Berlin introduced me to something I’ve rarely experienced in my own travels: luxury hostels.
My first two nights were spend at Circus Hostel, which has a pretty stellar location, right next to the Rosenthaler Straße U-Bahn stop. It’s also part of a chain, which includes Circus Hotel and the newly added Circus Apartments.
First Impression: After a not so memorable hostel stay in Jerusalem, I was immediately drawn to the modern decor and “home away from home” feel. Checking in was pretty painless and my single room had everything I needed: a bed and a desk. It also had a connecting bathroom, fresh towels and a lovely view overlooking the street. Also shocking me was having an actual keycard just like one does at a hotel.
Added Perks: In addition to having a common space, there is free WiFi, which luckily is pretty standard at most hostels in Europe. There is also a popular bar downstairs and they usually try to come up with some sort of happy hour deal to keep costs at a minimum. In the basement of Circus, there are large lockers where you can store your bags during the day if you’ve already technically checked out. They ask for a €10 deposit but you get it back when you return the key.
Overall Verdict: Generally speaking, Circus is a pretty affordable option for hostel goers. Breakfast costs an additional €5 and make sure to read the fine print. I made the mistake of ordering orange juice, not realizing that this canceled out my option for coffee. Prices vary depending on the season but the absolute lowest cost of a dorm room is €19. Options include: 8/10 dorm, 4/5 dorm, 3-bed room, double or twin bed rooms and of course, single rooms.
Megan Eileen McDonough is writer, blogger and social media specialist based in New York City. She also runs Bohemian Trails, a lifestyle blog designed for the savvy and stylish traveler. Bohemian Trails aims to feature must-see places around the world, covering everything from revamped neighborhoods and vibrant street art to innovative tech hubs and everything in between. Her cultural escapades have taken her to Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Megan is also a freelance writer and social media specialist based in New York City. She contributes to various online and print publications in the travel and fashion industries and is an international correspondent for both Jetsetter and Northstar Travel Media.
