Centrum Hostel

Centrum Hostel is located a few blocks from Krakow's old town -- another outstanding Krakow attraction, the Wawel Castle, and the Vistula River, are also a few blocks away. The estate is located on one of the main streets of town -- it is a big old refurbished building without an elevator.

The Location

Getting to the hostel is not difficult. It is located in one of Krakow's main streets, at a walking distance from the train station. As an important connecting way, the street is well served with both buses and trams. Nevertheless at night it is silent without plenty of traffic.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The dorms are huge with high ceilings -- they are very fresh and there is enough room for more than the four bunk beds they have. The décor however is cold. There are big metal lockers with enough space for large heavy luggage. Every bed has a convenient reading light. There is a park right in front of the hostel and a beautiful view from the windows. The hostel furnishes linen and also a small face towel. There are several showers in each floor. The WCs are located right by, which is not so convenient. The beds are good quality though maintenance is required (some bed lights did not work and others had no bulbs). There was an internal telephone in the room that did not work.

Common Spaces

The hostel has no elevator. There are nice, old-styled stairs but if you happen to travel heavy, you will find it hard to go up in case you stay at higher floors. The hostel has one large kitchen per floor. The kitchens have a view to a beautiful backyard. There is a long table for people to sit and eat. They are unusually big with all regular appliances (microwave, stove, pans, fridge, dishes). It is easy to cook and prepare meals any time of the day. Breakfast is continental, very simple, and served in standard trays with free coffee. However it starts at 8 a.m., and if your day starts early or if you need to travel early, you will have to leave without it.

Summary

This hostel is very quiet -- silence is strictly respected after 10 o'clock. It is not a party hostel. There is no curfew. The reception team is English speaking but a little too professional -- we tried to get some information at the reception on how to get to some museums but they either did not know or were not willing to inform. Upon our arrival, we also were not informed about the location of the breakfast rooms, one at each floor, and the next day we had to go all the way down the stairs looking for it to get this information from the reception. There is a room for free luggage keeping. Cheap restaurants and one good food market can be found nearby. The hostel offers free internet facilities. There is no lockout.

— Avis exclusif de Hostelz.com
September 2009