My life in bunk beds...

So let me briefly recount my hostel experiences to catch you up to speed on why this last one was particularly not great in the least bit…

First night/Cardiff: NosDa @ The Riverbank – This hostel is beautiful (so much so that I stayed there again on Wednesday night) and is conveniently located to the bus/train station. It has a great view, tea/coffee served all day, free wireless, a bar, breakfast included, a pool table, lounge room, etc. The rooms range from one bunk bed all the way up to several bunk beds; and they have en suite bathrooms, which is great. My room the first night had one bunk bed and two single twin beds; and my roommates were three guys from Australia. The second time I stayed here, my room was with a single bunk bed and my roommate was a girl from India.

Newcastle: Albatross Backpackers Inn – This place was even greater than the NosDa! Closer to the train station and right in the heart of Newcastle, making it easy to get anywhere I was going. It was also affordable and the cleanest by far. The shower facilities were shared, but were especially nice. No breakfast included, but they served tea/coffee/toast all day, and had a full service kitchen. No free wireless either, but you could pay for 30 minutes of use on their computers. My room was huge, with five bunk beds and a fireplace. The first night I had one male roommate and the second night I think I had three male roommates. The beds were especially comfy and the view was spectacular!

So back up to date with last night’s accommodations…the bathrooms were shared and were not what I would call clean. The beds were not made, the covers were just thrown onto them, and the kicker…my room was once again full of guys! It was me and four guys; and I think a girl finally came in sometime early this morning. She continued to try her key in the door several times and bang it back in forth, unable to figure out why she couldn’t get it open. Needless to say, nobody got much sleep! It was not an incredibly pleasant experience in the least bit. However, one of my roommates was a guy from South Africa. His name was Grant and when I arrived yesterday. He was very friendly and helped me figure out how to get to the Tate Modern. He was incredibly handsome and has apparently been living at the hostel for 4 ½ months (No WAY!). He would be the only reason to ever go back to that hostel! It looks pretty in the picture though, huh?

So here’s what I’m wondering…do most females request all female dorms? Is that why there never seem to be any females in the mixed dorm rooms that I’ve ended up in? I don’t mind sharing with a guy or two, but when I’m clearly the minority by being the only female in the room, it’s a little uncomfortable! Are there other girls that are even traveling alone as I am? I’m beginning to wonder…

Thankfully, tonight I’m staying in a hotel! Yep that’s right no sharing! My own room and my own bathroom! There aren’t very many hostel accommodations in Leeds, so this hotel is very affordable and a quick taxi ride to the city centre.

So I understand that hostels are for budget travelers and are a great chance to meet new people from all over, which I have; however, I would love not to have to relive last night’s experience any time soon!