From the outside, the Mark Twain Hostel is a nondescript, Victorian-style house in a mid- to upscale neighborhood. Although located on a residential street, the area is itself is peppered with small grocery stores, ethnic restaurants, and various other hangouts mostly frequented by college students. It might seem a little foreboding on the outside since it does appear to be more of a private residence than a place filled with bunk beds and budget travelers, but the moment you walk onto the sun porch the "hostelness" vibe takes over.
To say the least, the place has character. The owner, a very nice Asian man, is friendly and sincere in his wish for you to enjoy your stay. But the first impression that you get of the hostel comes from the main office. Upon arrival you're taken into the office where he gets your payment and contact information and it is incredible -- there is stuff everywhere. Piles of papers, books, knick knacks, folders, furniture. The room itself is huge but it's amazing that he can find anything in there. Thankfully, the rest of the hostel is a bit more spartan.
Aside from the many, many travel posters and flyers adorning the walls as you head up the massive staircase to the dorm rooms, the furnishings and decorations are minimal. In the dorm rooms there are both single beds and bunk beds and they are above par for most hostels. The pillows are a bit fluffier than usual and the pastel sheets a nice, welcome change from the stiff bleached-whitened sheets found at many other places. The rooms are spacious, as well as the bathrooms, and there was an ensuite bathroom in our dorm room.
The house is very old, however, and while this has some advantages (tall ceilings, spacious rooms) there are also some drawbacks. For one thing, it is not air-conditioned. There were several floor fans spaced around the dorm rooms and as long as one was pointing at you it wasn't too bad. But in the middle of June it can get hot and some people might find it uncomfortable. The bathrooms are also old and the fixtures could be updated. The entire house could actually use a coat of paint itself, but if you're willing to overlook that factor it can be viewed as charming.
The kitchen is small but there is a nice dining area. Everything is kept clean and orderly, but there is still a bit of a dismal feel to house, like it hasn't been opened up in awhile to let in the sunlight.
There is also a free parking area and a nice sunroom with various travel brochures and things to help you out in your sightseeing.
It is definitely not a party hostel by any stretch of the imagination, but the surrounding neighborhood makes it quiet and restful and it could be a great place to relax in. The other hostellers were friendly and talkative and all in all it can be a pleasant stay if you're willing to overlook the antiquated fittings.
Directions by car (very, very easy to find): Exit 46 off I-84. Right onto Sisson Ave. At 2nd traffic light left onto Farmington Ave. Tremont St. is the 4th street on right (count the streets because Tremont can creep up on you).
— Informe exclusivo de Hostelz.com
August 2005
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