Hostelling isn''t for everyone - there is no privacy because you share a room and bathroom facilities with other (same sex) people. If you''re travelling alone and want company or if you''re on a very tight budget, hostelling might be your best bet. They are frequented mostly by youth and you''ll meet people from all over the world.
Lisbon has two hostels and this one, near the Expo site is the newest, built in 1998. If you want to spend time at the Expo site or do some shopping at the large and modern Vasco da Gama shopping mall, you might want to check out this hostel.
The 4 person rooms are large, with two bunk beds, individual closets and a desk and chair. Unfortunately, the beds have no separate reading light and the only overhead light is near the entrance so the room is rather dull at night.
Bathrooms are across the hall and have individual shower stalls. Remember to bring your own towel because bathroom linens are not provided.
Breakast includes rolls, ham, cheese, jams and coffee or tea and is served in the main floor cafeteria where you can also purchase other meals or snacks. There is a kitchen if you want to cook your own meals and an outdoor patio where you can soak up the sun or sit and relax.
The hostel is 3 stories and has an elevator so you don''t have to cart luggage up and down stairs. If you want to read, you can use a well-lit area by reception that also has an overhead TV. There are internet facilities and the price is pretty reasonable (less than $1.50 US per hour). There is also a theatre room and free movies are shown on certain nights - reception has the schedule. Rooms are not available for check in until after 5 p.m. due to cleaning but they''ll store your luggage if you get there earlier.
The hostel is located about 15 minutes from the Oriente train or metro station, just off busy Dom Joao II Blvd. If you plan on spending most of your time in downtown Lisbon, keep in mind that it will take you at least 35 minutes to get from the hostel to the main areas like Rossio or Praca do Commercio and involves changing metro lines at least once, depending on your destination.
You can''t beat the price - 2100$ esc. (less than $9. US) per person, per night, including breakfast. The staff are very friendly and helpful but after staying one night, I decided it was just too far from most of the things I wanted to see and do, so I found accommodation in downtown Lisbon.
This hostel isn''t usually full and seems to get the overflow from the main one in Lisbon. If you are into hostelling and want to stay downtown, try to book ahead and make sure to specify that you want the downtown hostel at R. Andrade Corvo.