Safestay Bratislava Presidential Palace

Bedbugs

I am a hostel person, because I used to backpack around the world. This hostel can be one of the worst, the cleanliness of this hostel is very worrisome, I have never got bitten in an accommodation and this is the first time of my life. I booked in advance and arrived at a late time, after checked in I went directly to bed, I woke up multiple times at night due to itchiness, I was scratching my neck because of itchiness then I caught a big beg bug on my neck sucking my blood, I got up right away it was 3am, I checked in the mirror there are many bite marks on my hand neck and body. I went to the front desk to ask for a cancellation of my stay and they said they can’t do it without the manager’s approval. I booked a new place and left the next day, my bites got worse the whole following week and I had to see a pharmacist for medication. I wrote emails of the bed bug and my bite marks to the them asking for refund, they pushed it to booking.com, I had to call booking multiple times to ask for refund, until now they still haven’t refund me the €7 city tax I paid. Please be careful if you decide to stay here!

The bed was so unclean. I looked inside the white sheets and all i saw was yellow... A girl in the next room complained about bed bugs, but we didn't see one in our bedroom. The lockers don't have keys, so one can consider bringing them with themselves, or leaving them in the luggage room, where I left my things and all was safe.

Female room was spacious, warm and clean but I can’t say that for the bathrooms. I found a bed bug on my sheets :(

Estava tudo muito sujo, perto das camas, o chão, as casa de banho. A porta do quarto não fechava. Ouvi queixas de bed bugs. Os colchões eram de plástico.

Bed bugs!! And a little little room with no air for 6 people

bedbugs

Bed Bugs. Prvý krát som tu bol ubytovaný a určite aj naposledy. Napočítal som 8 ploštic za necelé 2 hodiny čistá katastrofa.

Unfortunately, I can't find any positive words to describe my experience in this hostel. Firstly, I was bitten by bed bugs. It's also very dirty, and some of the bathrooms are closed, causing long queues. The beds don't have walls between them, just a curtain, making you feel very unsafe. The hostel has five floors, making it difficult to walk up and down, especially with luggage. The staff is completely unfriendly and doesn't try to help, being rude instead. I understand that this may be a personal issue, but many guests have experienced this treatment. It was also surprising that almost everything was paid - ok, the locks and towels can be understood, but using the kitchen, the heart of the hostel, is the most miserly capitalist action that goes against the essence of hostels, where people gather and socialize. In the end, it's easier to stay in a hotel if you consider all the expenses that the hostel requires for its services. If possible, avoid it as much as possible.

Room was full of bed bugs. I count 8 bed bugs crawling on bed just in 2 hours. At morning when I wake up I found 5 bites from bed bugs. Worst ecperience so far

Everything was dirty, there was only one shower per floor and it was half-broken, nobody cared about the noise, and there were bedbugs, I got bitten all over in just a few nights. It’s a nightmare, not a hotel.

This place gave me the biggest bed bug bites. When I left, one crawled off the picnic table outside. I squashed before a picture. The bathroom smelled terrible: like mold or bed bug infestation. The beds squeaked when we slept that I was able to shake the bed and have my bunk mate stop snoring. The location is close to the train station, but in my learned experience, it would be better to have a longer walk for less hassle.

The hallways were dirty, and our room was located on the top floor, where there was a strong sewage smell in the corridor. None of the communal showers on that floor were functional. Our room was infested with bed bugs. Based on a review we found on Google from two months ago, it appears the property owner was already aware of the issue but rented out the room anyway. We sent several emails to the property's official email address regarding the issue but received no response. I called the main phone number, and a woman who claimed to be the manager answered and said she had already replied to our emails. However, just five minutes after the first call, no one answered the phone again—and despite multiple attempts, no one ever did. We will never book a room at this property again.

