We were scared at first--UW booked us here for a couple of nights while we came to check out the school and city for a PhD program. The phrase "communal bathrooms" doesn't inspire a lot of confidence. I thought we were staying in bare-bones college dorms. Wrong.

Our room was huge--we got a corner room with two queen beds. There were plenty of windows, and the room was charming and cozy. Our bed linens were real linens--poofy comforters, fluffy pillows, big towels, and TERRYCLOTH ROBES. Holy smokes!

We had a sink in our room, so we just walked a few feet to the bathrooms. Even though they are 'community' bathrooms (divided by gender), I never saw another person in there while I was there. The guy (yes, apparently there's just one guy) who runs the place was great. Everything was clean. Breakfast was delicious, and we had an easy walk to the university--you'll be right in the U District, so there are tons of cheap, ethnic restaurants around, more coffee and espresso shops than you can shake a stick at, and plenty of funky shops. And an American Apparel. <gag>

All told, we wished he had had more faith in the College Inn and booked a third night there instead of at the Ramada downtown. Laaaaame. Of course, had we not stayed downtown the next night, we might not have discovered The Crumpet Shop (near Pike Place!). Save yourself the cash on a downtown hotel; stay at the College Inn and bus downtown. Then go to the Crumpet Shop.

Clean Comfortable and really easy to walk to Husky stadium. Great pub downstairs. Breakfast in the morning was very ample. Good free wireless which is a must. Bathrooms are down the hall but they are clean. Parking was not free but they had some options of where to go. The gentlemen working in the morning was friendly.

If you need to be near the University, this place is inexpensive and the location is great. the problem is you may, like me, come home with a case of scabies that costs a fortune to heal. You'd be better off staying at the most expensive place around. Scabies is no fun.

This was my first experience in a U.S. Hostel (they call it European Style at this particular place) and I think it spoiled me for future stays in hostels! The private room I stayed in was moderately priced (not a, but was very clean, had a full sized bed and a sink w/ mirror.

Although like many hostels, there was nothing modern to speak of, but the owners/caretakers had obviously put in an effort in putting a personal touch on the place. Pictures and historic memoribilia are on the walls and give the place a pleasant, friendly vibe. Although I didn't get a chance to go, there was a bar in the first floor which seemed like a cool place to hang out and meet people. An above average continental breakfast was provided in a communal room. Bathrooms need a bit of updating, but they are certainly not terrible.

Most impressive was the helpfulness of the staff, in particular the guy running the reservation desk. My flight was late and therefore I missed the 11pm check in time. He generously left the door to my room open and the key inside, saying I could check in in the morning. So nice! Its things like that can often make or break a vacation and gave me a great introduction to Seattle. The guy also was very willing to give me info on public transportation, etc.