The best single word to describe Gabriel's hostel is "unique." Gabriel is friendly enough but it appears his hostel is an old flat into which a number of bunk beds have been pushed. The DIY handiwork is probably safe, but looks scary and the style of decor could be summarised as eclectic. There are two showers - a normal sized one and a small one - try them both for a joke!
The hostel is easy to find, whether you arrive by train, bus, or aeroplane. The hostel is in a small strip of shops in Paulinyo, just off one of the main streets, Hviezdoslavavo nam. It is also next to the US embassy, which is hard to miss, given that it now has barbed wire, police, security guards, and US military guarding it 24 hours a day. Go through past some shops and then up the stairs. Since Gabriel does not live there it is unlikely he will be there when you arrive, and even if you have emailed a time to be there previously, it is probably wiser (and easier) if you call him that day to tell him what time to meet you and let you in.
He has been having trouble with some of the neighbours and you will find rather humorous signs complaining about backpackers in the stairwell and then neighbours will not react to new faces very positively. But, having said all the above, Bratislava has a dearth of backpackers' accommodations, and whilst it may be comparatively expensive, Gabriel's hostel is one of a kind and guaranteed to give you an unforgettable experience.
— Exklusive Hostelz.com Übersicht
October 2004
Ort/Kontakt
