The Hostelz.com Review
This hostel, also known as Elvis Hostel, is a bit more aged and worn than its competitor, the Rolling Stone Hostel. We stayed at both and can say what they lack in newness, they make up for in good atmosphere and lack of pushiness. The staff are young and very friendly and happy to share with you any advice for seeing the area. Tours are available, but they don't push them on you at all.
The rooms are standard hostel rooms with lots of beds, and they are a bit crowded. The ratio of bathrooms to beds also make the bathrooms a bit crowded, but they are kept clean. The kitchen is well stocked and the free breakfast is bread and jam. You also get a free beverage (soft drink or beer) and one hour of internet at a place down the street for free. There is a common room with a sofa and satellite TV.
So, if you are big into new furniture and facilities, the Rolling Stone Hostel is better. But, if you are more into a mellow atmosphere with good facilities, then this place is the better choice.
The rooms are standard hostel rooms with lots of beds, and they are a bit crowded. The ratio of bathrooms to beds also make the bathrooms a bit crowded, but they are kept clean. The kitchen is well stocked and the free breakfast is bread and jam. You also get a free beverage (soft drink or beer) and one hour of internet at a place down the street for free. There is a common room with a sofa and satellite TV.
So, if you are big into new furniture and facilities, the Rolling Stone Hostel is better. But, if you are more into a mellow atmosphere with good facilities, then this place is the better choice.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
January 2005
Their Description
The hostel has now MOVED to its new location on NEAGOE BASARAB No 8 and we are open so you are more than welcomed to come stay with us, we will make you feel right at home!
The first and only hostel who gives you FREE FOR EVERY NIGHT OF YOUR STAY! (over 16€ value for 9€!):
1. Breakfast
2. One 500 ml BEER, or drink
3. Wi-Fi and internet access
4. Big lockers in the rooms
5. Use of towels
6. Linens and Beddings-we make the beds for you!
7. Use of kitchen and facilities
8. Baggage Storage
9. 24 hour running hot water
10. Meet and greet at the train station (upon request)
11. Brasov map with highlights, city information
12. Phone calls for reservations in Romania.
Our first rule, NO RULES.
NO LOCK-OUT and CURFEW, noon CHECK-OUT TIME. 24 hour reception. We speak English, French, Italian, Spanish and of course Romanian.
Simply the best valued, cleanest and cheapest hostel in Brasov. Other hostels claim many things but we actually deliver. We will beat any Brasov hostel. See it for yourself.
Our staff will give you full information support for every spot of Romania. We know what you need as we were backpackers too so we are here to help you with whatever information you might need: what to see and do, where to stay, how to get there, maps, information, guide books, flyers and and bus/trains timetables.
- Our central location in Old Town means we are conveniently close to everything.
- The hostel is modern, of western standards and wickedly clean.
- Our lounge has tables and comfy couches to drink and relax. Listen to music and socialize with unique, interesting people from all over the world and party into the morning.
- We have a cable TV room with DVD player, over 100 DVD's, couches and comfy pillow corner, xbox 360 and more many games.
- Our fully equipped guest kitchen is waiting for you to start cooking!
- We offer the cheapest guided all-day tour of the 3 nearby castles.
Founded in 2001 we are the first and best hostel in Brasov. Co-owned and run by a Korean-American and a local Romanian. We understand travelers' needs because we are backpackers.
Kismet is actually an English word meaning fate, adopted from Arabic. Dao (or Tao) means The Way. Daoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy. The basic eternal principle of the universe that transcends reality and is the source of being, non-being, and change is the Dao. Put the two together and you have Kismet Dao, the Way of Fate. Find yourself here.
The first and only hostel who gives you FREE FOR EVERY NIGHT OF YOUR STAY! (over 16€ value for 9€!):
1. Breakfast
2. One 500 ml BEER, or drink
3. Wi-Fi and internet access
4. Big lockers in the rooms
5. Use of towels
6. Linens and Beddings-we make the beds for you!
7. Use of kitchen and facilities
8. Baggage Storage
9. 24 hour running hot water
10. Meet and greet at the train station (upon request)
11. Brasov map with highlights, city information
12. Phone calls for reservations in Romania.
Our first rule, NO RULES.
