Minneapolis International Hostel

The Minneapolis International Hostel is one of the only budget lodgings available in the Minneapolis/St. Paul region. As such the prices are much higher than you'd normally expect in a city of this size. The hostel has recently been taken over by new management and has obviously seen better days.

The hostel dorms were under repair more than six months ago and it seems nothing has changed. Ladders and building equipment was strewn everywhere when we visited. However, no amount of repair could excuse the leaking toilets and bathrooms that are constantly out of order. Of the only two bathrooms in operation, one has a leaking toilet that's out of order and the other has a shower out of operation -- this situation lasted for several days while we stayed.

Lounge areas are cosy and quaint, seemingly not belonging to the same hostel. You could easily enjoy your night or day lounging around on the antique furniture. Free internet access is available throughout the hostel and you can watch cable TV/DVD player downstairs. The kitchen is well stocked and coffee or tea is available anytime.

Hostel dorms are filled with ten or more single beds and are very impersonal, however the mattresses are brand new and you'll get clean blankets and sheets. When we visited during winter the pane glass window in the male dorm was smashed and had been "fixed" by placing a pillow in between the pane. Smaller dorms with only four beds are available downstairs.

Staff require an overseas passport or identification at check-in. However when we visited, they later admitted that there were long-termers -- U.S. residents filling the gaps during the low season. We never had any problems, but it was evident these people were not your typical traveler crowd and were on welfare or unemployed.

Sadly the prices have gone up and quality has slipped under the new management. It's a shame to see such a great and historic hostel fall way short of the mark -- it could be a lot better than it actually it is. Hostel staff are volunteers that work in exchange for free accommodation -- most were very friendly and frank about the problems associated with the hostel when we visited. The hostel management are not involved into the day-to-day management of the hostel and it shows.

The Minneapolis International Hostel is close to downtown and located opposite a bus stop. The hostel will attempt to charge for parking when street parking is free and plentiful (even right in front of the hostel). The hostel is a great base if you're a solo traveler looking to spend only a few days in Minneapolis, but for couples, cheaper quality motel options can be found with relative ease.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review