The Hostelz.com Review
There are a lot of good hostel choices in Berlin, and the Circus Hostel is one of the most popular. This place is colorful, beautiful, well-run, and impeccably kept. It's definitely not the cheapest hostel in Berlin and there are a few annoyances, but overall it does what it does very well and you can see the reason for its popularity.
The Location
The Circus is in pretty much the most ideal location you could get as a backpacker in Berlin -- on the border between two neighborhoods, Mitte (where most of the important and interesting sites can be found) and Prenzlauer Berg (a popular student quarter full of funky bars and cafes, great restaurants, galleries). It is easily reached by taking the U-bahn to Rosenthalerplatz, but it is also easy walking distance from S-bahn hubs like Alexanderplatz and Hakescher Markt. The transportation options make it easy to get anywhere in the city, but you could easily keep yourself entertained indefinitely in this lively and beautiful East Berlin neighborhood. Endless eating options, supermarkets, parks, yoga studios, bars, internet and call shops, pretty much everything you need is within walking distance.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The rooms are bright and airy, squeaky clean, and simple but attractive. There are a variety of dorms and private rooms available, including single-sex dorms, and the largest rooms are the eight-bed mixed dorms. The dorms are roomy and comfortable and are fitted with furniture (table and chairs, mirrors, drawers, hooks, hangers) that make your stay that much more pleasant. The beds, provided with a nice big pillow and comforter as well as fresh bottom sheet, comforter cover and pillowcase, are very cozy. Each is equipped with its own reading light.
There are no lockers in the rooms, but a free safe is provided at reception for storing valuables. Entry to the rooms and hallways is by key card. Rooms are cleaned daily, but there is no lockout or pressure to vacate the rooms early. The hostel is located on a noisy street, so earplugs may come in handy if you are a light sleeper who may be bothered by traffic noise on the lower floors.
The showers are of the push button variety, and you have to push the button every few seconds, which can get annoying. But other than that, the showers are clean, with private cabins with shelves and hooks for each shower, the water is hot and the pressure is good.
Common Spaces
The only "free" common area is in the stylishly decorated lobby, which makes a good waiting and meeting point, but the design (most of the couches facing outward and not towards each other) make it an awkward place to just hang out and socialize. There are, however, several games available, and a book exchange, as well as copious information on tours and events in the city and maps. In the same area there are several internet computers available for use.
The hostel also has a beautiful cafe with both indoor and outdoor seating and fairly reasonable prices. The hostel breakfast buffet is served here, but it is not included in the price. There is a bar downstairs, which is hardly noticeable apart from the events written on the chalkboards upstairs (and the buy one get one free beer coupon you get upon check-in).
Unfortunately there is no kitchen available, but since cheap and delicious food options abound in the neighborhood, this is not as much of an annoyance as it might normally be, unless you're staying long term. Consequently, most of the guests seem to be international travelers, visiting Berlin for a short time.
Summary
If you are on the tightest of budgets this may not be your best option in Berlin, but if you can afford to pay a little bit more, this beautiful hostel has a lot to offer!
The Location
The Circus is in pretty much the most ideal location you could get as a backpacker in Berlin -- on the border between two neighborhoods, Mitte (where most of the important and interesting sites can be found) and Prenzlauer Berg (a popular student quarter full of funky bars and cafes, great restaurants, galleries). It is easily reached by taking the U-bahn to Rosenthalerplatz, but it is also easy walking distance from S-bahn hubs like Alexanderplatz and Hakescher Markt. The transportation options make it easy to get anywhere in the city, but you could easily keep yourself entertained indefinitely in this lively and beautiful East Berlin neighborhood. Endless eating options, supermarkets, parks, yoga studios, bars, internet and call shops, pretty much everything you need is within walking distance.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The rooms are bright and airy, squeaky clean, and simple but attractive. There are a variety of dorms and private rooms available, including single-sex dorms, and the largest rooms are the eight-bed mixed dorms. The dorms are roomy and comfortable and are fitted with furniture (table and chairs, mirrors, drawers, hooks, hangers) that make your stay that much more pleasant. The beds, provided with a nice big pillow and comforter as well as fresh bottom sheet, comforter cover and pillowcase, are very cozy. Each is equipped with its own reading light.
There are no lockers in the rooms, but a free safe is provided at reception for storing valuables. Entry to the rooms and hallways is by key card. Rooms are cleaned daily, but there is no lockout or pressure to vacate the rooms early. The hostel is located on a noisy street, so earplugs may come in handy if you are a light sleeper who may be bothered by traffic noise on the lower floors.
The showers are of the push button variety, and you have to push the button every few seconds, which can get annoying. But other than that, the showers are clean, with private cabins with shelves and hooks for each shower, the water is hot and the pressure is good.
Common Spaces
The only "free" common area is in the stylishly decorated lobby, which makes a good waiting and meeting point, but the design (most of the couches facing outward and not towards each other) make it an awkward place to just hang out and socialize. There are, however, several games available, and a book exchange, as well as copious information on tours and events in the city and maps. In the same area there are several internet computers available for use.
