Poland
One of the best hostels in Europe I have ever stayed in. High standard on a budget. Great location, no curfew - allowed me to enjoy nightlife to the maximum. Great facilities. It is not the cheapest hostel in town, but you get a lot of freebies, like breakfast, laundry, maps, lockers and wi-fi.
I stayed there on a Thursday and came right on time to have a piece of the usual Thursday afternoon cake. Glorious.
Mama's Hostel - Old Town
Zyblikiewicza St. 9
www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/poland/krakow/30362/
www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/poland/krakow
One of the unfortunate by-products of staying at a great hostel is that your enjoyment of the place can be inversely proportional to the amount of the city you see. Thus, the slightly guilty feeling when you're loafing on the huge bed/sofa that occupies the majority of the Stanger's communal area. But, quite frankly, it's worth it.
They screen films pretty much all day on to a projector screen in the lounge, have barbecues on the front porch, and the staff will frequently lead guests off to their favourite bars.
A 1930's themed Hostel on Mazowiecka just off Al. J Slowackiego. The double and dorm rooms are all named after classic actresses, the breakfast is simple, but free, as is the internet. Rooms are also simple, but the bathrooms are impeccable with free laundry facilities.
Not many rooms though, so it's advisable to book ahead in high-season.
Mazowiecka, a 10 minute walk north west of the old town.
www.hosteldeco.com
Bling Bling is a hostel in Krakow that we had the misfortune to book whilst in Warsaw. By the far the worst hostel I've ever stayed in - and there's been a few rough ones...The name might tempt you (a bit wacky, crazy) but don't be fooled. All I'll say is bed bugs and gloom. Right next door is a lovely, clean spacious hostel called Dizzy Daisy's. Go there for a good time in Krakow, but a MUST is the Jewish quarter. Very bohemian and friendly with a shocking history, but a truly beautiful place to spend an afternoon. Get away from the crowds.
Bling Bling: ul. Pędzichów 7;
Tel: 12 634 05 32
www.blingbling.pl
Dizzy Daisy’s: ul. Krakowska 7;
Tel: 12 292 22 11;
www.cracow-life.com/krakow/where_to_sleep/hotels_details/528-Dizzy_Daisy_Hostels
Nathan's Villa was one of the highlights of my voyage around Eastern Europe. Within walking distance of the sites, friendly staff, sociable and next door to a delicious Polish restaurant - it's easily the pick of Krakow's hostels.
ul Sw. Agnieszki 1 - just off the main road between Wawel and Kazimierz;
tel: 12 422-3545;
email: krakow@nathansvilla.com;
www.nathansvilla.com
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