At a ripe older age and with no previous hostel experience, the following are my observations in comparison to other hotels I've stayed at:

Standard vs. Suite: I'm not sure if the suite was considered an upgrade or not as I didn't stay in one..but I can only assume it wasn't as my Standard Bottom Bunk-bed did not attract as many flies as I assume the Suite top bunk bed did. This was made clear by the everlasting swatting in the middle of the night and hearing the buzz come to an immediate stop.

Penthouse Accomodations: I was so excited to hear that my accomodations were in the penthouse suite i.e top floor away from the entry suite; that is until I had to carry my backpack up 5 flights of stairs.

Fresh Linens: So much for the 600 count I left at home...fresh air drying and no fabric softner gave my linens the stiffness of cardboard.

Daily Maid Service: They did mop the floor and clean the bathroom but making a bed was up to you as your bed linens were presented in a bag during time of check in.

Robe and slippers included: Thank goodness I didn't forget to bring flip flops but when one of them broke, I used my own sleepers, my socks to take a shower in.

In Suite Bathroom: An unobserved luxury by most...but when my bathroom was shared with the bar downstairs, the definition of in-suite was altered to a less private facility.

Make yourself feel at Home: The Walton's home that is...when you share it with 11 other individuals you can't help but think you moved to West Virginia to be with the whole family during the holidays.

Luxury Bathroom: There was a toilet room and a bath room. I was thankful for both but just don't try to turn around in either...you might knock yourself into a wall or door.

Live Music Provided: An orchestra of 12 snorers counts as music, right?

Make yourself feel at home: Sharing a co-ed room with 11 other people, I felt I was in the home of my youth when we had a line to share the 1 bathroom every morning. A bit wiser these days, I chose ti take my shower time at night when no one was there.

Turn Down: Well as all the other sleepers were undressing, IN FRONT OF YOU...I chose to sleep in full attire, pants, shirt, bra, socks, jacket. As an observer seeing a few 20 something men get down to their boxers....was not a bad sight, I just chose not to participate.

Hostel home sweet home: while they were not what I have grown accustomed to, I did enjoy the a late tea with the young group in my room, I also enjoyed a dinner with two of my room mates and from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm the room was quiet and I could see ballet practice from my window in the accross the street studio. These joys made up for everything else.

Remember to laugh along your way and to enjoy what's around you..regardless of the circumstance.