VTZ The Botanic Hostel

VTZ Hostel is unusual in that it offers some nice private rooms (Due to my traveling companion, we were in one.) in addition to the usual dormitories. Curiously, the rooms are cheaper (44€ late-February) than 2 dormitory beds. There's nothing not to like about the hostel, with one exception detailed below. Our room had 2 small balconies, a good 3/4 bathroom, comfortable bed, and good wifi. The operation is completely automated, with code access to the building and the rooms. I didn't test it but access is said to end promptly at the 11 AM checkout time. Note that the lack of onsite staff means luggage cannot be left there. Instead, guests are invited to leave belongings at a different VTZ hotel in another part of town. The location is good, in walking distance of many attractions. Ample free parking exists across the river, about a 15 minute walk away, but it took me a while to find an available space there. I patronize hostels for the social contact but in our 2 nights, the common areas never had more than 4 people in them, all totally absorbed in their phones That was disappointing, but obviously not the fault of management. My only complaint is not something that was misrepresented but very surprising nonetheless: the hostel has a shared kitchen, but no way to cook a meal, i.e. no stovetop (or oven). Also, the shared refrigerator has no freezer compartment. These weren't specifically claimed in the description, but in many years of patronage, I've never encountered a hostel kitchen without a stove. These 2 omissions disrupted my food storage and cooking plans. Thanks to VTZ Hostel, Booking.com should absolutely require a specific note as to whether a listed "kitchen" does not include cooking.

I stayed in room 3(1) which had 12 berths. Hostel occupies a great location in the old town. Underbed storage was of a decent size (bring your own lock). Well equipped kitchen/communal area with a vending machine and plenty of tables and chairs. Thoroughly automated check-in which worked well and ensured security. Large room, crisp clean bedding provided.

Mattress very uncomfortable (plastic, 4" thick approximately) and the bed base was a wooden sheet without springs. I slept well but woke-up with one hell of a back ache.

Price

Location

Location is quite central

Nothing