HI - Philadelphia, Chamounix Mansion Hostel

Worth the money
My son and I stayed at this hostel November 3, 2007. It was the first time staying in a hostel. We were very pleased with our stay. The guy at the desk was very helpful -- gave us instructions on getting around town, where to eat, what to do. The hostel itself reminded me of the home I grew up in. For as old as it is, I thought it was very clean. I did find out the walls are paper thin -- one of the guests asked me to be quiet while talking on the phone and the next morning I thought a couple of guys were outside my door when they were actually in another room with the door closed. The location is peaceful and quiet. Luckily, we had a rental car, so getting there was not a problem. I would definitely stay there again with the rest of the family.

A nice, cleann comfortable hostel. There's a very big, well-equipped kitchen, but except for a few snacks in a vending machine, you can't get any food nearby. If you don't come by car it's over a half hour by bus from central Philadelphia, then about a 15 walk up the hill. You have to walk back to near the bus stop to buy any food, but someone did say that delivery is possible.

I stayed in this hostel for one night only but it was enough to impress me. Firstly for the staff met only two people Andrew, and a lady (didn't get her name) both were very congenial and helpful, so no problems there. Next the hostel as such. It's an old building so you get creaky sounds of the old building but i guess it adds to its rustic charm. As for the comfort, comfortable the kitchen is well equipped -- hey, but the vending machine was broken -- ate my money! beds are comfortable. since it's in middle of nowhere, no traffic sounds. Cleanliness, its not the cleanest place on the planet but it's not dirty. With so many people living under one roof, the limited staff can manage to keep it clean and hygienic, hats off. Now for the bad part -- it's in middle of nowhere -- correct that, far end of nowhere. They have a bus stop one to one and a half miles from hostel where only two buses show up -- that too not on time! you have to walk from the stop, the walk is through a beautiful park, is good for your heart but still its a long walk. the hostel people are very open about it, and its mentioned on their website. If you are pressed for time then its probably not the best option, and if there is no other then book a taxi. believe me, I learned the hard way! If you are on a leisure trip with plenty of time on your hand then it's a damn nice place to be.

It was my first experience in a hostel in U.S.A. I really liked this hostel. With international student ID or Student advantage card, you get fifteen percent off. The receptionist guy, who has been working there for six years, was really helpful. The hostel does not provide any food/cafes but there are some vending machines and you can always order food. The hostel is ten minutes walk from bus station. It is in the end of the park, if you have a lot of luggage, keep this in mind. The rooms were very clean. Overall, I really had a good experience.

This place is every bit as beautiful as its name, and the people were incredibly friendly. Problem: it's way out of the city, you have to ride a bus and then walk a mile (!) to get to the hostel itself. Also, there are not a lot of hot European guys there.

Excellent, with a small reservation about the lack of air-conditioning. I was in in one of the attic rooms and it gets very hot there--and it wasn't air-conditioned. That quibble aside, I enjoyed my stay (April, 2004) and have recommended it to friends, and will do so whenever asked. Not REAL easy to find, but a lovely place once you do. I met some delightful people and the staff were very helpful.