top of europe is an understatment, January 26, 2006
Reviewer:
craigo
( craigotheyobo@hotmail.com)
from Melbourne, Australia
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(5)
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(5)
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(5)
Being a backpackers with over 300 beds Balmers is more like a little town within a town, they have their own shop with food, cloths and an endless supply of swiss army knifes, also tickets to almost anything from skydiving to skiing and rock climbing can also be bought at the front desk. The beds are extremely cosey, especialy after a long train to get there but even more so that all the bunks are right next to each other so if you dont mind making a new bed friend then youll be ok. Their bar serves up the free breakfast in the morning and other various meals during the day but most importantly its home to the evening happy hour. All up its no wonder this is rated one of the best backpackers in Europe because with room for over 300 people your sure to make some great friends anytime of the year. I only had three small problems while i was there, 1 the 30 second push button showers, 2 the dorm lockout during the day and lastly 3 having the cleaner throw all my bags and belongings out into the backyard and stealing my video camera (later reterned)
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(Review ID: 5854)
GREAT ATMOSPHERE!!! I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! :-), January 15, 2006
Reviewer:
jackienugter@yahoo.com.au
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n/a
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Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
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(5)
This hostel wasn't the cleaniest I have seen, but it had the best atmosphere!! Everyone (staff and fellow travellers) were all so friendly! I have never met nicer people in my travels. Don't freak out when you see the showers (like my friend and I did) they really aren't that bad. The yard has a lifesize chess set, ping pong table, and deck chairs, so it was really fun to hang out there in the afternoons. They do have a lock out period during the day where you cant be in the dorms, but it didn't really make a difference because we were always out doing or exploring something! Even if you're not into hard core partying this place is still fantastic! If you stay here hire a scooter from next door and go on a day trip. Trust me, it was the highlight of my whole trip!!!
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(Review ID: 5855)
Worst hostel experience in Europe, January 11, 2006
Reviewer:
Jon
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(1)
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(1)
I made reservations over 3 months in advance, when we got there, checked in and got our room. It was a major frat party going on all over the place, no worries I'm used to them after the states. I was a bartender, and love partying too. We set up our beds, and head off to "funny farm" to meet some other packers our way.Come back home, around 3 or so. And there are 2 guys sleeping in our bed, we try to wake them up, and realize there is barf all over our beds. We get our stuff, and tell the security guard, or whatever he calls himself. He tries to get them up, and tells us to sleep on the back-packing racks outside.Get up at 7 or so, by some woman that works there shaking us. Saying it's now time to get up and help clean, and go over today's possible ($$$) activities. Go to front desk, tell them what happened. And they deney our 3 day refund, since we said we wanted to leave. Literally, the worst hostel experience I went through in 5 months in Europe. And I'm american, love to party, and don't mind frats.
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(Review ID: 5856)
"Different Strokes for Different Folks", December 25, 2005
Reviewer:
Katie
( fran0527@d.umn.edu)
from Minnesota, U.S.A.
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(4)
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(4)
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(4)
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(4)
I stayed at Balmer's in August of 2004 and had a wonderful time. While I am an American, I try to avoid Americans while traveling. This is not the place to do it, but still, my stay was wonderful. I'm not big on partying, but I met great people and danced one night in the Metro Bar. Just keep in mind that if you are not up for a party atmosphere, don't stay here--or at least, don't go down to the bar. Interlaken is beautiful, and Balmer's provides info on great extreme sports! This was one of the favorite places I stayed in Europe. Believe me, for those of you who think it's dirty, you can do much worse.
