Tag: BUDGET ACCOMMODATION

  • A Bed in Vancouver – YWCA Hotel Vancouver Review

    A Bed in Vancouver – YWCA Hotel Vancouver Review

    Vancouver is a city that cares. They love nature, celebrate diversity and are always looking for what they can for the wider population. It is no wonder, then, that they are the perfect destination for a Mont-for-profit hotel, operated by the YWCA. Staying here, a portion of your room rate goes straight towards helping support women and children in the local community in need of help. However, this hotel isn’t just an exercise in doing good, it is also a fantastic place to stay during your trip to Vancouver. Read on for our full YWCA Hotel Vancouver review.

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    The YWCA Hotel Vancouver

    The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) has been around for over 150 years. It is an international network that focuses on empowering women and girls by promoting women’s rights, education and leadership development. This runs alongside their work helping to provide housing and community services for the women in their area. The YWCA Hotel Vancouver supports women and children in the Vancouver metro area. To learn more about their initiatives, check out the website.

    Location

    BC Place is a big stadium which hosts sports events, concerts and other high profile events. YWCA Hotel is the very best accommodation for people attending something, as it is right opposite, just steps away. You are also just ten minutes from the historical district of Gastown and the Waterfront. The nearest Underground (Stadium-Chinatown) is less than five minutes away, and Union Pacific is about twenty.

    Checking In

    On my first night in Vancouver, I was travelling solo and so bedded down in the cheapest dorm I could find. However, unforgiving jet lag woke me up at 03:30 am, and by 07:00, I was itching to get out and to my private room. I walked in the drizzle across town and to the YWCA Hotel. I thought I’d only be able to drop my bag, which so could have done thanks to the luggage storage room, but the extremely friendly front desk clerk offered me a room straight away. It was bliss to dump my backpack and freshen up properly before hitting the streets for some soggy sightseeing. Even better, I could grab a coffee on the way out…but more about that later.

    A Look Around YWCA Hotel Vancouver

    Our Room

    On entering the large room, the first thing you see is a large storage unit with some hangers for coats and other winter gear. There’s plenty of raised space for luggage as well. Here you’ll find a rather large fridge for leftovers and pop, and even an iron for fancy threads.

    We had a Superior Queen Room with two queen beds (one each?). By the beds, there was a nightstand with two USB-A plugs and two standard north American plugs for charging all of our gear. Each bed had a nightlight too. The beds were large and very comfortable. The mattresses were bouncy, and the pillows plump. I slept like a baby, even with a heavy dose of jet lag. With a TV on the opposite wall, we thought about watching a film in bed but ended up falling asleep straight away.

    Bathroom

    The bathroom was a little compact, but was perfectly clean and had everything we needed. There was soap for the sink but I used the shower gel instead. Under the sink there were towels and a handy hairdryer (it rains an awful lot in Vancouver). The walk in shower was really large, hot, strong and we had some lovely products on the wall.

    The Other Rooms

    We had one of the largest rooms available, but if you are on a tighter budget, there are smaller rooms on offer, and even cheaper ones with shared bathrooms. This makes it an excellent option for all kinds of budget.

    Food & Drink

    There isn’t a lot to discuss when it comes to dining at the YWCA Hotel, but they do have a couple of handy vending machines in a little annexe of the lobby. These have tasty snacks in and are available 24/7. Next to those, every morning, you are going to find a coffee station. The hot drinks here are included so you can grab a coffee or tea to take with you as you head out into Vancouver for the day.

    There are kitchens available on three of the floors. However, unlike like a hostel kitchen, there isn’t really any communal equipment so you can’t properly cook a meal in them. Lockers in the kitchen are for residential guests.

    A Few Extras

    Looking around the YWCA Hotel, you are going to discover some nice additions to the property.

    • There are a few laundry rooms where you can use the machines for a very reasonable price.
    • A small fitness room is open all day for everyone. No need to skip arm day!
    • There is a luggage room behind the lobby so if you need to drop your luggage off early, or pick it up late, you can do so for free.
    • They have limited car parking for $30 a day, and bike storage for free.
    • Finally, there is a small roof terrace open throughout summer. Although the sky was blue, it was still definitely cold during our March visit so it wasn’t accessible.

