HI Castelo Branco – Pousada de Juventude — Hotel in Castelo Branco

I know it's really weird but they have check-in at 6pm(!), which at least I didn't see on Hostelworld, which at this time of year is after sunset(!), and check out at 10am. I commented very politely that 6pm is a bit of a weird check in, and I speak fluent Portuguese and tried to be nice, and asked if I could at least leave my stuff in the locker while they change linens, and they answered me very rudely and said I have to roam the Street until dark before I can be in the hostel. Obviously very impractical with check in after sunset, but I felt more bad about how rude they were about it. Anyways, only hostel in the city. Just know that check in is 6pm, which can be after dark depending on the season, and they won't allow you to even use the showers(which are cold) until check in (and cold showers at night are really cold!). It is what is. At least Castelo branco...

Room. Dormitory 4 beds space above standard w/table, chair's and cabinets, light in bed, sockets not well located or not existed (top bunk), missing air conditioner CB can't be extremely hot 🥵 and the ruff is just above de room, room doors extremely noise. Service. Reception standard it's coming out always to personality l have must grate welcome's in others location of this institution House keeping standard. Catering above the standard of this institution w/ selection of compotes, slice Portuguese loafbread and the almost always missing homemade cake and table setup. Location. Not far from city center (1Km), around 2 Km from train and bus station. After travel around town for half hour don't see a single signals...

Without doubt the worst hostel I have stayed in in Europe. Can't check in before 18:00. Rules for everything. Access during the day is difficult as the door is locked. Access is difficult due to the steep staircase. Shared toilet bathrooms are like you experienced at school, maybe worse. Staff treat you like a 13 year old school kid. Don't touch the microwave! No facilities for storing or preparing your own food. Sleep on a rock hard single mattress covered in plastic. Tv doesn't work or staff won't turn on. School like dining room. Breakfast is a pre prepared breadroll in a paper bag, no buffet style here. I recommend you avoid this place, Castelo Branco has...