HI - Xi'an - Xiangzimen International Youth Hostel

HI - Xi'an - Xiangzimen International Youth Hostel is a central hostel just a few minutes' walk from the bell tower and many other of the site in central Xi'an, on Xiangzi Temple Street (Xiangzimiao).

The building has been recently renovated (as of July 2007) and has wonderful antique furnishings. The rooms are on the top two stories and are positioned around the central courtyard and the hostel is cleaned several times each day. There is a large reception room with three internet computers (a further two are near the bar area), seating area, international calling phone, and tour and ticket information. There are also security lockers, a baggage room, a well stocked bar and restaurant, pool table, chess boards, and book exchange. All the staff speak excellent English and are fun and friendly, it is also a great place to meet fellow travelers with social nights (like build your own dumpling) and quite a party atmosphere, this in mind the courtyard gets particularly noisy at night!

The private rooms are glorious with traditional beds and spacious rooms. Deluxe suites have en-suite, and the communal western toilets are very clean. The communal showers don't all have doors, or anywhere to change, so you may struggle to find somewhere private if you are in a dorm. The dorms themselves have four beds and are a little cramped. All rooms have air-con.

If you book online, you get a free beer and internet access. There is also a free pickup from the train station on arrival. If you are arriving by foot, the hostel is on Xiangzi Temple Street on the left hand side of the road. Bus number 603 takes you from the train station and the nearest bus stop is a five-minute walk away.

Due to the size of the hostel, there does seem to be a lot of disorganisation amongst the staff, which can lead to frustration. We were sold an expensive English-speaking tour, only to find it was Chinese-speaking only. We were not given a refund. Make sure you know what you are booking before parting with your cash! The laundry service is unsatisfactory -- clothes are returned damp and often smell worse than when you parted with them due to lack of ventilation or windows in the laundry room. If you avoid these services, your stay at the hostel should be a very enjoyable one!

— Avis exclusif de Hostelz.com
September 2007