For my monthly post (just to keep the blog "active")
Youth Hostel Supplement
Charlie Rockets - Bruges, Belgium - I stayed at Charlie Rockets because the recommended hostel in Ghent (all of them at the time actually) had no vacancies. Turned out that was a blessing because I felt like I got all I needed on a quick stop. Bruges is phenomenal city. The hostel leaves a little to be desired. Shared key (still not sure how this works w/r/t people trying to get in... I always dropped it off), questionable breakfasts and the fact that it doubles as a smoky bar means you should only stay there if something else isn't available. One of the worst (again, not saying much, they were all acceptable) hostels I was at. However, it had some really decent Belgian ales on tap downstairs, including Lindemann's Framboise and Kriek if memory serves. Centrally located. 14 Euros a night or so.
The Wombat - Vienna, Austria - I loved the one in Munich, so my expectations were high. It wasn't quite as good, but it was also the first one. Apparently they got a new one coming called the lounge which I bet is great. All things considered, one of the better hostels I was at. Friendly helpful staff, and a location that can not be beat. A local restaurant Mozart Strube offers cheap (5 Euros) good Schnitzel until 2am. Around 20 Euros a night.
Frankfurt HauptBahnHof - Frankfurt, Germany - After getting off at the Mannheim trainstation accidently on my way back from Koln. I ended up on a slow train to Frankfurt which made me miss a connection to Bad Hersfeld. The station has a Red Cross mission that is safe, and they offer you tea and crackers. Lots of train stations in Germany have this, which beats the hell out of trying to sleep with one eye open. Free!
Avalon House - Dublin, Ireland - Dublin was a much scarier city than I thought it would be, at least at night. Ask me where the hostel is? Beats me. Apparently it is great. My room smelled like a lockerroom. The breakfast was decent, and I think it was cheap compared to its peers 20 Euros or so.
Beleek Homestead - Beleek, Ireland The best accomodations in Ireland, the caveat is you need to be related ;) Free!
Oliver St John Gogaharty - Dublin, Ireland - This hostel/hotel is in the Temple Bar area which is real touristy and most Dubliners avoid. The atmosphere is great, but beware of pickpockets. For one night, it was fine, and the beds were pretty decent.
I think I figured I spent about 10 days at the two Wombat hostels. I even got a shirt from their vending machine. I also figured I spent almost 3 days in Aying. That is more time than I spent in Madrid, Torino, Venice, Paris and Rome! I think my priorities were a little askew ;)
--Joey
