Saturday, Oct 7th, 2006
Categories: Warsaw
The first place we visited this morning was Nathan’s Villa Hostel and this is definitely a typical hostel for young backpackers who wish to hang out and meet new people. We walked through the old gate and into a beautiful courtyard, where we met Marta the manager, a really kind and enthusiastic person. “Nathan’s Villa” is located in the centre of the city. They have a common room on each floor and a fully equipped kitchen. There is a really friendly and fun atmosphere in the hostel as well as a really relaxed feel to it. I liked it a lot.
I must say it was a pleasure to be showed around the Oki Doki hostel. The charming receptionist, whose smile especially impressed Nacho, was also eager to help and answer all of our questions.
This unique hostel is running by young amazing couple. Both had spent a lot of time travelling around the world, so they know everything there is to know about backpackers’ needs. I was told that each room has been designed in a different style and by a different artist. Instead of being numbered, each of the rooms has their own name. The people who work here are young, love Warsaw, and are very knowledgeable about the history of the place, as well as tell you the best places to see, and help you with places to go out at night.
Because of a couple of cancellations, we didn’t get to see as many places as we had hoped on this day, although possibly a blessing in disguise as Nacho had taken ill. We left the city, safe in the knowledge that there are definitely some great places to stay in Warsaw!
Saturday, Oct 7th, 2006
Categories: Warsaw
Our first hostel, Guesthouse Dom Literatury is a really nice place for people who are looking for a quiet environment rather than a “party hostel”. It is visited regularly by many famous poets and writers from all around the world. It is in a great location and has amazingly picturesque views of the city from the rooms. Almost every room has its own bathroom, wooden furniture, and TV, radio and telephone. It is on the 3rd floor and there is no lift so lugging your bags to the top will keep you fit! There is also an exceptional restaurant in the basement. The ladies working in the guesthouse are very friendly and helpful. We had a great cup of coffee before moving on to our next hostel.
Old Town apartments is for people who are looking for exclusive apartments with wooden floors, leather sofas etc… I would describe it as pretty good quality for a decent price. The apartments are also centrally located in the main market square. I would say that this is possibly more for people looking for a quieter stay, rather than young backpackers who wish to meet and hang out with lots of other people. Jakub who fluently speaks English and Spanish, showed us around. Fully equipped apartments, with many facilities, and extremely clean will definitely satisfy those wanting a few more creature comforts in their stay. There is a CD player, Sky TV, living room and kitchen in each apartment. There is a lot of space but definitely not for a party. We were also very pleasantly surprised when we heard the price!
The Youth Hostel Syrenka is located 10-15min by tram from the centre of Warsaw. Decorated in retro furniture, it has all the basic facilities and would be better suited for school groups and people on a tight budget.
The hostel offers 140 beds for their guests. Facilities available for guests include a coffee shop, self-service kitchen and dining room, internet cafe, pool, table tennis, and a laundry area. The hostel is staffed in duty hours by a teaching staff familiar with the country who is delighted to assist with advice.
We then wandered back to the hostel we were staying in. It is a nice new hostel located in the historic district of Warsaw. The place is quite something; just 30 meters from the Old Town Square and you are walking through the narrow streets, surrounded on both sides by old historical buildings, one being Kanonia Hostel. The rooms are nice and quiet, so this is a great place for those who would like to get a rest after a busy day sightseeing in town. The hostel has a nice kitchen with a small dining room where in the morning while Nacho was still sleeping I had a chat with the locals.
The owner, Marcin didn’t come to see us at the Kanonia but invited us to his new property. He seems like he putting a lot effort to make it attractive and it should be a great place. We had a long chat with him there and walked around the building.
Struggling with bad weather (it was really windy and raining) we went to Dom Przy Rynku where we were greeted warmly and fed delicious home made cake and hot coffee making us feel completely at home.
Hostel Dom Przy Rynku is open all week during the summer months, and all year around on Friday to Sunday. The youth hostel is located in the middle of Warsaw near New Town surrounded by historic buildings and churches. This great position is quiet and allows easy access to Warsaw Old town. I would suggest that it is not the best place for party backpackers, but would be great for school parties.
Saturday, Oct 7th, 2006
Categories: Warsaw
Our two day trip allowed us only to visit some of the hostels listed with us in Warsaw and it was going to be a really busy couple of days. Warsaw is slowly gaining in popularity with travellers, especially in the summer time. The city hasn’t got a dynamic and fast- paced hostel scene but in the last couple of years, a few interesting properties have popped up.
Warsaw has two historic districts, called Old Town and New Town. They are adjacent to each other and the newer section is almost as old as the Old Town. The Old Town was completely destroyed in World War II but, some of it has been rebuilt to look like the original and is now full of stylish and trendy restaurants and pubs.
Despite the short time we spent in Warsaw, we saw places that we really want to come back to one day.
Having just arrived in Warsaw, we went with my best friend for dinner in a restaurant and ate lots of delicious local dishes. Completely stuffed, we came back to Kanonia Hostel and got ready for the next hectic couple of days.
