Thursday, October 30, 2008
Equipped from rooftop to lobby with terrace bar, laundry room, elevator, kitchen, restaurant and travel agency, Hostel Catedral lacks very little, including customer service. The staff are helpful, professional, and were sympathetic to my concerns. I arrived with an emergency and am very, very grateful for their trust and hospitality.
This affiliate of Hostelling International and Mundo Joven Hostels is placed in prime real estate in Centro Historico right behind the Metropolitan Cathedral--hence the apropo name---near the Palacio Nacional, Mexico's White House.
water fountains on each floor disperse cold, drinkable water...just like in America!
Rates vary but members of Hostelling International or ISIC receive room discounts. I got the cheapest dorm room for $163mxn (non member rate= $187)
and shared it with three Austrailians. Austrailian travellers never fail in being gregarious, engaging, and up for adventure! As regards the room, the beds were quiet, clean and comfortable (linen and blanket included). Just like the beds in INOUT, each comes with a reading light and foot locker. The shower was pretty large and, on the night I arrived, with plenty of hot water---¡viva aqua caliente!Internet is not free but one of the few freebies in the hostel is breakfast. The breakfast spread is definitely worth attending but unless you are starving--which I was--full of imagination and have a working sense of humor pass on the free dinner. On the night I was there it consisted of scrambled eggs, lettuce, fruit water. To call lettuce dinner is a gross overstatement. Since everything in Hostel Catedral seems to have a price tag attached to it, making it more gringo "touristy" than youthful and cheap, it is worth mentioning two other notable freebies: Beer...and water.
I arrived with an emergency and am very, very grateful for their trust and hospitality
República de Guatemala #4
Colonia Centro (metro: Zocalo)
+52(55) 5518.1726
01.800 823 2410 toll free (ONLY in México)
www.hostelcatedral.com
Monday, October 27, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
This hostel is NOT a bed&breakfast as the name implies. It is a short walk from metro station Insurgentes although it may be a tad hard to find due to the sharp angles of the dissecting streets. Thankfully, it sits right on a corner. Like most, if not all, Mexican hostels one has to ring the buzzer to enter and at the B&B you also have to buzz to get out so, yeah, coming and going gets old after a short while.
B&B's reception has cable television, lots of DVDs and novels, and free Internet on the one computer. There are also storage cabinets for safe-keeping valuables. The young guy at the front desk is super cool and helpful.
I slept in the basement dorm for $110mxn. Aside from poor lighting it was fine. Sufficient showers and toilets but the water didn't get pass lukewarm.
I called the racist owner a jackass and checked out the next morning
Breakfast is not worth getting out of bed unless you particularly fancy eggs. At the time (early October) the staff was busy painting the place. Future guests can expect a more youthful decor of eccentric hues and colored squares. Guests, however, can no longer expect to receive calls or messages via the front desk---at least that's the case if you are black. A few of the white guests received calls but when a call came for me--international, no less--the owner himself blocked it because, in his words, it was his phone. To make matters worse, I was sitting in the room when he lied to the caller about my even being checked in. We argued and he told me to leave if there was a problem. I called him a jackass and checked out the next morning.
I always find racism to be a problem. Contrary to Mexicans' beliefs, Sí, there is racismo in their Third World country.
Calle Durango #145 (and Calle Tonala)
Colonia Roma
Colonia Roma
+52 55 5207.5585
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Very jovial, backpacker atmosphere which is to say boisterous, party-hardy gringo good time! The night and day staff are happy to encourage a good time. In fact, every night the bar loudly celebrates "La vida!" and shares free tequila shots. When I checked in, a fiesta was in full swing with (clumsy) dancing and booze. "C'mon and join the party!" the guests shouted.
I paid $150mxn for a dorm room. Some boards of the wood floors (and doors) squeak without mercy but the bunk beds in my dorm did not! The matress was thick and firm. A sizeable foot locker comes with each bed. What's more, guest can enjoy free breakfast and dinner meals. Not bad.
Free Internet is available through the four consuls in the lobby and has fast service. Showers have hot water, strong pressure and, thanks to etiquette reminders above every urinal, facility, and light switch, Hostel Amigo stays clean, energy efficient, hospitable for all guests.
