The Hostelz.com Review
Alexander House is more like a four-star hotel without a bellhop. Everything in this place is pristine -- the floors, the sheets, the furnishings. No smoking is allowed indoors. The staffer I met -- Maire -- is very receptive and accommodating. They only do cash here, and while the cost is pricey when comparing it to other hostels, this is no ordinary hostel. As a guest, you will have access to the place the entire time -- the staff provides a key to allow late-night entry -- and if you're in a wheelchair, you'll be fine here.
The Location
The hostel is nowhere near much, but not that far away either. There is a market just a couple blocks away where you could buy milk, eggs, or snacks, but it closes fairly early. There are a couple of restaurants also in the area, but they're not your common eateries. About a ten-minute walk from the Alexander House is the downtown mall, with a lot of eateries, bars, street vendors, and even an ice-skating rink on the far side. There's also a public arts wall you can sign or draw on, so bring chalk and make a mark. And just a little bit further west of the mall is the beautiful University of Virginia. Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, is also not very far by car (approximately ten minutes), but a cab ride there can be expensive. There is a free trolley that operates during the daytime, but it doesn't go to Monticello.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
There are two main bedrooms here -- one that is private (and has a full-size bed) and the other that is dorm-style with two sets of bunk beds. But these are not your typical hostel beds -- they are comfortable and clean beyond belief. Two people can easily sleep in each of the bottom bunks, but you would have to check with hostel policy on that. The dorm-style bedroom faces toward the street, but the area is quiet as can be at night -- the only source of noise might be fellow guests. The bathroom is just outside of the bedrooms, and has to be shared since there is only one shower, one toilet, and one sink. Look behind the bathroom mirror and you'll have access to soaps, shampoos, after-shaves, and many other toiletries you may need. Travelers leave a lot of stuff behind, but again, the bathroom is immaculate.
Common Spaces
The kitchen, located on the first floor, has a fridge for cold storage, a microwave, and lots of cabinet space, though it could get cramped if the house were full and everyone wanted to eat at the same time. The local newspaper is delivered in the morning and left for any hosteler to read, and you get either fruit or cereal for breakfast. There is a small and sunny dining area with a view of the backyard just beyond the kitchen. There's not much in the backyard except a birdbath, but it would be a good place to have a picnic or sunbathe if the weather is warm. The living room is chock-full of pamphlets and maps of things to do while in Charlottesville, and it has a comfortable seating area, but that is all. There is no TV here, so get ready to go exploring or bring a book. There is a laptop that can be made available for internet use, but it's dial-up (no Wi-Fi here) -- all you have to do is request it. And finally there's also parking for a maximum of two cars immediately to the side of the building.
Summary
This place is very well maintained and we have complaints. If quiet isn't your thing, you might go batty here, though. If you're a history buff and are on a budget, stay here and see Charlottesville.
The Location
The hostel is nowhere near much, but not that far away either. There is a market just a couple blocks away where you could buy milk, eggs, or snacks, but it closes fairly early. There are a couple of restaurants also in the area, but they're not your common eateries. About a ten-minute walk from the Alexander House is the downtown mall, with a lot of eateries, bars, street vendors, and even an ice-skating rink on the far side. There's also a public arts wall you can sign or draw on, so bring chalk and make a mark. And just a little bit further west of the mall is the beautiful University of Virginia. Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, is also not very far by car (approximately ten minutes), but a cab ride there can be expensive. There is a free trolley that operates during the daytime, but it doesn't go to Monticello.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
There are two main bedrooms here -- one that is private (and has a full-size bed) and the other that is dorm-style with two sets of bunk beds. But these are not your typical hostel beds -- they are comfortable and clean beyond belief. Two people can easily sleep in each of the bottom bunks, but you would have to check with hostel policy on that. The dorm-style bedroom faces toward the street, but the area is quiet as can be at night -- the only source of noise might be fellow guests. The bathroom is just outside of the bedrooms, and has to be shared since there is only one shower, one toilet, and one sink. Look behind the bathroom mirror and you'll have access to soaps, shampoos, after-shaves, and many other toiletries you may need. Travelers leave a lot of stuff behind, but again, the bathroom is immaculate.
Common Spaces
The kitchen, located on the first floor, has a fridge for cold storage, a microwave, and lots of cabinet space, though it could get cramped if the house were full and everyone wanted to eat at the same time. The local newspaper is delivered in the morning and left for any hosteler to read, and you get either fruit or cereal for breakfast. There is a small and sunny dining area with a view of the backyard just beyond the kitchen. There's not much in the backyard except a birdbath, but it would be a good place to have a picnic or sunbathe if the weather is warm. The living room is chock-full of pamphlets and maps of things to do while in Charlottesville, and it has a comfortable seating area, but that is all. There is no TV here, so get ready to go exploring or bring a book. There is a laptop that can be made available for internet use, but it's dial-up (no Wi-Fi here) -- all you have to do is request it. And finally there's also parking for a maximum of two cars immediately to the side of the building.
Summary
This place is very well maintained and we have complaints. If quiet isn't your thing, you might go batty here, though. If you're a history buff and are on a budget, stay here and see Charlottesville.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
March 2008
Their Description
Beds and Rooms:
Our Inn has 3 private rooms. Two rooms have a double bed each, the other has a double and single bed. Our Hostel has 6 beds in a co-ed bunk room (double and single beds available). Please see our website for a detailed list of options and prices.