    Final Thoughts on our YWCA Hotel Vancouver Review

    Sure the YWCA Hotel Vancouver is a great place to stay, but it is also an inspiring spot committed to community support. Its prime location near BC Place and thoughtful amenities make it a fantastic choice for travellers on any budget. All guests are welcome, men, women and children and you don’t have to be a member of YWCA or YMCA to stay. We will definitely be keeping this gem in mind for our future Vancouver trips and you should to.

    Rosie xx

  • A Bed in Vienna – Meininger Hotel Vienna Downtown Sissi Review

    A Bed in Vienna – Meininger Hotel Vienna Downtown Sissi Review

    Vienna may conjure images of black tie balls, horse and carriage rides (oh, we did that) and magnificent architecture. You might think that it is too expensive, but there are some great ways to save money and staying in a brilliant hostel is one of them. During our two day trip to Vienna, we had a spot at the Meininger. Read on for our full Meininger Hotel Vienna Downtown Sissi Review

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    Location

    Meininger Hotel Vienna Downtown Sissi is about five minutes walk from the Schottenring U-Bahn station. It looks like it is on the other side of the river but you can walk under the river along the deepest platform before popping up in the lift. Schottenring has two U-Bahn lines, trams and busses so it is a great place to get around from. The side street is quiet so you will get a good night’s sleep, even if you have a street-side window.

    A Look Around the Property

    Our Room

    During our stay, we had a double room which was incredibly spacious. and beautifully bright. The two large windows let in so much light and the higher floor gave us a nice view across the roofs of the surrounding buildings Around the bed, there was loads of room for our luggage and to avoid getting in each other’s way, even with the desk.

    There was a small wardrobe with both hanging space and shelves but we don’t tend to unpack so we didn’t use it. There was a bedside table each, with reading lamps and plugs (LOVE a plug by the bed). We also had a writing desk with three more plugs. We weren’t short of places to charge things up.

    Our Bed

    The bed was made up of two singles pushed together so we both had plenty of space. It meant we had single duvets so we weren’t fighting over it, but this is something to bear in mind if you are expecting one double bed. The mattresses were bouncy and the pillows plump. After weeks of weird soft pillows, I was thrilled. We had a vague plan to watch a film in bed, as there was a TV but we were so tired from all the sightseeing that we just passed out.

    Our Bathroom

    The ensuite bathroom was quite small but it is always a treat to have your own bathroom in a hostel. It was perfectly clean and had toiletries both by the sink and in the shower. We even got a hairdryer in the bathroom which I definitely wasn’t expecting. The shower was warm and had great pressure. It could be used as a normal shower and as a handheld. The doors closed but it still leaked a little so remember to put the shower mat down!

    Reception

    Let’s continue our Meininger Hotel Vienna Downtown Sissi review at the entrance. In a strange way, I think the reception of a hostel is a lot more important than in a hotel. This is the hub where friendly people with bundles of local knowledge are. At Meininger Hotel Vienna Downtown Sissi it reception wears many hats. There is a souvenir shop to one side with some decently priced niknaks for loved ones back home. It is also a bar. You can grab drinks from the two fridges and pay for them to take into the lounge, kitchen or your room. We decided to treat ourselves to a mini prosecco in bed because we were too tired to go back out after a long day…so rock and roll.

    Sissi

    Sissi refers to Empress Elisabeth of Austria, who married Franz Joseph I. She was once described as the most beautiful woman in the world. Sissi had a teeny weeny waist and iconic long, dark hair She met an unhappy end, assassinated when she was only 44. She is often compared to Princess Diana.

    I loved the pictures of Sissi (or the model they have used to represent her) throughout the hotel. Each room has a very fun snap which changes as you walk past them. Behind our bed was a picture featuring her empress-ship. Finally, down at reception, there was a huge wall mural featuring the lady herself.

    The Kitchen

    The kitchen is open for all guests to use. It’s got everything you need to cook dinner with an oven, a hob a microwave, and a kettle. This is so handy when you are travelling on a budget. There is a large fridge where standard hostel food rules apply. One thing to bear in mind, however, is that the kitchen is not very big so you may struggle to find space at peak dinner time. Finally, there are two washing machines but sadly they were not working during our stay. We needed to do laundry but no such luck.

