404 Hostel

404 Hostel is a small hostel converted from a house. It is operated by the owner and there are a limited amount of beds, so it's the type of hostel where everyone gets to know each other the first day.

The Location

404 Hostel is easily accessed by train with simple directions to follow -- it is four stations from the main station with one change. The owner of the hostel is very obliging with information about the local attractions and transport. There is small supermarket just behind the hostel, with ATM, restaurant, and fast food nearby. Train and bus transport are easy to all the sights of Cologne.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The four-bed bedrooms have single beds -- a nice change from sleeping in a top bunk -- with a lockable trunk including lock and key for each guest. Each bedroom also has a lounge/couch where you can relax. There is also at least one other bedroom with six beds and an en-suite. Free towels and linen are supplied. If your bedroom is on the top floor, it may be a bit of an expedition with your backpacks or luggage on the slippery stairs!

The bathrooms are clean and well maintained with plenty of hot water. They are a bit on the small side but still plenty of room to change and keep clothes up and dry while having a shower. The kitchen is well stocked with all the things you don't have when you are traveling (salt, spices, sauce) and coffee and tea are available twenty-four hours a day. There is also a free (basic) breakfast of coffee and toast each morning.

Common Spaces

While the place is social enough, it seems to be more of a place to go to relax rather than to party. There is a combination of common rooms with a lounge area for relaxing and table and chairs for talking or reading.
Free, twenty-four-hour Wi-Fi (passworded) is available.

Summary

If you arrive too early, you will need to wait until the 5 p.m. check-in time. You will also need cash as there are no credit card facilities available. Once you are a guest you will have a key and are able to come and go as you please. It's a pleasant stay, but be prepared with the late book-in, have cash available, and watch the stairs! We would return!

— Informe exclusivo de Hostelz.com
March 2009