|
|
Way to Russia Talk Lounge
Way to Russia warm-up: place both your hands in front of you and then count one word for each finger, starting from the left thumb: "Conversation Is a Way of Finding Out What You Think".
WayToRussia.Net Blog & Updates:
Subscribe to Way to Russia News Feeds:
   | Latest Forum Posts:
Talk Lounge Posts at Your Fingertips:
|
|
Please, book your travel services directly through Way to Russia to support our free independent travel guide.
You will get lower prices, faster reply, and our backup in dealing with providers.
| What kind of accommodation you prefer? |
| Hotel |
|
30% |
[ 3 ] |
| Private apartment |
|
10% |
[ 1 ] |
| Shared apartment |
|
40% |
[ 4 ] |
| Hostel (shared room) |
|
10% |
[ 1 ] |
| Anythig else? |
|
10% |
[ 1 ] |
|
| Total Votes : 10 |
|
| Author |
Message |
Pasha
Frequent Guest
Joined: 25 Apr 2003
Posts: 38
Location: Moscow
|
 Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 7:28 pm Post subject: What kind of accommodation you prefer? |
 |
|
Please tell me about your opinion, it will help to make a better service.
All comments are welcome! |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
5_Zvehzda
Moderator
Joined: 08 Oct 2004
Posts: 347
Location: Arizona
|
| Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 8:58 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| I voted for 'shared apartment' since I consider it a neutral preference in accommodation due to budget reasons. Hostels are always the cheapest option (of course), a private apartment is the absolute best option for privacy and independence, and hotels can be astronomical. So, a shared place with split rent would closer to ideal if I was still on a lower budget. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jo jo 7
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 05 Nov 2006
Posts: 3205
Location: Louisville,Kentucky
|
| Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 5:18 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| I also voted for the shared apartment. What are Hostels exactly? I really don't know much about them. I know they are cheaper and that is about it. Are they in nice areas or not so good areas? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Generation P
WayToRussified
Joined: 22 May 2006
Posts: 319
Location: SHE WENT TO BARCELONA!
|
| Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 6:02 pm Post subject: |
|
|
The idea of hostel is to offer cheap accommodation for budget traveler. So to cut down the price of accommodation, you sleep in a dormitory with other travelers, share bathroom with them and prepare your own food in a common kitchen. Best thing in hostel is that you get in contact with other travelers, exchange experiences and knowledge, or if you want, just go out partying.
Hostels can be good and not so good. I have stayed at hostels in Budapest, Krakow, Warszaw, Montpellier, Marseille, Nizza, Prague and Copenhagen and always had good time. On my first trip in Poland, France and Czech Republic I didn't even bother to book any hostels beforehand, except in Prague. Usually hostels have big rooms that are shared with other people, for instance in eight bed dorm you share room with 7 more people. Some dorms are mixed, some are only for girls/boys. Price of the accommodation depends on the size of the room and is it en suite or not. Sometimes free coffee and breakfast and usually a kitchen where you can cook.
Good or not so good? It depends on what you want and what is good for you. Some hostels are for party animals, some not. Look at the www.hostelworld.com - look for cities like Prague, Budapest, Krakow and Warszaw - there are plenty of different hostels where to choose from. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jo jo 7
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 05 Nov 2006
Posts: 3205
Location: Louisville,Kentucky
|
| Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 7:35 pm Post subject: |
|
|
GP, I took a tour for Hostels in St. Petersburg and found several nice ones on this link (BTW great link) you gave, very nice prices. I will probably be traveling with someone there. If I go alone there were several for females only. It seems they are nicer than I thought it would be.
