Hostel One Home

With its colorful sitting rooms packed with bright red sofas, photos of past guests adorning the front desk area, and playful decorative elements like Pac-Man posters and painted murals along the hallways, this lively property is a social beehive for young adults. In fact, an age limit of 18 to 45 years old applies to stay here. Common lounging and dining areas are almost always buzzing with mingling groups, so even solo travelers easily feel included. Furnishings are contemporary and spaces are mostly clean. Past guests have specially noted the easygoing, friendly staff. The consistent noise and party culture may not be for everyone, as guests rarely observe the quiet hours at night. However, the constant activity makes staying here feel like being part a community rather than merely providing a convenient place to sleep.

The hostel is located on a busy street in the historical center of Prague 1, so traffic noise can be an issue, but the convenience factor is huge. It’s six minutes on foot to the Palladium Mall and to the Namesti Republiky, which houses attractions like the Powder Tower and the Municipal House. It’s an 11-minute walk to both Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square. The Florenc metro station is also within 10 minutes away on foot. About 25 minutes on public transport will bring passengers to the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and St. Vitus Cathedral. Prague International Airport is 25 minutes away by car, or 50 minutes away by train.

Dorm rooms are narrow but clean and nicely furnished. They're available with two, four, six, or eight beds that are mostly set up as bunks. Rooms don’t contain much else apart from small closets, but colorful bedsheets and drapes add character against the white bed frames and simple wooden floors. Rooms on lower floors facing the street can be bothered by traffic noise through the night. Privacy and security may be a concern, as everyone is provided with room keys, and guests don’t always lock doors when coming and going. Staying with strangers isn’t uncommon, and there are no separate rooms for men and women. Rooms have free Wi-Fi, but the connection can be weak.

Bathrooms are shared and equally basic in their setup, but they’re mostly well-maintained and there is rarely a wait to use the facilities. All bathrooms have walk-in showers with handheld showerheads. 24-hour hot water is available with decent pressure. Separate, single toilets allow extra privacy. Toiletries, hairdryers, and towels can be rented or purchased.

Features at this hostel are focused on fun and food. Free family-style dinners (often with sangria), nightly drinking games, and incredibly affordable breakfast buffets that last well into the afternoon are excellent highlights. To make meals even more conducive for mingling, they’re served on a long communal table with bright red chairs in a cheery room that also includes a shared kitchen that’s free to use. Self-service coffee and tea are free.

Other common areas include a simple lounge with some couches, a small indoor terrace with a hanging swing chair and patio furniture, a little library section, a cinema room featuring a flat-screen TV, and an internet wall with four computers that are free to use (Wi-Fi is also free throughout the property). It’s a tight squeeze when many guests use the shared areas at once. The staff (who call themselves Personal Party Assistants) also organize regular daytime activities and evening bar crawls off-site. Laundry service is available for a fee.