Archive for the Krakow category
Saturday, Oct 21st, 2006
Categories: Krakow
On day two, Krakow showed us more great hostels, lots of new flavours to hit the palate, and more friendly faces to meet.
Our first visit was the Anytime Hostel, where we were staying as well, which was great because we got that extra hour of sleep. The Kazimierz square is literally right in front of the hostel which is one of the major nightspots in Krakow. Any Time Hostel has character from the moment you walk in. Admittedly it feels like you are walking into a mini restaurant, but are soon greeted with lovely smiley Polish ladies who make you feel at home in no time. The tables of the restaurant stretch through the corridor that leads onto the stairs that take you to the rooms. The rooms are basic and clean and if you need to use the internet or just fancy a chill out, the top floor has an internet/ lounge area. I found Anytime hostel to be a quiet and relaxing base to be in. Guests seem to vary in age and mostly are couple or small groups.
The next hostel we set of to visit was Momotown Hostel not too far from where we were. Although, having said that we did go the wrong way and walk up and down the same street a few times! It was Jowita’s fault though. I was just following! Krakow is relatively small, so we were soon back on track and the hostel is easy to find. The entrance is decorated with some fun graffiti and this element of fun is spread throughout. Just outside the hostel entrance in the court yard there is a table football and the managers seem like real easy-going and fun people. This hostel seems well equipped for groups with some large dorms. Just round the corner from the hostel is a cosy bar called Absint that we popped into for a quick coffee. This is very handy as the hostel does not serve breakfast or drinks.
The third visit of the day was The Atlantis Hostel. No rooms here had ensuite bathrooms, but the bathrooms were very large and well equipped to cater for large numbers. Rooms were decorated in a simple style but all seemed spacious and clean.
The next Hostel was Nathan’s Villa Hostel which was apparently one of the first hostels to open in Krakow. This hostel really does have everything you need; comfort, fun and great value for money. There’s a full bar, billiard/pool room, HD home theatre and separate smoking and non-smoking rooms. LCD screens with complete sports packages in all rooms. In their outside garden they have ample room for great barbecues, room to relax and a table tennis table. They have a variety of rooms that have been uniquely painted to different themes based on different continents.
The 5th hostel we visited was the Orange Hostel ran by Agnieszka, a truly charismatic, smart and fun person to be with. This hostel has a real friendly, comfortable feel to it. The kitchen area is really the central feature where people can cook, chat or just chill out and relax. None of the rooms have ensuite bathrooms, but both dorms and bathrooms are generous with space and the toilets are all spotless. The Hostel is located between Kazimiez (Jewish district) and Old Town.
The last visit of the day was to Kadetus Hostel. Situated next to Wawel Castle and Vistula River, this really was like walking into someone’s house. The decoration was modern, and the cleanliness was of a very good standard. There isn’t much of a common room available but a nice spacious kitchen to socialise in. Watch out for the receptionist. She looks sweet and innocent but has a voice that will make your imagination run wild. Ask her what i mean when you get there!
Comprehensive list of Krakow Hostels.
Saturday, Oct 21st, 2006
Categories: Krakow
Our first hostel of our visit was The Stranger Hostel. Upon entering the hostel we went into the lounge (The Ju Ju Lounge). Immediately it felt very cosy with a huge couch that could fit half a dozen easily! A great feature of the hostel was that it had a projector for movies. This hostel does not have private rooms however the dorms have a relaxed and fun feel to them. Maya was a great host and going back to visit this hostel would be worth it just for that!
Our next Hostel was the Premium Hostel, and was very different from the first one - in some ways resembling a typical Travelodge. The person we were supposed to meet with had an appointment, and so could not make it. However the lovely receptionist was kind enough to show us around. The hostel is set on one floor of an old Polish refurbished building. All the rooms had a feeling of being brand new, airy and comfortable. What this hostel lacked in character, it definitely made up for in comfort. The kitchen was also nice and clean and spacious enough to accommodate about 12 people round a table and a few on the couch. Internet use was also available there too.