I will consider staying in one instead of a hotel. Thanks for answering my post GP. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jo jo 7
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 05 Nov 2006
Posts: 3205
Location: Louisville,Kentucky
|
| Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 7:46 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| GP, also I read they have security lockers and I was wandering about where to put valuables, this is great. I read all the accomodations (great accomodations)and this one is close to the "Hermitage" which I would share with 2 others instead of 6 or 8 people. I know not every place is perfect, but the rating was 80% for this one, does that sound typical for the better Hostels? Thanks again! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
5_Zvehzda
Moderator
Joined: 08 Oct 2004
Posts: 347
Location: Arizona
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 7:29 am Post subject: |
|
|
Jo Jo,
If you've been thinking about staying in a 'hostel' during your first trip to Russia, then please consider it very seriously - and go for it, like GP recommended. Most hotel rates are very expensive rip-off's. There are lots of alternative accommodation options. If you are with other companions for over three weeks, then rent an apartement and split the rent for that time weekly or monthly. Simple.
If you are are your own, stay in a cheap hostel. You'll make friends, especially if you are outgoing and friendly. Like mentioned by GP, in hostels you will meet other like-minded travelers, who you can develop a great friendship with. It's happened with me numerous times - and with no regrets. Hostels usually produce a very social environment among travelers. The only hostel that sucked in this arena was some loser place in Kracow, Poland. So, stay away from 'Oasis Hostel' over there. But then I moved and stayed in another awesome place a couple days later.
Usually, there's security lockers in most hostels. But it's always helpful to travel and carry you're own padlock for any hostel locker you use, on the side. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
surfguy
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 13 Apr 2006
Posts: 6996
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 10:17 am Post subject: |
|
|
| 5_Zvehzda wrote: | Jo Jo,
If you've been thinking about staying in a 'hostel' during your first trip to Russia, then please consider it very seriously - and go for it, like GP recommended. Most hotel rates are very expensive rip-off's. There are lots of alternative accommodation options. If you are with other companions for over three weeks, then rent an apartement and split the rent for that time weekly or monthly. Simple.
If you are are your own, stay in a cheap hostel. You'll make friends, especially if you are outgoing and friendly. Like mentioned by GP, in hostels you will meet other like-minded travelers, who you can develop a great friendship with. It's happened with me numerous times - and with no regrets. Hostels usually produce a very social environment among travelers. The only hostel that sucked in this arena was some loser place in Kracow, Poland. So, stay away from 'Oasis Hostel' over there. But then I moved and stayed in another awesome place a couple days later.
Usually, there's security lockers in most hostels. But it's always helpful to travel and carry you're own padlock for any hostel locker you use, on the side. |
great advice...except for three other things to consider: Age, Money, and experience wanted.
At our age...sleeping in a hostel with a bunch of 20 year olds is well...not exactly ideal
Money...if it's not an issue than why not travel first class...or close to it
ANd experiencing Russia via Hotel is different than experiencing it via hostel or apartment.
So I think the question needs to be categorized in to different markets and then targeted towards those. Older clientel are more apt to luxury hotels with all the conveniences and the pampering. Younger budeget minded students are more into hostels...roughing it. And then there are the mid range people whom yes maybe an apartment is ideal. Plus to it goes also on where you are visiting and for how long. 2-4 weeks or more than yes a Apartment would be ideal. 1 or 2 nights then a hostel or hotel is fine too. In a more rural area perhaps a homestay then would be more appropriate. But for me if money is no object...then I am partying like a rock star...Hotel all the way. If I am traveling with my better half then...hopefully a hotel at least some of the time. If I am by myself...then ok maybe a hostel...or better yet new found friends' places |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Generation P
WayToRussified
Joined: 22 May 2006
Posts: 319
Location: SHE WENT TO BARCELONA!
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 2:31 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| jo jo 7 wrote: | | GP, also I read they have security lockers and I was wandering about where to put valuables, this is great. I read all the accomodations (great accomodations)and this one is close to the "Hermitage" which I would share with 2 others instead of 6 or 8 people. I know not every place is perfect, but the rating was 80% for this one, does that sound typical for the better Hostels? Thanks again! |
I am glad that I can help you JoJo  Also might be good idea to read the reviews that other users have written about hostels. But before booking a hostel have a look at the map (I don't know any internet maps of St.Pete - but maybe you can find or somebody else might come up with a good link - or you can buy paper version somewhere) of St. Petersburg so that you know where the hostel is actually located. Sometimes hotels and hostels put "false" maps on the internet (not every hotel/hostel does that, but still better to check out before making a reservation). Also note that in center of St. Pete trams, trolley and buses are no option of public transport, because the roads in the heart of the city are always overloaded by vehicles. So in case you feel like going to other districts of the city, use the metro, it is thousand times faster than any bus or tram.