"C'mon and join the party!" the guests shouted.
With its downtown location in Colonia Centro (metro stop: Isabel de la Catolica) I chose to stay here on my first night in town. As it is in the downtown area renting beds here should be convenient for people who like to get party-hardy outside of the hostel without much worry in using taxis to return home after a late night.
Isabel de la catolica #61
Colonia Centro
toll free: 01 800.7.467.835
As a youth hostel in D.F. it is very attractive and affordable with an easy enough location from either of two metro stops (Insurgentes or Sevilla). Insurgentes might be closer but if you're toting serious luggage, then the less congested walk from Sevilla will be more appreciated after riding ass to elbow on the subway. All beds cost the same $120mxn irregardless of length of stay and all are dorm room style.
As of this posting, word has it that said rate will go up soon in response to the country's banks response to America's recession.
I liked the beds here. Very thick mattresses. Although some squeak I manged to snag a quiet one each time. The two showers and three toilets served us well but I can imagine things maybe not flowing so smoothly when more gests are here. Ditto the kitchen. There's free Internet access on the one computer--can't beat free Internet!--and a small exchange library of novels and magazines. Hostel Home has a small and friendly staff who gave me no problems or attitude whatsoever.
I met so many characters here! No other hostel has come close to the colorful assortment of guests that have bedded here...a middle-aged junkie ex-pat, a self-exiled (American)refugee, a porn actor, plus the obligatory young German couples and Austrailian backpackers.
On the downside, the hostel lacks a smoking terrace. Since smokers tend to be 
inconsiderate of others' breathing space from the start and with most foreigners regarding it bothersome to have to buzz in and out of the place, the smokers generally went to the front room window/balcony façade to suck on cancer, allowing the breeze to make second-hand smokers of the rest of us inside.
inconsiderate of others' breathing space from the start and with most foreigners regarding it bothersome to have to buzz in and out of the place, the smokers generally went to the front room window/balcony façade to suck on cancer, allowing the breeze to make second-hand smokers of the rest of us inside.No other hostel has come close to the colorful assortment of guests that have bedded here...
Also, the owner, for all of her politeness, came off too money oriented. She smiles because you paid, not because of hospitality. Greed is never attractive. One of the more queer things she did was to put "Afuera de servicio" sign on the perfectly working microwave---in order to deter its usage. Greenpeace, my ass! An unflattering inside name for her developed among some of us.Calle Tabasco 303
Mexico City (Colonia Roma)
+52 5511.1683
Saturday, October 18, 2008
In looking for the hostel of the same name I mistakenly walked into this place which is right next door. Honestly, there is not too much difference between the two save for the boisterous imbibing of tequila and revelry and, perhaps, a younger clientele.
This much I found out from the friendly and professional front desk before finding out that I was at the wrong front desk:
- single room costs $160mxn (just ten pesos more than a dorm room in Hostel Amigo!)
- shower was down the hall although some rooms have private facilities but cost more.
- no free Internet or breakfast
- bright and clean looking lobby
- restaurant on premises
Centro Histórico
Calle Isabel de la catolica #63
metro: Isabel de la catolica
+52 5518.1213 al 17
website
hotelisabel@prodigy.net.mx
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
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One of the drawbacks of being in Guadalajara is that the majority of Tapatios apparently have never actually seen a black person in person so their reactions are curious and, if you stick around long enough, eventually, off-putting. It would be one thing if I were in a remote spot like the mountains or a one-well pueblo but for a people who like to claim, nay insist, parity with America it is hardly excusable, then, to stare and point at others just because they have different skin color. Nor is it excusable to walk up and actually say, "I like your color," or "I like black people," or "How many inches do you have?" ¿Huh?
Americans don't do that. Mexicans, sí.
Although everyone claims the girls here like black men I have never met nor ever been introduced to any such girl. My friends assure me their "friends", who always remain nameless and faceless, exist but like the song says, It's not make believe if you believe it too. I, however, don't buy their make believe. Therefore, when a Mexican tells you, as so many tell me, that he has a friend who likes black men be on guard. Chances are high that he is the "friend". It's the old requesting-information-for-my-friend-ploy. Insegure closet cases! Besides, what Mexican would really invite one of their women to get to know someone else?