NO LOCK-OUT and CURFEW, noon CHECK-OUT TIME. 24 hour reception. We speak English, French, Italian, Spanish and of course Romanian.
Simply the best valued, cleanest and cheapest hostel in Brasov. Other hostels claim many things but we actually deliver. We will beat any Brasov hostel. See it for yourself.
Our staff will give you full information support for every spot of Romania. We know what you need as we were backpackers too so we are here to help you with whatever information you might need: what to see and do, where to stay, how to get there, maps, information, guide books, flyers and and bus/trains timetables.
- Our central location in Old Town means we are conveniently close to everything.
- The hostel is modern, of western standards and wickedly clean.
- Our lounge has tables and comfy couches to drink and relax. Listen to music and socialize with unique, interesting people from all over the world and party into the morning.
- We have a cable TV room with DVD player, over 100 DVD's, couches and comfy pillow corner, xbox 360 and more many games.
- Our fully equipped guest kitchen is waiting for you to start cooking!
- We offer the cheapest guided all-day tour of the 3 nearby castles.
Founded in 2001 we are the first and best hostel in Brasov. Co-owned and run by a Korean-American and a local Romanian. We understand travelers' needs because we are backpackers.
Kismet is actually an English word meaning fate, adopted from Arabic. Dao (or Tao) means The Way. Daoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy. The basic eternal principle of the universe that transcends reality and is the source of being, non-being, and change is the Dao. Put the two together and you have Kismet Dao, the Way of Fate. Find yourself here.
Kismet Dao Hostel Details
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Kismet Dao Hostel Reviews on Other Websites
We had a wonderful time at Kismet Dao, the staff was extremely helpful and friendly and the rooms were very nice and very clean.
— Customer review (2011-12-11)
Hostelbookers
The variety of social rooms offer, the free drinks, the rustic style of the hostel and the dog.
— Customer review (2011-12-08)
Hostelbookers
Kismet Dao is a lovely place to stay.The staff are friendly and helpful and create a great atmosphere.The Hostel is laid out really well with socialising areas away from sleeping areas. Lovely big bathrooms, and a free beer every night.I d happily stay here for a long time.Definately recommend.
— Fiona Ewen (2011-12-03)
Hostelbookers
This hostel offers good bang for your buck--free drink, free towels, free cereal for breakfast. Plus, the location is convenient to the center and the bus lines to the bus and train station.
— Customer review (2011-11-19)
Hostelbookers
I liked the hostel, nice layout, the basment was a nice place to hide when the weather was cold just to head down stairs stick a film on. Good location and easy to find! Nice stay and staff were helpful was recommended to me and i would recommend it to anyone looking to stay in the area, plus they run a day trip out to the castles.
— Customer review (2011-11-13)
Hostelbookers
Good location and strong internet signa.
— Customer review (2011-11-11)
Hostelbookers
everything. Hostel staff were lovely, hostel was clean and warm and in a good location. Plus they have a bathtub and a cute puppy. I ended up staying for two extra nights.
— Catherine Geer (2011-11-10)
Hostelbookers
Quite social, free drink for every night of stay was nice and encourages the guests to stay in and drink with other guests. But not loud, so you can sleep well at night... LOVED the dogs there :)
— Customer review (2011-11-04)
Hostelbookers
Cutest puppy living there!
— Customer review (2011-10-29)
Hostelbookers
Near from the center and other stations, bus...
— Customer review (2011-10-23)
Hostelbookers
Probably the only good thing to say about this hostel is that you get a free drink per night you stay.
— John Webb (2011-10-22)
Hostelbookers
free internet and breakfast, easy to meet other travellers
— Customer review (2011-10-09)
Hostelbookers
Good Location very close to everything you need and need to see, friendly staff,good facilities,loads of different common areas f
— Simon Clearwater (2011-10-03)
Hostelbookers
the free beer
— Customer review (2011-09-29)
Hostelbookers
Friendly and clean
— Customer review (2011-09-29)
Hostelbookers
very nice house with a big terrace and garden, breakfast, staff was friendly, only a few minutes walking to the old town
— Customer review (2011-09-27)
Hostelbookers
The staff were very helpful and friendly. Good range of activities available, kitchen facilities and communal areas including free internet.
