Barnacles Quay Street House is really nice. The staff are super friendly and very competent. One person has worked there for over nine years because it is so well run. We were shown several rooms so that we could make our own decision as to which one would work best for us. The desk staff are very competent and reassuring in dealing with hostel problems. During our stay, a huge storm came up, with some leaking down the walls -- the person in charge was very calm and gave out instructions to the junior staff to call maintenance and fix problems.
The Location
The location is the best in Galway -- it is just perfect for getting to public transportation and restaurants and bars. It is a quick, ten-minute walk from the bus station and is well marked. The neighborhood is full of restaurants, bars, stores, and anything that you need. It is in a safe area but the nearby pubs can get noisy.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The rooms are clean and comfortable. There is plenty of light and fresh air. They have double rooms and dorm rooms available. The dorm rooms are set up with four, six, eight, or twelve beds and each room is en-suite. The bigger the dorm, the more bathrooms in the room. This is a large hostel so naturally the noise level is higher than in a small place. The beds are average but there is plenty of hot water. There is storage under the beds.
Common Spaces
There are very nice, spacious, and clean common areas. There is a kitchen for guest use that is well equipped. On-site is a full service laundry for a charge. There is free Wi-Fi and internet terminals are available but after the first fifteen minutes there is a charge, although it is discounted. The TV room has comfortable sofas and chairs. There is plenty of space to hang out with fellow travelers and get information. They have books and other games available if the weather turns bad. It is quite social and fun -- there are large groups staying there as well as plenty of independent travelers.
Summary
This hostel is not cheap, but Ireland is expensive. Included in the price, guests get a towel, bed linens, and a cold breakfast buffet. It is very secure and there is twenty-four-hour reception. They take credit cards and have safety deposit boxes. This hostel has some of the best, up-to-date information on white boards in the reception area showing today's activities, weather, transportation connections, and excursions. The staff will help with any request and are happy to make suggestions for activities. This, coupled with the perfect location, makes this the place to stay in Galway.
— Informe exclusivo de Hostelz.com
November 2008
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