Hostel Krokodyl -- this out-of-the-way, modern hostel -- is an excellent place to stay for one night or for many nights. The staff are very friendly and helpful, with twenty-four-hour service. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and social, yet reasonably quiet, allowing you to mingle with other guests and still be able to get a decent night's sleep. The fresh, beautiful decor is like an IKEA catalogue -- hip and modern, yet comfortable. It is by far, the nicest-looking, cleanest hostel we've ever visited!
The Location
The hostel is a bit out of the way, about nine tram stops from Dw. Centralna (about twenty minutes), and not very easy to find if you do not have specific directions or a decent map. It is located just a few minutes' walk from a major tram/bus stop, just behind a large outdoor market. The neighborhood looks a bit seedy, but is safe. Its location in a quiet residential area next to an outdoor market and shopping area (including a nice secondhand store) makes it great for those who enjoy bargain shopping, away from the higher-priced city centre.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The rooms are extremely nice -- in excellent condition, with brand-new, modern furnishings. The rooms are sunny and spacious, with tables and seating areas in addition to bunk beds and roomy storage lockers. The foam mattresses are new and very comfortable. The only thing missing are reading lamps for each bed. Each guest is assigned a locker and a room keys, allowing safe, twenty-four-hour access. The room doors lock automatically, so security is not a problem. There are multiple room options, ranging from private en-suite to female-only to eight-bed mixed, all spread out on three floors.
There are showers and toilets on each floor, including the ground floor. The bathrooms are top-notch, with modern fittings and round-the-clock hot water. Everything is exceptionally clean, beautiful, and comfortable. Despite the large number of guests, we never had to wait in a queue for toilets, sinks, or showers. The showers are very large, allowing plenty of space for changing clothes. It would help if there were shelves or hooks inside the shower stalls for clothing and toiletries. Daily laundry service is free, as is a good breakfast (cereals and sandwiches). The hostel is open twenty-four hours, which is excellent for those who are looking for a place to hang out or socialize with other guests during the day.
Common Spaces
Common areas are excellent for meeting people and relaxing. There is a large, modern, full-service kitchen with modern appliances (working stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, toaster, sandwich maker). There are plenty of tables and chairs in the kitchen and dining rooms to accommodate all of the guests and the free breakfast is generous with plenty of bread, jams, butter, spreads, fresh veggies, cereals, and milk.
The TV/reading/game room was large and comfortable, with plenty of books and magazines and a TV for entertainment. There is also spacious, grassy backyard with picnic tables to allow for relaxing and socializing during nice weather. There are also two computer terminals with free internet, as well as free Wi-Fi. Overall, this hostel is subdued, but social -- a nice balance of social and private.
Summary
Overall, we really enjoy this hostel and plan to stay here the next time we are in Warsaw! The atmosphere is friendly, yet quiet; and the hostel is beautiful, modern, secure, and exceptionally clean. Also, the location is great for bargain shoppers and close to a large tram/bus stop, only fifteen minutes from the city centre. This hostel is definitely worth visiting!
— Exklusive Hostelz.com Übersicht
September 2009
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