Hostel PTSM "Oleandry" — Hotel in Krakow

This "youth hostel" is not a hostel for the youth. It is designed for seniors and people who are used to dark corridors and very unfriendly and dull staff. ||Don't think you could enjoy Cracow's nightlife while staying there because the doors close from midnight until 6 a.m. and there is absolutely no way to get back to the hostel after a few drinks in the pub. It doesn't say that explicitly in the description of the place. ||As staying in mid-august the hostel is deserted. It is empty and quiet, the lack of lights in the long barrack-like corridors add to the creepy atmosphere. The shared bathroom is old and there are only two toilets and two showers on one floor that could hold at least 50 people. I would absolutely not recommend this so-called youth hostel to anyone, as I got to know during my stay in Cracow that there are plenty of other hostels in the centre which are available at the same price and offer most certainly a better value.||Paula R., Zurich, Switzerland,...

This YHA is very basic but clean and cheap. I paid about £7 a night including bedding. It feels as though it is a hang over from the communist era, and I actually enjoyed that because that experience is getting rarer. The staff were fine and it is fairly easy to find, the hostel website has a map and directions. I booked via the website and corresponded using email||||The hostel is located about 15 minutes walking distance from the main square and I felt safe walking at night||||The meals in the hsotel were an experience! I would suggest giving the restaurant a go but don't be surprised if they don't have any of the items on the menu in stock. It is used to train catering students and is cheap and cheerful. Otherwise there are some good local restaurants||||I would recommend this for someone who is looking for a cheap place to stay for a few nights who is not looking...

On arrival I was surprised to read this hostel being given referred to as a shelter. I dismissed this as just poor translation however quickly realised that this hostel is in fact a temporary residence for displaced Poles who are between accommodation. Such services are important but they should not be provided by Youth Hostel Associations. Hostelling International needs to be strict with what hostels can be affiliated to them. This hostel or shelter had very littlr of what I expect from a hostel, especially the levels of service offered to visitors who are tourists. The matron was especially...