Gullivers House


Via Palermo 36, 00184 Roma
Metro Republica
Tel (06) 4817680
Website www.gullivershouse.com




BUG Review
Gulliver's is a very clean hostel but facilities are limited to a TV lounge, although the kitchen opens during winter. It is a quiet hostel that still has a social (but not a party) atmosphere. Movies are shown every night. Although close to Termini station, this hostel is more convenient to the main tourist sights than most other hostels near the main train station.

Booking Restrictions
This hostel has all sorts of rules. Not only do they impose a lockout and curfew, but they have the most restrictive booking regulations of any hostel I know of.

These requirements are as follows:
1) this hostel does not accept online bookings that check in after 2pm;
2) bookings are only accepted for a minimum of two consecutive nights. Booking only one night will invalidate your reservation. Because Hostelbookers and HostelWorld keep the booking deposit, they won't refund your booking fee if you book only one night by mistake;
3) bookings of more than four nights cannot be accepted;
4) you are required to reconfirm your reservation two to three days prior to your arrival;
5) when you reconfirm your reservation you need indicate what time you will be arriving;
6) payments are accepted in cash only.

Backpacking is all about spontaneous independent travel and any hostel or organisation that imposes lockouts, curfews and unreasonable booking restrictions is intent on destroying the spirit of backpacking. To be sure, Gulliver's House is one of Rome's better hostels and even though there are more than 70 hostels in the city it is often necessary to book ahead (particularly in the summertime). But do you really need these sort of restraints when you're travelling?

Book a bed at Gullivers only if you agree to these booking restrictions.

Price
Dorm bed €20
Price includes breakfast

Prices are in euro and are inclusive of all taxes.

Reception Open
6am-2pm & 4pm-1am

Lockers for every dormitory bed TV lounge
 

 Book Gullivers House

Arrival date
Length of stay:
nights
 
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Last Update: November 30, 2008



Travellers' reviews for Gullivers House
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Average Rating based on 57 Reviews
Maintenance  4.63/5  (4.63)
Cleanliness  4.63/5  (4.63)
Facilities  4.63/5  (4.63)
Atmosphere  4.63/5  (4.63)

Compared to other hostels in this destination
Maintenance  3.64/5  (3.64)
Cleanliness  3.65/5  (3.65)
Facilities  3.62/5  (3.62)
Atmosphere  3.64/5  (3.64)



Displaying Reviews: 1 - 10 Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6
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(Review ID: 3534)
 
angry owner = NOT the hostel heaven people say it is, December 3, 2004
Reviewer: seventhspice

Pros: n/a
Cons: n/a

    
Imported Review saw things this way
Maintenance   2.00/5  (2)
Cleanliness   2.00/5  (2)
Facilities   2.00/5  (2)
Atmosphere   2.00/5  (2)

i'm giving gulliver's house 2 stars for its good location (just west of the termini train station), for the friendly, considerate hostellers i met there, and for the cozy decor.

the bad: i am an experienced hosteller, and i have never been treated so poorly by hostel staff members. i felt so uncomfortable around simon, the owner, that i left after one night. i was interrogated and insulted when i walked through the door. although i'd jumped through their complicated reservation hoops to book four nights, he would only put me on the books for one (ominous simon: "i think you will leave tomorrow"). oddly, i was placed in a room with 6 males (i'm a girl). i can understand how things like this happen when a place is booked, but there were beds open in the other room, which was mixed. at best, i question the wisdom of the placement and at worst, i think it was intended to make me uncomforable. simon also entered our room at around 10pm to yell at us about who slept in what bed, a very intimidating scene. even for a self-proclaimed friendly, familial hostel, coming into our room that late is odd... but yelling at hostellers is simply un-called for. all of us were stressed out over his behavior, which is not what i was looking for while in beautiful rome!

more concrete proof this guy acted like a jerk and knew it? when i left the morning after the first night, he threw my 20 euro back in my face and told me i didn't have to pay.

finally, do not underestimate the closeness of the quarters and the lack of bathroom facilities. for 16 beds, there are two toilets, one of which is in the same room as the one shower. i could barely get in to go to the toilet in the morning, much less shower. breakfast is one gross pastry and a coffee machine token.

overall, an almost-scary experience. i would never go back, there are too many other good hostels in rome.
 
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 3535)
 
Great location and very clean, October 27, 2004
Reviewer: nicv

Pros: n/a
Cons: n/a

    
Imported Review saw things this way
Maintenance   4.00/5  (4)
Cleanliness   4.00/5  (4)
Facilities   4.00/5  (4)
Atmosphere   4.00/5  (4)

I couldn't have found a hostel in a better location. 10 minutes walk from the coliseum and 45 from the Vatican. It was very clean and friendly. Breakfast is free and good. They have small lockers for your wallet and camera, but a large bag or backpack wouldn't fit. They'll tell you where the greatest shopping spots are and give you a map with the hot spots highlighted.