Accuse me of generalization, if you please, but machismo is VERY real in this culture.
Don't misunderstand: Tapatios are hospitable yet delusional Third World citizens. But I'm not calling them racist.
What a comforting thought. The red, white, green badge of ignorance. Viva NAFTA!
One of the drawbacks of being in Guadalajara is that the majority of Tapatios apparently have never actually seen a black person in person so their reactions are curious and, if you stick around long enough, eventually, off-putting. It would be one thing if I were in a remote spot like the mountains or a one-well pueblo but for a people who like to claim, nay insist, parity with America it is hardly excusable, then, to stare and point at others just because they have different skin color. Nor is it excusable to walk up and actually say, "I like your color," or "I like black people," or "How many inches do you have?" ¿Huh?
Americans don't do that. Mexicans, sí.
I know Tapatios are not racist because each and every one of them says, "Mexicans are not racists."
Although everyone claims the girls here like black men I have never met nor ever been introduced to any such girl. My friends assure me their "friends", who always remain nameless and faceless, exist but like the song says, It's not make believe if you believe it too. I, however, don't buy their make believe. Therefore, when a Mexican tells you, as so many tell me, that he has a friend who likes black men be on guard. Chances are high that he is the "friend". It's the old requesting-information-for-my-friend-ploy. Insegure closet cases! Besides, what Mexican would really invite one of their women to get to know someone else?
Accuse me of generalization, if you please, but machismo is VERY real in this culture.
Don't misunderstand: Tapatios are hospitable yet delusional Third World citizens. But I'm not calling them racist.
Look mommy! A chocolate man!
Far from it. I know Tapatios are not racist because each and every one of them injects the non sequitur "Mexicans are not racists" in conversation. It's just a case of ignorance. I know this too because every Mexican in GDL explains with surreal pride, "Mexicans are not _____(nosey/racist/possesive/dishonest/lazy/selfish/gay/etc). They're just ignorant. That's all."
What a comforting thought. The red, white, green badge of ignorance. Viva NAFTA!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
If you answer an housing ad from a one "Paco" Ibarra DON'T RENT FROM THIS PIG.
Paco is a liar, double-talker, bully to say nothing of being obnoxiously loud and a braggart. He is overbearing to his small, stupid wife who dutifully bears his spawn. They have about four dirty faced kids now. Typical Mexican machismo.
Paco runs a housing scam in Guadalajara and is thought to have similar goings-on in Puerto Vallarta and Tijuana.
The pig stole my deposit as he made up excuse after excuse for not returning it. He has done this to others and he will do it to you, too.
Calle Priciliano Sanchez 771
Guadalajara, Jalisco
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
"Nobody wants to go back," said Angel Martinez, who came to the U.S. illegally 15 years ago from Mexico City. "We risked everything to get here for a reason."
Sr Martinez, like all immigrants, loves his country but he loves being out of it far more. No gracias, no self-deportation for these muchachos.
In Mexico, Mexicans like to try to convince foreigners they are Americans. Outside of Mexico, they can't shut up about being "100% Mexican!"
¡Aye caramba!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Today I noticed the exchange rate of the $USD to the $MXN was $9.13. The almighty greenback is now worth less than the standard bearer ten pesos!
When I first passed through the country during Semana Santa in April the rate was an impressive high ten to eleven pesos...now, three months later it's barely $9 pesos.
¡BUSH (and BERNANKE) SUCK!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
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In wake of the Summer Olympics the Chinese government has informed its citizens not to pester foreigners with the following intrusive questions. According to posters they should not ask about:
In wake of the Summer Olympics the Chinese government has informed its citizens not to pester foreigners with the following intrusive questions. According to posters they should not ask about:
- income or expenses
- age
- love life or marriage
- health
- someone’s home or address
- personal experience
- religious beliefs or political views
- what someone does
In Jalisco, Mexico, the Mexicans annoy you with all eight of these questions---EVERY DAY!
The number one question on their lips is ¿De donde eres?---"from where are you?"---leaving unsaid,"Oh I'm just being nosy and have nothing to add to this conversation. We're territorial and need to know where people come from...and anything else that isn't necessarily any of our business."
