Oasis Hostel

The staff at Oasis speak minimal English, so you are sure to have a genuine Polish experience. The kitchen is a tiny corridor that seems adequate for the number of guests there in December, but it could become quite crowded in the high season.

The dorm rooms are plain but comfortable. The beds and pillows are comfy, and clean linens are included. There are convenient shelves over some of the beds, but no storage lockers of any kind -- even in the office, so we had to carry our laptops around with us while we toured the city. There are some funky, art-deco ceramic heaters that add a bit of charm to the dorms, but we've seen nicer ones in other hostels. The dorms also have a table and chairs which is where you'll probably be eating if you make your dinner in the hostel, because other than the kitchen and bathrooms, there are no common areas.

The carpeting in the dorm is pretty dirty, evidently from a lot of backpackers not wiping their feet when coming in. However, it is freshly vacuumed, and other than that, everything seems reasonably clean, including the bathrooms.

We had reserved space in an eight-bed dorm, but on arrival, we were put in a four-bed dorm. The next morning, the receptionist (not the same one who had checked us in) tried to charge us extra, because we had stayed in a four-bed dorm. We refused to pay extra, explaining that we slept in the room that the night receptionist had taken us to. She still insisted, but we stood our ground, and even offered to move to an eight-bed dorm for our second night, but refusing to pay extra for the first night. She finally relented, and we didn't have to move, either.

The best things that the Oasis Hostel has going for it are the price and the location. It is a very short walk to the old town center and to the train station. There are plenty of restaurants and other services in the neighborhood, and for the price, it really is quite a comfortable and quiet (at the time) place to stay.

Upon arrival at the front door, you will have to let yourself into a dark lobby which is empty except for a winding stairway. Do not climb the stairway, but proceed straight back to the door which leads into a small, interior courtyard. If you are arriving at night, you may wish to bring a flashlight, and the courtyard is not lit. Walk straight across the courtyard and in the door to the seldom lit entryway of the hostel. Climb the stairs to the first floor. The entrance to the hostel is on your left, and you will have to knock to be let in.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
January 2007