Sofia is mentioned as boring and ugly. sometimes yes, mytimes definitely not :)
I have had a good time at the hostel. People sent us to this hostel because it will fit our needs and we will have a great time there. there is a bar in the basement. a great bar. with live music, dancing, drinking and meeting people. Although the hostel was not fully booked, the bar was full of cool people of all over the world. I have met people from Guatemala to Butan, and it was a great atmosphere. Boris from the hostel gave us some really hot shots, the stealing beauty shots. The bar was good air conditioned (my 3 1/2 years old girl could breath fresh air although the bar was packed!).
At midnight I had to bring my daughter to bed. the bed was and is clean and new. the sheets were clean and fresh and the room was warm and cozy. The noise of the bar was not coming to our room. The night was quiet and comfortable. No bites and No Bugs at All. I am looking forward to stay on my way back to Istanbul in this hostel again.
UUU and the breakfast was stuffing and filling and free!
love this place! and love the art of the hostel.

I stayed at the hostel about a week ago. During the night I was bitten by something in the bed, but I didn't think much of it. A couple of days later (by then I was in Turkey) the bites swelled up, and became a torment like I've never felt before. Two days ago I got back home and went to a doctor. He said they were bed bug bites, which got infected because the bed bugs have some bacteria in them which has spread to my whole body. I've had to spend over 200 euros in treatments, I will have to take a triple course of antibiotics for two weeks and needless to say -it ruined the rest of my holiday.
It's a disgrace, and the hostel should not be allowed to open while they have this infestation.

Art hostel is one wonderful place to stay. Great wide garden full of greenery where you can start your day or prepare for the night out. Rooms are spacious, with the natural light, clean. Down bunk have a curtain on so you can always hide if you are lucky to get lower bunk.
Boris, Raina and all members of the staff (reception and the bar) are very helpfull and always up to make you having great time there.
İ and few other guests even get a great city tour with Raina and Boris the afternoon İ came.
Thnx guys for amaizing two nights there, thanks for hangover from 'Stealing beauty' and see you again soon!!!

I have stayed at the Art Hostel on and off for 4 years now during european summer. My first visit i had a wonderful time, the people were relaxed and welcoming. They know the best places to go both cultural and for a good party. The first visit it was definitely a rustic feeling, however it has been revamped, new beds etc while maintaining the same vibe.

I've stayed in both the dorm rooms and a private apartment room which they own less then a block from the hostel. I have felt safe (for me and my property) the entire time at both locations, which i can not say for other places i have stayed in sofia!

The underground basement bar is a burrow of a main room with three adjoining rooms, a good chill out area which has couches, seats and in one room table football. Every room is decorated in art of all kind and has changed each time i have visited. There is also a good variety of funky local bands which come through and play (It is a small area to fit a band but they always seem to make it work)

The other nice area to chill is the garden. Some people coming though have said they expected a bigger garden, but i dont really get why it is required. The garden is nicely maintained with a ceramic chess table (but also easily exchangeable to just a drinking table)

The best factor of the hostel must be the people, they have remembered me from year to year, sometimes even my favourite drinks... It feels like an extended family when you are there, some sit and chat, others invite you out to music events and bbqs. They are relaxed and help in any way possible.

I have travelled a lot in europe and asia and i have found this place one of the more welcoming and easier to stay in.

only near negative is that there is only one shower per floor so during a full house you might have to wait a bit or pick an off-peak hours time to get clean

Aussie traveler - spence