Friends Hostel

Located just fifty meters from the nearest Metro station, Friends Hostel really is easy to find. However, the area it's in isn't the best, so be prepared to be hassled by street vendors selling everything from food to jewelry on your way.

The hostel is quite large, with rooms of different sizes on the ground and first floor. Initially your room may be a little difficult to find, as the halls seem to twist and turn, but you will soon find your way.

This hostel could be so much better than it actually is. The positive aspects include a fairly well-stocked kitchen, a courtyard, internet, and relatively clean bathrooms (mainly en-suites). Unfortunately, the kitchen is only open from 7 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. and the courtyard closes at 10 p.m. (in summer it is still daylight at this time and it would be nice to sit around here with a few drinks and chat). The internet is hideously expensive, but there is an internet cafe down the street that is cheaper.

We had booked a four-bed room and upon check in were informed our room had five beds. Upon entering the room we could see only four beds as the fifth was a fold-out bed in the closet. As the room is quite small, it has to be put back in the closet every day and when folded out, it literally blocks off the path to the door and the bathroom for three of the other beds. There is no other place to put it. This fold-out bed trick isn't an emergency feature used only when the hostel is accidentally overbooked, but a commonly used solution, so be warned. Additionally, the bunk beds in the room are similar to hammocks with very sagging springs, which don't make for a comfortable night's sleep. If none of this bothers you, or if location is your prime consideration, then Friends Hostel is for you.

— Informe exclusivo de Hostelz.com
July 2006