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
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On June 27 the Casa Museo López Portillo in Downtown hosted a free fashion show, exhibiting the latest wear in turn-of-the-century women's fashion. The event was preceded the day before by a slide show and lecture on various women's wear and was full of beauty, sleek corsets, ruffles, feathers, heavy-handed jewelry and---yum-yum---cleavage.
I regret not snagging a front row chair but with a full house in attendance I was glad to get a chair at all. The models were hot and one can only wonder, minus the Max Factor, if Mexicans back then really looked as sexy. If so, then the modern Tapatia ain't living up to the yardstick!
The fashion show was well organized, well attended, and well worth the educational and visual experience.
Casa Museo López Portillo
Liceo 177
Centro Histórico
Liceo 177
Centro Histórico
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Getting imprisoned in a foreign country has got to rank high among every traveller's nightmare. Miss Schapelle Corby, 30, of Australia will be living that nightmare for about twenty years in a cramp Indonesian cell after being found guilty of trafficking marijuana into the country. Customs officials discovered 9 pounds of the "ganja" in her bodyboard bag.
But don't just imagine the nightmare, watch it! HBO is set to air the documentary "Ganja Queen".
You know NYC is a tough place when Fortune plucks a girl from wonderful Kazahkstan makes her over into a globe trotting cover model and affords her a Manhattan apartment---that's apartment, not 'artist's loft'---only to have her take a flying leap from it.
At twenty years old, Miss Ruslana Kurshunova, was still a good twelve years from a model's mid-life crisis.
At twenty years old, Miss Ruslana Kurshunova, was still a good twelve years from a model's mid-life crisis.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Here's a clue: Se Habla Ingles? TIJUANA!
Yes, Tijuana, the poor man's Mexican getaway and hub of violent Mexican drug cartels is receiving more American motorists as car owners visit south of the border for regular fill-ups. The price of gas in Mexico is cheaper because it's subsidized but there are other heftier costs not found in the U.S.A. gas pumps such as:
1. Long ass waiting lines (time). We may have long lines at times but Mexico has long ass lines. How long ass? Try over an hour long! With no self-service filling stations each automobile is waited on by an attendant...and we all know how wonderful Mexican employees are at customer service.
2. Threats (stress). Drug violence, wild west shootings, white slavery...and that's just the morning police blotter. As one San Diego retiree reasoned, "I know they could kill me or kidnap me, but the cost of filling my tank in the United States is just too much." Right. So...he's willing to give his life for cheaper oil. Hell, sign gramps up for the army! Why get snuffed by a Mexican rancher when you can die in honor from a suicide bomber?
3. Violence (health). With the intense heat beaming down on you, exhaust fumes swirling up your nostrils, and homespun civility of ever anxious Californians it's bound to come to fisticuffs. Booyah! Frustrated drivers shout and curse at each other and some even throw blows. Also, foreigners make attractive prey for organized gangs as well as desperate natives. At last count, border towns are the most chaotic and Tijuana leads the country in homicides which stands at more than 1001, and this is just early summer.
I suggest my readers avoid more than the water in Tijuana.
Yes, Tijuana, the poor man's Mexican getaway and hub of violent Mexican drug cartels is receiving more American motorists as car owners visit south of the border for regular fill-ups. The price of gas in Mexico is cheaper because it's subsidized but there are other heftier costs not found in the U.S.A. gas pumps such as:
1. Long ass waiting lines (time). We may have long lines at times but Mexico has long ass lines. How long ass? Try over an hour long! With no self-service filling stations each automobile is waited on by an attendant...and we all know how wonderful Mexican employees are at customer service.
2. Threats (stress). Drug violence, wild west shootings, white slavery...and that's just the morning police blotter. As one San Diego retiree reasoned, "I know they could kill me or kidnap me, but the cost of filling my tank in the United States is just too much." Right. So...he's willing to give his life for cheaper oil. Hell, sign gramps up for the army! Why get snuffed by a Mexican rancher when you can die in honor from a suicide bomber?
3. Violence (health). With the intense heat beaming down on you, exhaust fumes swirling up your nostrils, and homespun civility of ever anxious Californians it's bound to come to fisticuffs. Booyah! Frustrated drivers shout and curse at each other and some even throw blows. Also, foreigners make attractive prey for organized gangs as well as desperate natives. At last count, border towns are the most chaotic and Tijuana leads the country in homicides which stands at more than 1001, and this is just early summer.
