Planet Traveler's Hostel

They got my friend's credit card when she reserved using the phone but when we got there, we had to shell out cash. They reasoned out that the card is only for reservations only (they have something in case we don't show up). This really blew out our cash flow and we had to go to the ATM machine again and pay conversion fees again! Other than that, the six-bed room was fine with nice, comfortable double-decker beds. The common restrooms are clean and nice. However, the lockers are small and you have to provide your own lock. If you don't have one, you can rent one from the staff for $5 (refundable). There is not place to hang clothes other than the bed railings and those with big baggage had to find a space for it somewhere in the cramped room. The owner said that this is their last season and they will have a bigger hostel at College street with restrooms in each room. But other staff told him it is a "crime" to shut down the present hostel so he said he'll see what he can do.

this place is fantastic, great staff that help you with all the tourist spots to hit, even cheap tickets for the cn tower, the local steamwhistle brewery and a cool school bus tour to niagra falls. right in the heart of colourful kensington market, there is always something going on. meeting some of the most wonderful people over the free breakfast and again at the bbq topped off a great visit to toronto. with new friends like old, this is a home away from home. i can't wait to come back.

Not a bad hostel, but not a very good one either. The staff are friendly. The hostel's location in Chinatown is good if you like Chinese food (a bit of a walk for anything else). But there are a ton of small things about it that all together make it a not very good hostel. They don't accept credit cards at all, the bathroom lock was broken, the toilet handle was broken, one of the showers was broken, bathroom light didn't work, the smoke alarm had no battery, no trashcan in the room (or items like a mirror or a chair), no wifi (but you might be able to connect to a neighbor's), private rooms in a separate building down the street, drab paint colors, etc... They just don't seem to be trying to make it a good hostel. There's nothing particularly terrible about the hostel, but overall it could be much better if it was better taken care of.

The cat at the Planet Traveler's Hostel has the run of the place, and even sleeps on the beds. She's really sweet and she'll cuddle up with you if you let her. If you've got serious allergies like I do, however, this is a problem. If only the management of this hostel were as accommodating as their animal friend. I booked a couple of days, not knowing that I'd be coughing up phlegm after the first night. I asked in the morning if there was a room that the cat didn't visit. No, there wasn't. So I booked a room in another hostel. When I asked for a refund for the unused night -- at ten that morning -- I was initially rebuffed: "We need twenty-four hours notice." I perservered and was handed a refund, less twenty percent. "We're stuck with an empty bed," I was told. I pointed out that there were plenty of empty beds. In my room alone, in fact, there were two empty beds. Or, one, if you don't count the one that the cat slept on. Never mind that it's a Monday, and still early April. They weren't turning away any business on my account. It's too bad that a small amount of money is more important to them than my satisfaction. I was going to recommend the hostel except for those with similar allergies, but due to the poor service, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

My boyfriend and I stayed in the private room that's in another building (two-minute walk). It was clean and spacious. The bathroom was alright but other than that it was fantastic. A bit far walk to the CN tower and other attractions.

My friend and I traveled to Toronto and made reservations with the hostel three weeks prior to our arrival. We were sent a confirmation e-mail, but the hostel neglected to actually reserve beds for us. We were stuck in Toronto with no place to stay because of their poor communication.

At first the building itself seems a little run down, but once you meet the staff and the people who are staying there the building all of a sudden becomes home. This place is more of a student house than a hostel and straight away you feel you are amongst friends rather than strangers. The staff are the friendliest we have ever come across and they join in with everything that is going on. The free Saturday night barbecues are fantastic and we met people here that we will miss and never forget! We are so sad to leave!! Most important of all, let Gavin drag you along to The Embassy for the friendliest pint in Toronto!

Fantastic place! Great free breakfast every morning and it had some of the friendliest staff I've dealt with in my travels. Also they helped me out with tickets to the CN Tower, which saved me some money and time. It's the place to go to when in Toronto (also in a great area, close to shops and transport).

From the moment you walk in the door you are made to feel at home! The help-yourself breakfast was always fresh and tasty, and the free Saturday night barbecue is a fantastic way to get to know people. The rooms might be somewhat cramped and hot in summer, but who cares with an atmosphere like this?

Staying in this hostel is just like staying at a mate's house. Everyone is really friendly, and it's in a really cool part of town. The free breakfast is cool, as are the free Saturday night barbecues. When I'm back in Toronto I will stay at this hostel for sure.

What a place!!! The best I've stayed in around the world. The staff were fantastic and Anthony's (the owner's) Saturday night dinners are a great way to start the evening off. I'll be heading back for sure. I recommend it to everyone.

I love this place! The friendliest, cleanest hostel ever (and I should know)... the staff is super-helpful and go out of their way to make you feel at home. And everyone is so so nice! I had a great time and will definitely be going back.