Pros:
Accommodating and efficient staff!
Cons:
Lifeless common areas-but it was November...
Alexa_b
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(3)
After staying three nights at the Ciarus, I can say that the place is your typical large hostel with clean facilities and all services and extras you may need (Internet access, phones, free lockers, laundry, restaurant and bar). I have dealt with 4 or 5 staff members and all of them were incredibly helpful. They have let us use the internet for free to check the train schedules during the strike, they served us tea in the middle of the night and agreed to switch us to a different room at our request. Its a 10 min walk to the town center and to the train station. The bar and common areas were pretty much deserted but its probably what is to be expected in November.
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(Review ID: 4892)
Looks ok, but beware of the staff...You do not matter to them!, May 6, 2007
I don't know if they were getting trained the week I was there, but the staff was horrible. I speak french fluently I don't know if they did though. This is the best example I can give to demonstrate the lack of "customer service" at this hostel. We left the hostel on May 1st, a holiday in Europe. We had a 7:55 train to catch. So the day before we asked what time breakfast would be available. We asked three different people and each answered 7am. Perfect we thought, we;d grab a quick bite and then leave, no need to buy anything at the supermarket. Next morning we got there at 6:55. Again we asked the receptionist if breakfast was at 7 and she said yep. We waited and waited. Other people came down. 7:10 doors were still closed so the receptionist goes to see what is going on. She doesn't come out so we go in cause we need to check out it was getting late. Breakfast was actually at 7:30, she informed us as she emerged with her coffee and croissant in hand. Rather than apologize us for the misinformation, we got yelled at for asking just to grab a couple of croissants before we left, from the cook! I mean come on, we were a dozen of us waiting, we were hungry and late for our days and she comes out with a coffee and a croissant! Give me a break. And that was typical behaviour from the staff who just chatted behind the counter and didn't really seem to care or notice their clients. Besides that the facilities were ok. Not more than that. The staff is horrible though, need to be trained better. If you have somewhere else to stay go there instead.
Pros:
Everything at the hostel works as they should.
Cons:
Inadequate instructions given on how to get there.
RGUtena
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(1)
Tip for anyone who would be arriving by Eurolines buses - A tram stop is close to the Eurolines drop off point, which is a long distance away from the city centre. The hostel had suggested that I take Tram A to the stop "Place de Les Halles", but I discovered that the proper name of the stop is in fact Ancienne Synagogue Les Halles. They didn't tell me how to walk to the hostel after I get off the tram, and I was glad to have taken a map of Strasbourg with me. Alternative option - I personally found it quicker and more straight forward to walk from the Republique tram stop (at Place de la Republique) to the hostel than from Les Halles. To get to Republique, take Tram A and change to Tram B or C at Homme de Fer. Either way, I would recommend anyone download a city map of Strasbourg from the internet before they arrive. The hostel is a fair distance from any tram stop, but it is (or feels!) a lot quicker if you know your directions.
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(Review ID: 7981)
Awesome hostel!, April 14, 2005
Reviewer:
Devlyn
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
CIARUS was the best place I stayed at whilst traveling throughout France in February '05. The beds are comfortable, and the sheets and blankets were nice and warm. The staff was extremely helpful and accommodating. The bathroom ensuite was awesome: 2 sinks for 4 people is totally necessary. The breakfast was v. generous (especially when compared to other hostels), and the food in general was good and cheap for lunch and dinner (breakfast being free). Highly recommended. The only thing I wish I could have done there was stay longer.
4 of
5 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 7982)
Clean and comfortable, June 20, 2004
Reviewer:
AlanO
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
Good location, short walk from the train station (you don't really need to take the bus) and the hostel is close to the old town. Friendly staff, generous breakfast, spotless rooms & bathrooms, and reasonably priced.My only minor complaint is that my room was a bit small for four people, but privacy was adequate and the room was well-appointed.I'd happily stay here again and would recommend it to others.
4 of
4 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 7983)
clean and nice, October 31, 2003
Reviewer:
Karma Girl
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
This is by far the cleanest hostel i have stayed at! It is sooo clean... I actually forgot to wear my shower flip flops once! The rooms are very nice, with metal bunkbeds (not rusty), clean mattresses and sheets, bright colors, good storage area (even a place to hang your clothes). I had an 8 bed dorm room with 3 sinks, a shower, and a toilet inside the room. Very nice! Almost like a hotel!I didn't give this hostel 5 stars because it lacked a social atmosphere I hoped for. It is more 'institutional' with school groups, families, and such rather than the backpacker crowd. I did meet some nice people, and had a couple good nights sleep though!
5 of
6 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 7984)
excellent hostel, September 4, 2003
Reviewer:
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
The hostel is within walking distance of the train station. It is very clean and has great facilities including a bar, games room, cafeteria (it is possible to have lunch or dinner for approx 4 Euro), washing machines (front-loading!) and a tourist information area. The hostel also offers free activities such as latin dancing lessons and crepe-making nights.It is not necessary to join any organisation to stay at the hostel.
6 of
6 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 7985)
Clean, modern, friendly place, April 22, 2003
Reviewer:
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
I love this hostel!The staff is friendly, and the rooms and facilities are clean, modern, and well equipped. Rooms come with their own bathrooms and each bed has it's own little nightlight. And the beds are soo comfortable! There are also vending machines, a cafeteria (breakfast is included and is prettty decent), TV room, internet access, etc. It is also the most centrally located hostel in Strasbourg, only a few bus stops away from the train station and the main tourist area. The HI hostels are all on the outskirts. Two thumbs up!
