Dublin City Bunkhouse

Dublin City Bunkhouse is brand new -- it opened in December 2007 and all the facilities are in new condition. The location is excellent and it is a very good value for the money. The first day we were there, we met people from thirteen different countries. If you are looking for a place to meet fellow travelers, you have found the place. The atmosphere as efficient and friendly rather than homey. There is a somewhat industrial feel to the place, because it is quite large and newly appointed. The lobby is very large and well run, almost like a hotel lobby. It is staffed twenty-four hours a day and security is excellent. Swipe cards are used to get into the sleeping areas, making it very safe.

The Location

The location is about a ten-minute walk from the main bus station and a few blocks from the airport bus drop off. Within fifteen minutes, you can easily walk to the Temple Bar area. Usually hostels located near bus stations wouldn't be considered to be in a prime neighborhood, but the Dublin City Bunkhouse's location is great. It is only two blocks from the major tourist information office. Additionally, there are grocery stores, food take-away, a post office, and public transportation literally surrounding it. There are lots of pubs and restaurants just around the corner.

Rooms and Bathrooms

Because the hostel is brand new, all the beds and bathrooms are clean and new. There are dorms with six, eight, and sixteen beds and all rooms are en-suite. However, there is only one shower in the bathrooms so be prepared for a wait. There are fluffy, clean duvets for the beds and commercially laundered and delivered clean bed linens. Towels are available for a small fee. There isn't much decoration and the dorms are a sea of bunk beds and white linens. However, there is lots of natural light. The larger dorm rooms are somewhat stuffy due to the number of people sleeping there. Very roomy lockers are located under the beds, but bring your own lock. Each guest has a swipe card for entry into their assigned room. All the beds are bunk beds but each one has its own reading light, which is a nice touch.

Common Spaces

There are three large and comfortable common areas and an outdoor terrace. The first area has games and lots of books and comfortable sofas and chairs. The second is a TV room with comfortable leather sofas and a widescreen TV. The third common area is a dining room next to the kitchen for eating meals or having a cup of tea. The kitchen is large and well equipped for guest use. All three areas are great for meeting people. There is also an internet café with a computer area and a café with food and drink vending machines. Wi-Fi is free and use of the computer terminals is a bargain (they charge a fee per day). Self-service laundry is also available.

Summary

This hostel is a great value for the money. A free, hot, cooked breakfast is included with the nightly rate. They can secure your bicycle and have car parking available. There is a full service reception area staffed twenty-four/seven with the ability to fax, book tours, and get advice on what to do and see. They have up-to-the-minute, accurate information on public transportation and are very friendly and helpful in printing off Google maps or assisting with any traveler needs. If you have a late flight, they are very nice about storing luggage and allowing use of the common areas even after you have checked out. This hostel is not a grungy backpacker hangout -- it is friendly, well run, clean, and organized. For the location, price, and facilities, this hostel is highly recommended in Dublin.

— Avis exclusif de Hostelz.com
September 2008