ARS Hostel

Owner needs to hire staff; facilities need a remodel. Reception was nonexistent even on a Saturday afternoon; room and bedding smelled of mildew (there were several lavender sachets on top of the radiator, presumably to mitigate this; didn’t work.) My mattress had a cover on it but the bottom of the mattress above me had some mildly alarming stains (I didn’t see any bed bugs, but feel like I need to be vigilant for a couple of weeks). Beds are wooden and although the outsides have been painted, the inside/underneath has not been and was clearly starting to decay a little. Main kitchen lights didn’t work; there was a very small dim light that did. Bathrooms smelled of sewer. The states of the three individual bathrooms were as follows: Bathroom 1: working toilet, sink, and shower. Shower was warm enough but not hot. However, the shower shut off automatically every 20-30 seconds unless you kept pressing the button/knob down. Water pressure left something to be desired. Bathroom 2: working sink, toilet covered by a toolbox, working shower - however, shower head was not mounted and had to be held to use. Also warm but not hot. Bathroom 3: working sink, working toilet, shower had a sign that said “cleaning - don’t use” and a large black garbage bag full of unknown items. Our room was clean enough (other than as previously mentioned). Bathrooms and kitchen needed attention. Owner was nice enough and left us some candy bars but obviously can’t run the entire place himself without help. Couldn’t rent a towel until Sunday morning until 10am because owner wasn’t around - had to buy a yoga towel from Flying Tiger so I could shower without killing a whole morning. Cell service in building is spotty at best and wifi is terrible - expect dial-up speeds. 3 stars for good location near castle and river and mattresses that were comfortable. Quiet after 11 or 12 - reasonable for a hostel. Felt safe.