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Euro Hostel (Glasgow, Scotland)
by GuitarHeroine
I booked this hostel for a few nights' stay as a single traveller. Unless you book a private room, you're put into a dorm with members of the same sex only. I went for the cheapest option of paying Ģ14.95 a night and getting a bed in a 14-bed room (in other words sharing with 13 female strangers). There are more expensive options ... available if you want a smaller amount of people occupying your room.
I booked online via the Euro Hostel website and was required to pay a 10% deposit there and then; the rest was to be paid upon arrival. I received my confirmation email promptly and took a copy with me in case I needed it when I checked in.
Getting to the hostel isn't that easy if you don't know the area, but once you know where you are, it's very easy. Essentially, from either the Buchanan Street coach station or from Queen Street train station (the main overground, national rail link), you walk down Buchanan Street, towards St Enoch's Square. You walk through St Enoch's Square and you pass a pub on your left called the Hootenanny. Turn right once through the Square and follow the street along (there are some buses running on it) to a street where there is a branch of Matalan. Turn left and walk towards the river Clyde and the hostel is situated on the corner.
When I checked in, the process was prompt. You can buy padlocks for the lockers provided in the room (one per bed), rent towels, and buy various other items such as maps and chocolate. You can also book local excursions, an opportunity you also get (for additional costs) at the time of booking. There are plenty of leaflets to look at too for more ideas of places to see, located in this reception as well as additional lockers you can pay to use.
You need to keep the key card on you at all times as you cannot use the elevators or access the stairs without it. There are several floors. I was on the 9th floor. The room itself was basic. 7 bunk beds (2 beds on each) and 2 toilet cubicles and 2 shower cubicles (these were located on each side immediately as you entered the room.
There's also a table and three chairs although it's not much if you're in a big group. Also included is a bin and the aforementioned lockers. There are some sinks and mirrors inside the room but tucked away around a corner.
Overall, the beds are comfy enough. You're given suitable sheets, etc to make the bed up yourself. I managed to get some sleep at least, on all the three nights I stayed there.
The showers were a nightmare to use; the force of the jet of water was so extreme I literally struggled to breathe at times and ended up in a corner of the cubicle so I could get some air. The flimsy curtain combined with this maniacal jet means water gets everywhere so all your stuff on the cubicle floor is liable to get soaked.
Breakfast is free, and served from 7:30-9:30 in the lounge on the first floor. You get juice, cereal, toast and jam. For an additional cost you can order a cooked breakfast or a bacon, egg or sausage roll although I regretted my decision to get a sausage sandwich as they microwaved the sausage and the result wasn't too pleasant!! There's a few massage chairs where you [pay Ģ1 for 3 minutes of electric massage, and also some standard seats in the lounge in one corner, by a large TV you can watch.
There's also a room on the mezzanine level where I was able to charge my phone (I did not leave it unattended), and swap books on a book swap table. There's a pool table and some vending machines and another gaming table also there but I didn't use any of them myself.
Overall, it is what it is and for the money, you can't really complain. I have stayed there twice now and would stay again if travelling alone on a budget.
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