    Breakfast

    The buffet breakfast was great. It was advertised as a continental breakfast (no hot bits) and I was wondering if it was a little overpriced for almost €12 but there was a lovely selection of items. The bread was delicious and the fun and unusual cream cheeses (different on both mornings) made a highly addictive sandwich. There was a yoghurt station with loads of toppings, four or five cereals and cakey bits. We both had two or three courses including creamy yoghurt, fresh and tinned fruits and cereal followed by loads of bread, meat and cheese. The coffee was from a decent coffee machine and there were some toppings and syrups to jazz the java up. There was also a large selection of teas. It was a great start to the day and as there aren’t really any cafes nearby, I think it is absolutely worth buying the breakfast here.

    Final Thoughts on This Meininger Hotel Vienna Downtown Sissi Review

    Meininger Hotel Vienna Downtown Sissi is definitely a hostel but has some very hotet-like advantages. We loved the size of our room which was incredible for the price. There are only private rooms here so there seem to be less large, noisy groups. The breakfast was great, even if the idea of just a continental may turn some people off, we think it was worth the extra cost. Then, we had the excellent aspects of the hostel. A casual atmosphere with the bar fridges, and extra friendly reception staff. Plus, the free luggage room, free wifi and well-equipped kitchen which keep the budget tight. It is a wonderful blend of both and perfect for these flashpacking Fluskeys!

    Rosie xx

  • A Bed in Interlaken – Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof Review

    A Bed in Interlaken – Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof Review

    Interlaken is one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist destinations. Surrounded by some of the most famous and beautiful nature in the country, with great transport links, it is no wonder. There are plenty of hotels and hostels to choose from but in a country that is pretty hard on the backpacker’s wallet, how can you be sure you are staying somewhere that is affordable and nice? In 2023, we stayed at Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof and it very quickly became one of our favourite hostels. Read on for our full Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof review.

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    About Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof

    Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof has been operating since 1998 so they have had a few years to nail the hostel formula. That is probably why they offer:

    • Free Wifi
    • Free breakfast (more on that later)
    • Bed linen as standard (although you will have to make your own bed in the dorms)
    • Free entry to a local swimming pool
    • Free lockers for everybody
    • Dorms, private rooms with shared bathrooms and privates with en suite bathrooms. (Everyone has hot showers)

    The architecture of the Backpackers Villa Somnenehof may surprise you. It is definitely a hostel of two halves, with the old section actually around 200 years old and the shiny new block built in 2009 which is now where you’ll fine reception, the breakfast room and a few dorms. The old chalet was actually moved from its original home over by the famous Victoria Hotel and reconstructed perfectly. This means that you will find some gorgeous original mouldings and tiling on the old staircase.

    The Location

    Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof sits on the edge of a large green patch next to the town centre. nowhere is more than a fifteen minute walk, including most shops, restaurants, both Interlaken train stations and the boat launches. When you first arrive, you may be concerned about its proximity to the road and roundabout but we had no issues with traffic noise (there was barely any real traffic).

    A Look Around Backpackers VIlla Sonnenhof

    Our Room

    Our room was a private double with a shared bathroom up on the top floor of the hostel. We had two windows that let in plenty of light and the white walls made it seem nice and bright too. With the sloped room, I was actually a little worried about the sunlight in the morning but the gravity-controlled curtain by my bed was really fun and worked beautifully.

    We each had a large locker which would have easily fit both of our bags in. These were both denoted by letters that coordinated with our lettered towels. It’s a nice system. Considering that most of the 200 beds on offer are in dorms, they obviously know what they are doing. They also provided loads of plugs including a couple of standard European sockets for those that don’t realise Switzerland has its own plugs.

    In the room, we also had a simple table and a wash basin. This is a nice touch when you have a shared bathroom, saving you the trek down the corridor just to brush your teeth or wash your face when you’re sleepy. Finally, my favourite thing in the whole room, a gorgeous little book hanging next to the sink. It had some lovely illustrations and quotes of the day.

    The Bathrooms

    We had a large toilet right next to our room which almost seemed almost private. It had a frosted glass door that head out onto the fire escape so I made a mental note to listen out for fire alarms as I used the bathroom. I wouldn’t want to get caught with my trousers around my ankles in an emergency! The bathroom was really clean as were all the other bathrooms we poked our head into around the hostel.

