The overall experience is mixed, but our stay (Fri-Sun) meant we had to deal with the main downside of hostelling - the rowdy weekend groups and no enforcement of the quiet-time rules. Three sleepless nights definitely left us feeling a little blue.
Location: Hostel Blues is conveniently situated at the edge of the Old Town - within a minute's walk to a large Tesco (food and clothing etc) with various tram and bus stops within 250 metres. On foot, it is 10-15 minutes to the passenger pontoon where you can take a 90 minute journey up the Danube to Vienna; 15 minutes to the bus terminal under the New Bridge; and approximately 25 minutes using main roads up to the city's central rail station.
Facilities: The common areas were fairly clean and included a communal kitchen, dining room, chill out room and main reception lounge on the first floor. A laundry and bike storage area were in the basement (unused on this journey, so can't comment on either). Wi-fi was available on the first floor only, which also had three desktop terminals for relatively quick and free internet access. Sheets and (small) towels were provided. Reception, for the most part, was helpful with directions and transport queries.
Experience: Our trip was marred mainly by sleeplessness due to overly expressive neighbours in the adjacent rooms. The hostel rules (printed and framed in the rooms) asked for courtesy between the hours of 10pm and 6am - and by 3am we were sorely tested not only by loud talking, but by the repeated banging of doors and poor insulation (the main apartment and then each individual room). This situation was reported to reception at the time and nothing was done. We did find out ourselves afterwards that the dorm group in our apartment were only provided with a single room key, which was the reason for much of the noise. We were also horrified as we found on arrival a smear of faeces on the bathroom wall, underneath the toilet roll dispenser.
We were a couple on a long weekend, exploring a new city and its culture. We always stay in hostels to meet fellow travellers and find that these are usually well located and we have pleasant experiences. However, after staying at Hostel Blues I would suggest to find somewhere else if you are in the same boat. You can look around to pay roughly the same amount for a nearby hotel instead. The comfort and ambient noise levels will make it worthwhile.
[We stayed in a twin/double room (Barcelona A) on the 5th floor which had an ensuite (shower and toilet) and television.]