I found that almost every American there was asked by one of the owners, to allow him to have things purchased by internet and sent to thier US address and then have the American bring it to him. Usually just t-shirts or things he bought on Ebay, but it was a real pain for a few people who felt obligated since they were staying at his place. However he did give them a bottle of wine as a thank you and he is very friendly and probably wouldn't mind if you said you couldn't do it for him. It was a bit of a pain for most and caused some uncomfortable moments, especially when he waits until the last minute to order the box and it doesn't arrive before you leave, or he says it will be a shoebox and it's a huge box and there is no way you can carry it.

All in all it was a great place, but don't be surprised when your asked to do a favor that becomes a pain. I would just say you can't do it and then you'll have a great time at a great hostel with no worries! Really....say no and it'll still be a great stay!
 
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 3536)
 
very special hostel, August 30, 2004
Reviewer: melburnt

Pros: n/a
Cons: n/a

    
Imported Review saw things this way
Maintenance   5.00/5  (5)
Cleanliness   5.00/5  (5)
Facilities   5.00/5  (5)
Atmosphere   5.00/5  (5)

This is one of the best hostels I ever stayed in. What makes a hostel a very special hostel? A special hostel can provide you with a city map. A very special hostel provides you with a map where all the attractions and main streets, internet cafe... are marked already. At a special hostel you can watch free (English) DVDs in the evening. At a very special hostel you eventually get popcorn while watching. I think it's just the little extras that make this hostel so special!

No washing mashine and I think you can't use the kitchen. That takes the hostel back from 6 to 5 stars... :-)
 
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(Review ID: 3537)
 
"Rome's Warmest Welcome!" Lives up its slogan, August 22, 2004
Reviewer: bluefox808

Pros: n/a
Cons: n/a

    
Imported Review saw things this way
Maintenance   4.00/5  (4)
Cleanliness   4.00/5  (4)
Facilities   4.00/5  (4)
Atmosphere   4.00/5  (4)

This was the third hostel I stayed in during my 12-country backpacking trip through Europe.

The single biggest asset of Gullivers House is its owners, Simon and Sara. They make you feel like you're staying over at the house of your favorite aunt and uncle.

The picture doesn't really do the rooms justice. They are much nicer in person. The beds were the cleanest and most comfortable ones I slept in while in Europe. Breakfast is always a delicious pastry delivered that morning, with a token for their capuccino machine. The dining area has a funky cool cafe vibe.

The showers are a bit small and there's only one for boys and one for girls. But it was great to not have to hold down a button or hold the showerhead in my hand!

The rules can be a hassle, but it's a great way to screen out bad guests. I made more cool friends at Gullivers House than any other hostel I stayed in. Because it's so small, even shyness won't prevent you from socializing.

When you first arrive, Simon will give you a free map. He takes a highlighter to the places you should go and marks where the hostel is. I never got lost, and that says a lot since Rome was one of the most confusing cities to navigate.

If you're still hesitant about staying here, know this: Gullivers House was the only hostel I visited that had walls of framed postcards from happy former guests.
 
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 3538)
 
You will never find better----It just can't be done!, July 26, 2004
Reviewer: Bonnie

Pros: n/a
Cons: n/a

    
Imported Review saw things this way
Maintenance   5.00/5  (5)
Cleanliness   5.00/5  (5)
Facilities   5.00/5  (5)
Atmosphere   5.00/5  (5)

Simon and Sara of Gulliver's House, Rome Italy are bar none the finest people I have had the privelege to stay with. They have followed their dreams, excelled in their customer services and make strangers in a far from home place feel welcome, safe, entertained and simply put: AT HOME. Once one stays at Gulliver's House one feels always at home. Sincere warmth. Now, for this native Texan I can call Rome my HOME. That alone should tell it's own....THEY LET A TEXAN STAY THERE! That's true hospitality! ; ) Now, Ramon....Ramon....tsk tsk tsk don't you know by now that the savvy can see through your jealous, malice driven envy? Ramon! Why do you lie? Ramon, you should be shamed by your devious and false claims about such fine people in Simon and Sara. But, as the Budda says, Ramon....either DO---or DO NOT. To the poor heart of Ramon: you have made clear choices. You seem as though you are a person of shallow substance. I for one hope change seeks you. Perhaps...if all of us took only one page out of the HOW TO BE A SUCCESS by Simon and Sara we could begin our quest for excellence, too. Tsk. Ramon...tsk. Watch and learn Ramon.

My very best care and fellowship to Simon and Sara in Rome. May your lives be full of joy, discovery and may all those who welcome you to their homes show you equal measure of kindness. Of course, you are always welcome in my home, or any of my family's homes... May your days be shining with infinite smiles, laughter and ease! Ciao Ciao and Adios!!

--Bonnie from Austin, Texas. USA.

Still keeping Austin wierd!

--Yes, George W. Country....but we do have other things to bragggg about, ; )

Lance Armstrong ROCKS!!!! Rocks like Black Sabbath!

TEXAS = 6 FRANCE=0

And, Congratulations to Ivan Basso! Bravo! BRAVO

Ivan Ivan Ivan Ivan....
 
