Hostel Review: The Five Hostel

At Inspire Seniors Travel, I believe that travel is a lifelong pursuit—a chance to explore, connect, and discover the world regardless of age. I arrived in Kraków with high expectations, and The Five Hostel initially seemed to meet them.

The Five Hostel in Krakow makes a strong first impression and quickly feels comfortable—but that’s where the appeal starts to fade. After three nights, I’ve yet to encounter any staff, a situation echoed by other guests. A review from Monday also noted the same absence. For many travellers seeking value and authenticity, the presence of friendly, engaged staff is a key part of the hostel experience—and here, that’s noticeably missing.

I'm not here to criticise the hostel but to make the owners aware of problems that they might not see or make them aware of certain situations. Guests with a vast amount of hostel experience can see those mainly minor inconveniences or improvements, but they get lost or owners ignore their complaints.

Location & Accessibility:

The hostel is about a 20-25 minute walk from the Kraków bus station. You’ll head toward the train station, continue to the far end, then go upstairs and turn left. From there, with Wi-Fi, you’ll be able to find your way. The walk is flat and pleasant, giving you a good introduction to the city. The hostel is located just behind a tram stop and next to a mini-mart—convenient, but with no sign out front, it’s easy to miss.

First Impressions & Atmosphere:

Stepping inside, I was immediately struck by the hostel’s clean and inviting atmosphere. It looks fresh and well-kept, and initially gave the impression of a well-run establishment. Yet without any staff presence—no one to greet new arrivals, offer orientation, or provide assistance—the warm welcome I anticipated wasn’t there.

The atmosphere is quiet and restful, which may appeal to those seeking a peaceful night’s sleep. Some reviews mention street noise, but I didn’t experience this, likely due to the window being closed. While the setting should encourage socialising among travellers, the lack of a human touch limits the hostel’s ability to foster real community.

Rooms & Facilities:

The hostel offers a variety of room types to suit different budgets, including private rooms and dorms. My 6-bed dorm had three bunks and enough space to move around. Fresh linen was provided, and each bed had a socket for charging devices. However, the absence of privacy curtains or individual reading lights made the setup less comfortable than it could be.

Lockers are provided, which is essential for security. Towels are not included, and with no staff on hand, it’s impossible to request or rent one.

Bathrooms are clean and maintained well. However, the layout—with showers and toilets in the same room—creates congestion during busy periods. Separating these facilities would significantly improve the experience for guests.

Common Areas & Amenities:

The common areas, especially the kitchen, are well-equipped and functional. The kitchen includes essential cooking utensils and equipment, allowing guests to prepare meals and save money. Free tea and coffee throughout the day is a welcome touch that adds a sense of hospitality.

There are several tables and comfortable seating in the kitchen area, making it a good space for conversation and shared meals. However, there’s no dedicated lounge or work area—something that would benefit digital nomads or anyone needing a quiet space.

Wi-Fi is fast and reliable throughout the property, making it easy to stay connected, plan activities, and keep in touch with family and friends.

Value for Money:

At approximately 58 Zloty (around 13.64 Euros) per night, including taxes, Five Hostel represents good value for money. The cost is low, and the basic facilities are there, but the experience could be much richer with just a few operational improvements.

Accommodation Recommendations:

Add signage to the front door

Provide an oven in the kitchen

Install curtains for bunk beds

Add small shelves for personal items near beds

Create a quiet work station or lounge area

Include practical extras—scissors, bottle openers, games, books

Address the ongoing issue of absent staff

Reconfigure the bathroom layout to separate toilets and showers

Gather and act on guest feedback

If you’re new to hostel stays or want more privacy, consider booking a private room—you’ll still enjoy the social benefits of shared spaces. If you’re comfortable sharing, a smaller dorm like a 4-bed option may be a good middle ground. And wherever you stay, be sure to use the provided lockers to secure your valuables.

Kraków is generally a safe city, but it’s always wise to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions with your belongings.

This review reflects my personal experience at Five Hostel. Each traveller’s stay will vary, but for me, the hostel had promise that wasn’t quite fulfilled. I had hoped to extend my stay by two nights. I left a note under the reception door but received no reply. I waited the next morning until 10 a.m., and again the following day until 11 a.m.—still no one appeared. Unmade beds lingered over the weekend, further adding to the impression of a hands-off operation.

Take this as a candid, fair-minded account of what to expect—a stay that was comfortable, but with room for thoughtful improvement.

Ratings

Staff: ☆☆☆☆☆ (0/10)

Room: ★★★⯪☆ (8.5/10)

Location: ★★★★☆ (9/10)

Common Areas & Amenities: ★★★⯪☆ (8/10)

Facilities: ★★★⯪☆ (8/10)

Overall Experience: ★★★⯪☆ (8/10)

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (6.9)