Elements Hostel - Madurai

Clean but very economical with the truth on the website.
I booked this hostel through another hostel booking website. The people who wrote the hostel website would make very good politicians, demonstrating a real skill in stretching the truth, throwing in some white lies that go unnoticed because of the very professional presentation. Elements is very clean, modern, and the rooftop garden is very relaxing. However, other website claims are perhaps a little too optimistic. Self catering kitchens -- There are kitchens, but if you're hoping to save money by preparing your own food, forget it. The kitchens have no cooker and the fridges are turned off all of the time. There are cupboards and the odd bit of crockery. Laundry facilities -- there is a washing machine but guests are not allowed to use it themselves. You have to give it to staff. They still charge per item despite one washload costing the same however many items is in it. Your laundry is then hung out in public view on the washing lines, and not ironed. For this service, they charge like wounded bulls. I was quoted 15 rupees an item, and as most of my laundry included smalls like socks and underwear, it was a huge expense. Hot water -- the hostel website advertises hot water all of the time. This is an outright lie -- there is never ever hot water available. Breakfast -- the website advertises free breakfast. This also never materialised. Internet -- the only internet access is the computer behind reception, meaning it can only be used during quiet times. The cost is whatever the staff member on duty feels like charging. Telephone -- the website states there is a payphone. There isn't, you have to go to a local call centre. Location -- advertises itself as very close to a trendy area. Balls. The city centre, temple is five kilometers away, meaning a rickshaw trip. To add to the expense, almost no rickshaw drivers know where elements hostel is, so be prepared to direct them. I don't recommend this place. You can get a midrange hotel room for what they charge, and it is too far out of the way. I stayed there despite the cost hoping to cook some food for myself after weeks of prepared food and do my own laundry, but since you're not allowed to do anything for yourself you might as well stay in a hotel.