Edinburgh Backpackers

Edinburgh Backpackers, Edinburgh, Scotland, 25-28 August 2010

We stayed at Edinburgh Backpackers which is a five minute walk from Waverly Station (the main train station in Edinburgh) and it cost 35GBP per night per person for a large double room (double bed and a couple of single beds). This was quite expensive but I think it was because the Fringe Festival was on, which by the way was very cool and fun. The backpackers was wasn’t small or particularly large. They didn’t provide anything for free and the bathrooms lacked privacy. However it was very central to everything. It was located in Old Town near the Royal Mile (where most of the Fringe Festival action was taking place). The reception was open 24/7, which is handy if you’re arriving late and the atmosphere of the hostel was very fun. It also had a decent sized living area and a kitchen, but no laundry. It had five floors but no lift and we stayed on the fifth floor which meant that we had to lug all our stuff upstairs.

From chilly Glasgow

Euro Hostel, Glasgow, Scotland, 23-25 August 2010

The Euro Hostel is located just down the street from the central railway station and is very close to the shops. It cost us 20GBP each for a twin room with an ensuite and free breakfast. The hostel is large, tidy and has free wifi in their bar. There was also a laundry, a large kitchen and dining area with a separate living room. I recommend this hostel. It’s cheap and decent. My only problem with the hostel was that we were locked out of room before we checked out, however it was quickly resolved.

Guinness

Guinness Storehouse Museum, Dublin, the Republic of Ireland

This is a must see museum for those of you who intend on visiting the emerald isle. You have the choice of being shown around the factory or taking the self guided tour. Me and Jevon being budget conscious opted for the self guided tour. This place is massive by the way; there are five floors of information on how Guinness is made, the advertising of Guinness, bars and a section on pouring the perfect Guinness. The tickets were around 12 Euros each (about $22NZ) and the tour finished up with a complimentary pint of Guinness or a soft drink. I must say that Irish brewed Guinness is much more drinkable than the Guinness that we brew in NZ (which tastes like swamp water).

The best hostel in Dublin

Camden Place Hostel, Dublin, Republic of Ireland 20-23 August 2010

I recommend this hostel to anyone staying in Dublin. It’s cheap (40-60 euro per night for a twin room) and it has a lot of freebies like wifi, a walking tour to Howth, breakfast, fruit, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, free international calls, free dinner on Wednesdays and free dessert on Thursdays. The rooms are tidy, but small. There’s a huge dining area and kitchen. The staff are friendly and the reception is open 24/7 and you can leave your luggage at the reception for free is needed.