Hostel Archi Rossi

Now this is a hostel. Located on a quiet strip of Via Faenza, a few minutes from both the train station and the lively San Lorenzo market, Hostel Archi Rossi offers cheap rates along with a friendly and artistic spirit.

Beds here (147 in 40 rooms) are exactly what you’d expect from a hostel. Think brassy bunks, simple dorm-style furniture, individual lockers and unadorned walls. Four- to nine-bed dorms are available, as are triples, doubles and single rooms. As is typical for hostels, these rooms are pretty light on amenities: There are fans in lieu of air conditioning and no televisions. However, there are computers and free Wi-Fi in each room. Bathrooms, either private or shared, are small, but clean and white with box showers.

Some may call the hostel cluttered, while others will gush that it abounds with personality. Colorful murals decorate the reception while graffiti fills the hallways (feel free to leave your mark!).

A large cafeteria with garden views offers complimentary breakfast and cheap (or even free in low season) eats like pizza or pasta. Vending machines and refrigerators at the reception sell cold drinks, snacks and frozen dinners. There is a TV lounge, a free-to-use Internet station and a small kitchen area with a microwave and fridge.

Additional perks include a laundry room, plus free city tours and other inexpensive day trips.

A quiet courtyard is great for warm weather mingling, and just across it the hostel operates a separate three-star hotel with 18 deluxe rooms. These offer standard hotel fare, including air conditioning, television and mini-fridges, at reasonable rates.