    At the other end of the corridor were the showers, three cubicles for the floor and two more toilets. The showers were lovely and clean but it was a shame not to have some kind of basic soap/body wash in them. There was also another sink and a huge dressing table type set up with a giant mirror and a couple of hairdryers. One morning, a couple of girls who were staying in a large dorm were using the mirror to French braid their hair and do their outfit checks. More hostels need more mirrors and good hair dryers.

    Reception

    Reception wasn’t just a place to check in, but a hub for everything/ The staff were really knowledgeable, sharing all kinds of advice about the areas and what was possible. A computer screen on the reception itself was an updated timetable of local buses and over the big comfortable chairs, a huge screen showed the live webcams of the viewpoints around Interlaken. You could book all kinds of fun excursions through them including paragliding, hiking and canyoning.

    Garden

    Behind the hostel building, away from the road was a lovely, lush lawn. It is really nice to have some green space when surrounded by the gorgeous green hills. Sadly, it was a little too wet during our time in Interlaken to fully enjoy it but when we first arrived, we saw some people hanging out on the patio reading and enjoying the view. I would have loved to have had a picnic dinner out here so we must come back in the heat of summer!

    Dining – Breakfast

    Breakfast is served in the back of reception with some people sitting in the big chairs and other using the little dining room behind the buffet. It was a cold, continental selection with some lovely, creamy yogurt and three different kinds of cereal. There was delicious bread that was nice enough to just have as was or to stick in the toaster. Thick toast with butter and a cup of decent cappuccino machine coffee was a great start to a chilly day.

    The Kitchen

    In a country as expensive as Switzerland, there is a high probability that you will be preparing a meal or two yourself. Luckily, the kitchens in Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof are new and exceedingly well equipped. You’ll find hobs. ovens and microwaves…something for every level of cookery skill. The fridges adhere to the standard rules of, “label your food and only eat things with your name on unless they are in the Free Food fridge”. During our stay, there was a large group of young Koreans and when we cAsually wandered into the kitchen we were blown away. Everyone was cooking feasts and two hours later, the place was spotless once again. It was an impressive show of just how this kitchen scan be used. I sheepishly stuck our quiche in the microwave to warm it up. There is plenty of seating too with lots in the main kitchen, some in the cute sauna-style room and then lots more in the room with the ping pong table.

    A Few More Rooms

    • More Outdoor Space – As well as the garden, there is a cute roof terrace that connects the two buildings of the hostel. This would be another excellent spot to catch some rays or have an al fresco dinner but it was really raining when we checked it out.
    • Meeting Room – On the first floor is a lovely room that can be used for reading, working or holding meetings. It has a lovely wooden fireplace wall and huge windows that look out across the green to central interlaken.
    • Kid’s Room – There was a little playroom that we found. Inside was a comfy sofa and lots of toys to play with.
    • Laundry Room – The hostel has washing machines that you can use 24 hours a day.
    • Ski Room – We visited in spring and so we didn’t need this particular room but it is great to see that they are catering for all year.
    • The Hidden Games – In the laundry room you will find a table football set up and in the second dining room is the ping pong (table tennis). Being as going out drinking is expensive, its cool that you can grab a reasonably priced drink from reception or a supermarket and then come down here and chill out.

    Final Thoughts on Our Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof Review

    This is a wonderfully run hostel with friendly and informative staff and full of thoughtful touches for visitors. It would make an excellent base for anyone travelling to Interlaken that is on a budget whether they are travelling solo, as a couple, a family or a big group. We hope to be back one day!

    Rosie xx

  • A Bed in Zürich – Pop Up Hostel Krone Zürich Review

    A Bed in Zürich – Pop Up Hostel Krone Zürich Review

    Zürich is an expensive city, there are no two ways about it. Money flows through like the pretty river water that cuts through the city. You might think there is nowhere to stay on a budget but there is a new accommodation option that sits somewhere between a hostel and a boutique hotel. Its superb location, stylish decor and reasonable price tag might be a game changer. Read on for our Pop up Hostel Krone Zürich review.

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    If you are visiting Zürich, find out all about the city and “How to Spend 2 Days in Zürich”.

    Our Arrival

    We arrived a bit later than planned and reception is only open during certain hours of the day. We emailed the hotel and they set up a self check in for us. So we received an email with a lockbox code. We popped in the code and grabbed our room key. It was really easy. We used the little lift to take us up the two floors to ours. I know, it was lazy but we had walked the long way from the station by mistake and spent 30 minutes trying to find our Too Good to Go location…all whilst wearing our backpacks. We dumped our bags and then ate our delicious dinner. (More about the dining room later).