I suggest my readers avoid more than the water in Tijuana.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
It bills itself as "A quiet retreat in the heart of San Francisco." For the most part it is just that, indeed.
Set in a short dead end alleyway - apparently such passes for streets according to local topography - the Adelaide is a bit tricky to find if one doesn't follow the directions just right (Isadora Duncan Lane, named for a famed actress, does not appear on many maps!) An eclectic all-white staff offer very friendly service and maintain a clean, warm, professionally run hostel. Most appeared to vibe to the punk or hipster scene of which one will find oodles in S.F.
The hostel serves home-cooked meals every evening for a modest bill of $5! Bedrooms are fine. Beds include clean linen. Bathrooms are kept clean and stocked.
Bedrooms are fine. Beds include clean linen. Bathrooms are kept clean and stocked. I even spent a night in Alcatraz, one of two larger dorm rooms, and it, too, was fine. These bunks were fashioned like berths found in sleeping cars or ships with reading lamps and
curtains for privacy. Downstair is the TV room which doubles as the commons/eating area. Great concept if everyone is watching the Super Bowl but, otherwise, the arrangement sucks for anyone keen on actually hearing the movie. The very large kitchen is also a plus. The hostel serves home-cooked meals every evening for a modest bill of $5.00.
People do not live nowadays. They get about ten percent out of life.
Isadora Duncan
One huge turn-off was the old lady owner who mumbles to herself most of the time and the two children who never tired of running and playing. No, lady, your children are not cute.
5 Isadora Duncan Lane (94102)
415.359.1915
www.adelaidehostel.com
Friday, March 28, 2008
After being use to the cheap prices of Guatemala one would be inclined to pass on the Mikaso Hotel for being "pricey". At USD$8 for a dorm room it is one of the more expensive lodgings in San Pedro la Laguna (Lake Atitlán).
Inside and out, the hotel is clean, comfortable, luxurious with beautiful tiling, plush furniture, big mattresses, white linen. It sits on the lakefront---translation: nice breezes and gorgeous vista---and has a private homemade dock which many guests find enjoyable for reading, sun bathing, or just dangling their feet into the water.
The hot water is not always hot but the customer service is. Atop is a bar restaurant. The area has magazines, board games, and balcony seating to take in more of the lake and mountain views. Throughout Mikaso are many "nooks" to sit and read in peace. Party animals have no shortage of nearby entros but, thankfully, the hotel itself is a classy refuge from the bustling excess.
The hot water is not always hot but the customer service is!
Inside and out, the hotel is clean, comfortable, luxurious with beautiful tiling, plush furniture, big mattresses, white linen. It sits on the lakefront---translation: nice breezes and gorgeous vista---and has a private homemade dock which many guests find enjoyable for reading, sun bathing, or just dangling their feet into the water.
Party animals have no shortage of nearby entros but, thankfully, the hotel itself is a classy refuge from the bustling excess
The hot water is not always hot but the customer service is. Atop is a bar restaurant. The area has magazines, board games, and balcony seating to take in more of the lake and mountain views. Throughout Mikaso are many "nooks" to sit and read in peace. Party animals have no shortage of nearby entros but, thankfully, the hotel itself is a classy refuge from the bustling excess.
It is a little hard to access but worth it. And, anyway, one can always hire a zippy tuk-tuk (Shanghai taxi) to get one there. Fare is only Q5 (5 Quetzales = less than a USD) to go anywhere around the lake.
www.mikasohotel.com
+502 5973.3129
www.mikasohotel.com
+502 5973.3129
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That said, the outside is still more agreeable than staying at The Black Cat. The staff are not the friendliest by far and come off like spoiled assholes. One American worker, who looks a lot like a guy in Dirk Yates videos, was cold and curt with most everyone who spoke to him. He even questioned one guest's sexuality just because the man asked him to turn down the heavy metal at breakfast.
