Pros:
Well organised and the staff have a good attitude
Cons:
Not cheap and can feel cramped
repeater
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(3)
Well, he knows it is the cheapest place in Cluj, but it still feels a little overpriced, not encouraging a longer stay. The old large dorm is not the best place for a peaceful night but the new smaller 6 bed etc. rooms feel less like sleeping in a barn. However they notch the price up a bit for them. Kitchen, no breakfast except coffee included in price. Don't forget to get 5% off for your youth hostel card. When I was there staff were exceptionally positive and helpful, and spoke excellent English to boot. Generally well organised with efficient cleaning and free Internet terminals. There is no real single communal area for people to meet and chat; that would be the best single improvement for the atmosphere in my opinion since the new extension is veering on the institutional model. There is a cellar with a large table downstairs, but it feels kinda claustrophobic and spooky! Overall this is a hostel run by someone who knows what he is doing, quite rare in Romania! Recommended.
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(Review ID: 6636)
Retro Hostel, Almost an institution, April 17, 2006
Reviewer:
Robert Patterson
( rpatter927@aol.com)
from Willamette Valley, Oregon
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
I endorse all the other reviews & emphasize the helpfulness & friendliness of the staff, which will make train & hostel reservations. The Retro is very popular with backpackers & is a good place to meet other travelers. The hostel offers economical & comprehensive tours. However, they leave only when there is a minimum number. Book as far in advance as possible to ensure a place; quite often the tours are canceled due to a lack of people. The Retro is in a quiet part of town & rowdiness is discouraged.
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(Review ID: 6637)
The best place in Cluj-Napoca, November 9, 2005
Reviewer:
pandojunquero@gmail.com
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
i spent just one night there cos the city doesnt worth to spend more time. The hostel is a house where the bunk beds are in the second floor and the free kitchen and reception is just entering. Its 20 min on walk from train station with a huge backpack, otherwise easy to find with a map. You need to pay in romanian notes, and there is a nice breakfast (not the best) and the beathroom is clean and wide with a washing machine and hot water
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3 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 6638)
Top place, top facilities, top staff..., January 19, 2005
Reviewer:
roamingginna
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
I stayed at Retro Hostel more than once over 2003-2004 while in Romania for an extended break.I can quite honestly say that it is the best place I've had the pleasure to stay in. I was made to feel like a friend rather than a punter paying for a bed, and was given the most helpful and accurate advice for the rest of my stay in the country.The place was spotless, facilities more than adequate, and situated well close to the action and attractions of the city.Stay there!!!
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1 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 6639)
One of the great hostels in Europe, January 8, 2005
Reviewer:
jaypandolfo
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
An absolutely unbelievable hostel. Everything here was great. Facilities, staff, location, breakfast etc. etc. It really feels like home. Upon arrival, you are invited to sit on a couch and given cookies and something to drink. An absolutely fantastic hostel in a great city with a great nightlife.
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(Review ID: 6640)
incredibly clean, well located, very friendly, May 5, 2004
Reviewer:
cali
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
What more could you ask for? This hostel is all of the above. The staff are very nice and helpful, everything is clean and new, and there is a nice common room too. It's about a twenty to thirty minute walk from the train station, but there is public transport, and once there, you are central. I found the laundry service to be particularly nice.
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1 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 6641)
Great Place to stay, August 17, 2003
Reviewer:
Ulf
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
We are right now staying in the Retro and we like it very much. It's right in the center of the town. The staff is nice, friendly, helpful and they all speak very good english. The hostel is one of the cleanest i ever stayed in and the bathrooms are state of the art.
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1 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 6642)
Clean and well run by friendly and helpful staff, August 8, 2003
Reviewer:
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
The hostel is clean and tidy and the staff make guests feel welcome. If you need someone to phone a taxi for you or ascertain train times to another town, they are ready to oblige. They also keep a small collection of books, maps, and other items helpful to tourists.
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1 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 6643)
Best Hostel I have EVER stayed in., May 19, 2003
Reviewer:
Li and Jo
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
This hostel was like an oasis after trekking in the soaring heat from the train station. It was spotless, brightly decorated and the staff took time to welcome us with a cup of tea and bickies and went out their way to help us out with onward information (ie ringing the train station for times). Also had a well equipped kitchen and a 5% discount with an under 26 youth card. Worth visiting Cluj just for the hostel!!! 10/10
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1 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 6644)
Swanky and new, January 18, 2003
Reviewer:
rebecca stevenson
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
This hostel is spotless and cheerful, and the hosts are polite and helpful.The price is on par with other European hostels, but pricey as far as Romania goes. You can find lots of pensions and homestays for half the price. It was very empty when we stayed, but had all the dorm beds been occupied it would have been cramped and too close for comfort.Still, not bad if you don't have time to hunt around Cluj.