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(Review ID: 5857)
Party, June 28, 2005
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Anonymous
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Maintenance
(4)
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(4)
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(4)
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(4)
this is a party hostel. keep that in mind before you get here and you'll be fine. not the place to get a good night's rest. the previous reviews are all pretty accurate. the place is clean enough. lots of noise here. one of my room's was located in the bathroom/shower area with a shady curtain and a beaming light through the window. no lie. another night it was outside that area but the wood floors are mad creaky and the steps loud. the lockout is a pain but that's what the cool activities are for. get on it! i did the skydiving which is a major dent to the wallet but one cannot put into words the feeling of jumping out a plane over the swiss alps. i heard the canyoning and ice climbing were awesome as well. a few wash/dry machines. a bunch of internet machines. plenty of lounge/social areas inside and out. this place made me think of a post college summer camp with a gang of kids from the US, it had a spring break feeling. the downstairs bar/club is cool. people bouncing back and forth between Balmer's and Funny Farm. the staff friendly enough. the dinner-grill here during happy hour is good and prices compared to around town cheap. if you don't get a room inside there will most likely be space in the tent areas outside. word is that it was a bit cold at night in the tents and bit of a walk from balmer's but doable. also heard if u stay 4 nights in a row at balmer's that 4th is free. come here knowing what to expect and it's all good.
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(Review ID: 5858)
Awesome!! Friendly, Clean and Fun!!!, June 10, 2005
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Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
This is probably one of the cleanest hostels I have stayed in. The guy that commented before probably was fired, and wants to get back at Balmer's. I went upstairs during the lock-out and I saw them cleaning. Believe me, it's better than most places. It has so much fun stuff to do, all within the shortest distance, from adrenalin filled stuff like Skydiving to just hiking or simply enjoying the scenery. The staff are great and very helpful and friendly. A real must on your travels!!!!
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(Review ID: 5859)
PARTY in NATURE, May 6, 2005
Reviewer:
bgrunberg@hotmail.com
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(4)
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(4)
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(4)
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(4)
Balmers is definately the place to stay while in Interlaken. It has everything you would want (pretty much); Nice homie atmosphere, full kitchen, courtyard, 'gift shop,' extreme sports, TV/Lounge, large rooms, and.....a NIGHT CLUB with full bar. Definately a nice touch. If you're in the right mood and want to party while there, you will have an unforgetable time, and if you're not, you'll still have a great time, there's something for everyone.Here is a picture:http://community.webshots.com/photo/33149438/66624336lokauV
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(Review ID: 5860)
The best hostel in Interlaken, April 23, 2005
Reviewer:
Ravi
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(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
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(5)
I really appreciate the hostel and staff and The friends I made over my stay. Its one of the best hostel and I did enjoy my birthday party over there and reccommend to every one who wants to party and make loads of friends. I say one thing go there and enjoy your stay, You will for sure love to visit it again..so will I
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(Review ID: 5861)
Amazing!!!, October 18, 2004
Reviewer:
joannelisa
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Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
If you want to have fun and meet people this is the place to be! My friends and I had an amazing time at Balmers. We stayed 4 nights and were sad to leave. The only thing I wasn't keen on was the showers but everything else more than makes up for it! This is what all hostels should be like. Just remember not to make noise outside after 10pm! Would definitely recommend this to anyone that likes to have fun and party!! The staff were cool too and the rooms are clean. The complimentary breakfast was decent and you can buy a hot breakfast if you want. Enjoy the bar!!!
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(Review ID: 5862)
Incredible! Balmer's has everything you could want!, July 8, 2003
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Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
Interlaken was our favorite place in Europe! We stayed in a private which I recommend because it sounds like the dorms are packed. Also if you have a private there is no lock out. Balmer's has fantastic kitchen facilities and is close to a market. The activities offered by Balmer's are the best part, there is something for everyone. We went river rafting but if I had more money I would have gone canyoning or skydiving too. We had a great time on the river and our all of the guides were HOTTIES! We rented a scootcar from Daniels next door and drove to the falls in Lauterbrannun - it's so amazing there. I want to move to Interlaken! I'm not the only one so taken by Interlaken's hold, many of the people who live there now are former travelers who "got stuck" in Interlaken. We had friends staying at Funny Farm down the street and it was not nearly as cool as Balmers. The hostel is huge and leaves little to be desired. It is clean, friendly, and fun. Take my advice and give yourself 3 or 4 nights here at least!
