The Hostelz.com Review
Galway City Hostel is a fabulous little hostel -- it is the very first one we stayed at, and it set the bar pretty high for ones to follow. We were only going to stay here one night but it turned into three.
The Location
This hostel is in a prime location, right across the street from the bus and train station for Bus Eireann. They literally say that if you can't find it, yell from the station and they will come and get you. The outside is well lit and there is no curfew, so you have to get buzzed in at night, which makes it feel really safe. There is a bus station to connect to Shannon Airport about three blocks away -- you can also catch a tour bus to the Cliffs of Moher nearby. The hostel is right at the corner of the downtown square and you take a ten-minute walk around to get to restaurants, shops, and pubs. The hostel is right across the street from a convenience store and next to a very noisy pub, which unfortunately plays music straight through the window into the early hours of the morning.
Rooms and Bathrooms
We had reserved a dorm room in January, the off season, and the front desk actually treated the two of us to our own semi-private room with four beds and its own bathroom! We had it to ourselves for two nights and shared it with one other guy for the third. The bathroom is clean and the water works well -- you have to take a fast shower, though, because the hot water is a little temperamental. We got to keep the key to our room and there are locks for the door and individual locks under the bed. The individual room feels a little colder than the common area -- we think some air leaks through the window -- but the blankets they provide are like comforters and are really warm and cozy!
Common Spaces
The common area can't be beat -- there are long tables where you can sit and socialize with a good number of travelers from the local area and around the world, even during the off season. Everyone is really nice and easy to talk to while cooking and eating dinner or just hanging out. Many groups that just met often go out to pubs that night.
The kitchen works well -- we cooked dinner all three nights -- it's kept clean by all those that stay at the hostel. The fridge is clean and there is plenty of room to store your own food. Free breakfast in the morning consists of cereal, toast, and orange juice. There is also free tea and coffee all day! There is a TV hanging on the wall -- you can flip through channels or pick out a DVD from an entire stack they have available for anyone to watch. There are two computers with free internet for travelers and you get coupons for fifteen minutes a day (after that you pay to use). The staff are so friendly and helpful -- they print out anything you need and offer advice on where to eat or hang out and directions to the other bus stations if you need them.
Summary
This is probably one of the best hostels you will visit because it is clean, simple, and extremely friendly. The location can't be beat and neither can the service from the staff or conversations with the other travelers. We had to leave at 4 a.m. the last day for our flight and the guy at the front desk helped us take our bag down and gave us breakfast before we left. For those looking for that "hostel experience" in Europe where you meet interesting people and can easily tour the city, this is the place to go.
The Location
This hostel is in a prime location, right across the street from the bus and train station for Bus Eireann. They literally say that if you can't find it, yell from the station and they will come and get you. The outside is well lit and there is no curfew, so you have to get buzzed in at night, which makes it feel really safe. There is a bus station to connect to Shannon Airport about three blocks away -- you can also catch a tour bus to the Cliffs of Moher nearby. The hostel is right at the corner of the downtown square and you take a ten-minute walk around to get to restaurants, shops, and pubs. The hostel is right across the street from a convenience store and next to a very noisy pub, which unfortunately plays music straight through the window into the early hours of the morning.
Rooms and Bathrooms
We had reserved a dorm room in January, the off season, and the front desk actually treated the two of us to our own semi-private room with four beds and its own bathroom! We had it to ourselves for two nights and shared it with one other guy for the third. The bathroom is clean and the water works well -- you have to take a fast shower, though, because the hot water is a little temperamental. We got to keep the key to our room and there are locks for the door and individual locks under the bed. The individual room feels a little colder than the common area -- we think some air leaks through the window -- but the blankets they provide are like comforters and are really warm and cozy!
Common Spaces
The common area can't be beat -- there are long tables where you can sit and socialize with a good number of travelers from the local area and around the world, even during the off season. Everyone is really nice and easy to talk to while cooking and eating dinner or just hanging out. Many groups that just met often go out to pubs that night.
The kitchen works well -- we cooked dinner all three nights -- it's kept clean by all those that stay at the hostel. The fridge is clean and there is plenty of room to store your own food. Free breakfast in the morning consists of cereal, toast, and orange juice. There is also free tea and coffee all day! There is a TV hanging on the wall -- you can flip through channels or pick out a DVD from an entire stack they have available for anyone to watch. There are two computers with free internet for travelers and you get coupons for fifteen minutes a day (after that you pay to use). The staff are so friendly and helpful -- they print out anything you need and offer advice on where to eat or hang out and directions to the other bus stations if you need them.
Summary
This is probably one of the best hostels you will visit because it is clean, simple, and extremely friendly. The location can't be beat and neither can the service from the staff or conversations with the other travelers. We had to leave at 4 a.m. the last day for our flight and the guy at the front desk helped us take our bag down and gave us breakfast before we left. For those looking for that "hostel experience" in Europe where you meet interesting people and can easily tour the city, this is the place to go.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
September 2010
Their Description
Galway City Hostel Details
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Galway City Hostel Reviews on Other WebsitesHostelz.com Guest Reviews
Very good hostel I've stayed in this hostel for quite a long time and it became a second home for me. The staff is very friendly and helpful! Everything is nice an clean. And a big plus is, that it isn't that big and you get in contact with other people quite easy! Only the pub below the hostel can be quite noisy. — Lisa , German (2007-09-22) I have stayed at this hostel two different times on this trip home to Ireland. The staff at this hostel are to be commended for their extraordinary service attitude, and their willingness to correct any situation that arises out of the normal course of operation. They have been unfailingly been kind and courteous to this Senior citizen Yank/Irish man. Well done all at this great hostel! — Michael Fahy , Dual American/Irish (2007-04-13)