    The Location

    Krone Zürich has an excellent location. It’s just two minutes from the heart of the old town and fifteen minutes from the lake. You are also just fifteen minutes from the main train station (or you can hop on the tram that is right outside). Located right on the riverside, if you have a room overlooking the road, you’ll also have a wonderful view of the Limmat. In the sun, it glitters beautifully at the bottom of the hill.

    Our Room

    We had a lovely large room at the front of the property. I was very surprised by the size , expecting the property to have much smaller rooms. There was a wardrobe built into one wall with room for both of our bags and a few shelves for extra bits. Next to this was a big sink with “that IKEA mirror” that I’ve listed after for years. It was backed by a gorgeous golden feature wall and J was instantly obsessed. Opposite was a standing full length mirror so outfit checks were a go!

    There was a writing desk with a wooden chair, but also a big bucket chair to relax in. On the desk were two coffee pods that you could take downstairs to pop in the coffee machine. There was also a sign about getting a free coffee just around the corner at a coffee shop. We asked reception about this as we couldn’t find the spot on Google Maps. It seems it’s actually a brand of coffee and lots of places serve it but we didn’t fancy trying to convince someone to give us a free coffee if they didn’t know about it so I stuck to the pods.

    The bed was really big with two nice thick duvets. Yes, it was May but no one had told the weather that! We each had a big pillow but they were the European kind that are swuare and very squishy. These are not my favourite and so I used my travel pillow as well. On each side was a lamp on a bedside table and I had a weird but very useful multi plug on mine. If you are bringing plug adaptors then you probably only be able to use two of the three slots so near that in mind.

    We also had a towel and a pair of slippers each which was a nice touch as the bathrooms were outside of the room.

    The Bathrooms

    The bathrooms are shared. We had a toilet just outside the room and one further around the corridor on the same floor. They were kept immaculately clean throughout our stay.

    The four showers for our floor were all in one spot towards the back of the building. They were also very clean but one was missing a curtain so it was out of action in my book.

    All of the bathrooms and our room’s sink have gorgeous products from a local brand called Foeders. Apparently they really took off during the pandemic and I can tell why. They smell gorgeous, especially the black palm.

    Dining

    There is a small kitchen on the first floor, next to reception. It has a kettle and microwave so great for noodles and packet rice but not if you want to make a proper dinner. There was no hob or oven. However, there are a few tables and then a more comfortable seating section for chilling out. There is a big communal fridge where hostel rules apply. Label your food and don’t take anything that has a label belonging to someone else.

    Overlooking the river was an area that seemed to be a bar but was never open during our two night stay. When it was raining, we walked back to the hotel to eat our packed lunch in the dry and we took a table in here. A few other people seemed to be doing the same.

    Final Thoughts on Pop Up Hostel Krone Zürich

    I wasn’t sure what to expect from Pop Up Hostel Krone Zürich and to be honest, I am still a little perplexed…but pleased. I would say that it is definitely a hostel. It has the kitchenette and shared bathrooms meaning it’s not what most people would think of as a hotel. However, our lovely big room with its fabulous view is definitely a cut above your standard hostel. It is an excellent option for budget travellers that want a bit more privacy and a bit more space than you will find elsewhere in the city.

    Rosie xx

  • A Bed in Venice – A&O Venice Mestre Review

    A Bed in Venice – A&O Venice Mestre Review

    Venice is is known as the city of love but did you know that it ialso an awesome place to visit as a flashpacker? It is possible to find budget food, budget Aperol Spritz and even budget accommodation if you know where to look. On my Interrail trip through Europe, I stayed for two nights at the A&O Venice Mestre. Read on for my full A&O Venice Mestre review.

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    Check out our Venice content here!

    A&O Venice Mestre Location

    A&O Venice Mestre is located on the mainland of Italy rather than the islands. It is about 8 minutes walk from the Venice Mestre station making it very convenient for those arriving by train and those heading into Venice proper. The train takes 11 minutes to reach Saint Lucia.

    My top tip is to stay on the side of the road of the train station as you walk towards the hostel or you will get a bit stuck and have to go round the long way. (Yes, I learned that the hard way whilst it was raining and I was carrying a backpack).

