HI - Locarno Hostel is an efficiently operated hostel that gets a lot of traffic from around Europe. A typical institution-style HI hostel, this hostel is perfect for the large group of young backpackers who don't care about noise. You will probably experience noise and partiers, so don't stay here if you want a quiet hostel or a cute place to stay. Watch out for the cancellation fee, too! It's quite high.
The Location
The hostel is located a little north and west of the old town city center. It takes about twenty minutes' walking quickly to go from the train station to the hostel -- providing you don't get lost. It's recommended to have a map with you, as the streets in the old town are very windy and not well-marked. The hostel is in a residential area right off a main street. Buses run nearby (two minutes away), but Locarno is small and very walkable. The harbor is fifteen minutes' walk away and the train station is twenty. The hostel does not have parking.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The dorms rooms are outfitted with the typically cheap bunk beds: two-level beds with twelve beds per room. The bathrooms are attached to each room, meaning you only have to share with your roommates. The door locks are automatic cards (safe), but no lockers are provided. The hostel offers about five private rooms, and the showers in both private are dorm are modern and in good condition. You will find a large closet in each room with places to place bags and hang clothes. The bathrooms don't have soap, though! The hostel will also provide you with blankets with your reservation.
Common Spaces
The common rooms are very minimal here in this hostel. The dining room used for breakfast is open during the day, but there is little appeal to the cold stone floor with cheap tables and chairs. You'll find some nice areas to sit on the patio outside -- where the hostel will hold a BBQ occasionally -- and in the lobby. There isn't any TV room, book exchange, or social interaction location, as most guests come in groups and only use the hostel to crash at night. The staff are friendly, and will gladly let you store your bags for a few days. The computer (there's only one) is located in the lobby with pay-as-you-go internet. The breakfast is a cafeteria style, but with a good selection of cereals, coffee/tea, and fruit.
Summary
Overall, you'll find the HI Locarno hostel a good place to sleep for a night or two as you pass through Locarno with a group of friends. It's a beautiful city, and in the summer, you don't need to spend any time inside except to sleep. Our rating is it's not too bad!
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
November 2008
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