Shining Hostel

Located conveniently close to the main train\bus stations and the main street of Dublin, the Shining Hostel (previously Dublin Rainbow Hostel) is a cheap sleeping option in this expensive city. Because of this, you'll often find long-term lodgers who are studying or looking to live in Dublin.

Expect the epitome of dormitory living -- the hostel is set across four floors with many rooms containing as many bunk beds that will fit in each. Dorms range from six to twenty beds. There is minimal privacy, so the shy traveler should book one of the few single-sex rooms. There is no security to speak of, except a key card system for the smaller dorms -- anybody with a card can access any room by simply requesting the card be re-activated for the room of their choice. There are no lockers available, so if you plan on staying in a large dorm, chaining your bag to the bed is suggested.

There's an often-inconvenient lock-out from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for cleaning and a small late fee if you sleep in and don't exit the hostel in time. After the lock-out, the hostel remains clean for only a few hours because of the large numbers of guests -- it gets dirty again fast. The bathrooms are noticeably unclean and the shower taps are on a timer, so you need to get the water running again every forty seconds. In the mixed dorms, the unisex shower windows are only semi-opaque. The common area is a buzz of activity in the evenings with TV, pool table, kitchen, and is a great place for meeting other travelers. However the rooms on the same floor will hear noise from here late into the night.

If you walk in to this hostel, book and pay for your length of stay in advance or you may be moved around every night. The Shining Hostel is a good choice for the budget traveler but if you're looking for comfort, pay an extra couple of euro and stay at one of the many other hostels nearby.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review