Read and form your own opinion on the situation: A friend and I were visiting Bratislava for a weekend, he arrived a day before I did. The morning of my travel to Bratislava he called me up describing what a horrible night it has been: Roommate snored to the point of almost choking, and after asking to be moved to a different room they declined as they were "making breakfast" at the counter. Upon return to the room, my friend realized there were BEDBUGS in his bed. Needless to say, this stay was not so safe anymore. He was able to get his money back and we booked an AirBnB for about the same price as this hostel (posting a review later for that one). I however picked the non-refundable option. Here is where you can decide whether it is my fault or the fault of the hostel. I sent them an email explaining them that their name "Safestay" is completely irrelevant if there are bedbugs crawling around. Because they cannot offer what they promised I asked for a refund. I did not get the refund, because I picked the non-refundable option. I get that you're a business, but you are human right? Would you like to go to a hostel with bed bugs? Maybe some empathy from the manager could help. Again, I am aware I picked the non-refundable option, but in multiple occassions if the situation is dire there are several customer services I have contacted that disregard T&S because things like this can happen. Make of it what you will, but I will definitely not recommend this place.

It was very dirty and we had bedbugs in our beds. Onky nice thing about it is that it is close to the train station. Very weird atmosphere..

Attention!!! Attention!!! Bedbugs!!! Accommodation was spoiled, the hostel was bitten by bedbugs !!!!

I don’t know how it says a 2.0 rating because I would give this 0 stars if I could. I understand that it is cheap but at the same time the staff were not friendly, the rooms were a mess, there were only three main sockets in the room between 6 people, barely ventilated, and most importantly there were bed bugs in my friends bed which they didn’t even offer to change the sheets. Try to avoid if can unless you just need a roof over your head

Bed bugs!

This time I didn't finish my stay at all. All my valid cards were declined prior to booking and I had no answer to my contact attempts (booking, mail, phone calls). Eventually I paid by bank transfer 2 days before stay. I came to hotel before 9pm, god ready to bed and after a short while I turned on the light to look for my sleep meds and there were several BED BUGS crawling on the wall next to me. They were fully booked so couldn't give me different room and I ended up leaving and staying elsewhere. No refund, anything, tbh I was too tired to be mad about anything, it was after 11pm when I left.

I had a horrible experience at this hostel! The bedsheets were filthy, covered in what looked like bedbug stains and weird yellow stains. After requesting a new room, I found the same disgusting conditions in every single bed. I decided to leave and asked for a refund, but they never responded, even after I sent photos as proof. I added some photos below. To make things worse, the staff were incredibly rude and unhelpful, showing zero patience when I asked a simple question. This place is a nightmare—avoid it at all costs!

I had an excellent experience at Safestay Bratislava hostel! Despite previous concerns about bed bugs, I'm happy to report that there were none during my stay. The hostel's location is superb, just a stone's throw away from the town, made even more convenient with access to Bolt scooters. The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, especially the gentleman who checked me in; he went above and beyond to answer all my questions about the area. The rooms, equipped with lockers (just bring your own lock) and curtains around the beds, provided a sense of privacy and security. While you do have to rent towels for a nominal fee, it's a small price to pay for such a comfortable stay. I reached out to them beforehand with my concerns, and their prompt and reassuring response put me at ease. Don't let outdated reviews deter you; Safestay Bratislava exceeded my expectations in every way!

Found bedbug crawling on my bed so that ruined the experience, luckily it was my last day.

Never get any proper response from the property until last minute of check-in. Requested cancellation due to a recent series of reviews regarding bedbugs which I have zero tolerance. In the end, I determined not to go for this hostel and moved to the other one nearby. Can’t imagine how come there could be bedbugs in the reviews, not only one but multiple in a certain short period of time. I believe that it was not solved and if you read the review, their response is also horrible. I would never stay in this hostel chain. 빈대가 출몰하고 대응도 아주 후진 호스텔 입니다. 실제 예약까지 완료하였지만 마지막에 취소를 했습니다. 마지막까지 제 질의에 대한 어떠한 답변도 듣지 못하였고 결국 제 비용으로 캔슬하였습니다. 이곳은 최근 한달새 빈대가 들끓고 실제로 물린 게스트의 리뷰가 여러가 있고 대응 자체도 아주 미숙하다고 리뷰에 적혀있는 곳 입니다. 저는 빈대/베드버그는 절때 형용할 수 없어 결국 인근 다른 청결한 호스텔에서 숙박했습니다. 개인적으로 소음이나 다소 청결하지 않는건 이해해도 빈대/베드버그는 저한테 절때 용납이 안되는 부분입니다. 그 이유는 물리면 흉지고, 가렵고, 빈대가 옷에 붙어 계속해서 옮길 수 있기 때문입니다. 빈대가 계속해서 출몰하고 게스트가 물리는 상황에서도 부킹을 받는다는 것 자체가 매우 쇼킹하고, 다른 리뷰 보시면 아시겠지만 베드버그가 나온다해서 환불을 약속하고나서 이후 약속을 지키지 않는다는 리뷰도 있네요.

