New International Youth Hostel is located in a relatively quiet residential area within about fifteen minutes' easy walking distance to Antwerp's main train station.
The Location
The hostel is located on a main street making it easy to find and is very close to a large supermarket and many patisseries. The area feels comfortable and safe. The hostel does not have a curfew though entry after 11 p.m. is via a locked door accessed by pin code (provided upon check-in).
Rooms and Bathrooms
The hostel offers single, double/twin, triple and dorms from four to eight beds. All rooms have a basin with hot and cold water, and six rooms have en-suite facilities. Rooms are dated but clean and airy. Bins are emptied daily as well as any beds newly vacated being remade for subsequent guests. All bedding is provided as well as a continental breakfast (including meat and cheese). Lockers are provided in dorm rooms for a refundable deposit. Rooms are accessed by keys provided to each guest.
Bathrooms for non en-suite rooms are located on the same floor and are clean and spacious. Showers have room for changing and are hot and well-pressured. Unfortunately, they are push button style and some require guests to hold the head rather than being mounted on the wall. There are several well maintained toilets on each floor.
The hostel does not have a lift and rooms are located up a fairly steep set of stairs. Mobility impaired guests may have problems with this feature.
Common Spaces
A small communal area with table, chairs, and television is provided for guest use though it is not a particularly welcoming area. Here there is also an internet terminal and limited book exchange. Guests can also access the internet with their own laptop -- Wi-Fi is available throughout the hostel. However, a charge per hour is payable -- it is cheaper to walk down the road to one of several call shops and use their services.
Summary
Overall, New International Youth Hostel is a decent budget option for travelers in Antwerp looking to stay in a dorm. However, for single/double/twin/triple rooms it would be well worth looking for more centrally located accommodation as Antwerp is not a particularly expensive city and this type of accommodation at the hostel is not dramatically discounted. The hostel offers a luggage storage service for early check-ins or when not leaving Antwerp until well after check-out.
— Exklusive Hostelz.com Übersicht
August 2009
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