- Value for Money: 10/10
- Location: 9/10
- Atmosphere: 10/10
- Facilities: 10/10
- Security: 10/10
- Staff: 11/10
- Cleanliness: 10/10
- Overall: 9.9/10
I estimate that I’ve been to over 1000 hostels in the world, so I’ve seen pretty much everything through the years. The hostel model has suffered a lot over the past years, with the arrival of cheap alternatives like Airbnb. Too many hostels don’t understand what a hostel needs, its not just a “cheaper alternative to hotels”. It should be an experience. In fact, it should be a social experience where the guest can share and enjoy other’s company in a comfortable setup. It’s not because a hostel is a cheaper alternative that its infrastructure should be cheap. If you fill 8 people in a room at 20$ per head, that’s a 160$ room which puts it in the 4-star range in most countries.
This is why I was so impressed with Symbiosis Hostel in Palanga on the Lithuania coast. This is what happens when intelligent people bring their heart and passion to work and create an amazing result. This hostel has pretty much everything a hostel would need. Quality infrastructure, beautiful design, secure environment, quality mattresses and comfortable installations. they have a nice setup with a central and modern kitchen fully equipped surrounded by the rooms, so people gather in the middle to socialize. Everything is quality, they haven’t furnished it cutting corners at Ikea. Everything is of prime quality! And above all, the owners are two fun-loving and genuine people that share their love of hosting with everybody.
I was curious about why this hostel was ranking so high in booking.com (9.7… this is Rare!) and now I don’t understand why they don’t rank higher. I gave 9.9, just because perfection is impossible, but they deserve a 10. I truly wish them a long and successful future. they are a model for hostels and the direction that the industry should go with.
Book your stay at symbiosis hostel here
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