Speaking of which, that's the only gem of the place: the breakfast menu. Breakfast is included in the stay and comes in hardy portions so it's worth waking up for! If you're civilized enough to bunk elsewhere you can still pop over and order breakfast from the price menu. Just don't ask them to substitute toast for bagel. That is too, too bothersome a request for the staff. In fact, any request was greeted with a huff and scowl. Pricks.
You won't find a better place to hang your hat -- if that's all you plan on doing.
Sleep, rest, civil international discourse aren't on the menu at Black Cat. The hostel is the proverbial frat house abroad, making it the ideal place for loud bimbos, loud dipsomaniacs, surly ex-military stooges (vide infra), and poverty-loving hippies.
Sleep, rest, civil international discourse aren't on the menu at Black Cat. The hostel is the proverbial frat house abroad, making it the ideal place for loud bimbos, loud dipsomaniacs, surly ex-military stooges (vide infra), and poverty-loving hippies.
The staff are not the friendliest and come off like spoiled assholes
Antigua, per se, is a pretty and relaxing city full of ruins (or just poorly constructed churches), cobble stone roads, and a variety of eateries, including Subway and Burger King. Local businesses are good about arranging various tours to experience the country's national highlights, and everything is super affordable. Being Third World, Antigua lacks upstanding plumbing and good customer service so one might anticipate being "earthy" for several hours -the hostel was without running water for two or three days! - and should not concern himself with tipping, respectively.
That said, the outside is still more agreeable than staying at The Black Cat. The staff are not the friendliest by far and come off like spoiled assholes. One American worker, who looks a lot like a guy in Dirk Yates videos, was cold and curt with most everyone who spoke to him. He even questioned one guest's sexuality just because the man asked him to turn down the heavy metal at breakfast.
Speaking of which, that's the only gem of the place: the breakfast menu. Breakfast is included in the stay and comes in hardy portions so it's worth waking up for! If you're civilized enough to bunk elsewhere you can still pop over and order breakfast from the price menu. Just don't ask them to substitute toast for bagel. That is too, too bothersome a request for the staff. In fact, any request was greeted with a huff and scowl. Pricks.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Squarely situated steps in front of the main train station (Hauptbahnhof), this hostel is super easy to find. The hostel accepts cash and walk-ins sans penalty. The Front Desk staff were polite, helpful, and spoke clear English. A good flow of travellers passed through. One even regularly tinkled the ivory of the piano in the Commons, adding a soothing, cultural air to the visit. Wi-fi is available in the Commons but if you haven't a laptop it's better to go out to an Internet cafe than use the computer terminals in the hostel. When I was there more than a couple of people complained about the machines taking their money.
Rates were about 18 to 20 euros for dorm rooms. The first two nights I slept in a dorm room with private bathroom and shower and paid 20 euros then was switched to a smaller room with shared bath---for two euros less.
Wasn't much to look at in town, though, and, in fact, the neighborhood tended toward dodgy.
Apparently the hostel is smack in the middle of a red light district. This was one un-alluring red light district!
In walking around to pass the boredom, I happened upon the building where Oscar Schendler resided in his later years. A plague by the door marks the fact. It's a good idea to do the guided walking or club-hopping tours 0ffered by the hostel.
Beware of the smarmy men and boys who linger about the building entrance. Sometimes they even loitered on the steps inside to escape the cold. Note: Men who loiter all day (especially in cold weather) are undoubtedly up to no good and probably good for nothing. Furthermore, these cats did not appear the least bit Teutonic. Hmmm....
+49 (0)692.475.130
Kaiserstrasse 74, 60329, Frankfurt am MainSaturday, February 16, 2008
This is a very nice
place to stay. It is directly across the cobblestone street from Bahaus Guesthouse and I moved into it for variety's sake after three nights at the Bahaus.
Rates start at €10. The hostel is clean, well lighted, and all the staff speak English. In the lobby is cable television and free Internet. The connection speed was decent. The hostel is not, however, centrally heated so if you visit during the winter try to get a room with a heater in it. I did. A couple of German tourists, though, were not so fortunate and angrily demanded a refund and left. I don't blame 'em.
Beats me why some hostels charge for blankets when they know it is as stable as wanting a clean mattress or working toilet. Would you stand for a hotel that charged extra for the pleasure of a working toilet? Thought so.
