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Knoxville Hostel

Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

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Address
404 East 4th Avenue, Knoxville   Map
Price
Dorm Bed: $17/night year-round Check Current Prices by Date Here
Location/Contact
Details
Their Description

Features

  • Free Breakfast
  • Kitchen
  • Phones (public or in room)
  • Travel information provided
  • Lounge / Common space
  • 24 Hour Free Hot Showers
  • Air Conditioning
  • Washing Machine (laundry)
 
The Hostelz.com Review
When one goes over to the Knoxville Hostel for the first time, one may have some qualms about the older and somewhat run-down (but safe) neighborhood or proximity to Highway 40. In fact, the location of the hostel is near ideal -- situated only a couple of miles from downtown, and even closer to the Old City Historic District where there are more shops and restaurants -- and is reasonably quiet even with the freeway nearby.

Any lingering concerns one may have about the hostel are soon allayed upon walking inside and being greeted by the owners. Al -- who lives in Knoxville not too far away from the hostel -- is especially friendly and professional. The spacious rooms are top-notch, being meticulous and having thoughtful touches such as an ironing board. Though each of the rooms can sleep 6, there seem to be few days when there are more than just a handful of guests in the house. Men usually outnumber the women here and on days when there are no women, the hosts may have some of the men sleep in the women's dorm so as to reduce the number of occupants per room even further.

The common area includes a small living room with a TV, kitchen, and a nook with a single desktop computer with high-speed internet access where one can check email or browse the web. Free breakfast is offered (usually fruit, bagels, and coffee), and unlike many hostels, sheets and blankets are provided.

Despite these freebies and high level of service and cleanliness, the Knoxville Hostel charges a reasonable rate. It is truly a great value, with attentive hosts and a pleasant environment.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review


