Low Costel Hostel

Home from home, especially for Brits

Not only is this place truely low cost(el) and incredible value for money at 8 euros a night, it provides a very laid back and relaxed atmosphere. Small dorm rooms have the little touches that budget travellers cherish; individual lockers under the spacious and comfy bunk beds - the jury is still out on the pillows: does their towering mass strain your neck or are they a refreshing change for pathetic slivers of foam you'll find almost everywhere else? The highlight for me was the individual reading lamp which eliminates the dilemmas of dorm room etiquette, you can read, sleep and come home whenever you feel like it. You also have your own front door key to please yourself. There are 2 showers and toilets which mean you never have to wait. The 12 beds available mean this place definitely has the vibe of a home not a sterile place to crash. No internet yet but apparently it's coming this month! Information about surrounding sites is free and advice for where to hike is on the wall, no pressure to spend money and join a tour.

Unique Quality: Centrally located among all the sites, the tourist information centre, the bus stop and a short stroll away from a truely devine restaurant, this place leaves you wishing for nothing. A (very) nearby local lady will wash, dry and fold(!) your clothes, within 3 hours for a mere 3 Lev a pop. There is a variety of small shops as well as a nearby supermarket (reda and yellow sign but easy to miss so double check directions before you set out). You can rustle up your meal of choice in the compact but well equipped kitchen and then chill out as if you were in your own place int he highlight of what i personally believe to the highlight of, not just this one, but hostels everywhere - the chill out space. White walls and a huge picture window breathes life into the colourful, eastern cushions strategically placed around wooden tables built around pillars connected to chunky wooden beams. Eat, chat, listen to your own tunes or simply just relax, the thought of just one night will inevitably cross your mind.
All of this would not be possible without the insight, vision and business sense of just one man from Essex: Graham. A seasoned traveller himself he knows what we want and delivers it in a fantastic setting. The chill out space is thanks to his structral engineering background and his time on the road accounts for all the well thought and reassuring touches that make this place undoubtedly one of the best places to stay on the continent.