|
Dublin's Avalon House hostel is located in a majestic Victorian structure (itself a former medical school) a short walk from Temple Bar. With 281 beds, Avalon House is a big joint hostel/hotel facility. Its architectural grandeur, convenient location, and extremely professional management all make Avalon a fine budget option.
With a grungy and bustling energy, it's an appropriate place for a youngish and carefree crowd. The common spaces teem with friendly internationals doing what friendly internationals do: checking e-mail, drinking coffee, and flirting with those receptionist lotharios. Oh yes, you'll know those lotharios when you see them. Avalon House is also popular among an older budget-savvy crowd, who for the most part adopt a wiser attitude toward hostel staff. The Avalon's street-facing cafe is popular among actual Dubliners. Hostel security is ensured by swipe cards and a "guests-only" hostel admission rule.
The rooms themselves are nothing to write home about. Blue bunk beds, neutral bedcovers and orange walls set what exists of the aesthetic tone. Bathrooms feature poolside-type showers, with water flow meted out in 15-second increments.
|