http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19694
It’s in the perfect location right near Vesterbro, the hip quarter jammed with vintage clothes stores, trendy nightclubs and late-night bars – with an unbeatable view of the city from all the rooms as it's housed in one of Copenhagen’s few tall buildings.
There’s a bar and restaurant on the premises, and a kitchen which is helpful for budget travelers.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19694 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19562 It’s among some lively coffeeshops and bars or is just a few hundred metres from the Van Gogh and Modern Art Museums for something more cultural!
Accommodation is cheap and includes breakfast and internet.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19562 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19513 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19513 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19400
Location is also great, just five minutes' walk from everything. A secret spot in the city, aimed at independent hip travellers.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19400 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19379 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19379 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19349 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19349 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19232 The included breakfast is pretty extensive – more than the usual cornflakes – but most importantly I think it is has the best location in Bruges. Just off T’Zand (one of the main squares), it’s a short distance from everything you could want to see or do in the city.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19232 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19227 In addition, it’s a funky and fun place – I especially enjoyed the random art covering the walls!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19227 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19226 Friendly staff will look after you if you haven't brought food, but it's supposed to be self-catering so there's a big kitchen to use. No TV (there is dial-up internet) and your mobile won't work, so bring a book to read by the peat fire.

If you're interested in the controversy relating to the Shell pipeline being installed nearby the owner might even give you a lift to one of the regular protests at the site.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19226 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19217
England's second city does not seem to have a good reputation with British people. After visiting I thought it was great and also seems to have the best hostel in the UK. I can see that Birmingham and the hostel are both overlooked. The hostel had great beds, very clean and very funky decor. The common room is the best I have been to - it has a cinema, nintendo Wii, PlayStation, a small bar with beers from all over the world, books, and is very bright. An outdoor garden with too many plants, I think that is what I like about this place, they go over the top with everything, it is very welcoming.

I stayed in the 'pod' beds they have. They are very clean, you get a great night's sleep, your own reading light, curtains and I am told TVs and iPod stations are soon to be put in. I loved this idea.

What I liked most was the staff. They are very friendly and helpful - even after you have left you can always contact them for help and advice with British travels. There is a very homely feel to this place. The location is great even if the area does not look so good. They are located a street up from the National Express station.

Birmingham is worth visiting even if just for the hostel. But if you speak with the staff they will show you so much to do in and around Birmingham. Definitely an up and coming city and great if you love shopping.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19217 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19164
Inside things are no less grand, either. A beautiful spiral staircase leads up to a large and very lively bar, nice, clean rooms and a good time for all.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19164 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19154 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19154 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19135
A mere block from the fun and sun of the beach resort, they are also ideally situated for the shops, restaurants and nightlife in the Art Deco district which attracts travelers from all over the world.

Dorm beds are surprisingly cheap considering all rooms have their own bathroom and staff are friendly and helpful.

There’s also a lot going on here…tours in the day, events at night and other travelers chilling out in the bar. So much so that you could enjoy Miami without even leaving the hostel.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19135 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19126
It’s located in Kensington market, about five minutes from the entertainment and shopping districts – and there’s no curfew so you can stay out exploring as late as you please.

This is a friendly place but its real selling point is the combination of the low price of a bed of the night set against their great facilities…]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19126 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19079
The location is unbeatable, a five-minute stroll to Piazza San Marco and even closer to the Rialto Bridge. You really get the feeling that you're staying right in the heart of the city and on a typical Venetian street.

It's very reasonable for a private room – and a room that's nice and sunny, too!

They said they do special last minute deals that work out even cheaper, but, it's such a great place I can't imagine they've spare rooms all that often.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19079 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19017
Also great to meet people in their bar, I can't recommend it highly enough!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19017 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18976
They drive every aspect of this lovely Florence hostel, and are constantly on hand to make sure that their guests (and you really do feel like a guest rather than a customer!) have everything they could possibly need.

I didn't stay long enough to take advantage of the offer, but long-term guests are invited out to their Tuscan farmhouse for the night.

It was a real wrench to tear myself away.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18976 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18877
It's set a couple of stops on the metro away from the city centre, in a smart suburb near a couple of excellent (and well priced) restaurants. Out back there's a lovely garden (with fruit trees and vines), perfect for lounging around in on warm summer evenings...

But what really makes it special is the people who run it. Fabrizio is a giant of a man, who literally pressgangs his guests into sharing his food and wine (or grappa), and insists on giving them detailed instructions for how to get the best out of his beloved city. Special guy, special place.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18877 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18755
The hostel is housed in an old monastery, and huddled around a palm-strewn courtyard that's ideal for barbecues. Shared rooms are light, airy and spacious, while a couple of doubles seem to open up on to their own terraces. All in all, it's more than a bit special. (And very reasonable, too!)]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18755 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18635 There was a bright red self-catering kitchen where breakfast was served and a sitting area with large TV and 2 free internet stations. There is 24-hour reception and internet facilities as well as underground parking which would be useful if you were driving through Spain. The multi-lingual staff were efficient and helpful. We paid €70 for a double and €100 for a triple room for a mid-week stay - it's slightly more at weekends.
You can see my review and photos on my blog
heatheronhertravels.blogspot.com/2008/04/hme-rooms-deluxe-hostel-in-valencia.html]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18635