Facilities:
Kitchen facilities are available for storing and cooking food. Local-baked bread and jam, fruit, and fair-trade tea and coffee are complimentary. Each building has one shared bathroom. Wifi is accessible throughout the property. Lockers are available for rent. Laundry facilities are not available for general use (there is a laundromat 1/2 mile away). Various games, reading materials, and information on local attractions (both in writing and from our hosts) are available. The work of local artists is featured throughout the buildings. Both buildings are smoke-free and pet-free.
The Inn features a full kitchen (minus the oven). The kitchen leads into a dining room with large windows that catch the sun most of the day. The living room boasts several comfortable couches and chairs. A public computer with internet is available for use.
The hostel has a compact mini-kitchen in the foyer of the bunk room. The bunk room is spacious with plenty of room for luggage and to hang out. People staying in the hostel are also welcome to use the facilities in the Inn (as long as there is not a whole-house reservation).
Atmosphere:
We have two beautifully restored and remodeled buildings in the charming Belmont neighborhood of Charlottesville, VA. It is clean, cozy, and relaxed. We host a wide range of people, everyone from elderly couples to bicycle tourists, concert goers to wedding participants, young backpackers to weekend tourists. We've also hosted guests from dozens of countries from every continent.
Local attractions:
Alexander House is a 5 minute walk from several restaurants and cafes, as well as a small grocery, laundromat and a doughnut shop. Another 5 to 10 minutes on foot gets you to C'ville's famous pedestrian downtown mall. From there the University of Virginia is a short, free trolley ride away (or a 5 minute drive from Alexander House.) The historic Monticello estate of Thomas Jefferson is a 5 minute drive.
While in Charlottesville, you may also want to visit Court Square, Live Arts Theater, Carter Mountain Orchard, Michie Tavern, Ash Lawn Highland, the Barboursville ruins, the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Museum, the University of Virginia Art Museum, and the City Market. Many of these attractions are within walking distance or easily reached by Charlottesville's free public trolley.
For reservations, please call 434-327-6447 or email .
Our Inn has 3 private rooms. Two rooms have a double bed each, the other has a double and single bed. Our Hostel has 6 beds in a co-ed bunk room (double and single beds available). Please see our website for a detailed list of options and prices.
Facilities:
Kitchen facilities are available for storing and cooking food. Local-baked bread and jam, fruit, and fair-trade tea and coffee are complimentary. Each building has one shared bathroom. Wifi is accessible throughout the property. Lockers are available for rent. Laundry facilities are not available for general use (there is a laundromat 1/2 mile away). Various games, reading materials, and information on local attractions (both in writing and from our hosts) are available. The work of local artists is featured throughout the buildings. Both buildings are smoke-free and pet-free.
The Inn features a full kitchen (minus the oven). The kitchen leads into a dining room with large windows that catch the sun most of the day. The living room boasts several comfortable couches and chairs. A public computer with internet is available for use.
The hostel has a compact mini-kitchen in the foyer of the bunk room. The bunk room is spacious with plenty of room for luggage and to hang out. People staying in the hostel are also welcome to use the facilities in the Inn (as long as there is not a whole-house reservation).
Atmosphere:
We have two beautifully restored and remodeled buildings in the charming Belmont neighborhood of Charlottesville, VA. It is clean, cozy, and relaxed. We host a wide range of people, everyone from elderly couples to bicycle tourists, concert goers to wedding participants, young backpackers to weekend tourists. We've also hosted guests from dozens of countries from every continent.
Local attractions:
Alexander House is a 5 minute walk from several restaurants and cafes, as well as a small grocery, laundromat and a doughnut shop. Another 5 to 10 minutes on foot gets you to C'ville's famous pedestrian downtown mall. From there the University of Virginia is a short, free trolley ride away (or a 5 minute drive from Alexander House.) The historic Monticello estate of Thomas Jefferson is a 5 minute drive.
While in Charlottesville, you may also want to visit Court Square, Live Arts Theater, Carter Mountain Orchard, Michie Tavern, Ash Lawn Highland, the Barboursville ruins, the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Museum, the University of Virginia Art Museum, and the City Market. Many of these attractions are within walking distance or easily reached by Charlottesville's free public trolley.
For reservations, please call 434-327-6447 or email .
Alexander House Charlottesville Details
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Hostelz.com Guest Reviews
Immaculate three bedroom hostel with full kitchen and sunny dining room. An easy walk to downtown mall area. Nice furnishings especially in common rooms. Mare, the off-site owner, was very helpful putting Charlottesville at our fingertips. Enjoyed the morning bagels, OJ, and chicory coffee provided. Happened to have the whole house to ourselves. Nearby tapas restaurant, Mas, is exceptional and the nearby cafe has great coffee and menu. Charlottesville is great for food and music and rolling hills. There is a (bigger) Monticello Avenue and the smaller Monticello Road. Hostel is on the Road. There's just one full bathroom, but that seems manageable even though house can sleep seven guests. Hope to visit again! — Tim Siegel (2007-01-03)