My room was like the one pictured above. I shared it with an Australian dude and Canadian couple. The bathroom and shower were located in the hall. (The shower had a timer on it so was very frustrating to work in a hot bath. Thank goodness several hamams are nearby!)
The upper floor houses the restaurant/bar where a complimentary Turkish breakfast is available each morning not to mention a view of the sea. Very calming way to break one's fast. Ahhh, the drunken nights we enjoyed in that space.
One serious note of criticism, however, must be given to the undignified way the staff bribe good reviews from guests. Backpackers aren't a lot to pass up a free night but the fact that the workers sit beside the guest as he types good things onto HostelWorld.com makes the act even more skunky. The hostel and customer service are nice enough that they don't have to resort to such tricks. Oh those Turks!
Akbiyik Caddesi Bayramfirin Sok no: 12, Sultanahmet
Friday, February 15, 2008
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When in Turkey beware of friendly people.
This sounds hard-hearted but conventional wisdom reminds us to step back and ask, Why would anyone be so nice to me? Single men are especially warned to be vigilant against friendly strangers...a warning about which I didn't learn until the day after my troubles.
Read about my (mis)adventures in Shitstanbul.
First incident.
Second incident.
When in Turkey beware of friendly people.
This sounds hard-hearted but conventional wisdom reminds us to step back and ask, Why would anyone be so nice to me? Single men are especially warned to be vigilant against friendly strangers...a warning about which I didn't learn until the day after my troubles.
Read about my (mis)adventures in Shitstanbul.
First incident.
Second incident.
I decided upon Bauhaus---practically ran into the place---after a racist blip interrupted my travel plans and forced me to remain in Shitstanbul longer than planned.
At 12 euros for a four bed room it was really nice and even nicer since only one other bed was occupied so it was like having my own room. Nicer still, the room came with heat and blankets. I especially liked, too, that breakfast was included upstair in the pasha-esque lounge. Bauhaus had nice staff and free (and fast!) Internet and wireless access.
Oh yeah, there's also a restaurant on site. I never ate anything more than the breakfast but the daily menus sounded appetizing and were priced cheaply.
Akbiyik Cadessi, Bayramfirin Sokak No: 11 Sultanahmet
Thursday, February 14, 2008
What's not to love about a good 'ol Turkish Bath?! So traditional, so masculine, so relaxing. Sweat your anxiety away. It's like a slice of luxury only way more affordable and authentic.
Hamam means bath house and hamami, small (perhaps less decorous) bath house. In Istanbul the lot of Baths are across the bridge in Sultanahmet, also known as Old Istanbul. The majority of them date back many, many decades---sometimes centuries--- and segregate men and women. In other words, feminists keep your tight asses in NYC and Canada.
Unlike Greek and Western baths, Muslim mores forbid nudity so one maintains his nether regions covered, including, sometimes, even when receiving a soap massage.
And, man, are those massages vigorous! Admissions ranged from about 20 to 35 liras.
A popular tourist hammam is the Çemberlitas Hamami, located right off the tram stop of the same name. It's a bit pricey but probably worth it. I gather it is a safe bet for those that prefer not to stray far from the tourist must-see's.
The Historical Sifa Bath is a another nice hamami with one masseur on shift. It is behind the Blue Mosque and dates from 1777. Unlike some Baths which charge an additional fee for massage, here 15 euros includes everything, making it a sweet deal. I visited it twice.
(Sokak No. 24, Sultanahmet. 0212.638.3849)
Sultan Hostel is located in Old Istanbul along a street of many hostels. I counted myself unlucky in finding this section of town so late in my stay as the area is full of other (young) travellers looking to mix it up.
It is a nice enough establishment. Staff are courteous and professional. Free Internet access can be had from either of two public terminals as well as wi-fi. The service was good.
The hostel's restaurant is top notch with comfortable seating, atmosphere, and customer service. Loved the bread and tomato soup.
If you elect for the large (cheapest) dormitory be warned: It is cold, dark, noisy, unbearable. The large barracks style room is painted black and has minimal light fixtures so the room remains dark. It is unheated which makes for a large minus during non-summer times (although you can request a blanket).
Another serious drawback to sleeping in this room was that a mouse (mice?) scurried actively in the walls. It made for a creepy experience; something better suited to a Halloween excursion.