Our third visit was to Seventh Heaven Hostel. A lot of Polish was spoken on this visit and by the end Gab, already fluent in English and Italian could almost add to his list of languages! Nevertheless, the hostel is multilingual and most languages pose no problems. There were a couple of things that really stood out in this hostel. Firstly, there is a piano in the lounge area which all of the staff are very proud of. Apparently they often have travellers who play it and fill the hostel with music and fun. The second thing is the colours used to decorate the different dorms. I don’t want to spoil your surprise so will say no more, but also many of the dorms also look out onto some nice greenery round the back.
Our next appointment was at the Dodo Hostel. This was only opened approximately one year ago and so it is quite new. The place is run by young people who seem very fun. There is a common lounge to chill out and garden area which would be great for barbecues in the summer. The kitchen was quite cosy, and the dorms were nice and decorated with individual wall paintings. For those of you who wish to explore some of Krakow by bicycle, at this hostel, subject to availability, they are free to use.
The next hostel, Deco hostel, was Jowita’s favourite for a variety of reasons. Walking into the hostel was like stepping into a different timezone. The Deco experience is different and one you definitely won’t forget. If you like art then you will enjoy your stay here even more. Every room is adorned with a famous histoircal artistic figure. All rooms have new furnishings and fittings. In fact, we could not find one bad point about this hostel. Groups are welcome but respect for other guests is of utmost importance.
Our next visit was to the Trzy Kafki Hostel. We were left pretty much to our own devices to explore the rooms. This is a good hostel for groups. It is cheap, and although maybe needing a touch of updating, has everything that you need.
The last visit of the day was Bling Bling Hostel. This hostel is relaxed in style where you can easily mingle with others. This hostel has no private rooms, but good spacious dorms with lockers and a good sized kitchen for guest use.
Comprehensive list of Krakow Hostels.
Saturday, Oct 21st, 2006
Categories: Krakow
Sky hostel is named after the Dog Sky (or is it the other way round?). The hostel was buzzing when we arrived with a busy but relaxed atmosphere. There is a large kitchen area for breakfast, TV rooms with DVD and they are happy to take groups (well most groups anyway!) As the name suggests, the main theme of the hostel is the colour blue; blue rooms, blue corridors and even blue toilets! There is also some orange to reflect the sun. We loved the combo!
The second hostel of the day was called the Green Hostel. This one reminded me of being back home in Italy (Genova). The property had large rooms all round, with really high ceilings and marble flooring. We were showed round for some time, and all were huge in size with basic but good decor. There’s not much a communal room but there is a couch to relax in which is situated in the reception area.
The third hostel we visited was Greg Hostel which felt like you were walking into someone’s apartment. It is small, but cute and cosy and run by two young Polish entrepreneurs. All of the rooms are with shared bathrooms and space is relatively limited. The hostel is looking to expand to offer more rooms upstairs. Parallel to their hostelling business they also run a tour company which offers trips to Auschwitz and the Salt Mines in Wieczka. The hostel is also in a great location, only 3 minutes from the market square.
The Globetrotter Hotel was our next visit, situated about 100 metres from the main market square. This hostel is in a league of its own. Just off a quiet street, you are greeted by a lovely garden that leads into apartment like accommodation. This is a quiet place, not really so suitable for groups and mostly enjoyed by couple and families. The return rate is huge and it’s no wonder that this property runs at almost 1000 % occupancy year-round. So if you have a your heart set on this one, book early!
The last hostel visit was Mama’s Hostel. It has nice, spacious dorm rooms with good shared toilet facilities. The kitchen is of a very good size and has ample room for several people to have breakfast. Between the reception and the kitchen there is also a really nice relaxed lounge area and there is also a nice balcony area with a few chairs and plants. I think the balcony would be a popular smokers’ retreat, but is enjoyed by all. The location is very central, just 1 minute walk from main market square and just a stones throw away from pubs and clubs.
Comprehensive list of Krakow Hostels.
