Wombat's Hostel Berlin Review and Recommendation

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This is certainly a hostel worth raving and coming back for. The design was cool and friendly. The rooms and toilets were clean and maintained. The location was near a train station. There's free wifi in the lobby, a bar upstairs, coin laundries at the basement, and a restaurant which serves great food at the ground floor. I've been to many hostels and this is certainly one of the best! I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

The Facade

The Lobby

The Bar

The Room and Hallways

The Restaurant... gotta try the Schnitzel!

 

The Coin Laundries (my first time!)

And of course... The Rule! 

(Click to enlarge)

Osaka Hotel Recommendation and Review: Dotonbori Hotel

As we all know, everything in Japan is expensive and hotels are definitely not an exception. Since it was still winter when I went to Japan, I ensured that my accommodation will be able to keep me warm. I also went for value since I was alone. Good thing I found Dotonbori Hotel which was I was able to book at JPY7,400 (Php3,700) per night for a single room- already cheap for Japan hotel standards. 

Since it's really cheap, don't expect much [e.g., the room is small (at least the one I got) and so is the bathroom, the bed and linens are not as comfortable as a 5-star's]. However, it has all the basic stuff you want: a bed to sleep on, an ensuite bathroom, towels & toiletries, a good location, and an English-speaking receptionist. Just a tip, it has smoking and non-smoking floors so make sure you specify your preference.

Here's a better idea of what to expect after entering this hotel's facade:

Amenities 

Free Use of Computers with Internet Access 

Lobby Cafe

Vender Room: Vending machines for drinks (tea, juice, mineral water), liquor (beer, low-malt beer, shochu and soda water, whisky), and snacks are available at market prices on the 5th and 7th floors. Ice machines and microwave ovens are also provided for use free of charge.

 

There is also a coin laundry on the first floor. Inform the front desk if you'll use as the detergent is free.

Room - Basic but clean! Mineral water (one 500 ml plastic bottle) is provided free of charge in the refrigerator of each room. 

 

Origami surprise that awaits you upon arrival

Bathroom/Toilet - It's actually a portable CR fitted inside your room. Small but high-tech! Goods Provided: Toothbrush set (with medicated toothpaste), razor (with shaving cream), hair brush, rinse, shampoo, body soap, body sponge, cotton pads, cotton buds, green tea, Japanese plum and kelp tea, and slippers (may take for home use). The hotel also provides a ladies’ set (cleansing sheet, washing foam, lotion, milky lotion, hair clip) for those ladies who request it.

 

 

Now you know why it's high-tech!

Hallway - Showed just to let you know what to expect. There are 2 trouser presses per floor (next to the elevator).

 

Breakfast - Are you wondering if a breakfast buffet is include in the cost? It's not. Breakfast is from 7:00 am to 10:00 am, with a wide variety of Japanese and Western dishes served buffet style. Included are home baked bread, dim sum dishes such as steamed dumplings, traditional menu of rice, miso soup, grilled fish, cooked dishes, salad, fruit, and various drinks. The breakfast hall is located on the basement floor, one floor below the frontdesk. Breakfast fee is regularly 1000 yen (tax and service charges included) per person. Breakfast tickets may be purchased the previous day in advance, for 900 yen. Can't say anything about it since I wasn't able to try it myself.

Recommendation:

If you're looking for a basic hotel at a very good location, Dotonbori is a good choice! The hotel is very near train stations and the Dotonbori area is a popular shopping, entertainment, and food destination. 

Some details were taken from: http://www.dotonbori-h.co.jp/index.html

Sydney Central YHA Hostel Review and Recommendation

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Melbourne Central YHA Hostel Review and Recommendation


Sydney Central YHA has got to be one of the coolest hostels. I booked my four night stay in this hostel and its Melbourne counterpart, Melbourne Central YHA, at the same time...  and both hostels didn't fail me. While Melbourne Central YHA is cleaner because it is newer (don't get me wrong because Sydney Central YHA is also clean), this one is full of energy and can really make you feel the youthful hostel vibe. 

After entering this facade and registering in this reception area...

 

... here are the things you can expect to enjoy:

Movie Room - I was amazed with the size of this hostel's movie room. It was really spacious and even has bean bags for a cozy movie experience. This is located in the "Socials" floor which I will be featuring next.

"Socials" (Internet, Restaurant, Movie, Gaming, etc.) floor - Aside from housing the above-featured movie room, this floor also has computer terminals, laptop tables, chairs and sofas, billiards, foosball, books and a restaurant. Great chance to mingle with fellow travellers!

 

TV Rooms per floor - If you prefer to watch tv shows and movies near your room, each floor has its own TV room. As seen in the picture, the room is spacious and has lots of comfy sofas.

In-house Travel Consultants - If you weren't able to plan much prior to your trip to Sydney, no need to worry because the hostel has lots of travel brochures and even has an in-house travel agency where you can book tours to Blue Mountain, etc.

Rooftop -  Feel like taking a dip? No need to go out because you can do it at the rooftop and enjoy view of the city. 

Clean Toilet and Bath - Although the toilets are not as new as Melbourne Central YHA's, they are still clean and regularly maintained.

Dorm Rooms with Personal Lockers, Reading Lamp and Electric Outlet - No explanations needed but it is worth noting that they are clean (not all hostels are).

Hallways - Just a glimpse... you might actually think it's a hotel!

With clean facilities, cool amenities, and a central location... Sydney Central YHA is highly recommended! After all, it is not a three-time winner (and Hall of Fame entrant) of the Australian Tourism Awards (2008, 2009, 2010) for nothing. 

If you decide to stay here, here are some useful information:

Beds, Rooms, and Prices (as of 07Aug2011)

6 Share Female	from $36.00 to $49.00 per bed
6 Share Male	from $36.00 to $49.00 per bed
4 Share Female	from $37.00 to $50.00 per bed
4 Share Male	from $37.00 to $50.00 per bed
Double Private Bathroom	from $108.00 to $134.00 per room

Getting from Sydney Airport to Sydney Central YHA 

 Train:  

• The train runs from under the airport to Central Station, across the road from the hostel 
• Cost:  $15.00 (from Domestic Terminal)  $15.60 (from International Terminal)   
• Time: 15 minutes to Central Station 

 Taxi:  

• Taxi ranks are located directly outside the arrivals hall
• Cost: $25-$40 depending on traffic
• Time: 20-30 minutes depending on traffic 

 Shuttle Bus: 

• Shuttle buses need to be pre-booked at  www.kst.com.au. 
• Cost: $12.60
• Time: 30-45 minutes depending on traffic 

Getting from Central Station to Sydney Central YHA 

 Trains: Exit onto Eddy Ave, turn left, Sydney Central YHA is across Pitt St 

 Buses: Long distance buses drop off at Eddy Ave, Sydney Central YHA is across Pitt St 

Location Map