— Customer review (2011-09-22)
Hostelbookers
Excellent atmosphere and service.
— Rebecca Wright (2011-09-05)
Hostelbookers
Its perfect. Location is not in central, but 10-15 min walk which is very decent. In the right end of town to the train station, 25 min.
Great atmosphere, extremely spacious dorms (8dm), free towels - new every day, breakfast is different cereals, 'bar' with beers for 3 lei, excellent common room, very helpful staff.
Stay here.
— Customer review (2011-08-30)
Hostelbookers
This is by far the best hostel I have stayed in. It is clean, has friendly, helpful staff and multiple common areas, which are great for meeting other travelers. I cannot fault this hostel.
— ashley newland (2011-08-24)
Hostelbookers
Hostelz.com Guest Reviews
Party hostel I've stayed there in June 2007 and met some of travelers who lived here months. They have formed a club tour for beer here. — Anonymous (2010-02-23) Cheap but tacky also Kismet Dao lacks homeyness and personality. If you dont want to party, beware, as the music from the downstairs basement is easily heard from the second floor dorms till late and the smoke had no trouble getting up the stairs! Finding two friends of the staff taking up the couches in the morning after a night of partying with the tourists left a bad taste. They offer a lot of cost cutting with free stuff but would have preferred generosity in the way of some photos on the wall, better bedding, recommendations for businesses around town, puzzles, or board games. There are some inspirational sayings around the walls but they are not reflected in the atmosphere of the place. Get a pension for the same price if you want peace or a more grounding experience. — Mel , Australia (2008-11-21) Balconies are saving grace I arrived in the middle of the night after a dodgy taxi ride to the hostel itself, alarmed that when I walked in no one was there. When I finally got up to my bed, top bunk with no ladder! tricky! ladders would be excellent additions. bathrooms are a bit weird, different sexes on different floors, with one girl shower and several boy showers? seems backwards. TV room is pretty good, lots of seats and lots of good DVDs. Washing service is pretty good, despite losing two of my socks! kitchen is well equipped and spacious. Breakfast is only bread or toast if the electricity doesn't go off in the morning. Tours are expensive, just get the 4Lei bus, much better value! Saving grace of the hostel is the views from the balconies at the back. Lush sunset every night, despite the howling stray dogs. — Sophie , England (2008-09-12) Trying too hard. The hostel was decent. A bit pricey though, and quite hard to find on foot. Do take the bus, do not try to walk there. Also cabs are just as cheap as the bus for groups of three or four so grab one if them if that's the case. Also, you should, in no case take their tour of Bran and Risnov. It is a ripoff and the people at our hostel who went were envious that some of the other of us had done it for something like 10 Euros total including transportation and entrance fees. Also, we got to meet some cool Romanians, which they didn't. — C Star , USA (2007-08-17) Disappointing Not a great place. I've stayed at a hundred hostels and this one ranks poorly. They tried to overcharge me when I checked out, telling me I'd been given a better room than I'd originally reserved. Free "meet and greet" at the train station is misleading. This doesn't mean they pick you up. Instead, they send someone who discourages taking the bus (which I found out later is clean, cheap, and reliable) and instead offers private transport for a fee. Free laundry comes with free attitude. They waited to wash my clothes until the night before I had to leave. When I asked if my laundry had been washed and if it would be dry by the next day, the staff member on duty wouldn't tell me. Beds are like rocks. The "all you can eat" breakfast is white bread and jam. Two showers -- however, they do fit a toilet, a bathtub, and an actual shower into the same room, divided by curtains -- emergency-room style. An unguided "tour" to Bran and local castles that doesn't cover admittance fees and involves overpaying for transportation (20 euros). However, they do have an extensive DVD movie selection -- all of which is burned, so the audio/video quality is poor and of course comes with Romanian subtitles. — Chris , USA (2007-07-30) Great atmosphere, free laundry, free internet, free beer! This hostel was great. The dorms, showers and toilets are all kept clean. There