We only can take shower and use water in toilets from 8 to 11am and 7 to 9:30 pm. During the day time there is water on the roof but not in toilets. Sometimes the electricity and water were both turned off while I took shower. The most serious problem is that it is NOT SAFE there. My friend's laptop was stolen recently and she is the only one who lives in the room, which means only the staff got the key of the room. After her computer was stolen, the manager of this hostel refused to investigate!!! Please consider seriously before you book this hostel. And also the staffs in this hostel please find my friends' computer for her, otherwise I will keep reporting the event.

From the outside this hostel looks a bit like a prison... but still I would strongly recommend to go to this place because it's cheap. The staff is honest and helpfull. The safari's the offer are not expensive, it;s customized for people with a small budget.
The internet is cheap (other hostels are way more expensive with internet). You can have a great meal across the street, en it;s about 30 minutes from the city (on foot). Although I've been to more cosy hostels in the past... it felt a bit like home, because it's a great place to arrange things for your holiday!

I shared a room with someone who'd been staying there for 3months (who was studying nearby), the room was tiny and pretty grimmy, I didn't touch the sheets. Cold showers with no locks on doors and the toilets didn't lock either. People at the desk were nice although I think be wary. I booked a coach through them from Nairobi to Malindi which turned out to be a big scam and we were left stranded in Mombassa. Do not book through them. It turns out they took 4 times the amount it should have been and the journey was one big mess (I won't bore you with all the details). I get the impression all the people who stay here are studying nearby.

The Nairobi Youth Hostel (NYH) is a great bargain located very close to downtown Nairobi. You do get what you pay for however. The rooms are small and not especially clean. The bathrooms can be a little scary if you are not a frequenter of third world countries. That said it is very hard to beat the value and the staff at the NYH. Shared rooms go for about US$9 per night, and private rooms are about US$15 per night. There are also two apartments that can be rented out that have private baths, a kitchen, and can sleep four easily. Apartments are frequently rented out so book in advance.

The food there is basic but cheap and not a health risk for travelers. A small on-site store allows purchase of basics. You can also cook in the main dining area, not a bad option if you are traveling in a group. The final advantage to the NYH is that it always has an international cast of travelers and many locals staying there. As with many youth hostels it is an economical place to stay, where you can get some good travel advice, and is generally safe. It is not the Hilton, but then you aren't paying $150 per night either.

Some recommendations are to shower downstairs where there is usually hot water, (ask at the desk if there is water! before you start), Pay for the private room, bring mosquito repellant, close your windows before it gets dark and spray room, this will reduce mosquitos. Bring your own towel and bedding, and a mosquito net if you have one.