Circus Hostel

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!

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
June 2009