Hostel Review: Hostel Uno
City, Country: Kraków, Poland
Date of Stay: 20–24 May
I don’t write this review to criticise, but rather to offer valuable feedback, both from myself and from other guests who’ve recently spent time at Hostel Uno. Please take my comments at face value. I genuinely hope these suggestions help you become one of the very best hostels in Kraków.
1. Location & Accessibility
Hostel Uno is well-positioned within walking distance of Old Town Kraków and just 1-2 km from Kraków Główny, the main train and bus station. Most major attractions are also within easy reach—a definite plus.
That said, clear signage is missing, which makes the arrival experience confusing, as echoed by other travellers online. In my case, the reservation listed a different contact number from the one advertised, which caused me to take a wrong turn and head away from the hostel. I’ve shared this directly with the owner, and I hope this detail can be updated promptly.
2. First Impressions & Atmosphere
First impressions rely heavily on staff interaction. When staff are present and engaged, guests immediately feel welcome and at ease. Unfortunately, my arrival didn’t feel especially warm—there was a significant language barrier, even though English was listed as the primary communication language.
That said, I had received confirmation by email that I could drop off my bag after 9 a.m., which was honoured.
The overall atmosphere is more restful than party-oriented, which suits mature or senior travellers who prefer quiet nights and cultural connection over nightlife. The hostel is very clean, inviting, and calm, which is a strong asset.
3. Rooms & Facilities
Hostel Uno offers two mixed 6-bed dorm rooms. While expectations vary, guests generally hope for clean, functional, and private sleeping spaces.
The bunks here are large and comfortable, and towels are a welcome addition. However, the absence of privacy curtains, individual power outlets, reading lights, and bedside shelves makes it harder to rest, especially for light sleepers or long-term travellers.
"To note, Power outlets are only available if the person in the bottom bunk is not using them.
Also worth noting:
Beds squeak quite loudly with movement.
Pillows are substandard.
No lockers are available.
Rooms cannot be locked, which raises security concerns.
No air conditioning, which could be uncomfortable during summer.
Opening windows isn’t ideal due to street noise.
Still, rooms are spotless and thoughtfully presented, with a bottle of water at each bed—a lovely touch.
4. Common Areas & Amenities
Communal spaces are key to a great hostel experience. Hostel Uno features a well-equipped kitchen, free tea/coffee, and a cosy lounge area that invites connection, but the fridge during high season may be a bit small.
However, some points to consider:
Wi-Fi reliability is inconsistent, but essential, especially for digital nomads.
Board games, books, and more social extras could help foster community.
The bathroom is the best I’ve seen in six months—immaculately clean and modern.
That said, one toilet and one shower for 12 people is not enough, especially during peak season and development in this area might be needed in the future. The owners have a second toilet that is off-limits to guests, but I strongly encourage making that second toilet available. The bathtub may be a luxury, but it’s "not practical" in a shared hostel space—best suited to private rooms.
General guidelines for hygiene in a hostel environment recommend:
1 toilet per 5–6 guests
2 toilets for 7–12 guests
Each should have a washbasin nearby
Value for Money:
Value is all about balance—price, comfort, cleanliness, and service. My original cost was 121 Zloty for two nights (€14.22 per night). I had to book an extra night at 69 Złoty per night (€16.26 or NZD 31.13), then rising to 85 Zloty for the weekend for €19.98 because my train is now on Saturday. Hostel Uno offers good value in the week, rising to expensive for the weekend, but a few upgrades would improve that balance.
Suggestions:
Better staff availability and communication
Clearer signage
Improved room features and security
Expanded bathroom access
None of these changes need to break the bank, but they would certainly elevate the guest experience.
Accommodation Recommendations
Here are my top suggestions to help Hostel Uno reach its full potential:
✅ Add clear signage
✅ Install curtains for each bed
✅ Provide individual sockets and reading lights
✅ Add bedside shelves
✅ Install an air conditioning unit or heat pump
✅ Add lockers and ensure rooms can be locked
✅ Add a second toilet and shower
✅ Remove the bathtub in shared spaces
My other concerns are about the facilities advertised on Booking.com.
1. There is no ATM on site? It is outside on the Street
2. There is no Mini Mart on site? It is outside on the Street.
3. There is no Money Exchange on Site
4. Family Rooms? available, but children are not welcome.
5. Alcohol? It is prohibited, but there is nothing to stipulate that.
6. Tour Desk? is a table 500 mm x 500 mm with no alternative languages for different
countries. 7. Barber/Beauty Shop is not part of the facilities but outside on the Street.
Final Thoughts:
This is someone's home that is trying to be a hostel, and at the moment, it is not working as it is falling short in certain areas. I did a review in Zagreb where a hostel was trying to be a hotel and the hotel was trying to be a hostel, which is very confusing, and I feel the same here, you are a home or a hostel, and sometimes there is confusion as to the direction you need to go.
This might be seen as a lot of criticism, but most of it is in the finer details, except for the bathroom, which I believe is inadequate. I like the hostel very much, and it has huge potential to be the best, and I hope my hosts recognise this.
If you’re new to hostel travel or want more privacy, consider booking a private room—you’ll still enjoy the social benefits of shared spaces. A smaller dorm (like a 4-bed option) might also be a good middle ground.
Kraków is generally safe, but always take basic precautions and use lockers when available.
This review reflects my personal experience. Everyone’s journey is different, but for me, Hostel Uno has great potential that just hasn’t been fully realised yet.
⭐ Final Ratings
Staff: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8.5/10)
Room: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8.5/10)
Location: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⯪ (9/10)
Common Areas & Amenities: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⯪ (9/10)
Facilities: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8.5/10)
Overall Experience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⯪ (9/10)
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8.7/10)