Boxhagener Straße 73, Berlin Bus 240 Tram 21 S-Bahn Ostkreuz Tel (030) 297 7810 Websitewww.aohostels.com
BUG review
This hostel is a huge place with uncomfortable mattresses that's loud and dirty. It's nothing special just somewhere cheap to stay. When we visited the staff were extremely rude and wouldn't answer any questions. In a grim neighbourhood far from the city centre.
About BUG's hostel reviews
This hostel was visited by one of BUG's team of hostel inspectors who write independent reviews and assess a star rating based on an objective assessment criteria.
We show up unannounced at hostels to write honest and unbiased hostel reviews. Many of BUG's reviews now feature videos and photo slideshows. BUG never receives payment for listing any establishment and BUG's researchers never accept free accommodation in exchange for favourable reviews.
Price Dorm bed €10-19 Single room €30 Twin room €34-90 Prices are in local currency and are inclusive of all taxes.
My stay here was in July 2002. This A&O hostel is a long way from the city centre, close to Ostkreuz metro station in the eastern suburbs. There were hundreds of school kids when I was there, which made it noisy. The rooms are large and mixed-sex, though they are clean, have a table in the room, and have lockers for the guests. This is the cheapest hostel in Berlin (to my knowledge), and really quite good. The only slight drawback is the location.
12 of
19 people found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you?
theoaktree
University of York, UK
Receptionist Blind to Disability 30 September 2003
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
theoaktree
saw things this way
Maintenance
(2)
Cleanliness
(2)
Facilities
(2)
Atmosphere
(2)
(Review ID: 3237)
A&O Hostel Boxhagenerstr. is located about a five minute (ten with luggage) walk from the highly confusing Ostkreuz S-Bahn station. When we arrived, and were allocated a room (8 bed) the receptionist completely ignored my visual impairement and the walking difficulties of one of my travelling companions (he uses two sticks and has obvious difficulties when moving about) and gave us keys for the fourth floor - up a seemingly endless flight of steps.The room was okay - very sparse, and lacking in curtains or blinds, but comfortable and reasonably spacious. It had the advantage, however, of wardrobes that could be locked with one's own chain, instead of the hostel-issued padlock.The bar was definately an advantage, as the hostel is situated some way out of the city, and the internet access was convinient, though tended to crash, and used the European style keyboard (the "Y" and "Z" are swapped over).All in all, a reasonable hostel, but nothing to sing and dance about.
9 of
16 people found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you?
musicdisciple
Canada
the worst mattress I've ever met 20 May 2003
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
musicdisciple
saw things this way
Maintenance
(2)
Cleanliness
(2)
Facilities
(2)
Atmosphere
(2)
(Review ID: 3238)
Subject line says it all. It's a huge place, loud and dirty. Nothing special, just lots of beds. Really good döner kebabs nearby but that's about all.
6 of
14 people found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you?
Jeff
California
Cheap and Noisy 24 April 2003
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Jeff
saw things this way
Maintenance
(3)
Cleanliness
(3)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(3)
(Review ID: 3239)
I was happy to find a decently located hostel in Berlin that was so cheap, but in fact, this place is HUGE. It is so big that I was located in a dorm on the 5th floor that could only be accessed by grueling stairs and it did not even begin to get quiet until the early morning hours. There picnic tables were people go to drink and make a lot of noise and the whole building can hear it. The mattresses were filthy and some of the bathrooms were not even marked whether they were male or female.
11 of
17 people found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you?
Hannah Zoe
Eugene, Oregon USA
Cheap yet boring 17 February 2003
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Hannah Zoe
saw things this way
Maintenance
(3)
Cleanliness
(3)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(3)
(Review ID: 3240)
I stayed in this hostel because it was the cheapest in town. But found that no one was staying here cuz everyone was at the Circus. I left and spent the rest of my week there, I could not have been more pleased.
7 of
16 people found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you?
Mike
California
Clean, Cheap & Convenient 2 January 2003
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Mike
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 3241)
Stayed at this place for a few days in August and it was much better than expected. It's in the former east Berlin so there are tons of renewal projects going on in the area. Around the corner is Ostkreuz train station - a major Berlin transportation hub. The neighborhood isn't too pretty, especially at night, but there are a few bars, one of which was just opening and featured an amazing Afro-Cuban Jazz band. Rooms were clean and lockers are available. Friendly and helpful staff. Definitely a good deal!
7 of
18 people found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you?
Anonymous
Melbourne, Australia
Lover Parade 2001 Rocked 23 April 2002
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 3242)
I stayed there for about 5 nights over the duration of the 2001 loveparade, with a group of friends. It was a nice clean place, with good facilities. Great, cheap place to eat just out the front of the joint. Lots of other friendly travellers there to brew on and party with.
13 of
20 people found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you?
Anonymous
Adelaide,Australia
home away from home 11 February 2002
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 3243)
I stayed there for a whole week!very friendly staff,clean and cozy dorm,wonderful kitchen -with nice view over berlin -where everyone meets,close to public transport and just an easy going atmosphere.only bad thing:no elevator....and you have to go up to the 4th floor!!!
10 of
17 people found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you?
Anonymous
Oxford, Ohio, USA
Pretty Good 7 February 2002
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(3)
Cleanliness
(3)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(3)
(Review ID: 3244)
Its a litte way outside the city (to the east) but very close to a local train station. About a 15 minute ride to Zoo Station. Staff was friendly and accepted credit card. Dorms were veru large holding about 15 travelers. However, the 2 nights that I stayed in this Hostel in mid-june I was the only one in my dorm. Area seemed safe. Decent breakfast at an reasonable price.