My Stay at City Walk Hostel, Zagreb: A Personal Account

To the team at City Walk Hostel,

I wanted to share some reflections on my recent two-night stay at your establishment. As someone who travels frequently and often stays in hostels, I appreciate the unique experience each place offers. This account is based purely on my time at City Walk Hostel and how I felt during my visit.

Hostel Review: City Walk Hostel

This review details my personal experience during my stay at City Walk Hostel, aiming to provide feedback on how I felt whilst there.

Location & Accessibility

Arriving from the central bus station, I chose to walk, which was a considerable distance (3.5 km - 3.9 km). However, I noted the hostel's convenient central location, close to the Upper Town and attractions like the Archaeological Museum, Museum of Broken Relationships, and St. Mark's Church.

First Impressions & Atmosphere

My first impression upon arrival is something I wanted to highlight, as it's quite important to me, especially given a recent medical issue. Before my stay, I had requested a lower bed due to recent hip surgery. Climbing into a top bunk presents challenges and the possibility of dislocating my hip, which would require further surgery. I was informed that bed allocation was on a "first come, first served" basis, and my request could not be considered. When I arrived, the attention from the staff felt very much like a "take us as you see us" approach, which was below the standard I had hoped for, particularly concerning a medical need I had communicated.

Rooms

Regarding the rooms, I found the range of options across the four levels, accessible via a lift, to be good, with different dorm configurations and private room choices. The rooms themselves were notably spacious and felt thoughtfully designed with comfort in mind. They were well-decorated and equipped with fresh linen, lockers, a mirror, and a bench with a chair.

Common Areas & Amenities

The common areas were well-presented and comfortable, doubling as an outside coffee/bar area used by both guests and the public. It was clear the hostel is new to Booking.com and is in pristine condition. The Wi-Fi connection was consistently strong throughout my stay, which was very helpful.

Value for Money

In terms of value for money, I paid €50 for two nights (€25 a night). Comparing this to other hostels I've experienced in the city and considering the amenities available, I felt this was on the higher side.

Accessibility Considerations

On the point of accessibility, based on my experience and the information provided, it seems the hostel may not be able to fully accommodate travellers with limited mobility. While those with specific needs are encouraged to contact the hostel directly, my request regarding a lower bunk due to a mobility issue was not met, which is a significant consideration for travellers with similar needs.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my final thoughts are that City Walk Hostel is undeniably clean and very well presented physically. However, I felt there was a degree of confusion about its identity, perhaps leaning more towards a hotel model than a traditional hostel. From my perspective as a long-time hostel traveller, the lack of a communal kitchen felt like a missed opportunity. The kitchen is often the hub where solo travellers meet and exchange information, and without it, that sense of communal interaction was absent. It felt more like a hotel experience in that regard, with less communication among guests.

Small touches that I've come to appreciate in many hostels were also missing, such as readily available free tea and coffee, privacy curtains for beds, individual bed lights, a shelf for each bed, and sufficient electrical outlets for everyone when the dorm is full. I also found the shared shower and toilet in the same room challenging, particularly when the hostel is busy, as it limits access to the toilet if the shower is in use. These felt like fundamental facilities that contribute significantly to the typical positive hostel experience.

This review reflects my personal experience and feelings during my stay. I wanted to share these points honestly, not to be overly critical, but to let you know how I felt and experienced the hostel's facilities and service from my perspective as a traveller with specific needs.

Ratings

Based on my personal experience, here are my ratings:

Staff: ★★★★★ (8 /10)

Room: ★★★★☆ (8 /10)

Location: ★★★★☆ (9 /10)

Common Areas & Amenities: ★★★★☆ (7/10)

Facilities: ★★★★☆ (8 /10)

Overall Experience: ★★★★☆ (8 /10)

Final Rating: ★★★★☆ (8 /10)

Thank you for providing accommodation in Zagreb.