Capitol City Hostel

Although it is located in D.C.'s less desirable (for safety) Northeast quadrant, the Capitol City Hostel offers an much cheaper alternative than others in the U.S. Capitol. For safety reasons, there is no big hostel sign letting everyone know that this particular rowhouse (townhouse) is for tourists and backpackers. You can only identify it by the house number and a small sign notice beside the front door. Also, if you are arriving at night, you should call ahead because the owner has advised the hostelers not to open the door for anyone unexpected.

There is no private room available, just four to five large bunk beds to a room. Since the hostel is beside a six-lane roadway, ear plugs and eye covers are highly recommended for light sleepers -- request the bunk space in the quieter backyard side if possible. Two clean bathrooms are available for use with good warm water capacity. The kitchen is small but offers stove, microwave, refrigerator, cabinet space, and pots and pans. There is little eating space but most people eat in the common room while watching the small but multi-channel TV on the relaxing coaches. The computer room has two or three terminals with free high-speed Internet connection. The helpful staff is knowledgeable and has maps and brochures ready to guide you around D.C. The well-behaved resident cat will keep you company if you miss your pet cat at home.

If you are feeling hungry, a very affordable Chinese take-out place is just a few steps away. The closest supermarket and discount store are about fifteen minutes' walk to Seventeenth Street and Benning Road NE, but you may want to take the bus since it is much safer than walking on the deserted streets with bags of groceries and looking like a tourist. Also, the bus fare allows up to two hours' unlimited stopovers when you request a free transfer.

The hostel is about fifteen to twenty minutes' ride away from the Amtrak or Metro Union Station on the X2 Eastbound bus -- the route that gives shivers to transit workers when you ask them about it. Or if you like to take the Metro, get off at Minnesota Avenue station and take the X2 Westbound bus for ten to fifteen minutes until you reach a public library with blue metal security cage on your right. With street smart skills, common sense, and sound judgment, this off-road alternative is an affordable place to stay when visiting D.C. on a budget.

— Avis exclusif de Hostelz.com
January 2007