The Lyon Vieux AJ hostel is just a short walk from the Vieux Lyon metro stop, but the catch is that most of that walk is up a very steep hill. But once you do make it to the top, you're treated to an impressive view of a beautiful city.
The hostel itself is consistent with what you would expect for a typical small French Hostelling International hostel, but perhaps a little more fun than most of them. Not a lot, but a little anyway. Lyon is a city where most travellers only stay a night, so the crowd changes daily. But depending on your luck, you should find at least a few friendly travellers who speak English. The inside common room is located in front of the reception area and it's a medium size room with benches and tables. The cheesy music and the beer for sale at the reception desk help to make it a somewhat social place. That, and also the fact that sitting at the bench tables probably means you'll end up sitting by people you don't know, so strangers are more likely to end up chatting. But an even better place to hang out is the outdoors patio area with a great view overlooking the city.
As for the rest of the hostel, the rooms are very basic with a sink in the room and the usual bunk beds. The bathroom facilities are about average, and the showers are the push-button type and these seem to give you about three seconds of water per press (if you meet someone nice while you're hanging out in the common area maybe you can get them to hold the shower button while you shower...).
— Exklusive Hostelz.com Übersicht
August 2005
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