate St. Skeletor’s day. Held on the 15th of Feb, this is the absolute antithesis of the day before, with the main aims including ‘the destruction of all lurrve’ and ‘the destruction of people with boyfriend or girlfriends.’
- If you want to pursue the idea of destroying those with boyfriends or girlfriends, travel to India. Conservative social factions have been known to take to the streets on the 14th and attack anyone seen to be openly enjoying the physicality of their loved one.
- Stay at your hostel, watch a movie that isn’t You’ve Got Mail, and read all the Valentine’s Day disaster stories you can find.
Enjoy! JC
Surviving Valentine’s Day can be a bit of a fine art, for lovers and haters alike. Do you have any dating disasters from the big day? Or perhaps a heart-warming story to convert the cynics? Either way, let us know!
Once again, Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. And that means, as with every year, we’ve had to sit down and ask ourselves the question ‘how to approach this beast, this monster of an occasion?’
Well, HostelBookers have decided to swallow the temptation to post anti-love dirges and are instead adopting a more… let’s say… holistic approach. Stay tuned for our complete roundup of Vday for lovers and haters alike.
First, though, here’s a classic top 10 list of Valentine Weekend destinations:
1. Paris, France
It’s obvious but it’s effective. Quite simply, there’s nowhere as romantic as Paris; from the Eiffel Tower and the chic restaurants of Montmartre to the shimmering beauty of the Seine by night, it has all the ingredients for a perfect romantic weekend. In fact, it can’t really go wrong… Paris, je t’aime.
2. Prague, Czech Republic
Few urban spaces are as straight-up beautiful as Prague, the City of 1000 Spires. Mosey around the architecturally captivating Old Town, catch a symphony by the Prague National Opera at the acoustically perfect Rudolfinum, and then enjoy the view from the Charles Bridge come nightfall.
3. New York, USA
Browse the Rockefeller Centre, take a horse-drawn carriage around CentralPark, and then travel to the top of the Empire State Building and re-enact that Scene from Sleepless in Seattle. “On top of the Empire State Building at sunset on Valentine’s Day”…
4. Bali, Indonesia
Romantic travel in Asia comes no better that in Bali. Bask on the golden beaches by day, relax around a fire by night, and make sure to squeeze a famous Balinese massage in too.
5. Marrakech, Morocco
Enjoy the shimmering Atlas Mountains over breakfast, pick your way around the crumbling ruins of the atmospheric El Badi Palace and shop for souvenirs in the glorious Medina. You could always buy a ring…
6. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is arguably Europe’s most elegant weekend getaway. Browse the architectural delights of the Innere Stadt, catch an opera at the State Opera House and head to the Rathauspark for some late-night canoodling. One thing to remember, though: don’t do anything Freud wouldn’t have done.
7. London, England
Cuddle on leafy Hampstead Heath, browse the stalls and street performers of Covent Garden, pretend to be rich in Notting Hill and end the day with a typically outlandish musical in the West End. You never know, it might all end in love, actually.
8. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is fast becoming Europe’s most popular destination for romantic travel. Get lost in the Barri Gotic (though keep your wits about you enough to find Picasso’s house), explore Gaudi’s colossal Sagrada Familia, chill on the manmade Barceloneta beach, then have a drink next to those iconic shooting fountains. “Barcelooona… Barcelooooona”
9. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Forget about the drugs and the prostitutes (unless that’s your idea of a good Valentine’s Day); this is one of the world’s most attractive and urbane cities. Spend the day perusing the Museum Quarter, dine in the excellent restaurants of the non-touristy Jordaan area, and take a romantic stroll along the city’s picture-perfect canals.
10. Florence, Italy
Ever since the time of the Grand Tourists, Florence has rivalled Paris as the romantic destination. By day, marvel at the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Michelangelo’s David and the Santa Maria Novella. Then, come nightfall, stroll arm-in-arm with your loved one and take in the full and glorious romance of the city of Florence.
What are your romantic plans for Valentine’s Day? Do you have a top destination in mind for a loved-up getaway? Let us know!
Offbeat and edgy, today’s Berlin is a fascinating mix of old and new – as famous for its markets stacked with gluhwein and stollen (and the odd bratwurst) as it’s wild nightlife.