I booked a three day reservation. Upon my first night the hostel dorm for females had bed bugs. On my first night I was bitten over my body and face. I showed the staff all the bites marks. They did not want to give me a refund so I could leave. I had to contact my bank in the USA while at the hostel to have them intervein and stop/reverse charges. The staff person was rude, disrespectful and degrading towards me. There is no elevator to carry your luggage upstairs and the front desk clerk refused to assist

El Hostel es completo y tiene todo pero HAY BED BUGS EN LAS HABITACIONES. Claramente nuestra habitación estaba con todos los marcos de puerta y camas sellados por estos insectos.

THEY HAVE BEDBUGS!!!! When we told them about it (actually brought them a live bug in a little container), it became obvious that they were already aware of the situation!!! However, they still let us stay in the room?? The general manager found the situation funny, and she seemed to be amused by the fact that I was upset?? Said that we needed to email them with evidence to get a refund. Mind you that she was holding the container with the LIVE BEDBUG at this point?? Would’ve given a 0, but that’s not possible so I’ll give you a 1.

I was really lost in the night as I missed my last train and wanted to be safe for the night. The first hostel I tried: they shut the door on me very unfriendly! The second hostel I tried was Safestay and they literally safed me! The staff is amazing, very competent and friendly, they helped me to book a last minute bed in the dorm room and shared all important info with me. The luggage room is for free, don’t believe the other comments on this. They have amenities for a small price, so even if you didn’t plan to have to spend the night somewhere, they got you covered with bathroom kits etc. To use lockers, showers etc does NOT cost extra, don’t believe other comments here saying otherwise. I just went for the cheapest option, which were the bunk beds (15€ incl taxes), and the room plus beds was super clean, no unpleasant smells, there was a free locker right next to my bed. Each bed has a curtain to close all around, so privacy is provided. The sheets and everything was super clean and the bedframes are metal, which is bug-unfriendly. I did not see any traces of bed bugs and felt very hygienic. The bathrooms for the entire floor were sufficient and there was never a queue. Breakfast was 6€ and also really good, even good coffee! Would definitely stay again!

Was booked here to stay the night, before check in I was looking at the recent reviews and saw there may be a bed bug infestation, I asked the reception staff who did not confirm or deny this but just said the rooms are deep cleaned every week. After checking in and going to the room I had a proper look around, the bed cover had stains on and the floor was filthy, attached is a photo of a bed bug which was on the floor. After this I showed reception, they were not shocked about this but said they can give a refund which will take 10-15 working days. So glad I did not stay to get the horrible bed bug bites and booked alternative accommodation. Also the hostel was really empty with no atmosphere which must be due to the bedbug infestation. Cracks in the walls and ceiling, small lockers cramped rooms. Do not recommend.

Do not go! We had a booking, but find out before going that there are bed bugs. We asked from reception about that and they admitted it. They said that they can refund us later, but that didn’t happen…

I had a terrible experience at this hostel. Unfortunately, I had heard before my stay that this hostel is infested with bedbugs. To make matters even worse, the hostel refused to refund despite the clear evidence. I strongly advise against staying here due to the hygiene and customer service issues!

