Black Sheep Hostel Cologne, despite its somewhat drab and ordinary outward appearance, provides guests on entrance with a bright, friendly, well-located place to stay.
The Location
The hostel is located in Barbarossaplatz, Cologne, within walking distance to the main sights such as the Dom and Chocolate Museum. It is very close to several tram stations, providing easy access to the Hauptbahnoff (main train/tram station) and other points of interest in the city. The neighbourhood is full of cheap eateries, bars and cafes, as well as supermarkets for those who are self-catering. The hostel is located on one floor in what appears to be a converted office building, directly above a McDonalds (a good marker for locating the hostel, if not for the quality of food!). The hostel can be difficult to find as it is not well signed -- the entrance is around the corner of the McDonalds and there is a small and rather inconspicuous poster on one of the first floor windows advertising its presence. Access to the hostel is via code, given to guests on check-in, providing twenty-four-hour access to the building.
Rooms and Bathrooms
Rooms at Black Sheep Hostel have been decorated in various themes in an attempt to brighten up what appear to have once been offices. If somewhat gaudy, the rooms are bright and airy and are cleaned regularly. Dorms are not lockable. Though access to the building is by passcode, the lack of overt security may be of concern to some. However, rooms do have lockers for guest use, operated through a coin deposit system. There are several multi-bed dorm rooms as well as the option of female only dorms and a honeymoon suite/double room.
Bathrooms are very clean and there are a number of options available depending on your level of modesty! Mixed, female-only, and male-only shower/toilet blocks are provided. There are hooks installed for clothes and towels as well as a small changing area within each shower cubicle. Shower pressure and heat are great, though at the time of writing this review, several showers require the participant to hold the head rather than being fixed to the wall.
Linen is not included in the bed price and a fine of €10 is imposed on guests caught not using linen on their beds. Beds have personal reading lights and are generally comfortable, if a little cramped. Being located on a main road, street noisy is very loud when room windows are opened. Also, being right next to a tram stop makes the area very noisy up until around midnight and starts up again around 6 a.m.
Common Spaces
A small kitchen is provided for guest use and a washing machine is available for a small cost. In the kitchen area is also a small lounge area with book exchange and guest books. A small breakfast of toast and cereal is served in this area each morning. Here there is also a computer with internet access for guests to use free. There is a balcony accessible by guests where smoking is allowed, though no seating is provided here.
The hostel has a generally quiet feel to it, though it is located in a busy area on a busy street and may be more raucous during peak tourist times. Also, being located near many late-night bars and having twenty-four-hour access means that less considerate guests are able to noisily enter at all hours.
Summary
Black Sheep Hostel has just celebrated its one-year anniversary and, based on many positive guest book entries, is a popular and well-liked hostel amongst travelers.
— Informe exclusivo de Hostelz.com
August 2009
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