City Hostel Seattle — Hotel in Seattle

My friends and I (3 of us) stayed in the 6-person mixed dorm for 1 night. The room has 3 bunk beds, a small sink, air conditioner and a small open closet/entryway with lockers. There's also WiFi throughout the hostel. This was my second time staying in a hostel so I don't have too much experience to compare to.

We checked in around 6 PM on a Saturday. Checking in and checking out were straightforward and the concierges/desk attendees were all kind and explained everything well. The hostel was a decent price, especially for the location ($37 CAD per bed). It's right downtown and really close to Pike's Market. The neighborhood is interesting. There's lots of bars, restaurants that all seem really new and fun. There are quite a few homeless people around (not the hostel's issue obviously, but I know some travellers may be concerned). Our room was on the second floor. The linens were clean but the bed/mattress and coverings were yellowed with age (I hope it was because of age). The walls were painted with these bright colors and vibrant modern artwork. It's not my thing but I understand the appeal and at least it made the room look interesting. With regards to noise, I slept with an eye mask and ear plugs and I didn't have any issues (I'm a relatively light sleeper).

The communal washrooms and showers were unfortunately pretty gross. I was hoping they would be cleaned in the morning, but if they were, there didn't seem to be much improvement. It didn't "smell" like cleaning product was used and there was hair and water in the sinks and around the toilets/showers even at 6-7 AM when I went. My friends and I decided to skip showering because it was quite gross. Not the worst, but you certainly don't feel like it's clean.

The amenities of the hostel are nice. There's a kitchen with communal cooking supplies, fridge and cooking utensils. Downstairs you have a really cute mini movie theatre area with lots of DVDs. They also have another living room with tables, chairs, couches, a TV with cable, lots of board games and books. They also have a section with lots of maps and tours guides of the surrounding area which is handy.

My favourite part was the courtyard. It's a narrow little alleyway with lights strung up and outdoor seating and tables. There's also outlets there. My friends and I had a lovely time out there in the evening chatting with other hostel patrons and I had breakfast there in the morning. Very charming and quaint.

I was pleasantly surprised how many families and older guests were at the hostel. I was expecting mostly 20 year olds (not that that's a bad thing!). The atmosphere and environment was very friendly and open.

Breakfast was complimentary and nice for the price of my stay. There was toast with spreads, fruit and cereal. The coffee was really good which was a nice surprise!

This isn't the hostel's issue but just a warning to other travelers: parking is a bit of an issue. Obviously because this was downtown, we knew we would either have troubles or pay a lot of money. There is a paid parking lot right behind the hostel. It cost us $30 US to park the car there overnight until 10 AM. It would have been $20 US until 8 AM.

Summary:

Pros: Downtown, free breakfast, WiFi, location, courtyard, price

Cons:...

Easily the worst hostel I have ever stayed at. The reasons include the following:

1. The area where the hostel is situated is sketchy. This is evidenced by the fact they you cannot even enter the hostel (reception area) without having an access card. They have to let you in. Never have I faced such a strange process at any hostel/hotel. Walking around the neighbourhood in the evening made me feel uncomfortable. I would not recommend it. On top of it, you are required to show your access card to the person at the reception whenever you enter the hostel. This indicates some serious safety concerns in my mind.

2. The hostel wants you to submit your passport as a form of ID. The hostel does not accept any other form of ID, if you are not from the US. The hostel records and stores your passport information. I am not confident in the hostel's ability to securely store such personal details - it is only a matter of time before a breach happens and everyone's personal information is leaked online. Again, never have I experienced this at any hostel or hotel.

3)The hostel charges extra for online booking. It is not a huge amount but nevertheless it is something. This online booking charge is deceitful.

4. Breakfast is a joke. 8-10 a.m. only. Sugar loaded coloured jam which has a consistency of a jelly; semi-white bread and availability of just 1 toaster for everyone; frozen and thawed bananas cut into so thin slices it makes you wonder if you in a prison. Milk which tastes like water. No eggs. I was very disappointed by the quality and type of breakfast served. Among all the hostels I have stayed, this was frankly at the very very bottom.

5. The sinks inside the room look and operate as if they were made for ants. I am not joking; the sink area can fit in the palm of your hand. This makes it so annoying to wash hands or brush.

6. The room was quite hot in the night with noises coming in from outside the window. No air-conditioning was available.

This is not a comprehensive list; I am sure there are many other reasons I am forgetting why I had such a poor experience. I am sorry I had to write this but I just wanted potential visitors to be aware of...

This time it was a short trip on weekend in Seattle. I got to love more Seattle because of this Beautiful Hostel & the staffs. The staffs are sincere & The City offers so many things to the tourists but I felt so bad to see a lot of homeless, especially on weekend. I feel like the downtown looks so empty and there are only tourist in the attractions and many homeless people.

If I visit again, I'll definitely stay here again. and the WASABI bistro (again (since my last visit in 2008) is still my favorite. The price is reasonable and very elegant but still friendly. I less like the KUSHBAR (excellent mood & service)next to the WASABI Bar (they can do much better for cuisine)

Small review for this short trip. Night view from the Belltown pier is awesome. The Wisky Bar(Belltown) is very professional & enjoyable. The Ivar's(Pier) fish'n chips is always good. The Public Market is always good. The Lola(bistro & Lounge)is decent The Local Pho(Belltown) is excellent. The Whole foods is excellent. The Denny Park is very quiet & enjoyable. The light rail from Airport to Downtown is cheapest airport public transport ever I know,what's more very clean & comfortable. I love the Seattle Library The China town offers so many options to eat (We had the HOTPOT)not bad. ------I feel that I'm in China,exotic I less like the Space Needle(Seattle center)-should better reserve ticket in advance on internet)

The Capitol Hill is very exotic, somewhat I love there. Unfortunately I couldn't find the nice café or bar.

The city itself ;Seattle center & Seattle downtown & Belltown & Capitol Hill & international district & piers...good to walk. We didn't take any transport to visit all these districts.

It's my personal review only 2 nights here in Seattle. Hope the visitors explore more than I do.

I appreciate again to the staff at City Hostel Seattle.

Looking forward to coming again one...