Zhouzhuang – Zhouzhuang International Youth Hostel

Reviews — By Brendon on 02/06/2011 1:47 pm

I have only very good things to say about this hostel!!!

Location

The hostel location is superb. The front door is literally 4 to 5 meters from the bank of the canal, a 1 minute slow walk from the famous twin bridges and right in the heart of the old city.

You can watch the boats drift down the canal and the hordes of tourist stroll by while sipping your coffee in the hostel restaurant. With out exaggeration you could not find a better location for a hostel in Zhou Zhuang.

Getting There

Zhou Zhuang has no airport or train station so the only way there is by bus. When you get of the bus, turn left and head down the main road which will take you over a large bridge. Once over the bridge the entrance to the old town will be easy to see. The walk should take no more than 10 to 15 minutes and is enjoyable with great views.

Clear the ticket gates and take the first lane way to the left and keep walking till you reach Beishi street. The hostel is on Beishi Street and if you have not taken a wrong turn, the hotel will be towards your left. There is a large Hostelling International sign out the front door so you can’t miss it.

If you can’t find it, just ask one of the locals where the “qing lu” is. They’ll point you in the right direction.

Price

45RMB for a 6 bed dorm and 280 for private rooms. One of the few hostels I’ve come across where paying for the whole dorm is cheaper than a private room.

Rooms & Facilities

Facilities are excellent with all the standard features such as wireless internet access, security lockers and luggage storage. All areas of the hostel ie dorm, showers, toilets, atrium were in top condition, very clean and well maintained. The whole hostel looks very new. The building housing the hostel is one of the original buildings built over 100 years ago and has the classic look on the outside. On the inside you have the look of a well maintained modern hostel.

The attached bar/restaurant is modern, chic and reminds me of Starbucks with the couches, tables and comfortable layout. The menu selection is good though prices are a little high and on par with surrounding restaurants.

I shared the dorm with two guys from Sichuan who were living at the hostel and working in the area. They were very comfortable and satisfied with their dorm and the hostel in general.

Staff

Staff are excellent, speak fluent English and will be able to answer any of your travel questions.

The hostel manager actually gets his hands dirty and works in the hostel it self. Depending on the time of day you’ll either see him helping out in the front desk, restaurant and any where else he is needed. He is extremely professional and this is reflected in the staff.

The only drawback if you can call it that is the lack of informality.

This hostel has a Golden Retriever and a Collie who will either be behind the front desk or being spoilt in the restaurant.

Bookings and Availability

Rooms are normally booked out on weekends and the hostel is strict on bookings so make sure you book in advance. If you are arriving at night, they will want you to check in by 7. This is not a problem because they know when the last bus arrives in town and give you plenty of time to reach the hostel.

The hostel has an interesting policy where you take the mattress cover, pillow case and quilt/blanket cover to the front desk when you check out.

Address and Phone Number

Hotel name in Chinese – 周庄国际青年旅舍

No. 86 Beishi Street, Zhouzhuang

+86 512-5720 4566

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