No curfew, no official lock-out during the day (though, expect a bit of testiness if you tread on the newly mopped floor), and a laid-back staff. The location right across the Grand Canal from the train station couldn’t have been more convenient and I remember thinking that my pillow was particularly comfy (could have been [...]

Monday, November 19, 2007 | hostels | No Comments

The place couldn’t have been easier to find. My bed was enormous, comfy, and equipped with two (two! unheard of!) huge pillows. With free wi-fi and an uber-friendly host (who will kindly direct you to the cinema on English movie night) it should have been a steal. But my god, it was loud.
My window faced [...]

Tuesday, November 6, 2007 | hostels | No Comments

Perfect. Just absolutely perfect.
The hostel is small (I only ever saw five other guests) and manned by Daniel, a friendly, dry-witted guy with the skinny on the neighborhood’s best food. He sent us to The Basement, a local joint, where the fish was out of this world and the fresh veggies were a god-send.
Hot [...]

Wednesday, October 17, 2007 | hostels | No Comments

Ashlee House
261-265 Grays Inn Road
(King’s Cross)
London
At best, the staff of Ashlee House was indifferent to our existence. Most often, though, they were outright rude and dismissive. We discovered early on not to ask them any questions, and for heaven’s sake, not to request to use the wifi that they advertise everywhere. Because it’s broken, okay?
The [...]

Monday, October 15, 2007 | hostels | No Comments