    A Look Around A&O Venice Mestre

    Ground Floor Facilities

    The lobby of A&O Venice Mestre is large and full of facilities. As you walk in, you will see the reception desk in front of you, full of friendly and knowledgeable staff, If there is a long queue, you are too tired to fancy a chat or everyone has disappeared there were six or seven check-in machines. Here, you pop in your booking details and it will pop out your room key.

    To the left is a tour desk which I didn’t see many people using but I guess everyone in were savvy travellers. I bet they get more business from families and traditional tourists. At the end of the room, past a series of seating options is a long, large table which had plenty of people on laptops tapping away. Wifi is fast and free so it is a good spot for nomadic working. Then, behind them were a couple of vending machines. One had loads of snacks and other, all kinds of items that you might need, sanitiser, condoms, shampoo and Sprite.

    Around to the right is the bar which does a reasonably priced selection of boozy treats, ice cream and snackettes. Their Aperol Spritz was pretty good and much cheaper than those in town. They have a spinning wheel on which you can try your luck. You might end up getting a drink from a friend, or buying a round for everyone else. There is a large table with tall chairs and plenty of plugs doe working over a pint. A little further over you will find the karaoke area. I walked through one evening, expecting to see an empty and slightly forlorn spot but there were around ten people having a proper giggle here. Finally, tucked in the corner is the kids’ area with puzzles, books and toys. This hostel is for everyone!

    Laundry Room & Lockers

    Through a door, you will find a big bank of chargeable luggage lockers. These are very handy if you want to maximise your last day in Venice. You can pop your luggage in here, go into the city and then rush back to grab the bag in time for your flight/night train.

    A little further around the corridor is the kitchen (more on this in the dining section) and a laundry room. I used the washing machine which was really easy and affordable. You didn’t have to buy separate detergent, get powder everywhere or gamble on where to put the soap as it was all automatic. The dryers were broken during my visit but luckily, my private room meant I could just hang everything around my room to dry.

    My Room

    I was lucky enough to have a private room all to myself, number 204. It was a nice, large room with loads of storage room. I had a little hanging rail (so handy for my wet washing), three large cubbies (my backpack and day pack both fit in one easily) and even a shoe rack with full length mirror. The window let in some light but on a gloomy day, not all that much.

    It was unseasonably chilly during my mid-May visit so I was thrilled to see that I had control over my heating…I definitely thought I would be using the AC to cool off but hey ho.

    My Bed

    The double bed was two singles pushed together and set in the European way (with two duvets). This was perfectly fine for me as a solo gal, and would have been OK for Mr Fluskey too. However, it is worth bearing in mind if you wouldn’t like this arrangement with a partner.

    My Bathroom

    The bathroom was very reasonably sized, as evidenced by the fact there was room for a bidet. Would you believe, this is the only hostel I have ever been in with a bidet?! The shower was fine but a little tight. I very much appreciated the towel rack which was an exceedingly handy spot for my freshly laundered undies. The soap and body wash provided were quite plain (not particularly scented) and I had seen the same products in a few hostels during the trip. I was happy to see a hairdryer provided in the bathroom. It is more hotely than hostelly in some aspects. THIS is flashpacking!

    Dining

    Breakfast

    Breakfast was taken with a token. There was a big buffet with several stations dotted around the room. There was lots of bread, sliced meats and cheese galore and fresh fruit. Plenty of people were pocketing apples and oranges for lunch…I did too obviously. Then there were a couple of kinds of yoghurt, several cereals, warm eggs and cold salad. You could have a three course meal, an excellent start to the day. The drinks selection was very good with lots of tea, two cappuccino machines and a funky juice dispenser with four fruit juice, still and sparkling water.

    Was I obsessed with the little pancake machine that churned out the cutest little fluffy pancakes automatically? You bet I was! I got a seat near it so I didn’t miss a single dollop of batter or the gentle plop of each pancake on the plate. It was mesmerising.

    The Kitchen

    The kitchen seemed quite small for the size of the hostel if I am honest. When I arrived on day one, there were only two hobs and not an awful lot of pots, pans and cutlery. There was a kettle and big fridge but no oven or microwave. On day two, a refurbishment took place and they added two more hob set ups. Still, it was quite disappointing…I guess everyone eats out in Venice (which makes sense).

