7 Bridges Hostel

Don't be scared off by the entrance to the ugly, dilapidated building of 7 Bridges Hostel. The first impression upon opening the gray metal military-style door and entering into the crumbling, mouldy staircase is quite a contrast to what you will find when you enter apartment 34 on the second floor. Staying in this converted apartment with the owners (an English and Russian couple) and their adorable fluffy cat Gizmo is like staying in a big house-share with friends. They are so helpful and friendly and encourage everyone to socialise, especially with the typical Russian style-vodka and salty gherkins! Or if you fancy a quiet night in they have a vast and excellent collection of English and Russian DVDs.

The general location is ok -- it's a fifteen-minute walk from the nearest Metro stop, but if you're brave enough to attempt the above ground public transport (cars, buses, and mini-buses), it is a well connected place.

The kitchen has all the basic amenities and if you're short of a simple basic ingredient there's generally something in the communal cupboard. The two showers and one toilet are kept clean but not spotless, as is the kitchen. At the moment there is no internet but that should happen soon (perhaps in 2007, depending on Russian efficiency). Leading off the kitchen is the five-bed dormitory which is fairly spacious though no lockers are provided, as is for the four-bed dorm and the private double which both lead off from the lounge. As this is a small apartment, noise carries so if you want an early night and folks are watching movies or drinking, this could be slightly annoying.

All in all this is a good hostel for both relaxing and partying. The amount of information which the couple can readily give you is amazing, especially since most Russians don't speak English and their alphabet is so different it takes a while to make sense of anything.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review