Many things have been said already about this hostel and many reviews were written. I hope this to become the
definitive review, coming from someone who has worked at Nathan's during the memorable summer '04 and has a continuing three year relationship with the hostel.
In the hostel circles, Nathan's hostels (few more around in Poland and Romania) are legendary for their ability to create a social atmosphere for the solo backpacker.
What the hell does that mean!? you might ask. My statement does sound like a cliché after all...
Number one reason is that Nathan's offers a lot of common areas and a plethora of social options to guests. Warsaw's hostel has a kitchen with a huge dining area, capable of holding a few dozen backpackers in various states of inebriation as well as catering to their breakfast and dining needs. Next to it, there is a reading room, although reading here may get slightly difficult especially if there is a party going on next door. There is a TV lounge (with several hundred of satellite TV channels), a computer room (with free Internet) and a large lounge in the reception area with four sofas and (YEAH!) wireless Internet connection for guests with laptops.
Spontaneous outings to clubs are common. Friendly dinners, pub crawls as well as city tours and planned social event and parties also happen on occasion. It's very difficult to be bored here.
Rooms? Nothing special really. Just your average uninspired dormitories fit for an Ikea catalogue. There are squeaky, aluminum bunk beds from Ikea, covered with warm Ikea blankets and Ikea veneer-covered particle board storage lockers. Bathrooms make a much better impression. First, there are a lot of them. Second, they are large, bright and have nice fixtures.
Don’t believe in the tag line "no checkout time" too much. You have to be out of your room after breakfast, although you can stay in the hostel (but isn’t it the standard in every decent hostel everywhere?). And be careful with the "free laundry" promise. In the high season with dozens of people doing laundry, it may be a couple of days before you get it back, and it may be that some of it may go missing.
So honestly, how is it?If you’re looking for a cheap hostel, look elsewhere. With the dollar in the gutter, a bed-night here will run you $18-$22. And the price for private rooms is higher than many tourist class hotels in Warsaw. During high season, this is not a good place for someone looking for a quiet place to hide and rest: it tends to get extremely loud and obnoxious. This is a fantastic place for people looking to hang out, meet the locals, make new acquaintances and lifelong friends and to hit the town and experience what Warsaw’s famous for:
its nightlife.
So if you’re in Warsaw looking to meet up, hook up and party up: this is your place.
More information on Nathan's
website.