Akbiyik Caddesi 21, Sultanahmet
+90 212.516.9260 (9262)
enquiries@sultanhostel.com
Sunday, February 10, 2008
With a name as grand you might not think to consider it a budge option were it not for the fact that it's listed among select hostels. Make no mistake: Cordial House is a hostel, not a pension or hotel---and quite affordable as long as one does not rent the computers or order from the bar.
For all of its central location the hotel is not easy to find. Although just steps from the tram stop (Çemberlitas) it is not clear in which direction one should advance those steps. It took me some twenty minutes of find it and that was after stopping a few times to ask locals for help...and even then I just happened upon the hotel: I looked up in dismay and there was the round blue sign.
So look for the blue sign!
Some of the roommates related similar frustration in locating the place. It would be helpful if Cordial House posted a sign off the tram stop pointing towards its location.Staying during the winter months, the rooms at night (and early morning) made for shivering bones. Thankfully the beds come with blankets; and the beds, clean linen. I bought an 8 bed dorm and aside from some of the other travellers' body odors it was all right. The bathroom was right up the hall and hot water readily dispensed.
Socializing in the hostel was dim.
Hardly any guests frequented the commons area. Instead, it was more of a hang-out for the staff who, being Turkish, were loud and smoky. (In fact, the only time fags were prohibited was for about three hours during breakfast time.) It was the staff who mostly used the ping-pong table, billiards and television. Since they all had laptops, however, the expensive computer terminals (2 liras) were free whilst they played interactive war games.Front Desk was excellent. Was able to check-in as a walk-in. This alone is a big plus since I believe in the succubus evil of credit cards. From what I gathered beds went for about 9 to 11 euros. Payment could also be made in Turkish liras...or a combination of both!
For extra fees one could have a breakfast (3 liras), ping-pong or billiards (5 liras), computer time (2 liras). Wi-fi was free.
Divanyolu Caddesi Peykane Sokak No: 29
+90 212.518.0576
bookings@cordialhouse.com
Monday, January 28, 2008
This hostel is rare among U.S. hostels in that it is clean, polite, and affordable---and welcomes Americans. The staff are patient and without the typical I-work-in-a-hostel-and-you-don't attitude. Also they are sincere about improving their hostel so don't be shy about filling out the evaluation form after your stay. They welcome feedback.
Also placing them in the special stay column is the fact that guests are not required to book online or stiffed with a rip-off key deposit, AND fellow Americans, irregardless of skin colour or age, can buy a stay.
My room was nice and the bathroom (every room contains one) contained a bath tub! Sometimes the travelling body just wants a hot soak and such was certainly the case the weekend I visited the Golden City. The bed was one of the best in which I've ever slept...so cozy, so snuggly, so un-squeaky. Whoa!
If it were run by a religious order or in a conservative, god-fearing town, then I could understand the dry policy but in holy hippy San Francisco?!
Other than that I had such a relaxing stay that I was moved to buy a Hostelling International membership ($28) direct from the Front Desk. With free breakfast, upstanding furnishings, three shelves of book exchanges, and interesting travellers passing through the Golden City, I cannot say enough good things about San Francisco City Center.
415.474.5721
685 Ellis Street
SFCityCenter@NorCalHostels.org
Also placing them in the special stay column is the fact that guests are not required to book online or stiffed with a rip-off key deposit, AND fellow Americans, irregardless of skin colour or age, can buy a stay.
My room was nice and the bathroom (every room contains one) contained a bath tub! Sometimes the travelling body just wants a hot soak and such was certainly the case the weekend I visited the Golden City. The bed was one of the best in which I've ever slept...so cozy, so snuggly, so un-squeaky. Whoa!
The one minus to staying here is their no-alcohol policy.
If it were run by a religious order or in a conservative, god-fearing town, then I could understand the dry policy but in holy hippy San Francisco?!
Other than that I had such a relaxing stay that I was moved to buy a Hostelling International membership ($28) direct from the Front Desk. With free breakfast, upstanding furnishings, three shelves of book exchanges, and interesting travellers passing through the Golden City, I cannot say enough good things about San Francisco City Center.
415.474.5721
685 Ellis Street
SFCityCenter@NorCalHostels.org
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