Tamka Hostel

Tamka Hostel is part of the Dizzy Daisy chain of hostels throughout Poland. It is very easy to get to from the central rail station. Take bus 102, hop off at the first stop on Tamka Road then cross the road and walk back twenty meters. It's within walking distance to the old town and a lot of the major sites as well as restaurants and supermarkets and it's just up the road from the Chopin Museum.

The whole building seems to have been recently renovated (on the inside). All the walls are freshly painted with bright colours and the common areas are spaciously set out with new couches, tables, chairs, and kitchenware. The common room itself is a decent size and is divided into two sections by a partition with lounge/TV room on one side and dining area/internet on the other. There is a big vending machine in the reception area with the usual snacks and a stand with cards introducing restaurants, bars, and other Warsaw sights and activities.

The hostel is cleaned daily to quite a good standard. Everything is pretty spotless -- apart from the showers, which were still ok. They have free internet, free washing machine usage with drying room (although they charge for washing powder if you don't have any), twenty-four-hour reception, and all the staff are very helpful. Free continental breakfast is also available from 9 a.m. to noon -- cereals, toast with butter, jam, honey, chocolate spread, and cheese. Free tea and coffee are available all day and the kitchen is well stocked for cooking.

There seems to be quite a diverse range of people staying there and often the rooms are quite full. The eight-bedroom dorm that we stayed in is comprised of four sets of bunk beds arranged with walking space for one person between them. This makes it a bit cramped, but some of the private rooms have a lot more space, bedside lamps, and no bunks. However none of the rooms have any curtains, which can be a hassle for sleeping in. Overall the hostel is a nice place to stay with a few minor niggles. For the price and location it seems very good value.

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