Yes, choose a hostel that has security lockers. Well, as a matter of fact, when I was in Warszaw for first time, the hostel where I was staying had no lockers, but still nothing was stolen from the dorm. I have mostly done my best to avoid the "huge party hostels" - mostly because drunken idiots are drunken idiots! -not that I wouldn't drink when offered, but anyway, I want to keep things balanced and not end up spoiling precious travel time with killing hang over. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Generation P
WayToRussified
Joined: 22 May 2006
Posts: 319
Location: SHE WENT TO BARCELONA!
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 2:40 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| 5_Zvehzda wrote: | The only hostel that sucked in this arena was some loser place in Kracow, Poland. So, stay away from 'Oasis Hostel' over there. But then I moved and stayed in another awesome place a couple days later.
|
Damn, well, you can't always win. I remember in Nizza I ended up wandering along the town for two hours, because the Hostel International guidebook had non-existing hostels (two of them) listed in the guide book, luckily in the end found a place to stay for night... In Krakow I stayed in 7th Heaven for five nights, I really liked it a lot, great breakfast, clean hostel, good kitchen and nice people to chat with. Common room was apart from the dorms so I couldn't hear a thing - all though I didn't say no to drink when offered |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jo jo 7
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 05 Nov 2006
Posts: 3205
Location: Louisville,Kentucky
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 3:09 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Generation P wrote: | | jo jo 7 wrote: | | GP, also I read they have security lockers and I was wandering about where to put valuables, this is great. I read all the accomodations (great accomodations)and this one is close to the "Hermitage" which I would share with 2 others instead of 6 or 8 people. I know not every place is perfect, but the rating was 80% for this one, does that sound typical for the better Hostels? Thanks again! |
I am glad that I can help you JoJo Also might be good idea to read the reviews that other users have written about hostels. But before booking a hostel have a look at the map (I don't know any internet maps of St.Pete - but maybe you can find or somebody else might come up with a good link - or you can buy paper version somewhere) of St. Petersburg so that you know where the hostel is actually located. Sometimes hotels and hostels put "false" maps on the internet (not every hotel/hostel does that, but still better to check out before making a reservation). Also note that in center of St. Pete trams, trolley and buses are no option of public transport, because the roads in the heart of the city are always overloaded by vehicles. So in case you feel like going to other districts of the city, use the metro, it is thousand times faster than any bus or tram.
Yes, choose a hostel that has security lockers. Well, as a matter of fact, when I was in Warszaw for first time, the hostel where I was staying had no lockers, but still nothing was stolen from the dorm. I have mostly done my best to avoid the "huge party hostels" - mostly because drunken idiots are drunken idiots! -not that I wouldn't drink when offered, but anyway, I want to keep things balanced and not end up spoiling precious travel time with killing hang over. |
I found a Hostel around the Hermitage and it had a rating of 80% so I am assuming that is a good rating in Russia. This Hostel had the best rating out of the Hostels I found. I will probably be traveling (hopefully) with someone and then an apartment maybe suitable. Some of these Hostels I saw were very nice looking but you cannot go by those photos.
I have a laptop, jewelry and papers that I need secured, these things lying around in a Hostel really make me nervous. I cannot fantom those things missing and a hotel was in mind until I saw they had lockers for those things. I assume these are strong lockers. If they do not have restrictions on what type of lock to use, I have a brink lock that a metal cutter cannot even touch so losing a key would be really really bad.
If anyone knows a link to a map in St.Pete for Hostels please PM me. I am definately up for an apartment as well (cheap) in St. Pete, PM if you know one that is unrealistically reasonable, but SAFE..
Thanks again GP, your the best! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Generation P
WayToRussified
Joined: 22 May 2006
Posts: 319
Location: SHE WENT TO BARCELONA!
