Grapevine North Laine is situated in the heart of Brighton. "The Lanes" is the area that will appeal to young people, as it is crammed with little independent shops and cafés! The rooms range from private to dorms, and there are special offers for weekly rent!
The Location
The Grapevine is located only a five-minute walk from the main train station and just off Queens Road, where you can find restaurants with any type of food you want. The location is superb -- not only are shops, restaurants, and supermarkets nearby, the hostel is situated among "The Lanes." This area is popular for its laid-back atmosphere, independent shops, cafés, woman-friendly sex shops, piercing studios, music stores -- you can find anything here. There is even a vegetarian shoe shop!
Brighton offers many opportunities for nightlife. There are numerous pubs and bars, and you will not get bored if you're into clubbing. The whole city -- the gay capital of the U.K. -- is characterised by an open atmosphere, and people of any sexual orientation can be found in the many gay venues that Brighton holds.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The hostel has rooms ranging from doubles to ten-person bunk bed dorms. The rooms are clean and spacious. Blankets and sheets are provided and there's a washing basin in the rooms. The doors lock, but there are no lockers in the bedrooms. Showers and toilets are clean, but rather small. Showers have hooks, some even a chair to put your belongings on. There is no curfew and you can use the side door to come in and go out whenever you want.
Common Spaces
As for common spaces, there's a well equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a sitting area with large TV. The kitchen is well equipped, but not very attractive to make your daily meals in because it feels stuffed with too many things. Just outside the kitchen is a room with small tables for you to eat your food or have a drink and chat with your friends. The sitting area holds a few more tables and a sofa facing the large TV. These seating areas are very nice! All the spaces are open and the large windows allow sunlight in all day. You can eat your meals while watching the people walk by.
There is one big downside to all this. The reception is located in the common areas. When the reception closes at 10 p.m., all the common areas close with it. So there's no way you can make some food in the kitchen after these hours or socialise with other people apart from in the bedrooms.
Summary
This is a nice hostel with everything you need, in a superb location. The common areas are decorated very nicely and make it easy to meet new people. All the common areas close after 10 p.m., which is very unfortunate.
— Informe exclusivo de Hostelz.com
March 2009