    Like the classy girl I am, when I checked in I was seriously hungry so I made instant ramen noodles on the hob. Just as I was serving up this highly nutritious dish, someone else came into the kitchen. I could have died of shame. Here’s me in one of the best foodie countries in the world and I am scoffing a knockoff packet of Super Noodles. I should be ashamed.

    Final Thoughts about A&O Venice Mestre

    A&O Venice Mestre is a very well-run hostel which really offers budget travellers in Venice a hub. The evening activities mean you really can buy a bottle of bubbly for cheap and have a fun time with like-minded travellers…a rarity in so many hostels these days. Transactions with the staff were always quick and smiley. Everything was user-friendly around the hostel so I could just get on with making lunch and doing laundry without bugging anyone else. I would say that if you are on a budget, travelling solo or with a group of friends then this is an excellent option but it is not the place to come for a romantic weekend with a partner. Overall, it is a brilliant place to stay for a fun trip to Venice.

    Rosie xx

  • A Bed in Montmatre, Paris – Caulaincourt Square Hostel Review

    A Bed in Montmatre, Paris – Caulaincourt Square Hostel Review

    It is often thought that visiting Paris, France costs a small fortune. Well, it doesn’t have to! There is are plenty of ways to save money and still have a great time. Throughout the city, there are hostels and boutique hotels that cater for backpackers and flashpackers alike! On our latest trip to Paris, we chose Caulaincourt Square Hostel that helped us save those all-important euros. Read on for our full Caulaincourt Square Hostel review.

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  • A Bed in Santorini – Caveland Hostel Review

    A Bed in Santorini – Caveland Hostel Review

    Let’s be honest, Santorini is not a cheap destination. Alongside Mykonos, it is the most expensive destination in Greece, but with some wise choices, it is possible to see Santorini on a budget. Your first step? Finding great accommodation that is also excellent value. When we started searching for ours, Caveland Hostel kept popping up. We found a room here and we were so glad we did. Read on for our full Caveland Hostel review.

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  • A Bed in Antigua – Buccaneer Beach Club Review

    A Bed in Antigua – Buccaneer Beach Club Review

    Antigua is our favourite kind of Caribbean island. If you want to exist in an all-inclusive bubble, totally relax and shut out the outside world, you can. If, however, you want to explore, pretend you live here for a little while and enjoy a bit of independent travel, then you can do that too. Buccaneer Beach Club is a great option for those independent bunnies who enjoy some of the luxuries of resort living like a super pool and easy beach access. Read on to find out more in our full Buccaneer Beach Club review.

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  • A Bed in Glenfinnan – Glenfinnan Sleeping Car Review

    A Bed in Glenfinnan – Glenfinnan Sleeping Car Review

    Here at Flying Fluskey, we love an overnight train. It’s no secret (just check out our train reviews). However, let’s be real, it is never an amazing night’s sleep. The rocking of the train, the squeal of its breaks, the movements of fellow passengers as they board and disembark, these all disturb slumber. So what is the solution? Enjoying a night in a stationary sleeping car perhaps? Find out in our Glenfinnan Sleeping Car review.

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  • A Bed in New Orleans – The Quisby Review

    A Bed in New Orleans – The Quisby Review

    New Orleans is famous, or is that infamous, being a bit different. The only way to experience such a kooky city is to find accommodation that is equally cool. That is why we chose The Quisby. Part-hostel, part-boutique hotel and part-y spot. Here is our full review of The Quisby.

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  • A Bed in Philadelphia – Apple Hostels of Philadelphia Review

    A Bed in Philadelphia – Apple Hostels of Philadelphia Review

    Philadephia, in USA’s Pennsylvania, is chock full of history and is famous worldwide for its cheesesteaks. Turns out there is so much to do in Philadelphia! Somehow, we had never hopped on a bus from our many visits to New York to explore. With a friend’s wedding a short drive away in Maryland, we decided to see what we were missing and spent two nights at Apple Hostels of Philadelphia.

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  • A Bed in North Tel Aviv – The Spot Hostel Review

    A Bed in North Tel Aviv – The Spot Hostel Review

    Tel Aviv is not a cheap city to visit so finding a great room at a great price is the best way to ensure you have a great time! During our visit to Tel Aviv, Israel, we took a room in The Spot Hostel for three nights. This is our full Spot Hostel review.

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