Oki Doki Hostel

Oki Doki Hostel is definitely a funky hostel situated right near the action. Part way from the old town and easily accessable by metro and tram, it is just a short walk from a new shopping plaza and nearby McDonalds! The hostel is housed in a building along with other businesses, so don't be suprised to think you are in the foyer of the wrong building. Up two flights of stairs, you will find the reception, which is often empty (the one staff member handles the bar and reception simultaneously). As one usually buzzes to get into the buidling, eventually someone will notice your presence.

The hostel offers very artistic rooms in an older building. Due to the age of the artworks, or maybe the building, the rooms can smell a bit musty (but the double glazed windows can be opened). The smell may also come from the fact that smoking is unfortunately allowed in the central common area, which means the whole place has smoky bad air. Hopefully they'll eventually catch up with the times and ban smoking inside.

Each room is themed, such as ours, which was decorated with lime green light shades, old swirled green and mustard wall paper, and lots of old oil paintings of landscapes. New metal-framed bunks and older single beds filled what was essentially two rooms in one, in the Kitsch room, housing seven. Other rooms are entirely one colour and feature chunky wooden bunks. Another was decorated with African photos strung as membranes on wooden frames, and had heavy single beds in wooden sleigh beds.

The bathrooms are situated on each floor, with two toilets and two showers. Be warned, the shower doors are glass with glass opaque white squares, so the shower opposite you can see clearly, and so does anyone at the sinks if one doesn't discover the sliding door to partion off the shower. The toilets have not been renovated as the showers have, and are in the back of the bathroom. Unfortunately, each wing has a bathroom. Whether you end up with the correct gender bathroom in the wing depends on luck. You may have to parade yourself to the other wing on the reception level of the hostel.

The bar is small but cosy, and suitable for the breakfast you must buy if you are not staying in a double room. It also provides beer and snacks. There is even a happy hour, with reduced prices on beers. The bar is only open til one p.m., and noise didn't seem to be a major problem at all. The hostel also offers two internet terminals on the landing, outside the bar. There is also a small kitchenette on the top floor, which is usually deserted, but offers all tea and coffee facilities and all cooking requirements. However, don't think you and a buddy can cook at one, it's way too small for that!

Aside from the bar, the hostel has a small collection of books and couches to the side of the reception/office, complete with nice lamps for the evening. They even have some games available. The hostel also offers a luggage room, with tags for a small level of control (hopefully to cut down on theft). The staff will also do your washing for a fee.

-- Informe exclusivo de Hostelz.com