Jakelj Backpackers House is a little out of tow, but it's fantastic if you want to be treated as person -- not a tariff -- and the meals are fantastic!
Location
This hostel is more of a large, suburban house that has been converted into a hostel. Run by a little old couple who will do anything to please, it is three stories of dorms and private rooms, a common room with internet, book exchange, and drinks for sale. It is very homey -- you feel more like you are at your grandparents' house than a hostel -- and Damian will pick you up from the station, drop you into town, do your washing for a very low price, and arrange a three-course, traditional Slovenian meal for a low price!
The hostel is about five kilometers out of town, but they will pick you up from the station when you arrive and usually do about two or three trips into town a day (10 a.m. to take you into town and 7 p.m. to pick you up -- if you arrange a few people, he will also do special trips to the mountains, gorge, or sporting activities if you are nice!). The hostel is just below the mountains amongst corn fields and churches -- a bike ride around town is the perfect way to see a traditional Slovenian village. Although it is a little inconvenient being fifteen minutes from the lake itself, there is still plenty around to see and this is a great location to take in the countryside. To get there, catch a train to Lesce Bled station, where Damian will pick you up. On Sundays not all the trains are running, so check the timetable.
Rooms and Bathrooms
Some rooms are underground with little light but some have balconies and are slightly larger, and all are small. Some rooms have their own bathrooms, and others don't -- it really depends on how many beds are in your dorm (the more beds, the better chance of a shared shower). The rooms are slightly chilly but there are large fluffy quilts and pillows and places to hang your clothes.
The showers are small and slightly falling apart, but they're hot and do the job. Don't expect a whole lot of room here to spread your stuff out and if Damian sees your clothes strewn about the room he will comment on your living like a goat, but all in good humour!
Common Spaces
There is not public kitchen but breakfast is included (cereal, tea, coffee, eggs, and toast) and a fantastic three-course dinner is available for a small price -- it's well worth it. There is free internet, though it's a bit slow and perched on top of a shelf that is way too high -- so surfing for too long will make your neck sore!
The common areas are welcoming and covered in photos from all over the world and thank you letters from the people who have stayed there -- an indictment on the hospitality offered. There are bikes to use for free, they will let you use the fridge to chill your wine, and will happily arrange any activities for you (horse riding, canyoning, rafting) but it pays to be nice to the old couple as they sometimes get a bit stroppy if you forget your manners -- treat them like you would your grandparents!
Summary
This hostel is a very welcoming place, and reasonably priced (however don't be surprised if they tag on an extra few euro for the lifts). Overall, staying here was a very pleasurable experience -- this is the type of place that's very hard to leave!
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
October 2008
Location/Contact
4.1 Average from 16 Ratings
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