HOSTEL20 BORDEAUX, Bordeaux

The hostel sits in a safe, central area near the historic quays of the Garonne river, with several bars, restaurants, and shops within a 2-minute walk (including Molly Malone's, King Kong Bar, and Verre o Vin). Tram B stops 200 metres away, providing direct access to the city centre, Saint-Émilion wine region connections, and Bordeaux airport (via Tram A interchange at Hôtel de Ville). The immediate neighbourhood is lively and well-connected, though the building itself is set on a quiet street. Motorcycle parking is available in the entrance area upon request.

Rooms are arranged as mixed dorms (8 or 12 beds) and female-only dorms, all featuring 3-tier bunks with privacy curtains, individual reading lights, and power sockets. Many bunks also include a personal shelf. The 3-level bed design means guests on the top bunk cannot sit upright, and the narrow spacing between bunks sometimes causes bumping. Air conditioning is available but may be set to a fixed temperature (around 26°C) and switched off during the day; windows can be opened in some rooms, though signs advise against it. Shared bathrooms are located on each floor: typically one toilet and one shower per floor, serving up to 30 people, which can lead to queueing and cleanliness issues during peak times. Female-only dorms offer a separate bathroom for added convenience. Luggage storage (free on check-out day) and lockers (rent €1) are available. The building is older with parquet floors, and noise from other guests in the dorm can travel, especially on the top bunks. Daily housekeeping and laundry (extra charge) are provided.

A continental breakfast is served for €4, typically including bread, pastries, cereal, hot drinks, and occasionally eggs and ham. For self-catering, the shared kitchen is equipped with an induction hob, refrigerator, and basic utensils (though stock can be limited - only one induction hob for the whole hostel). The on-site snack bar offers drinks and packaged snacks, and the coffee house serves hot beverages for an additional charge. The area is packed with dining options: King Kong Bar, Molly Malone's, Verre o Vin, La Boulangerie, and Dolomites Pizzas are all within a 300-metre radius. Themed dinner nights and wine/champagne tastings are available for an extra fee.

The hostel organises a range of social activities: free movie nights, tour or class about local culture, and happy hour events. Themed dinner nights and wine/champagne tastings are available for an additional charge. The common lounge area includes a piano and board games, providing a relaxed space for socialising. Outside, the Chartrons district offers riverside walks along the Garonne, cycling paths, and easy access to wine tours in Saint-Émilion (30 minutes away). Bicycle rental is offered at €5 per day, and the free secure bike garage makes cycling a practical option for exploring the city.

The hostel operates a 24-hour front desk with night staff available from 23:00 to 07:00, ensuring late check-in is always possible. Luggage storage is free on check-out day, allowing guests to explore without bags. Lockers require a €1 key deposit. Daily housekeeping is included, and laundry service is available for an additional charge. Wi-Fi is free throughout the building, though connectivity can be unreliable in some upper-floor dormitories. The shared kitchen is available for guest use, and vending machines sell drinks and snacks. Safety features include CCTV in common areas, smoke alarms, security alarm, and key card access. There is no elevator, so the building is not fully accessible for those with mobility issues. Motorcycle parking can be arranged in the entrance area upon request.