Ark Hostel

Ark Hostel has a good reputation among travelers. Along the way we met several people who had stayed there and they all had good things to say. We would have to agree.

Located in the university district, very close to Botanic Station (about five minutes on foot), the hostel is only a leisurely fifteen-minute walk into the centre of Belfast. Facilities include a well-stocked kitchen, a large dining room (with only two tables), a separate TV room with comfy sofas, and an internet cafe with about ten computers. However, the internet cafe is quite expensive -- the cost is cheaper per minute the longer you use it for and it closes at 10 p.m., but there's an internet cafe back along the main street which is cheaper and open for longer.

The rooms are spacious, with lots of natural light, a beautiful breeze, and lockers for your gear. The lockers aren't big enough for your backpack but you could easily fit your day pack and any valuables in them. However, the beds are their downfall. They squeak (a lot) and you can feel the springs -- however, the bunks are very sturdy and don't shake (you can't have everything). The showers are wonderful. The girls will love them as they run hot and are big enough to shave your legs. There's room to get dressed afterwards and they have enough hooks so your stuff doesn't get wet.

To get there, exit Botanic Station and turn left. Walk three to four short blocks to the first traffic light (University Street). Turn left and it's right there on the corner. Beware if you have a old guidebook as the hostel used to be located in the other direction on University Street. But now, turn left onto University Street.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review