I recently stayed at Kismet Dao for three nights and had a brilliant time there. Brasov was a great place to visit, with a charming old town, scenic mountains and impressive castles nearby.

We had prebooked our stay at the hostel and on arrival at Brasov train station, somone from the hostel met us and pointed us in the direction of the correct bus to catch. This was a foretaste of the great service the hostel provided. The hostel was a short 10 minute walk from the town centre, and was well connected to the train station by taking a short bus ride.

I stayed in a six bed dorm, which was very comfortable, warm and had big lockers for bags and valuables. There were also plenty of toilets and showers (with piping hot water) in the building. The hostel had a decent sized kitchen, and provided breakfast (included in the booking price), which filled me up for the morning! The hostel also had a large chill out area in the basement with TV, various books, games and it was a good space to meet fellow travellers. In the reception area there were also two computers with internet access.

The staff were very helpful, and provided good advice on visiting the main attractions, and on where was good to eat out in the town.

The hostel also offers to sign you up for a day trip to three nearby castles/palaces (Peles Palace, Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress) for 80 lei (about £16), and alternatively provides details of how to reach these places on your own if you fancy going solo. From my experience, I would only do the tour if you are very short on time. We did the tour and unfortunately it was rather rushed (especially at Peles where there was loads to see) and our particular driver could have starred on Top Gear with some of his driving on the mountain roads! If you have the time, I would plan to take 1.5 days and visit these sites by bus - much cheaper, and at a slower pace!

I would highly recommend Brasov as a place to visit. I hope to return at some point, and I would definitely plan to stay at Kismet Dao again.

Gabby is truly an excellent hostess as she has figured out what the traveller really needs apart from somewhere to sleep. A free beer, an excellent kitchen, lively staff and FREE LAUNDRY!!!!! Amazing hostel right in the foothills of beautiful Brasov.

a great hostel in an amazing place. i cant express how much this place made my trip. the hostel is super nice one of the best ive stayed in and the area is just stupidly amazing. i wish i had stayed longer, for the hostel and the sites.

Kismet Dao is one of the best hostels I have ever stayed at! They welcomed us very friendly and as we were a little bit to early to check in they offered us drinks and breakfast and gave us free internet…

The rooms are all divided into different themes. We were in the snorers room! The beds were very comfy and they have lockers in the room. For a deposit they give you a key for it!

In the basement you will find the bathrooms and showers and also a community room where most travelers meet in the early evening before going out!

On top of all this a beer is included for every night you stay!!!!

From the hostel to the city it's only a 10 minutes walk!