Editor Pick
St Andrews Tourist Hostel
- June 22, 2002
- Rated 4 of 5 by
kpvincent from Edinburgh, United Kingdom
We weren't so sure about the place when we first arrived, because it was about 5 after 9pm, and on the door it said reception was only until 9. We rang the buzzer and climbed up one flight of stairs, and a confused-looking guy stared at us for a moment, and then said, "Were you looking for a couple of beds?" I said we had a reservation, and then we followed him into the reception room. He mumbled something about making people sleep on the floor, and counting on us not showing up that night. Then we paid for our beds and he directed us upstairs, quickly pointing out the kitchen, bathrooms and common room.
But, after that, everything was great. The only negative (and this had apparently contributed to this guy's lack of sleep and general confusion) was that there was a whole team of pre-teen soccer players staying in the hostel, and they seemed to think they owned the stairs, the hall, the common room and the outside seats of the restaurant downstairs. But they left the next day and the entire hostel (walls included) breathed a sigh of relief.
Our room was one floor up, and had 6 beds. We were the only females in there--I was very glad I'd brought my earplugs. The room was quite clean and there was a clean bathroom with a shower across the hall, and other showers and toilets on the main floor. The kitchen and common room were also on the main floor of the hostel, and were both roomy. The kitchen could have been a bit cleaner, though the facilities were excellent (ovens so new I couldn't figure out how to operate them).
The location is good for a couple of reasons. It's right above a great Mexican restuarant (my favorite), and it's close to everything you'll want to walk to. It's right at the end of St Mary's Place, just before it meets City Road, so it's less than a five minute walk from the bus station
Dorm beds cost £12 except during July, August and September, when they are £13, £16 and £13 respectively. A deposit is required for the key.
See the website for more information (www.eastgatehostel.com/standrews.htm).
From journal St Andrews, Without the Golf