This hotel situated in a quiet street close to town with lots of buses connection to town but really it is a nice walk. The staff were very helpful and informative. They will organise taxis to Bran and other attractions which split with others is a reasonable way to vist the area. The kitchen area was a god send especially if you have special dietary needs. The town has good large stores and a good market. The dormatory was light and airy and I shared with 5 others but it was still quiet. The barking dog is a thing special to Romania, yopu get used to it and sleep through. From the Hostel, bus number 1 to the end of the line will take you to a residential area with a local bar with really cheap draught beer (three types ). Just get the bus back when you have had enough
2 of
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(Review ID: 6631)
Best hostel in Eastern Europe, March 2, 2003
Reviewer:
cibaciba@yahoo.com
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
Unlike the other review, I found the hostel to be clean, comfortable, easy, friendly and accommodating. Whatever I needed, the staff was so helpful. What I found really important as a backpacker is that they offer free laundry.As to the cost of the place, the price of a local 5 star hotel is not comparable to $10. Aro Palace is still state owned and falling to pieces but still more than $50 per night.I did my research on the net before staying a week in Elvis VIlla in Brasov and found the most favorable reviews in Bucharest In Your Pocket, Lonely Planet, Lets Go, etc. And the place lived up to it. Yes, the place was a little sterile but the staff and atmosphere more than made up for it. Convienence is a factor here as the staff wil help you out with everything you need from transportation to mail.You can go with a local but you never know if you will get ripped off and they all operate illegally, thus suspect to random raids by the police.
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(Review ID: 6632)
Sterile, January 25, 2003
Reviewer:
The Kano
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(3)
Cleanliness
(3)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(3)
This place is clean and comfortable, but very sterile and overpriced. We spent 4 nights here and were amazed when we inquired the price of a local 5 star hotel, and it was cheaper than a dorm room at this hostel. It is easy just to go to this hostel, but it is worth the effort to stay away. The staff there just cant be bothered and unlike the other Elvis Villas, its management is non existent. The people working there are more interested in picking up a rich backpacker (good news for some) than taking a simple reservation. The word 'useless' springs to mind.The number of beds does not match well with amount of bathroom (and kitchen) facilities. The bush out the back is usually a quicker option in peak times. But, they are clean and well maintained.If you want sterile, stay at a hotel for the same price. Otherwise, do what we did, stay at the local holiday villas run by the locals. They are a quarter of the price and you get to stay with the locals. Sign language is universal if your Romanian is not to flash.
