We spent two nights at City Hostel and were really impressed by the location—just a short walk from Walking Street, and the fact that it’s inside a shopping centre made it feel safe and convenient. The rooms were exceptionally clean, the beds comfortable, and the showers were possibly the best I’ve had on my travels. The communal area has a great layout and plenty of space for guests to relax and socialise, so I’d probably stay here again if I return to Shymkent, mainly because of the excellent location, cleanliness, and comfortable facilities. However, the overall atmosphere felt a bit strange. Despite being a large hostel, it seemed almost empty during our stay, giving it an abandoned school vibe instead of a lively hostel. The communal area could use a few extra pillows on the benches, some soft background music, or a TV to feel more welcoming. The biggest issue was that someone—likely a staff member—appeared to enter our room at various times during the early morning hours, with the light turned on around 3 am on one occasion. That was very unsettling and made us feel our privacy was not respected. Overall, City Hostel has excellent qualities—location, cleanliness, beds, and showers—but the lack of atmosphere and the unexplained nighttime entries made us uncomfortable. I might stay again if I go back to Shymkent, but I’m not particularly eager to return.
Lauren·Há 3 semanas