We were really impressed with this place. When we first arrived there were no rooms available as they take advance reservations which seems a little silly as the train from Dakar in Senegal is always late and it is impossible to predict in Africa when you will arrive! But the nun there was very nice. She helped us find accommodation for that night and reserved us beds for the following night. When we returned we ended up staying longer than planned.
The compound is very safe. Everyone has a key to get in or out to the main door and also their room. There is a kitchen with a sink, small stove and fridge to keep food which is great as you can eat there and enjoy cold food and drinks! There are also common areas to sit down and talk, books to read, and places to relax. Also people with cars driving through Africa can safely park their car inside the compound. And many of them spend the time cleaning them out and repacking for the journey ahead.
There are dorms and private rooms. The dorms are segregated male and female, but married couples are generally given private rooms if they are available.
The Catholic Centre is about a 1000 CFA taxi ride from the main gare where you arrive in Bamako. It is fairly centrally located to everything you need. You can walk everywhere - markets, the museums, the river, etc. There is a restaurant/cafe across the road which produces good meals, and while a few tour guides hang around there waiting for business, they are generally fairly friendly.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
March 2005