Hostel Review: The Hostel Sport Bucharest.
The Hostel Sport offers a unique experience for all travellers seeking budget-friendly accommodation.
Location & Accessibility:
If you arrive at the Bus Station, across the street is a metro where a purchase of a one-way ticket costs 5 Ron, go down to platform two on the left, take the Metro and get off at the Piata Utilli. When you surface from the Metro, the hostel is conveniently located near Piata and around 300 metres away. Its location is only a 500-metre walk to Bucharest Old Town and various local attractions. A lot of walking groups begin at the Piata and you can purchase a walk or join a free tour, but some free tours recommend that a tip at the end is 10 – 50 Euros seems to be over-priced, buyer beware but a good price would 10 Ron (2 Euro) – 50 Ron (10 Euro)
First Impressions & Atmosphere:
Stepping into The Hostel Sport was very underwhelming; there was no welcome I would normally receive on arrival in a new hostel, and first impressions are so important. The normal practice of the host showing you around the hostel and giving you practical information was lacking. The atmosphere is noisy at times, especially from guests, when you are trying to sleep, having not slept sufficiently for 28 hours, but for you, your experience might be different.
- Upon arrival, you would need access codes to get in through the gate, access codes to the reception area, but I was not given any before my arrival. I was fortunate that someone was entering when I arrived the second time.
Rooms & Facilities:
The hostel offers a variety of room configurations to cater to a wide variety of options, from 4, 6, and 8-bed female and male dorms. The rooms are spacious with a bunk bed setup, but the height above you is very low, and you will not be able to sit up in bed. Lockers are provided in each room, and towels are also provided. Each bunk has a socket and a light. Shared bathrooms are plentiful and suitably maintained.
- The bunk beds lack privacy curtains, which the hostel should consider adding in the future. I have not seen staff doing any jobs around the hostel. Our room has been left untouched for 3 days, with beds left unmade by previous guests.
Common Areas & Amenities:
Guests can relax in several seating areas in the hostel located behind the reception and one on the first floor, with a TV, books and games available for guests to use. The kitchen is well stocked with coffee and tea available throughout the day, but when the hostel is busy may become congested at times. Wi-Fi is strong and consistent throughout the building.
- The hostels? The garden is all but an area for smoking, and the upstairs decking is too.
Value for Money:
With prices around 60 Ron (approximately 12 Euros or 23.52 NZD) for 1 night, The Hostel Sport offers excellent value for money.
- Would I return here in the future? Probably not, there seems to be a lack of staff required to run and maintain this hostel properly. Bucharest boasts a lot of accommodation.
Accessibility Considerations:
As a senior traveller, making the accessibility process easier would be beneficial, as not everyone has access to WhatsApp or a country-of-origin SIM card. The Hostel may present some accessibility challenges for some senior travellers with limited mobility. It's advisable to contact the hostel directly to inquire about specific accessibility features and to discuss your individual needs.
- If the hostel could welcome from the hostel via email add access codes for the property, and a phone number at reception to call to say you have arrived, it would be very helpful.
This reflects my stay and how I viewed my time here, and others may have different experiences; you take this at face value
Ratings
Staff: (7/10)
Room: 7/10)
Location: (10/10)
Common Areas & Amenities: (9/10)
Facilities: (8/10)
Overall Experience: (8/10)
Rating: (8.2)