The first couple of hostels we used so far

We arrived in Sofiya, Bulgaria kind of late so we decided to stay at Hostel Mostel which has a really high review on http://www.hostelworld.com but as it turns out, you seriously should book in advance online, but everyone we talked to who did, didn't get their reservation served anyway.. go figure.  So we stayed at Hostel  Sofiya, it was nice and quiet, it had free breakfast, but be prepared to walk up several flights of stairs (possibly wet & slippery and no light at night), same goes for Hostel Mostel.  The hosts were a bit weird, but nice enough.


We stayed at the Funky Chicken in Bucharest, Romania.  It was nice and quaint, but definately not quiet.  That was no big deal if you are tired enough.  It has a nice atmosphere, but the side rooms get NO wind flow during the summer, so we almost cooked to death.  Only one of the girls speak english and is real laid back, but doesnt offer much in tips unless you know exactly what you are looking for.  They dont have a free breakfast and have a few maps, flyers and info sheets lying around to get you started.  It is closer to the train station, but further from the Metro, however it is still a better location for getting around.  Walk to the Metro is about 10 mins, they are fast, clean and fairly safe. Its 2 Lei per ticket which is good for 2 entrances (or 1 entrance for 2 people), just put the money on the counter at the kiosk and they will give you what you need, as most dont understand English.  We didn't do the bus, as it was harder to get tickets.

In Brasov, Romania, we stayed the first night at the Rolling Stone Hostel, it's a beautiful home converted into a hostel, large dorm rooms, TV room and dining room. They cook a breakfast every morning, but depending on their mood it can range from bread, eggs and jam to a goulash. The hosts are very friendly and helpful, and give you a rudimentry map which they will go over with you extensively drawing little sites and places to see/eat. She will try to help you find anything and arrange tours.  The beds and sheets are nice. Drawbacks are they charge a little much for their wide range of tours, and only for transport (mostly one-way) you have to get tickets on your own.  The internet is 5 Lei for the whole time you are there, but you have to wait, like most hostels to use the computer.  They have HUGE lockers to store your stuff, but not all of them lock, the keys work, but the lock doesnt latch.  It is also a secure facility, they give you a key for the gate (20 Lei deposit).  They have ample bathrooms (WC water closet) some just toilets and some with showers. It's about 25-30 min walk from the train station, if you dont want to walk, take a taxi. Insist they KNOW exactly where it is, its on a side street, and that they turn on the meter. It should not cost more than 10 Lei, but expect to pay less.  The number 4 bus will take you to it, but BEWARE the bus. Number 4 is full of pickpockets and they get 90% of the tourists.  IT is ok to take the bus during off hours when it is EMPTY, or very few people.  During peak hours its sardines, and they are very good at getting your stuff.  Just take a taxi!!  Rolling Stone is about 10 - 15 minute walk to the main square, and in a good location.   

Next we moved on to the Kismet Tao Hostel (Brasov), which is a hundred yards or more from Rolling Stone.  Really nice and clean, comfortable beds.  Lots of nice backpackers, free breakfast, a shower on each floor and one with a bath tub, shower and toilet. There are also extra WC just with toilet. It has a lounge in the basement for hanging out, a nice TV room with satellite TV, nintendo 64 and dvd player.  They give you a free drink for each day, variety of juices, fanta, coke and water.  The kitchen is nice and clean, plenty of dishes, cooking utensils, food storage.  It also has a balcony with a great view for eating.  There is only one private/shagging room which you get a key for, on the premises, but they have more at the owners house (though I was told that its a bad idea to go to).  Dont expect to get on the computer much, 15min time limit (flexible if no one is waiting), and their are a lot of people here usually waiting for it.  It's a 4 story hostel, with plenty of walking room and storage areas.  You get a locker with functional locks (5 Lei deposit) and THEY wash your laundry and fold it.  Beware, we put Kristin's tank-tops and 3 pairs of boxers and a shirt. So far only one pair of boxers and the tshirt has shown up.  Most everyone else's clothes are lying on the clothing table, but comfortable hiking clothing, such as the cotton tank tops, are probably gonna get yanked.  Backpackers are nice, but they are people, and people suck.  So either hand wash your good stuff, or hope for the best.  Overall a really good hostel, comfortable, very friendly and helpful.