is a large kitchen for self-catering as well as a balcony on which you can eat your meals and enjoy the view. Breakfast is pretty average, there is a free internet terminal and a lounge with cable TV. What I liked best was the basement which turns into a bar at night, where the staff help you party along with some of their friends. Being tucked away downstairs means that those who want an early night don't need earplugs. A great place to stay and a great place to meet fellow backpackers. — Mike , Australia (2007-07-28) I thought the staff was pretty friendly and the place was clean. The breakfast is pathetic but it is free. Only hostel I went to with free beer and free laundry! I really liked the castle tour and could have never organized that solo (and I thought it was cheap anyway). The TV has cable and there are lots of movies (almost all in English). Their computer breaks a lot but they always managed to fix it. — Sam , USA (2007-05-23) I did not find this hostel as good as I have expected.The staff was not very helpful (some I did not find even friendly). They did not have enough information about the traveling in the area, transportation. The breakfast, if you can call it, consisted of white bread, cheap margarine, and jam (plus tea and coffee). And the trips they offer to the close by castles are not really a good deal (especially Bran and Rashnov). You can do it yourself easily for at most half the price. — Yana (2007-05-08) These guys are very friendly, helpful, and well informed. Free Lockers, free internet in lobby, free breakfast, free beer, free book exchange, free movies, free laundry-wash dry and fold. Well equipped kitchen with great view of the mountain. No smoking indoors. Bed mattress could be thicker. They keep the place really clean too! I stayed here twice and would go back again. — Rambling Robert (2006-10-06) A lovely hostel, in a nice part of town, and with lovely views from the balcony. Nice atmosphere -- lots of friendly fellow-guests to chat to. Not being a late night person I had been worried about noise from drunken guests in the middle of the night, but in fact everyone was really considerate (well, except the dogs!). The only thing that didn't quite work was the food sharing. Basically, self-catering on the move can only work if people really share. instead, stuff seemed to just disappear without being replaced. Remember karma, guys! NB I did not get a booking ref -- just an email dated 24/05/06 saying "your reservation request is confirmed for one dorm bed for the nights of 11-13 August 2006." — Jim (2006-08-26) We really enjoyed our stay at Kismet Dao. The staff was very friendly and helpful, and arrange day tours of the area for a very reasonable price. The rooms and common areas were generally pretty clean (only the couch smelled like feet!) and everyone we met were very nice and a lot of fun. The breakfast is pretty simple (toast and coffee) but adequate, and the setup is such that you can feel comfortable and welcome doing anything, be it party in the basement or chill out with a movie in front of the tv. Also, the free drink per night you stay is a nice plus. The only negative is that there is only one girls shower for the hostel, and so sneaking in can be tough, especially in the mornings! — Rosa (2006-08-23) Not bad, not good. Very adequate. I did go mid-week in the middle of winter though with only 1 other person staying there and 3 or 4 staff members - so there wasn't too much atmosphere. The staff were sometimes really friendly and sometimes rude. Location is good, price is good. Rooms are okay. Neighbours dogs are extremely loud and start up at 7am - so don't plan to have any late nights in Brasov - it's impossible to sleep over the dogs. — Plebbles (2006-02-10) Sorry guys, you need to do a lot better. Brasov is a great place to visit, but not at Kismet. The staff were quite rude and far from hospitable. It seemed to me they take the tourists for granted and try and squeeze as much cash out of them as possible. — Mark (2005-02-18) I had a great time. This place had good people and fun things to do. The parties were fun, as well as the card playing at night. This place really makes people feel like friends. — Anonymous (2004-10-28) I really enjoyed my stay here. The facilities are as good as you can expect in Romania (a hot-water shower with a curtain, comfy beds), and the staff are friendly. Ho (the owner) is a cool bloke to share a beer with. They also organise bear-watching trips, and trips to Bran Castle. — Beesfan (2004-09-23)