Like much of Western Europe, Germany’s vibrant capital can be on the pricey side. But following on from our tips on how to enjoy 48 hours in London on a budget of just £48, Anna Paynton shows you how to enjoy a winter weekend in Berlin with a similarly modest bank balance…
Day One
Get Around… One of the best ways to get a feel for sprawling Berlin is a free city tour – try New Berlin Tours, which run twice daily.
The guides (working on a tip-only basis, which means the tours are generally excellent), include all the major sights for travelers, from the über cool Reichstag to a sobering Holocaust Memorial. The tour culminates with the remains of the Berlin Wall, and several buildings still bearing bullet holes from WWII.
After the tour, head to the historic Brandenburg Gate for more insight into the city’s complex and fascinating history.
Then at the end of the day, the ultra-reliable and convenient train system whisks you back to your hostel in time for a break before pounding the city streets once again. It’s easy to navigate; the U-Bahn is underground and the S-Bahn overground. Most lines run around the clock on Friday and Saturday nights – perfect for late night revelers.
Dance the Night Away… Berliners certainly know how to party; a hefty student population, combined with legendary reputation, drives a throbbing nightlife scene.
To kick start the evening, head to funky MalzCafe on the corner of Danziger Strasse and Knaackstrasse. A reasonably priced bar-cum-café, plates comes piled high with everything from pork schnitzel to fajitas, all served by medieval candlelight on dark wooden tables to a soundtrack of Arcade Fire…
Further down Knaackstrasse, hip club Alte Kantine is tucked away in a former brewery called ‘the Kulturbrauerei’. There are a number of different venues to satisfy all musical tastes here, from cheesy pop to electronic beats, and for just €5 you can dance the night away from 10pm till 6am in Alte Kantine before heading back to the hostel – via the Currywurst & Coffeeshop to sample the famous sausage mit curry sauce, of course.
Get a Good Sleep… After a long night on the town, head back to the Singer109 Hostel, which is fantastic value-for-money. Anyone expecting a run-down establishment in the heart of cold-war era East Berlin would be forgiven for thinking they’ve entered the wrong place…
An enormous atrium welcomes you with a shining black grand piano, free internet access, lounging black leather chairs and a 24-hour bar complete with pool table, foosball, darts, and Nintendo Wii. Prices start at €14.50 per person.
Day Two
Berlin Brunch… A fast-developing tradition amongst the city’s fashionable set, Sunday brunch in Berlin involves a vast buffet of traditional food.
In the Kreuzberg district (on Skalitzer Strasse), Café Morgenland serves an amazing spread until 3pm for €7.50 – a great opportunity to people-watch in a very popular neighborhood spot and nurse a hangover!
More Art, History, Culture… Some of the world’s best museums can be found within Berlin’s impressive buildings, from the striking façade of the Altes Museumm with its collection of Classical Antiquities, to the Alte Nationalgalerie’s 19th Century art. Then there’s the massive structure of the Pergamonmuseum, built in the style of a Babylonian Temple to house the worldwide findings of Germany’s archaeologists.
Away from Museum Island (just south of Checkpoint Charlie), the Judisches Museum Berlin is another architectural marvel. The building’s silver fortress holds a mixture of concrete angles and lines that create an uneasy space, whilst the plight of Germany’s Jewish community is told alongside such architectural metaphors as the Holocaust Tower – a cold, dark room illuminated only by a small slit of light through which you can dimly hear the voices of the city.
End on a Party… And when evening comes about again, there’s no excuse not to spend your last night in the Prenzlauer Berg district, where bars and clubs can be found on every corner…
Guest poster Anna Paynton shares her Berlin experience. If you have a story on Berlin or tips on exploring your favorite city in 48 hours to share, why not get in touch below!
Tuesday, Jan 13th, 2009
Categories: Hostels
January is never going to be anyone’s favorite month. First off, it’s colder than ever here in the Northern Hemisphere (minus temperatures in London, no less). And then on top of all that, we have to face the fact that Christmas parties have been replaced with an epic hangover and credit card bills for 50 quid rounds of sambucas that we somehow felt compelled to buy at 2am.
It’s even been claimed that 24th January is the most depressing day of the year in England – worked out using a mathematical formula, apparently.
And with the end of 2008 bringing yet more gloom for the global economy, the coming winter is shaping up to be about as dismal as usual.
