Vamhaz Hostel

L'Auberge Espangol

I stroll from Szabadsag Hid along Vamhaz Korut, passing the tile-roofed Nagycsarnok. My eyes dart up and down, looking for a sign or anything to indicate where the Vamhaz Hostel is. Nothing. Then I see the address, #7, but still no sign. On the list of tenants by the buzzer I see "Vamhaz Hostel." I begin to have doubts but buzz in. A walk up 4 flights of stairs revealed a beautifully decorated apartment--hardly a hostel, from what I've seen during my travels. But, no, this really is it :: not your average hostel but something much much more.

This cozy hostel is small with no more than 15 beds available. Don't let the size turn you off--everybody staying and working here is super friendly and the place feels much more like a private apartment in which you've been living for a few months rather than a place to crash for a few nights. The place was wonderfully decorated but not overly swank of themed. Two public computers (a bit archaic and slow) are available for free internet use and we often spent the late nights drinking beer while watching a DVD and chatting about our travels. The staff were super laid back and prone to join us--to an appropriate degree--in our drinking and conversations. The location is superb--across the Szabadsag Hid from Gellert Baths, the Citadella and the Techincal University and half a block from the Nagycsarnok, Budapest largest indoor market. Vaci Utca starts just a block away and there are two metro stops (a third is under construction) within 10 minutes walk.

Don't go here if you want to be loud, as the hostel occupies a bourgeois flat on the top story of a building with regular folks. It's absolutely too small for large groups but perfect if you are traveling solo. Don't know why, but the place attracted a lot of Canadians--at least while i was there. Also, the beds are a bit on the stiff side and the rooms are mixed. These aren't necessarily complaints but things you should consider.

All in all, a lovely experience and I will absolutely return here in future travels.

Unique Quality: Lots of personality, superb location, homey atmosphere, down-to-earth crowd and staff.

A bit hard to find if you're searching for a flashy sign.