Our experience at this hostel was absolutely dreadful. Upon arriving, we were informed by fellow guests that the hostel was plagued by a severe bed bug infestation. To our dismay, the receptionist confirmed this issue and assured us a refund. However, after emailing the hotel staff, we waited an entire month without any response from the hostel. When we finally heard from the management, they flatly denied all the issues mentioned in this review and refused to provide a refund. We strongly advise against staying at this hostel under any circumstances. Avoid it at all costs.

Upon arrival we received information from the guests already staying at the hostel the whole hostel was visibly infested bedbugs. The hotel staff confirmed this information and we were told to sign a waiver to acknowledge the presence of bedbugs. We decided not to stay over as the hostel was completely infested by the bedbugs. We requested a refund but were denied by the hostel management. Overall we lost the money and the experiment was awful from start to end. Would not recommend this customer service fiasco to anyone.

Absolutely horrible and a borderline scam. Our large group was supposed to stay here during 7-9.9, before arriving we had heard there might be a bed bug problem. Upon arriving we decided to ask the staff about this, and they immediately confirmed there is a large invasion on the second floor, where all of our accomodation would have been. They were understanding and said we could absolutely have a full refund if we did not want to stay there (of course we wouldnt want to stay, there were literally PILES of bed bugs dropping down from the drapes). So, all was well, no one stayed in the hostel and we had to book emergency accomodation from all over the city. Fast forward 1 month, we have been battling with the hostel over getting a refund (over 2200€), and at the moment they have not agreed to any terms, claiming its completely our fault that we did not stay there. We even had other guests warn us while we waited outside to not check in, because the problem was so severe! Please, do not stay here if you wish to have fair treatment or are cautious of bed bugs.

Cheap hostel, initially looked decent, but on the floor where we had the comeptp there was an inveterate odor from old rags and poorly ventilated bathrooms. My daughter and I had a private room for two. During the night at about 2 o'clock I woke up with a terrible itch on my arm and neck. I went to the bathroom and found bites on my upper body that itched terribly. I thought it was mosquitoes, but the bites were under the t-shirt I was sleeping in.After returning I went to the doctor and he confirmed to me that it could be bedbug bites. I am shocked! I do not recommend visiting this place!

DON'T! I was woken up by BEDBUGS within 5 hours my body got covered with about 30 bites. That speaks for a REALLY big population of bedbugs there. STAY AWAY.

Checked in when it was dark, so did not noticed immediately, but in the morning there were bedbugs around

AWFUL. Very dirty (crusty, stained curtains on bed, dirty floors, no toilet paper, brown stains on the toilet paper holder). the room was so cramped, beds pushed together separated only by a curtain, no space to walk in the room, lockers didn't lock and were far too small, no space to store luggage. multiple guests complained of bedbugs and showed their bites during our stay. front gate is never locked. rude cleaner made us move beds due to lack of communication with reception. stay elsewhere!

In general the experience is 1/10 (1 is for the staff). The rooms lack minimal hygiene prerequisites. I was totally destroyed by bugs, I made a huge allergy and could not stay one more night in this place. As an advice, to every traveller, I recommend that you check the beds there very well to avoid any health issues. I actually went directly to the pharmacy to treat huge inflammation caused using hydrocortisone. I have actually requested that they evacuate the room for future travellers but till this moment I think no actions have been taken since people are still reveiwing the bed bugs issue. Furthermore, sockets for charging were not available as described on booking. Additionally there will be a competition on toilets in the mornings since they are limited. Not recommended until further hygiene notice. By the way I got reimboursed by them at least.

This place knowingly gave us bed bugs. During our three night stay I got around 20 bed bug bites, since I’m allergic to these I reacted strongly and it affected my trip very badly. We informed the front desk about the issue, to which they confessed that the bed bugs were an already known issue to them, especially on the fourth floor where we stayed. We were given a refund, but they refused to compensate us any further for the huge issues this caused for us and our future travel destinations during the trip. I’m extremely disappointed and would not recommend this place to anyone.