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 3539)
 
Clean and quiet, June 29, 2004
Reviewer: enaxor

Pros: n/a
Cons: n/a

    
Imported Review saw things this way
Maintenance   4.00/5  (4)
Cleanliness   4.00/5  (4)
Facilities   4.00/5  (4)
Atmosphere   4.00/5  (4)

After reading all the good reviews about Gullivers House, I expected something exceptional, but I was disappointed. Most of what has been said was true (the place is clean, well located, Simon and Sara are very helpful, the dogs are cute, etc) but while it was a good hostel, it really wasnt anything to write home about.

As mentionned by the bugeurope reviewer, there are some strict rules and limitation at Gullivers House (curfew, lock out, check in times, no kitchen in summer) but since we were looking for a quiet place to sleep after a long day of visiting, this was perfect for us. It really wasnt a big party place (the common room is tiny and closes at midnight. It is really only used for breakfast and movie nights) but that was fine with me.

The only thing I didnt like was the fact that the dorm rooms were large (8 people per room, while most other hostel I stayed at had 4-6. It was co-ed too)

Overall, it was a good place and I would probably have given it a 5 stars if my expectations hadnt been so high because of the comments on this site.

I would go back there any time.
 
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(Review ID: 3540)
 
Friendly, homey hostel in rome, April 7, 2004
Reviewer: bryan

Pros: n/a
Cons: n/a

    
Imported Review saw things this way
Maintenance   5.00/5  (5)
Cleanliness   5.00/5  (5)
Facilities   5.00/5  (5)
Atmosphere   5.00/5  (5)

Gulliver's House almost doesn't feel like a hostel, it feels like someone's home. I stayed there for five nights in early April 2004, and had a great time. The atmosphere here is unlike any hostel I've ever been in, and I've been in quite a few. The rooms are big and light, the place is really clean, and the staff (Simon) are incredibly nice. One night he actually made dinner for four of us! I would recommend this hostel to anyone, hands down. The place is really quiet and laid back, so if you're looking to party, this probably isn't the best place for you. As much as I liked it there, the place isn't perfect, and there were a few small downsides to staying here: there are only two bathrooms, so it's pretty busy in the morning, and the hot water is kind of finicky; the lockout period is kind of long (noon-4pm); you have to pay 1 to use the kitchen. But despite those little things, I would still rate this place as one of the nicest hostels I've ever stayed at. Oh, be sure to pet the dogs too, they're wicked cute.
 
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 3541)
 
Good Location, but no good hostel, March 30, 2004
Reviewer:

Pros: n/a
Cons: n/a

    
Anonymous saw things this way
Maintenance   2.00/5  (2)
Cleanliness   2.00/5  (2)
Facilities   2.00/5  (2)
Atmosphere   2.00/5  (2)

I stay there for 3 nights. The hostel is very good locatet (near a bus stop, quite). The rooms are big and nice, but don`t look up. The dogs come every time in your room and sometimes at your bed.

The breakfast is not very good (coffee from an automat, bad croissants). Two Bathrooms for the hole hostel. It`s not allowed to eat at the room.

I will never stay again at Gulliver`s House.
 
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 3542)
 
STAY WITH A FRIEND - STAY AT GULLIVERS HOUSE, December 12, 2003
Reviewer:

Pros: n/a
Cons: n/a

    
Anonymous saw things this way
Maintenance   5.00/5  (5)
Cleanliness   5.00/5  (5)
Facilities   5.00/5  (5)
Atmosphere   5.00/5  (5)

Are you tired of dirty, cramped, institutional hostels filled with drunken teenagers? Look no further -- Gulliver's House is the place for you. At Gulliver's House, you feel like you're staying in someone's home. It features lovely bathrooms with plenty of hot water, super-clean beds and linens, a living room and adorable puppies to play with. Your hosts Simon and Sara formerly worked in five-star hotels and have added those little "touches" that make this more than a hostel -- hairdryers, lockers in every room, personalized sightseeing recommendations and useful maps, a devotion to cleanliness, DVD movies played every night, topped off by delicious gourmet croissants every morning. Your attentive staff wants to make this your best possible stay; they'll even make sure you're awake to catch your train in the morning. Gulliver's House is outstanding and I recommend it without reservation. Speaking of reservations, make your reservation promptly because this idyllic place books up fast. Nice people stay here.
 
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 3543)
 
excellent, December 2, 2003
Reviewer: Hannah Adams

Pros: n/a
Cons: n/a

    
Imported Review saw things this way
Maintenance   5.00/5  (5)
Cleanliness   5.00/5  (5)
Facilities   5.00/5  (5)
Atmosphere   5.00/5  (5)

best hostel i ever stayed in, the company was great, the environment was great--very flexible and helpful staff. nowhere else will you find such accomodating and willing people, they truly seem to enjoy running the hostel and are excellent at what they do!

i am submitting this to counter the review below, as it is a little silly and should not be taken seriously, considering all of this wonderful feedback. gullivers is THE best place to stay in rome.
 
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