A&O Dresden Hauptbahnhof Hostel

A&O Dresden Hauptbahnhof Hostel is one of those large, fairly impersonal school group factories that can be a bit annoying for the solo traveler or anyone over sixteen. That said, if you can manage to stay here on a night when it's not too full of school groups (or even if it is), this hostel has a lot of things going for it, and little touches put it a cut above the rest of the hostels of its kind.

The Location

The hostel is located a few blocks away from the Dresden Hauptbahnhof. There is a sign when you leave the train station pointing you in the right direction, but many large indistinguishable buildings along the road (and no further signs) may make you think you've taken the wrong road and want to turn back. Don't do it! You'll eventually make it here, and once you are in front of it you can't miss it.

Being next to the Hauptbahnhof has its advantages and disadvantages. It is obviously very convenient for travelers arriving late or leaving early by train. But the area itself is a fair walk (or ride) to the old center or the area with most the bars and restaurants, and is somewhat desolate by night. By day it is close to a large shopping area where malls and cinemas abound, but nothing of real touristic significance.

Rooms and Bathrooms

All rooms are ensuite, spacious and clean, with brand new fittings, wood laminate floors, and extremely comfortable beds (both bunks and single beds with cozy duvets and big pillows dressed in clean, crisp white linens). Most rooms have both a toilet and a sink in one bathroom, and a shower and sink in the other. Both bathrooms have mirrors, hooks, private changing space, hair dryers, soap, and wonderful hot showers. They even provide copious amounts of fluffy, clean towels. The rooms also have lots of extra storage space and furniture including at least one large table or desk, several chairs, TV, phone, and large cabinets (at least one for each bed in the room, but sometimes more).

Common Spaces

Common spaces include a games room and the top floor bar, with a large view terrace, which would be nice in summer. As is typical with this kind of hostel, it's not the greatest place to meet people since the majority of the people staying here are usually kids on school trips and their teachers/chaperones, and while there will be many people in the common areas, very few seem to be backpackers or the types of independent travelers looking to meet people.

The hostel offers free luggage storage, but guests must pay for internet access. The buffet breakfast is extra, but sometimes asking for a room rate with breakfast will get you a better deal overall.

Summary

This hostel, while not the particularly personal or interesting, certainly has a lot to offer by way of comfort. Little extras (including free drink vouchers upon check-in), the amount of amenities in the rooms, the friendly and competent staff, the obvious care they take in maintaining the hostel, and the fact that their prices can be incredibly low all make this a great option for a good night's sleep when in Dresden.