Your Comments
This is an open forum, and unlike other hostel guide websites, we don't censor out the negative comments.
We do not validate the legitimacy of comments posted on this site—so take what you read here with a grain of salt.
Comment by Deb Henry, American (New York)
April 2008
More than I expected
Anyone who has stayed in a hostel knows not to expect very much, but I was more than pleased with Al's hospitality and the amenities provided. He spent a lot of time helping a friend and I get oriented with the city, wireless internet was convenient although a computer was available as well, extra toiletries were in the bathroom, there was a hairdryer and iron available, convenient location. Initially intimidated by the area as I had never been to Knoxville, we had a newer car full of gear that stayed safe. I also appreciate Al's recycling, which can fall to the wayside when you own a hostel. The best hostel I stayed in on my trip!
Comment by P2Z, New Zealand
August 2007
Couldn't be any better!
I've had the good fortune of staying at this hostel on separate instances. The first time was great -- clean, friendly, lovely. So, when I went back the second time I was expecting something less. I was wrong! It was still clean. It was still friendly. It was still lovely. The owner/manager is a great man and a wealth of information. He is nice, friendly, and quite entertaining. It a bit of a walk from the UT campus, but there are plenty of watering holes along the way to refresh you! I love this hostel, and will someday return.
Comment by caity
November 2006
after traveling for awhile and feeling kind of unwelcome in the state of TN coming to the knoxville hostel was like coming home to old friends or to my mothers open arms. i am so happy that now i will be leaving the state of TN with a positive feeling, new friends, and a new home i can always come back to here in knoxville.
Comment by Stephanie from the Old Dominion
August 2006
This hostel was just perfect. It is actually more like a Bed and Breakfast than a hostel. The staff were the friendliest, warmest, most generous, and genuine people I've almost ever met. I went to Knoxville for the first time and was shown around on my very own personal Saturday morning tour. The traffic was noisy and I got a little chilly, but there were extra blankets and earplugs to remedy the situation. I'll be back!
Comment by Mika, Finland
July 2006
It's the warmness of the hostel staff that gives the five stars. The hostel is in the walking distance from Greyhound bus station (around ten minutes), the area is ok. Knoxville hostel is very clean with good beds and kitchen. If you think you'd be bothered with the traffic noise the hostel will give you free earplugs. I was never bothered with the traffic noise. Also free internet is available. From the start of my request for a reservation I was given such a warm welcome and information I needed was given very quickly. When I arrived to the hostel I was given a ride by Al to a concert which was quite close to start. Brian, the manager, was also very friendly. It was with Al that I became friends. He gave me practical tips about Knoxville (like the free live bluegrass concerts during the lunchtime) and where to go, and he help me to get there. The most memoriable things about Knoxville aren't the cultural events I was attended in, but the rich and meaningful conversations I had with Al. That's precious.
Comment by Dave SD
May 2006
I stayed at this hostel the year before last when I visited for the Notre Dame game in town. The staff (including ownership) was absolutely great. I felt right at home. I wish I kept in touch with them. So far, this is the best hostel experience I've had -- U.S., Ireland, Florida, Hawaii and California included. The neighborhood is not the greatest, but very conveniently located for easy in and out (even for walking to the stadium). I'd stay here again in a heartbeat.
Comment by Kyle
April 2006
I had made the decision to stay at the hostel, but didn’t really want to at first. I was on my way to Great Smokey Mountains National Park (about an hour away from the hostel). Once I stepped into through the door I was very happy to be there. The staff was very welcoming, and made me feel at home. I didn’t go out that night, though many options and recommendations (including live music) were made available to me by the staff, and were within walking distance. Several days later on my way back from the National Park I decided to stop back in for a good nights rest before my eleven-hour drive back home. I was greeted like an old friend. I was sitting in the boys room when Al (the owner) asked my new friend from Peru and me if we were interested in some tickets to the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. We both were very interested, but low on money. Al gave us the tickets ($60 each) for free, and even drove us to the parking garage. The staff and people staying there easily made this the most enjoyable hostel experience I have ever had. I would recommend this hostel to anyone!
Comment by Tanya from Wisconsin
February 2006
This was an amazing experience. The location of the hostel couldn't have been better! It's within walking distance of "Old City" and even though it was very close to the interstate, I barely noticed it. What made the stay even more memorable were the hosts. They were fantastic and made the hostel seem more like a home away from home. I would recommend this place to anyone!
Comment by jo, northern ireland
December 2005
from the moment i arrived here i was treated like an old friend. the management were absolutely lovely & it felt like being welcomed into someones home - towels, robes, homely rooms & free access to stuff. i would recommend this place to my best mate or parents! when i was there dollywood was closed (nooooooooooooooooo!) but its such a laid back little town that i had a cool time chilling out instead.
Comment by Alan Nasr
September 2005
I had a good one night stay here on a Friday night. I was the only guest when I went to sleep but I believe someone arrived late at night. The interstate traffic is definitely noisy. The air was comfortable. The hosts are nice and provided me with a lot of local information. A real happening area of bars and restaurants is located very close by (walking distance), though the university is a bit further away. The neighborhood that the hostel house is located in is somewhat run-down, but overall safe. I recommend this hostel to travelers for sure.
Comment by Dave
June 2005
The management here is top-notch. They are flexible, intelligent, and professional in the business of hospitality. There is a laid-back atmosphere here that is immediately perceived when you walk in the door. The manager is always going around town trying to find out about interesting events young people who visit might be interested in. The showers/rooms were very clean and well kept up. The only problem is that is located next to Highway 40. You can hear the cars going by all night long, so pack your earplugs, and enjoy your stay. *** Highway 40 is getting moved in the next couple of years. This is only a temporary problem.
Comment by James from Canada
May 2005
I spent 10 days at this hostel while doing research in a local library. Al and Brian are fine hosts. The accommodations are good and the kitchen is a bit of a challenge if more than one person is trying to prepare a meal at one time. The hosts' knowledge of the local area and its history are first rate. Location is very convenient and no problem with parking for those with vehicles. It's a bit noisy with the Interstate next door but earplugs are available. Definitely worth a stay!
Comment by Anonymous
March 2005
It's located in a historic part of Knoxville. That building you see around the corner and down the street is the oldest high school in Knoxville. Al, (the owner) and his staff are gracious and knowledgeable hosts. The men's dorm room has new beds and is kept clean by staff and guests. If you are in Knoxville during a University of Tennessee home football game, and you don't have a ticket, you can hear the crowd at the stadium (over 100,000 Vols fans!) root for their Volunteers. Give the place a shout, you won't be disappointed!
Comment by Anonymous
March 2005
I just found this hostel in Knoxville on my most recent trip through Tennessee, and I'm certainly glad I did. It's clean and friendly, and the hosts are fantastic. Even after having lived in Knoxville many years ago, I will choose to stay in the 404 hostel on all future trips to the area. Give it a try!
Comment by Palmo
January 2005
Fantastic! The owner is very kind, warm and helpful. It's a comfortable, homey place that was actually hard to leave!
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