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 6:57 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| jo jo 7 wrote: |
I found a Hostel around the Hermitage and it had a rating of 80% so I am assuming that is a good rating in Russia. This Hostel had the best rating out of the Hostels I found. I will probably be traveling (hopefully) with someone and then an apartment maybe suitable. Some of these Hostels I saw were very nice looking but you cannot go by those photos.
I have a laptop, jewelry and papers that I need secured, these things lying around in a Hostel really make me nervous. I cannot fantom those things missing and a hotel was in mind until I saw they had lockers for those things. I assume these are strong lockers. If they do not have restrictions on what type of lock to use, I have a brink lock that a metal cutter cannot even touch so losing a key would be really really bad.
|
If rating is above 70 per cent, then it is good place to say, I'd say. In general 80 % is good, or excellent, rating, and as ratings are based upon experience of registered users of hostel world (each time you book via hostelworld, you receive questionnaire after your stay) I'd consider ratings to be quite trusworthy. But then, jewelry and lap top, just came to my mind, do you really need those things during your trip? Carrying too much luggage can really get on nerves when one is traveling, so if you don't need all those valuable items for 200 % secure, just leave them at home. I know that it is a treat to look nice when one is going to theater or having a dinner in fancy restaurant, but is it necessary to take the most valuable jewelry with you? Better to take with you something nice, but less pricey jewelry that you're not afraid of losing. And lap top, it is extra weight if you really don't need to work. To send e-mail you can use internet at the hostel (if it has, quite many have and for free) or then look for the nearest интернет-кафе, you'll find plenty of them in St. Pete (check the guides for directions or just hop in to the first one you see on the street). Can't say that I would have seen so many cafes offering wireless internet in St.Pete.
link to internet cafes in St.Pete guide:
http://www.waytorussia.net/SaintPetersburg/Internet.html
To look for map of St. Petersburg use words: схема Санкт-Петербурга or карта Санкт-Петербурга
public transport is : городской транспорт
abbreviations: улица - ул. проспект - пр. переулок - пер. и набережная - наб.
Are you in good terms with Russian alphabet already? Hope so |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jo jo 7
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 05 Nov 2006
Posts: 3205
Location: Louisville,Kentucky
|
| Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2007 1:31 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Generation P wrote: | | jo jo 7 wrote: |
I found a Hostel around the Hermitage and it had a rating of 80% so I am assuming that is a good rating in Russia. This Hostel had the best rating out of the Hostels I found. I will probably be traveling (hopefully) with someone and then an apartment maybe suitable. Some of these Hostels I saw were very nice looking but you cannot go by those photos.
I have a laptop, jewelry and papers that I need secured, these things lying around in a Hostel really make me nervous. I cannot fantom those things missing and a hotel was in mind until I saw they had lockers for those things. I assume these are strong lockers. If they do not have restrictions on what type of lock to use, I have a brink lock that a metal cutter cannot even touch so losing a key would be really really bad.
|
If rating is above 70 per cent, then it is good place to say, I'd say. In general 80 % is good, or excellent, rating, and as ratings are based upon experience of registered users of hostel world (each time you book via hostelworld, you receive questionnaire after your stay) I'd consider ratings to be quite trusworthy. But then, jewelry and lap top, just came to my mind, do you really need those things during your trip? Carrying too much luggage can really get on nerves when one is traveling, so if you don't need all those valuable items for 200 % secure, just leave them at home. I know that it is a treat to look nice when one is going to theater or having a dinner in fancy restaurant, but is it necessary to take the most valuable jewelry with you? Better to take with you something nice, but less pricey jewelry that you're not afraid of losing. And lap top, it is extra weight if you really don't need to work. To send e-mail you can use internet at the hostel (if it has, quite many have and for free) or then look for the nearest интернет-кафе, you'll find plenty of them in St. Pete (check the guides for directions or just hop in to the first one you see on the street). Can't say that I would have seen so many cafes offering wireless internet in St.Pete.
link to internet cafes in St.Pete guide:
http://www.waytorussia.net/SaintPetersburg/Internet.html
To look for map of St. Petersburg use words: схема Санкт-Петербурга or карта Санкт-Петербурга
public transport is : городской транспорт
abbreviations: улица - ул. проспект - пр. переулок - пер. и набережная - наб.
