It would be my first hostel experience, but it turned into a homey experience of 4 nights. HCS has 2 main qualities: a central location and an especially friendly staff. Hostel has 2 sections. Although I didn’t inspect the main section, I believe it is more like a conventional hostel with dorms. I had booked for a private room so they put me in the new section which is an apartment in an old building facing the rear street. It consists of 5 rooms in different sizes and bed capacity, common/living room, kitchen, male and female bathrooms. My room was very basic with a double bed, cupboard, 2 headlamps and an electric heater, a must in winter months. The common room had a TV, phone and computer with free internet. The kitchen was well equipped with utensils, fridge and lots of cleaning materials. The bathroom had no soap or shampoo, so it’s advisable to bring your own. In general, the apartment was a bit dusty and in need of attention, but linens was clean and there was hot water 24 hours. The traffic noise can be disturbing at nights and building trembles when a big bus or tram passed nearby but I assumed as I had a massage bed.
Overall, the price can be a bit high for what you get, but if you are not a hygiene freak, HCS is one of the best hostels in the district. I particularly recommend the newer section for couples and mature travellers. After the second night my friends and I were the only residents in this section and it was like our private apartment.
Thanks to Jelena, Danilo and Vlada for their friendship and hospitality. One last word: If you are looking for a good place to eat, get advice from Vlada.
