Backpackers Posada de Colón

Backpackers Posada de Colón Hostel is a diamond in the rough. Although the hostel's surroundings might leave a guest a bit skeptical as he makes his way to the hostel for the first time (the hostel's own directions include instructions to "turn right at an abandoned, graffitied building"), it is a delight. Upon entering the building, there is a wonderful Andalusia-style patio common area, a great place to relax and get a bit of sunlight without the ruckus and noise of the world outside.

The facilities are all very clean, and the bathrooms recently renovated. The dorms are simple and vary in size, but even the large, ten-bed dorms are not cramped and leave ample space. A nice touch is that there are separate lights throughout the rooms, so those coming back late at night (or early in the morning) can flick the switch to just turn on the lights in their area of the room without waking up everyone else.

The hostel has a quiet atmosphere, but everyone there -- the on-site multilingual owners, staff, and those staying—is extremely friendly, making this hostel a great place to stay for those who like a calmer atmosphere but also wouldn't mind socialising with others in the common area. This is not a party hostel. The common rooms (including the kitchen and computers with free internet connections) close at 10 p.m., but it allows everyone to get a nice, full night's sleep. However, there is no curfew, and all hostellers are given keys so they can come and go as they please. The provided breakfast is basic but ample and tasty. A very helpful bulletin board gives lots of tips for the town, including locations for free, no-catch flamenco performances.

The hostel's location, despite its graffitied and rundown surroundings, is quite good. It's only a five-minute walk to the Albayzín (the former Muslim Quarter) and the Cathedral, and a fifteen-minute walk to the Alhambra. Bringing along the directions and map provided on the hostel's website is extremely helpful. The hostel is located on an almost-hidden side-street in the south-eastern corner of Plaza C. Cano (to the right of the abandoned, graffitied building). The somewhat hard-to-find location means the hostel doesn't get overly full, but the great price and clean facilities make it worthwhile.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review