Great location, good staff, good breakfast, November 13, 2005
Reviewer:
TimP
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(4)
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(4)
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(4)
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(4)
A good hostel very near the centre of Krakow. Most of the photos on Bling Bling's website are accurate enough, and the locker facilities are good. The 10-bed dorms are a little, um, cozy, but manageable. The washrooms are as "new" as the photos demonstrate, and are decently clean.Cooking facilities are limited. There is a fridge to store cold stuff, but there just isn't enough space for many people to cook. True, there are enough decent restaurants nearby. The breakfast in the cafe next door is good.The Internet computer was down on the nights of my visit, but that may be a random thing. There are plenty of Internet cafes in Krakow's main square, anyway. The shower's hot water is a little finicky, but the hostel staff is usually able to fix the problem. An overall good hostel in a fabulous Polish city. The nightlife (from clubbing, to jazz cafes) is great. Krakow's Wawel castle is fun. I've heard mixed reviews about the salt mines. Auschwitz is a must, and you should definitely _not_ take a tour. _Do_ take a _train_ to Oswiecim, and be ready for the most sombre day of your life. Anyway, Bling Bling is a good base for the sights around Krakow.
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(Review ID: 2765)
Ok, but had its weaknesses, October 31, 2005
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Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(3)
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(3)
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(3)
Atmosphere
(3)
I stayed at Bling Bling on the basis of good reviews. I was relatively satisfied with my stay there but it could have been better. The dorms were ok, but the smallness of the hostel (not in itself a bad thing) meant that it was difficult to get much peace on a night when trying to sleep, as all dorms faced onto reception, the lounge or some other communal area. On the friday that I was there I was constantly interrupted by noise from such areas and from drunken guests rolling into the dorm in the early hours making a racket, talking loudly and so on. Another weakness was that the showers never seemed to have hot water - I know they say if you tell reception it'll be on straight away, but thats hardly convenient when you've undressed and gotten into the thing.That aside the facilities were good - free internet, breakfast next door - and the staff friendly. They operate tours to Auschwitz and the Salt Mines, but in hindsight you may be better taking a local bus as not only is it cheaper but you can operate to your own schedule, without having to worry about being back at the minibus for a certain time.
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(Review ID: 2766)
Good but could be better, September 22, 2005
Reviewer:
Lawrence G
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Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
This hostel is quite well located to the north of old town, about 400m from the train/bus station (when they arent being repaired and thus move 3 miles away!). The atmosphere was a little bit opressive- the entrance/reception area is nicely decorated but a bit dark, and the common room shuts at night as its next to a dorm room- there isnt really anywhere else you can sit and chat/drink.Breakfast was free and one of the best ive had in a hostel- a buffet at the cafe Eton next door (which is also good for traditional mid-afternoon polish meals). Bathrooms were roughly one per dorm of 10 beds which is about right, and the laundry was reasonably priced. Limited kitchen facilities though- and there were lots of noisy party girls staying in our dorm (although they did have aversion to clothing at some points!).This is nearly an excellent stay, but not quite!
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(Review ID: 2767)
With a name like this, it's gotta be good!, March 23, 2005
Reviewer:
David
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Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
I was very impressed by this hostel, even though I only picked it 'cos it had a cool sounding name! I really enjoyed my time here. The staff were extremely helpful, and were a real laugh. There's a really nice social area, with a TV and DVD player, which was used pretty much every evening. The rooms are always clean, breakfast is provided, and is pretty nice (for a youth hostel!). The location is great, really close to the town centre and to the train station. Highly recommended!
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(Review ID: 2768)
This place ruled!, December 11, 2004
Reviewer:
jaypandolfo
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Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
I really liked this hostel. It's easy to find from the train station and only about 4 or 5 minutes from the main square. The vibe is really, really relaxed. There are travellers there from all over the world, all drinking beer and chatting together in the lounge. The staff are very helpful as well. When I was there in June, some of facilities such as the toaster oven and the washing machine were broken, but that doesn't seem to have been a problem for anyone else. The only problem I had with the place was that the dorms were really small and cramped, but ultimately it's not that big a deal since the vibe is so laid back. The Krakow hostel scene is really competitive, so if you make your past the touts at the train station, go to Bling Bling. You won't be sorry.
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(Review ID: 2769)
Everything you want, nothing you don't, November 21, 2004
Reviewer:
PhunkyFeelOne
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Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
Just spent 3 nights in the dorm at Bling Bling, included in the 45zl price per night was:- Internet (Broadband, 1 terminal), - Laundry (wash & dry, Powder is 5zl if you need it)- Breakfast (Toast, jam, tea, coffee)- Locker (in room, 10zl refundable deposit)Hostel facilities include:- Communal fridge, clean and big- Very clean and modern bathrooms, constant hot water- 24 reception, no lockout- sheets, pillow cover- Towel hire (2zl)- Drinks (soft drinks) available 24hr, - 24hr Alcohol shop just around the corner!- Nice, friendly, helpful staffVery nice stay, highly recommended Hostel!
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(Review ID: 2770)
i love this place, October 29, 2004
Reviewer:
expat
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(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
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(5)
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(5)
this is without a doubt the best hostel i have ever stayed in. great mix of travelers, free laundry, free internet, they have some dvds but you can also rent some acrossed the street, and the friendliest hostel staff i have ever delt with. the staff will help you with anything you need, from arranging tours, to finding a doctor to come to the hostel if you get sick(this happend to someone while i was there).some people were a bit put off by the 2 bathrooms for 30 people, but i honestly never had to wait more than 5 minutes for a shower in morning. really wasnt an issue.two little tips, the complimentary breakfast is basically just bread and jam, not really worth getting up for. and if you read alot bring a reading lamp, it really dosent have the best lighting. (though the girl at reception saw me reading and was nice enough to bring me an extra lamp.)the location is great, they have nice big lockers, and a great atmosphere. i will definately be back.
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(Review ID: 2771)
Small but nice place to stay, September 30, 2004
Reviewer:
travel_kamikaze80
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n/a
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Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
Small hostel with only 30 beds, but nice to socialise. They are very welcoming and the rooms are clean and quite. There are lockers in the bedrooms. The bathrooms are very clean and new. They have a basic kitchen (just microwave) and a nice lounge area. Its also very central.
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(Review ID: 2772)
One of the best, August 8, 2004
Reviewer:
kentishgirl
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Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
This is a fantastic hostel, we arrived on an overnight train and arrived at the hostel around 6am, our beds were not ready but the staff could not have been more helpful. Free internet access on a weird monitor set in the wall! The hostel is clean, comfortable with brilliant staff and a really great atmosphere.The beds are large and comfortable, the common area clean and tidy with books and magazines to read.The kitchen is modern, the washing machine was not available when we were here which was a shame and there was no hob in the kitchen, otherthan that its a clean place to make cold snacks.The bathrooms are the best! The showers are big and clean its all very new and modern.The location is superb, 5 minutes walk to the train station and buses and then 5 minutes in the other direction to Rynek Glowny.I will definatly be staying here again- without a doubt.
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(Review ID: 2773)
fits its name, March 22, 2004
Reviewer:
jess
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Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
Small, welcoming place. open 24hours. Everything was in really good condition and the free laundry, free internet, free breakfast and tea cant be argued with. No stove was the only down side. The hostel was in a good neighborhood and an easy walk from the center. Nice place to stay.
