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Farset International Hostel – reviews, photos

466 Springfield Rd., Belfast BT12 7DW, Northern Ireland
Hotel amenities
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4.0 of 5 stars 16 Reviews
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16 reviews from our community

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Lakeland, Florida
1 review
“You will be very happy that you stayed here!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 October 2010

I loved staying at Farset so much I came back three years running! The staff is friendly, the rooms comfortable, and the location is handy to tourist travel. The rooms have two singles beds, ensuite baths, and clean, clean, clean. Big surprise this year as there is now flat screan TVs in each room. They serve great cooked breakfasts and will serve/save you lunch or dinner with advance notice.
Need travel advice or want bus or train times? The front desk folks will be on it in a flash. I highly recommend Farset International for short or long term stays for individuals or families.

  • Stayed October 2010, travelled on business
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask kimk310 about Farset International Hostel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Dublin
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
“Sleep Friday, No Sleep Saturday”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 July 2010
1
person found this review helpful

Slept no problem Friday night, got no sleep Saturday night prior to a long drive home next day. Crowd came in at 3.30 and decided that their need to continue the party outweighed anybody elses right to be able to sleep. Not much point in asking them to quieten or at reception for that matter.
If you don't mind, fair enough, otherwise it's too hit and miss and therefore not much value for money.

  • Stayed July 2010, travelled with friends
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 1 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Onee about Farset International Hostel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
bristol
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Why did I go there?”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 December 2009

I'd been before and wonder why I went back. The rooms are basic but clean on arrival. That is the cleanest they get as they are rarely serviced which means that the cups are not cleaned, the teas/coffees are not replenished, the bin is not emptied etc etc. The staff are pleasant enough but don't seem to do anything except smoke in the dining room which is grim to start with. Local kids use the place in the evening as a hang out place and the staff also use it as a party venue on a weekend 'til 4 in the morning. The only thing going for the place is that it is close to where I need to be but I won't be going back that's for sure

  • Stayed December 2009, travelled solo
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 2 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 2 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 2 of 5 stars Service
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Ask freddymercuryBristol about Farset International Hostel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Sweden
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
“Basic, good value accommodation with nice staff”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 October 2009

This hostel is a good option especially if you have your own transport, because it is on the outskirts of Belfast, with secure parking. We wanted something clean and basic, that didn't cost too much, and that's exactly what we got. My partner and I had a twin room with ensuite bathroom. There are no double rooms, but we knew that before, so that was fine. If I remember correctly there is free internet in reception, but I'm not sure.
Liked:
It's clean.
The staff were friendly and helpful.
The included continental breakfast was very good, with a lot of different options (As good as most hotel breakfasts.). And if you want a fry, it only cost about £2 extra.
As expected for a hostel, there are no hairdryers in the rooms, but you can borrow one from reception.
The hostel and parking is secure, with gates that are locked at night.
Disliked: The rooms are very basic, and rather dated.
Our room smelled of cheap men's perfume. I don't know if they use some dodgy-smelling cleaning products, or if the guests before us had just overindulged.
One of the beds was nearly falling apart.

  • Stayed July 2009, travelled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 2 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask SwedeLisa about Farset International Hostel
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Washington
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
“Modest accommodation, friendly staff - great value!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 July 2009

Forget your preconceptions of hostels when you stay here. "Hostel" conjures images of dorm-style bunks and drunken college-age revelers. Farset is an inter-community center that hosts all sorts of groups and educational activities, while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere for its guests. You'll stay in a modest hotel-style room and be catered to by the knowledgeable and friendly staff. While I was there, guests ranged from college students studying the conflict in Northern Ireland to a couple of older British women on holiday.

The rooms in Farset are like modest hotel rooms. You can pick either a single or double room, with ensuite bath, small tv, tea kettle, and a selection of tea and coffee to make in your room. (TV watchers note - tvs are about 12" and receive only a handful of channels.) Rooms facing the wildfowl preserve are best. Avoid the lower level rooms 101-104, which are across from the shared kitchen and laundry. Wi-fi is available, but is only accessible in a few rooms - most guests will need to access it in the public areas.

While they advertise a restaurant, hours and service are a little unpredictable (that's why I marked "restaurant" as "not sure"). I've gone down for breakfast or lunch to find out that they hadn't put out much that day or had decided not to serve lunch. If you ask the front desk staff, they'll set you up, however - finding something in the kitchen or recommending a place to eat. The restaurant photos on their website are far more posh than what it really is. It's very, very basic and minimally maintained.

The staff are friendly, educated about Belfast and about current issues, and can help you make the most of your experience, whether you're looking to take a tour of the murals or find cheap eats downtown.

Don't be daunted by its location outside the city center. Access to city is quick and easy - two bus lines stop directly outside the hostel and cab fare into the city center is only about 6 pounds. Note that you will probably want to take cabs at night and on Sundays, when there is no bus service. All the cabbies seem to know the place - you only need to ask for "Farset International on Springfield Road" to be dropped off. Walkers can get to the city center in about 40-45 minutes.

If you're looking for posh accommodation a stone's throw from tourist sites, skip Farset. However, if you're looking for a nice place to stay and want to save money on accommodation (so you can spend more of it at those tourist sites), I recommend Farset.

  • Stayed July 2009, travelled on business
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Additional Information about Farset International Hostel

466 Springfield Rd., Belfast BT12 7DW, Northern Ireland
Price range (per night):* INR2,118 - 2,954

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4.0 of 5 stars 16 reviews
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