Locomotive Light Hostel Budapest

It is a rarity to see an owner dedicate so much heart and hard work into his hostel, but Locomotive Light Hostel Budapest is the exception to the rule. Located nearby the Keleti pályaudvar (Eastern train station, affectionately known as Keleti Pu) the hostel is three tube stops away from the center of town. Finding it may prove to be somewhat of a problem as Baross Tér on which it's located spans across a few corners and several streets. Easiest way is to look for the Grand Hungaria Hotel and to go diagonally across the street. The entrance to the hostel is right next to the Avon shop.

Inside of an old tenement building you will find a real oasis for an independent traveler. Tamas, the owner, has created a cozy haven dedicated to the locomotive. Here you will find pictures of cabooses, railway signs, even ashtrays in the train theme. Very high ceilings have allowed a creation of a mezzanine, a split level in the dorm room. No bunk beds here -- everyone gets a private bed, even with a privacy curtain. Included is plenty of storage space and a table setting for socializing. There are also private rooms for hire with comfy beds (with romantic, albeit slightly amusing, mosquito nets), ample closet space, and cable TVs.

Common areas include a dining room (also with a TV), a computer station with free internet, and the best equipped hostel kitchen ever. Here you will find everything from a plethora of corkscrews and bottle openers, pots and pans, dishes and cutlery, wine glasses, tea cups, coffee cups -- the list goes on. Coffee and tea are available free to hostel guests. The attention to details is evident even in the toilets. The light switch has been connected to a radio, so that when you have to go, music will play and jam any noises from you.

The hostel setting creates a very laid back atmosphere in a friendly setting. From the moment when you first step into the hostel, with its welcome drink of fiery palinka or Tokay wine, to the moment when you depart Budapest, you'll feel right at home. And then you'll be back again.

— Avis exclusif de Hostelz.com
March 2007