I am disappointed that I had a negative experience at this hostel, as the service seemed so wonderful at the beginning.

I arrived to the hostel and was warmly greeted by the man working. He was friendly, very helpful, and I felt absolutely great about my choice to stay with them.

Seriously, best service I have had at a hostel in ALL of Italy. The man was a gem, giving suggestions of places to see, eat, travel, etc. I was staying in a shared room for 4 people, and when I arrived my other roommates were gone. He informed me that he didnt have a key for all of us. :-( There was only one shared key for the enitre room. That seemed a little troublesome to me, but I over-looked it, thinking that this seemed like such a friendly place. He then told me that I would have to keep the key in a little drawer in the lobby, which was accessible to anyone who walked in... The last person was to take the key and bring it in the room (on a side note, not having met my other roommates, how was I to know if I would be the last person in? I wasnt aware how many others there were.) Again, I just said, ok, great. And I didnt worry about it.

I had come on a big weekend and the piazza and little town of Atrani was celebrating the Festival of Maddelena. Throughout the night I would go back to my hostel to frshen up, change (as it got chilly at night on the beach) and rest. The outside door was just left ajar, and I would take my key from the drawer and go to my room. (The room itself, did not have complete walls: they did not reach the ceiling, but I didn't mind that. And the shower in the bathroom was just a shower-head on the wall, so it would soak the entire bathroom, so you had to make sure there was nothing in there that would be damaged if wet.)

I went to a great little bar on the beach called Bar Nettuno, and watched the big firework show that they had going for the festival. As the fireworks didnt start until after 12, I was out late. I met some other travelers, and we chatted the night away into the early morning. Before I knew it, it was 4 am! Granted, that is very late, but I was on vacation, and the celebration had gone late...

I didn't expect any problems upon returning to my hostel... however, when I got there, the door was locked. I couldn't get in. :-( I was so worried! There is a button to push for assistance, and fortunately I was let in by the friendly man who had checked me in... I went to say goodbye to my friend to let them know I got there safe and sound, who had seen me safely to my hostel (which is up a few set of stairs) and as I descended the stairs to bid my friend goodbye, the man stuck his head out of a window and said that I couldnt come back! I was shocked and confused... I explained to him, "I just have to say goodbye to my friend." He said, that I woke him up and people are sleeping, and that if I left that I wouldnt be let back in until 8am the next morning. I said, I'm sorry, but I have to say goodbye to my friend...

I walked down to my friend, explained the very peculiar situation that just occured, and we walked up together to make sure that I could get back in, as I was only going to say goodbye, as I had explained to the man who ran the hostel. Not more than 5 minutes had passed, and he had already locked the door again, and I was near tears. I felt so uncomfortable and unwelcomed at that point. Had I not already paid for the room, and if I didn't have my personal belongings inside, I would have walked away. I felt SO very uncomfortable. I felt awful for disturbing the gentlemen, but I had no idea that this would happen. Fortunately, he let me back in, and I begrudgingly headed to my room.

I understand that I arrived late to my hostel, however, if there is a curfew and they lock the door at night, they should INFORM PEOPLE of that. I had no idea. Had I been informed, I would have come back earlier. (And the celebration was late, and up until midnight, the door was still open.)

Like I said, it was very unfortunate. The man was so nice when I first got there, but made me feel so unwelcomed that night... I know I had woken him up, but I didnt know I would be locked out. And I wasn't loud. I am a very quiet and respectful person when people are sleeping. My roommates didn't even stir when I came in the room. It was just because I had to ring for the man to let me in that was so infuriating to him. I felt terrible, but like I said, had I known that was the case about the door, I wouldn't have stayed out that late.

They should have keys for the outside door and the room, for EACH person or group staying. And if getting into the hostel that one has already paid for is dependant on them, they should inform people that they lock the door.

The location, the price, and the original customer service I received was wonderful.... but the issue with the keys, and being locked out made me feel very unwelcomed.

If you plan on traveling there, I highliy recommend the location and the beach is gorgeous. But if you are a night owl, this isn't the place for you.