Alexander House is more like a four-star hotel without a bellhop. Everything in this place is pristine -- the floors, the sheets, the furnishings. No smoking is allowed indoors. The staffer I met -- Maire -- is very receptive and accommodating. They only do cash here, and while the cost is pricey when comparing it to other hostels, this is no ordinary hostel. As a guest, you will have access to the place the entire time -- the staff provides a key to allow late-night entry -- and if you're in a wheelchair, you'll be fine here.
The Location
The hostel is nowhere near much, but not that far away either. There is a market just a couple blocks away where you could buy milk, eggs, or snacks, but it closes fairly early. There are a couple of restaurants also in the area, but they're not your common eateries. About a ten-minute walk from the Alexander House is the downtown mall, with a lot of eateries, bars, street vendors, and even an ice-skating rink on the far side. There's also a public arts wall you can sign or draw on, so bring chalk and make a mark. And just a little bit further west of the mall is the beautiful University of Virginia. Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, is also not very far by car (approximately ten minutes), but a cab ride there can be expensive. There is a free trolley that operates during the daytime, but it doesn't go to Monticello.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
There are two main bedrooms here -- one that is private (and has a full-size bed) and the other that is dorm-style with two sets of bunk beds. But these are not your typical hostel beds -- they are comfortable and clean beyond belief. Two people can easily sleep in each of the bottom bunks, but you would have to check with hostel policy on that. The dorm-style bedroom faces toward the street, but the area is quiet as can be at night -- the only source of noise might be fellow guests. The bathroom is just outside of the bedrooms, and has to be shared since there is only one shower, one toilet, and one sink. Look behind the bathroom mirror and you'll have access to soaps, shampoos, after-shaves, and many other toiletries you may need. Travelers leave a lot of stuff behind, but again, the bathroom is immaculate.
Common Spaces
The kitchen, located on the first floor, has a fridge for cold storage, a microwave, and lots of cabinet space, though it could get cramped if the house were full and everyone wanted to eat at the same time. The local newspaper is delivered in the morning and left for any hosteler to read, and you get either fruit or cereal for breakfast. There is a small and sunny dining area with a view of the backyard just beyond the kitchen. There's not much in the backyard except a birdbath, but it would be a good place to have a picnic or sunbathe if the weather is warm. The living room is chock-full of pamphlets and maps of things to do while in Charlottesville, and it has a comfortable seating area, but that is all. There is no TV here, so get ready to go exploring or bring a book. There is a laptop that can be made available for internet use, but it's dial-up (no Wi-Fi here) -- all you have to do is request it. And finally there's also parking for a maximum of two cars immediately to the side of the building.
Summary
This place is very well maintained and we have complaints. If quiet isn't your thing, you might go batty here, though. If you're a history buff and are on a budget, stay here and see Charlottesville.
— Exklusive Hostelz.com Übersicht
March 2008
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