Boathouse Hostel

This is an excellent hostel in every aspect except for its location. It's right on the Vltava riverbank on the southern outskirts of Prague and will not show up on most tourist maps. There is a nice view across the river though and it is a calm and quiet area next to a golf course.

It's a 5 minutes walk from the hostel to the tram/bus stop Cerny Kun, and another 15 minutes by tram (3 or 17) to the city centre. This should not be a problem with the reliable day/night public transport and cheap weekly passes. The path to the tram stop is not lit at night however.

The staff (the boathouse "ladies") are extremely friendly and helpful, taking great care to ensure travellers are settled and comfortable. They are more of motherly/sisterly figures rather than "staff".

The atmosphere feels home-like and family-oriented. The guests here are generally young backpackers, but during out stay there were a few retired pensioners and two complete families with teenage kids. Don't expect a wild party, this is more of a guitar and sing-along place.

The rooms and beds are clean and comfortable with carpeted floors. The pine double-deckers are a bit rickety, but the beds are extremely comfortable. Perhaps the only disappoint is that there are just two power points in each 8-bed room. You get a large locker in the shower room after checking in. Everyone gets room and main door keys and there is no curfew.

The showers are in separate male and female rooms. The male showers are communal and the female showers are curtained divided. The showers/toilets are very clean. The dining/common area is very large and the walls are full of written compliments from previous guests.

There are a variety of snacks and drinks (and local beer) for sale at very reasonable prices. The ladies will serve home-cooked dinners (120 Kc) of soup, main course and sometimes dessert that are tasty and excellent value for money. Some postcards, a pen, and a map are given on arrival. Apparently tram/bus tickets are available as well. The superb breakfast consists of a selection of local hams, cheeses (solid cheese not spreads), yogurt, and fresh fruits, in addition to the customary cereal, toast, juice and coffee/tea. If you are still hungry they also offer additional breakfast (mainly eggs done different ways) for 30 Kc.

This is definitely one of the best hostels around and we recommend it.

— Avis exclusif de Hostelz.com
July 2005