Ring Hostel

As of September 2008, Ring Hostel is the only hostel on the island of Ischia and the cheapest accommodation you can find. Based in a typical island house, it offers budget-priced beds and is run by a friendly owner and his family.

The Location

The Hostel is based in Forio, the second town on Ischia, and located about a fifteen-minute walk uphill from either the Forio Port or the bus stop when taking the bus from Ischia's main port. The bus stops at the port. Some ferries from Naples run to Forio. Walk straight uphill and follow the one sign to the hostel.

Rooms and Bathrooms

Dorms are from four to twelve beds with bathrooms. There are no real private rooms, so when reserving a private room, it will be a small dorm for private use. (The family offers rooms and apartments in other locations). Some dorms have single beds, others bunks. In off-season, they may clean a little less, due to fewer guests.

Common Spaces

The common room offers two computers for free internet and Wi-Fi, a TV and DVDs, some guide books for Italy, and lockers (there are none in the rooms). In high-season, July and August, the owner and staff/friends start theme parties, which are obviously more a reason to bond with female travelers. The offered kitchen is nothing more than a sink, a fridge, a toaster, and a microwave (so there's no cooking possibility). It is a reason to offer the guests free transport to the family's restaurant, which has good food at normal prices, but it is not a good substitute for budget travelers. The roof top terrace is a good place to watch the sun set and relax. There are also two washing machines and enough space to hang up your washing.

Summary

Ring Hostel is a good and cheap place for all who like to visit Ischia and the Spas, the free hot springs are a must too. In the summertime the hostel is more of a student party place -- in off-season the place hardly fills up.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
November 2008