Hostel Jednota

Hostel Jednota is like a very large old dorm or institution, which seems to have a few long term residents. The twelve-foot ceilings add to the cavernous feel -- the sound from people walking, closing doors, talking echoes throughout halls and can be quite loud. The old lift works on occasion, but mostly you have to take the stairs. You must leave your key with the twenty-four-hour reception when you are coming and going.

The Location

The hostel is located a block from the main train station -- Hlavni Nadrazi station -- where you can jump the metro to get around town or take it to the international train station (Hlavni Holesvoice). There is an ATM around the corner from the hostel along with a pizza place next door. Everything is within walking distance including Wenceslas Square three blocks away.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The rooms are adequate and relatively clean. The room we had was loaded with extra furniture, but it was neatly stacked so you could still move around. There are armoires and a desk in the rooms, however, neither of these lock. You need to use the key to lock the door on either side. There are small locker boxes for wallets/passports available off the lobby area. Linen, which is a bit worn, is include on the single beds, but you will need your own towel.

The bathrooms are located on each floor. There are plenty of sinks (with no soap) and toilets. You enter through the area with the sinks to the toilets. One side is lined with half a dozen toilets for women and the men's toilets face the women's. Connecting the sink/toilet area with the separate male and female showers is the kitchen. This is a bit strange. There are four showers and sinks, but not all work. The showers do not have any shelves or hooks in them so you leave your stuff outside.

Common Spaces

The kitchens are located on each floor and are accessible through the toilet/shower room. There is a small cooktop and sink. The fridges for different groups of rooms are located at the top of the stairs with the kitchen being a ways down the hall.

There is a bar, but it is a hollow room with tables and chairs and not very well stocked or used. Smoking is allowed on a deck off the bar, which is really a rooftop. The old computers, with free internet, are located in the bar. It is handing for having a cheap beer while you surf the net. If you need to go to the toilet when you are in the bar, you may want to climb the stairs to one in the hall; the one in the bar is down a dark dirty hall and you don't want to touch anything in it.

Breakfast is include with your room during summer months only. In the morning, reception will give you a ticket to go into the cafeteria area and trade it for a tray. There are many different combination of breakfasts set out on the tray for you to choose from, each having an abundance of bread. There is coffee, tea, and juice. When you are done, you put the food you haven't touched into specific piles for the staff to collect and probably use again.

There is no TV or sitting area where you will run into fellow travelers. The bar isn't really used and the echo in this cavernous building does not encourage talking. The lobby area has a few vending machines for those late-night snacks.

Summary

Overall, with its central location it is a good value if you are only staying a few days and just want to look around. The echo of everyone coming and going at night may keep you up though.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
March 2009