The Hostelz.com Review
The NotSoHostel, thus named because of South Carolina dialect, is a house hostel centrally located on the touristy peninsula of downtown Charleston. This beautiful area of the city offers attractions, food, museums, historical sites, and venues of entertainment in number and quality to satisfy just about any tourist. The NotSoHostel gives a tourist on a budget the opportunity to enjoy it all from a safe and clean residence.
Dorms are available in various denominations -- single, for two, four, or six. Storage space is limited in the six bunkers, but they are more than adequate in terms of bedding and cleanliness. They have a front-loading washer for your laundry. Kitchens and common room are very good, and free house computer is offered. Washrooms are clean enough and the shower is a bathtub kind. You can enter the hostel through a back door with push-button security -- the mechanical type. There is parking next to this entrance. There are large balconies on two floors, and the rooms have big windows that do open.
NotSoHostel is properly in an area of twisted houses, not in the area of mansions. These bent houses are interesting to look at and they can also be fun to walk in because of the requirement to lean in order to remain plumb, and because pens roll on tables and doors close by themselves. Around town there are conveyances like horse drawn carriages, or ordinary metro buses. Getting there from the bus station is probably best by taxi -- you can save money by taking the bus back. There are two separate prices for the taxi -- two different types of rides you can hire, and very small tips are graciously accepted by the cheaper of the two.
But get out and walk, as the whole area is pedestrian-friendly and there is something to see everywhere -- mansions, markets, street vendors selling woven sweetgrass, or the Civil War submarine. Evenings are good for theatre, music, food, and again, walking. Charleston peninsula south is among the most beautiful downtown areas on the continent.
Dorms are available in various denominations -- single, for two, four, or six. Storage space is limited in the six bunkers, but they are more than adequate in terms of bedding and cleanliness. They have a front-loading washer for your laundry. Kitchens and common room are very good, and free house computer is offered. Washrooms are clean enough and the shower is a bathtub kind. You can enter the hostel through a back door with push-button security -- the mechanical type. There is parking next to this entrance. There are large balconies on two floors, and the rooms have big windows that do open.
NotSoHostel is properly in an area of twisted houses, not in the area of mansions. These bent houses are interesting to look at and they can also be fun to walk in because of the requirement to lean in order to remain plumb, and because pens roll on tables and doors close by themselves. Around town there are conveyances like horse drawn carriages, or ordinary metro buses. Getting there from the bus station is probably best by taxi -- you can save money by taking the bus back. There are two separate prices for the taxi -- two different types of rides you can hire, and very small tips are graciously accepted by the cheaper of the two.
But get out and walk, as the whole area is pedestrian-friendly and there is something to see everywhere -- mansions, markets, street vendors selling woven sweetgrass, or the Civil War submarine. Evenings are good for theatre, music, food, and again, walking. Charleston peninsula south is among the most beautiful downtown areas on the continent.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
May 2007
Their Description
Charleston's NotSo Hostel Details
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Charleston's NotSo Hostel Reviews on Other WebsitesHostelz.com Guest Reviews
A Good Choice Location -- Very well located if you have a car. You'll need to do a bit of walking if you don't have a car. Neighborhood -- Average city neighborhood, with a mix of college students and locals. Some areas of the neighborhood are rundown, but I wouldn't worry about it. I walked down the streets at 2 a.m. and felt relatively safe. Parking -- They have off-street parking, but you're not likely to get a space during tourist season. There are on-street parking options in the neighborhood. Cuba Room -- Comfortable beds! A little stuffy, but there were ceiling fans. Bathroom -- Fairly clean for a hostel bathroom. Guests -- Some were friendly, some weren't. Kitchens -- Fairly clean and seemed to have all the appliances and whatnot that you would need to cook. I will probably stay there again and would recommend it to friends. — Lily , USA (2008-04-20) Only choice in a spendy town If you are a budget backpacker, this is probably your only choice if you come to historic Charleston. The place is a bit rundown and in a state of repair. It is also located in a slightly dodgy neighborhood, but is only a twenty-minute walk to some ok nightlife. The staff was mixed, one was very friendly and helpful while the other was just the opposite. — nov , USA (2008-01-04) Welcoming Great place to stay. Very casual attitude, but nonetheless, secure with pleasant and obliging staff. Great lockers! Comfortable beds! It seems all dorms are co-ed. Bathrooms and Kitchens are cleaned daily -- pity some guests do not respect this and follow the example. It certainly is the place I would have no hesitation in recommending to travelers -- and would stay again when in the area. — Lifemagician , Australia (2007-08-06) I also thoroughly enjoyed my time spent here. I planned on staying only one night, but ended up staying three! Staff were very friendly and went out of their way to help you out (thanks for the blanket for the outdoor movie!). Common spaces were comfy and conducive to meeting people, and clean too. I wouldn't wander alone at night around the neighbourhood, but that's pretty typical. And hey, free internet. All in all, I definitely recommend this place. Good times! — Anna (2006-07-20) I have stayed at this hostel three times, with friends and with my family. I can offer no better comment than to say I was comfortable with my daughter staying there. The area requires one to be aware, but what city does not? The staff are cheery and helpful, and there are not a lot of silly rules. All in all a great place. — Gypsye Long (2005-07-10)