It's about all little things! The entrance to the hostel didn't imply safety!!! The beds and especially the mattresses were very basic. there was no place to hang a shirt in the room. No shampoo in the bathroom, no hand tissue in the bathrooms. The dish soap dispenser in the kitchen were both broken. They charge 3 Euros to keep piece of luggage. Some guests were complaining about bedbugs. They provide a very basic service and charge more for add ons!!! I suggest you find another place if you can

I didn’t even stay there, when I arrived my friend, was already staying there, showed me terrible pictures of bedbugs in the rooms. She also asked other people about the situation and apparently majority had the same issue. Stuff was nice and they tried to be helpful but still would not recommend

Attention the accommodation has a huge bed bug problem! For one thing, there were already some squashed bed bugs under my mattress when I arrived and at night I woke up to see one crawling right under my nose.

So much potential, just a shame that the lockers don't lock, the rooms are full of bed bugs (was just floor 2 when I arrived but spread to 3) staff are abrupt to say the least and wouldn't give refunds to those not wanting to stay after finding there beds crawling. Bits of mould here and there. Guy came to test our fire alarm, didn't go off, looked concerned and walked out. A guy rang up the hostel cause he couldn't find it and the staff member said its his problem and there is a sign so he can just find it. Signs up saying its Meant to be silent after 11pm and people were screaming and shouting which the staff couldnt of cared less about. No locks to get into property or building until you access the floor you're on. 1 shower for a floor of easily 25 people. It did have air con though, but pay the extra few euros and go elsewhere... ****EDIT: I forgot to mention the light in the bedroom didn't work ****

Alright, at first I wasn't going to bother with this, since the other complaints have obviously fell on deaf ears, but this place has a very real bed bug infestation. As soon as I arrived there were people demanding refunds because of them, and complaints online from months ago about them, I decided to give them the benefit of doubt and I'm now suffering because of it. I have a few dozen bites all over my arms, feet, back, even face, and, the best of all, on my new multi thousand euro tattoo that is still in the healing process, naturally I'm fuming! I've spent about 10yrs traveling in almost 50 countries and have never come across them this bad before. One or two can be forgiven, but the bites are huge and very numerous, meaning it's been a problem for a long time and ignored. I'm not even going to get into the blood stains that were on the sheets that I noticed before my first sleep, I'm guessing they don't bother changing the sheets more than once a week. Most everything else about the place is decent sure, would almost recommend the place, but I'd avoid at all cost if you value your skin. You WILL get bitten many times.

Bedbugs!!!! I stayed here four nights, noticed there was a bedbug problem two nights in, and was able to move rooms for my last night. From previous reviews it seems like it’s an ongoing issue, so I wouldn’t recommend staying in the hostel anytime soon. Apart from that, hostel was fine. Nothing special, but staff were friendly and the common area was nice and spacious.

Changing extra for towels is somewhat can be justified but 3 euro for storing luggage??? Seriously? Never seen this in any hostel yet. But worst part of trip was bed bugs! Came home all bitten by bed bugs (provided I spent there only one night and returned home, so no other properties were visited on the way). Had to wash everything on 80’degrees to be safe. Still this ruined overall pleasant impression from this hostel.

-I got bed bugs bites all over after just one night stay … and we found a lots bugs on the certain…horrible , reported to the front desk , they said they would need to do some treatment for that room - the bed make lot of noise when the upper level people move

Bed bug INFESTATION. Security up till bedroom door non existent. Lockers don't lock even with padlocks. Mould. Light in room broken. 1 shower for floor of 25+ people. Staff were rude. Very loud until 3am. Fire alarm didn't work. Spend the extra and go elsewhere, trust me.

I arrived around 2:40, and check-in was supposed to start at 3, but the bed was ready. They let me wait for 20 minutes. The location is somewhat decent in terms of proximity to the center, but the area is a bit sketchy. The room I stayed in was enormous, but there was only one air conditioner for at least 10 beds. The bathroom is alright, but the light goes off after 5 minutes, making it difficult to shower. They have bed bugs, and I'm covered in bites. Everything is charged, including the closets, luggage storage, and towels. I do not recommend it.

There is a bed bug infestation, I was bitten all over my body and emailed the hostel and had no response, others said they found dead bed bugs and nothing was done about them but they just moved rooms!