Hello Hostel

Hello Hostel is a quiet, well-located hostel outside of the centre of Brussels. A good budget option, the hostel is clean and comfortable.

The Location

Hello Hostel is located very close to a metro station and bus stops, or approximately forty-five minutes' easy walk from the centre of Brussels. In the area are several good bars and restaurants, as well as small supermarkets for self-caters. The neighbourhood feels generally safe at all times, and is quite quiet due to its distance from the city centre.

Rooms and Bathrooms

Rooms at Hello Hostel are exceptionally clean and all dorms are four beds or smaller. Double and triple rooms are also available. The rooms are sparsely furnished with bunk beds and a table with chairs; however, this sparseness gives a feeling of space and cleanliness and is rather appealing. Rooms do not have lockers and are accessed by keys given to each guest.

Bathrooms and toilets are separate from bedrooms. Unfortunately the cleanliness of the bedrooms does not extend to the bathrooms which are in need of renovation. Showers are hot and of a decent pressure; however, there are hints of mould and cracked and grubby tiles. Toilets are maintained regularly though, again, could use renovation to repair cracked and broken mirrors and basins.

Common Spaces

A small kitchen is available to guests with a stove and microwave, as well as limited pots, plates, and cutlery. The breakfast room has an internet terminal which is free for guests to use (free Wi-Fi is also available in rooms). Breakfast is simple -- bread, jams, cornflakes, and muesli -- and includes excellent coffee/tea/hot chocolate.

The hostel is friendly, if not terribly sociable. Small dorm rooms allow for privacy and quiet, but without much of a communal area they also make meeting other travelers less likely. Maps and information are available at reception and the hostel offers a free pick-up from the airport with a minimum of four days' notice.

Summary

Hello Hostel is a decent option for budget travelers, though anyone not wanting to walk a significant distance into the centre must also factor in transfer costs.

— Exklusive Hostelz.com Übersicht
August 2009