But HostelBookers have the answer; exclusive deals on hostels and budget hotels from around the world, guaranteed to brighten up your January…
Catch the Winter Sunshine
Hansonic Hotel: Accra, Ghana
You can’t get much more exotic than Ghana… Great safari, palm-fringed beaches, crumbling ancient forts, waterfalls – and all for the tiny price of €4.27 a night at Hansonic Hotel in Accra, thanks to a 2 nights for the price of 1 discount for HostelBookers’ customers.
Jollyboys Backpackers: Livingstone, Zambia
Near Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s most famous and spectacular sights, this hostel in Livingstone is currently offering free pickups from Livingstone Airport and a free 7th night on top of its usual excellent facilities – which include a swimming pool, table tennis and complimentary lifts to the falls each day.
Revel in Snowy Scenes
Copenhagen Airport Hostel: Copenhagen, Denmark
Head to vibrant and cosmopolitan Copenhagen for wintry views of the fairytale-like architecture. And enjoy free bed linen, towels and bike hire when you book 3 nights or more at the homely Copenhagen Airport Hostel until April 1st.
Fosshotel Lind: Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik used to have a reputation for being super expensive but current exchange rates make this magical city much more affordable… a silver lining to the cloud of economic catastrophe! Book a private room at the comfortable Fosshotel Lind in the city center for 4 nights and pay for just 3 during January and February.
Fosshotel Baron: Reykjavik, Iceland
In the heart of Reykjavik, this hostel provides family-friendly accommodation in the style of self-catering apartments. And, like Fosshotel Lind, they’re offering an exclusive 4 nights for the price of 3 deal during the next two months.
Nova Hostel: Moscow, Russia
Get 5 nights for the price of 4 until the end of February at the top-rated hostel in Moscow – that’s just €17.74 a night. Guests at Nova Hostel also receive complimentary cocktails on arrival to get them into an appropriately hedonistic mood for their stay in the city…and help keep out the bitter Russian cold…
Big City Breaks
Freedom Traveller Hostel: Rome, Italy
Historic Rome has long been one of the most popular backpacking destinations in Europe, despite being a little on the pricey side. But travelers can indulge at this hostel in Rome, with free Italian dinners (including wine) offered every evening… The perfect end to a long day of sightseeing.
Athens Style: Athens, Greece
Athens Style Hostel follows up their festive revelry up with free beer for travelers staying 3 nights or more throughout January.
Abberley Court: Dublin, Ireland
Indulge in a touch of luxury in lively Dublin at the Abberley Court Hotel with 3 nights for the price of 2 or 20% off 2 night stays until the end of February. They’re also offering a free glass of wine with any main meal in the chic bar and restaurant to kick start your evening on the city’s famous nightlife scene.
Ashe Townhouse: Tralee, Ireland
Set in a converted Georgian townhouse in the bustling town of Tralee (southeast of Dublin), this cosy B&B is offering 15% off all bookings, as well as the third night free; that’s just €16.67 per person for an en-suite private room.
Hostel One Central and Hostel One Puerto del Sol: Madrid, Spain
Throughout January, the chic, modern Hostel Ones in Madrid will arrange social evenings for travelers which include free dinner, drinks and club entry in the heart of the Spanish nightlife capital.
5th Avenue Spot: New York City, USA
This hostel in quirky Harlem is offering an excellent deal for budget travelers hoping to explore one of the world’s most exciting metropolises. Book 3 nights or more during January and February and pay just €13.99 a night for a dorm bed – that’s a saving of nearly €10 on the usual price.
Accommodation London: London, England
Save 30% on 7 night stays at these private modern apartments situated just 10 minutes from the center and all the popular sights of London.
Piccadilly Backpackers: London, England
Stay 7 nights at this hostel in London’s famous West End and guarantee a bed in one of the exclusive ‘art rooms’ decorated by graphic designers; a stylish way to stay in a very fashionable city.
Beatles Brian Epstein Hostel: Liverpool, England
London may be England’s busiest travel destination, but the 2008 European Capital of Culture has also started drawing in its fair share of backpackers. Get 4 nights for the price of 3 until the end of March at this Liverpool hostel – and sleep in the former house of the producer of the city’s most famous cultural export, the Beatles.
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