The hostel also has a beautiful cafe with both indoor and outdoor seating and fairly reasonable prices. The hostel breakfast buffet is served here, but it is not included in the price. There is a bar downstairs, which is hardly noticeable apart from the events written on the chalkboards upstairs (and the buy one get one free beer coupon you get upon check-in).
Unfortunately there is no kitchen available, but since cheap and delicious food options abound in the neighborhood, this is not as much of an annoyance as it might normally be, unless you're staying long term. Consequently, most of the guests seem to be international travelers, visiting Berlin for a short time.
Summary
If you are on the tightest of budgets this may not be your best option in Berlin, but if you can afford to pay a little bit more, this beautiful hostel has a lot to offer!
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
June 2009
Their Description
Circus Hostel Details
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Circus Hostel Reviews from the WebHostelz.com Guest Reviews
Excellent Easily one of the best hostles I've ever stayed in! Super clean, power points in lockers, great staff good breakfast. — Phil , Australia (2012-05-05) Good The Circus is very nice, but teh loby area is nicer than the rooms. The price is a little steep for the actual stay--I was expecting more because of its high NYT ranking. But, teh showers and toilets are clean, teh security is top notch--hotel cards into each half of each floor and again into your room. The rooms are quite clean and it is easy to meet ppl from your room. Gripe: Security lockers are TINY--enough space for a camera and wallet only. But nice hostel--over my expectations for one. — Evie , USA (2009-07-25) Clean, Safe, and Social Very clean, safe hostel, excellent location, and the subway is very close. The staff is very friendly and there is a bar where you can meet other travelers. It is a social hostel. — Ale , Brazil (2008-01-01) Brilliant! Great hostel, literally right next to the underground. Very safe with cards to swipe in like keys. Staff were very friendly. Super clean, showers were warm! No curfew -- brilliant stay, would recommend to anyone. — Sarah Woodhead , England (2007-07-26) This place was super clean and friendly. The metro is close so not too far to lug your backpack. Would stay here again! — Kim , Australia (2007-04-06) This was my favorite hostel in Europe, it has a really nice setup and a very friendly/ helpful staff. The bar was fun and easy to meet people, and the cafe was awesome. This place had the best breakfast ever (i still crave the chocolate granola and yummy waffles)! Also the beds are so cosy, after a long days adventure. — Meaghan (2007-03-13) this hostel's great! the staff is helpful and friendly and it's always party time atmosphere there! everywhere's clean and everything works and all at reasonable prices! the pub is always packed with people willing to get drunk and have fun. I definitely advise it! — manuel (2007-01-05) This Hostel was amazing! The staff was really helpful and friendly, the rooms are very clean, and the hostel itself is situated in a geat location. I really enjoyed the fact that the hostel has its own little bar in which you can start your nights and meet new people. I will recomend this hostel to everyone looking for a good hostel in Berlin. — Dali Miller (2006-10-02) Clean, friendly staff, felt like I was waking up in the middle of an IKEA store everyday. Loved it, great hostel. — Saloni (2006-08-30) Hands down the best hostel I stayed at during my entire trip! The rooms were clean and beautifully furnished, and the bathrooms and showers were spotless. The beds are incredibly comfortable, with clean, fluffy blankets and pillows. The food at the coffee bar is very good, and reasonably priced. The receptionists are very knowledgeable about the city, and will happily give you directions or ideas for sightseeing. The attached bar is also awesome, filled with friendly people and cheap drinks. The bar staff are very well-informed about the local nightlife, so don't be afraid to ask! Also, make sure to check out the activities in the bar every night, we went to Karaoke and it was hilarious! My one complaint would have to be that it can be a little noisy at night, since it is located at an intersection of a few main roads. Overall, this place is excellent value for your money, and I would recommend it to anyone staying in Berlin! — Alex W (2006-08-24) The perfect place to stay in Berlin! In a great location, right next to the subway. Staff friendly and helpful and the facilities could not be better. I stayed here twice this last summer during the World Cup and it was great. — Dave (2006-08-16) I traveled for two months and this was the best hostel hands down. The staff is super friendly and actually really helpful. The location is great --close to lots of public transit options and located in the middle of all the sites in east berlin. The bar is pretty rad and has a cool retro feel. The entire hostel is really clean and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. The hostel makes you definitely not want to leave. Plus Berlin is such a great town that it is easy to stay longer then you had planned. — Daphne (2006-08-10) This is quite simply the best professional hostel I've stayed in (of about twenty or so in three continents). It is pretty new and nicely painted up without losing too much of the laidback hostel feel. The location, near oranienburgerstrasse, is not bad either. There are certainly more adventurous places to stay in for real deadbeats, but it you want some comfort this place is it. — Willem de Bruijn (2006-08-02) This hostel is incredibly clean, the staff is helpful and fun, and the bar is a riot, yet the rooms aren't noisy. Traveled all around the world and my time at this hostel remains one of my favourite memories. — Canadian gal (2006-04-11) Great Hostel with fanastically clean facilities and great social atmosphere in its very own cellar bar. Highly recommended. — Numaan (2006-02-27)