Are you in good terms with Russian alphabet already? Hope so |
GP, thanks for the link. I have learned the Russian alphabet pretty well, I am learning the meanings of words rather slowly but I know enough to get around in Russia. I think! 
Thanks for the tips... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
MrSpice
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 14 Jul 2003
Posts: 3436
|
| Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2007 7:26 am Post subject: |
|
|
| jo jo 7 wrote: |
I found a Hostel around the Hermitage and it had a rating of 80% so I am assuming that is a good rating in Russia. This Hostel had the best rating out of the Hostels I found. I will probably be traveling (hopefully) with someone and then an apartment maybe suitable. Some of these Hostels I saw were very nice looking but you cannot go by those photos.
I have a laptop, jewelry and papers that I need secured, these things lying around in a Hostel really make me nervous. I cannot fantom those things missing and a hotel was in mind until I saw they had lockers for those things. I assume these are strong lockers. If they do not have restrictions on what type of lock to use, I have a brink lock that a metal cutter cannot even touch so losing a key would be really really bad.
|
Didn't I give you a good and relatively inexpensive hotel in St Petersburg right in the middle of Nevsky Prospect? They also register your visa for free and have secure safes, and can send a car to pick you up at the airport. Why would you be looking for a hostel? After all, you were thinking of flying first class to Russia just a short time ago. You also wanted to go to Moscow where a hostel in the center would cost you more than a decent hotel in St Petersburg. Now you're risking your safety so you can save a couple of bucks.
Don't look for a "free lunch" in the center of St Petersburg. You won't get secure, clean, comfortable and decent accommodation for little money.
They hotel I suggested charges around 130 EURO /night for 1 room. If you go with a friend, I think you can afford 65 EUROs per night to be safe and comfortable. After all, you're not going to Russia every day... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jo jo 7
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 05 Nov 2006
Posts: 3205
Location: Louisville,Kentucky
|
| Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2007 8:14 am Post subject: |
|
|
| MrSpice wrote: | | jo jo 7 wrote: |
I found a Hostel around the Hermitage and it had a rating of 80% so I am assuming that is a good rating in Russia. This Hostel had the best rating out of the Hostels I found. I will probably be traveling (hopefully) with someone and then an apartment maybe suitable. Some of these Hostels I saw were very nice looking but you cannot go by those photos.
I have a laptop, jewelry and papers that I need secured, these things lying around in a Hostel really make me nervous. I cannot fantom those things missing and a hotel was in mind until I saw they had lockers for those things. I assume these are strong lockers. If they do not have restrictions on what type of lock to use, I have a brink lock that a metal cutter cannot even touch so losing a key would be really really bad.
|
Didn't I give you a good and relatively inexpensive hotel in St Petersburg right in the middle of Nevsky Prospect? They also register your visa for free and have secure safes, and can send a car to pick you up at the airport. Why would you be looking for a hostel? After all, you were thinking of flying first class to Russia just a short time ago. You also wanted to go to Moscow where a hostel in the center would cost you more than a decent hotel in St Petersburg. Now you're risking your safety so you can save a couple of bucks.
Don't look for a "free lunch" in the center of St Petersburg. You won't get secure, clean, comfortable and decent accommodation for little money.
They hotel I suggested charges around 130 EURO /night for 1 room. If you go with a friend, I think you can afford 65 EUROs per night to be safe and comfortable. After all, you're not going to Russia every day... |
Spicey I am probably going to go with what you suggested, but I was checking for information on Hostels...it doesn't hurt to ask and I have heard that people had a great time at hostels. I am not going to risk myself to save a few bucks.... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
Get this Forum's Posts / Topic at Your Fingertips:
  
(If you subscribe, you will be able to track new posts in this specific forum / topic. You can use your personal Yahoo or Google page, as well as specialized RSS readers.)
WayToRussia.Net - p-h-p-B-i-B-i |
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
