TheGreatDane...living it up at the Danhostel!

There is something quite unique about wandering toward a hostel right after sunset: Hostelers, ready to check in, are attracted to the reception hall much like mosquitos to the light, and the air is usually, at such time, filled by conversations in every language imaginable. Danhostel, Copenhagen, is such a place, as it is one of the biggest hostels in this city.

If you are looking for a hostel which feels more like a regular hotel, then this is the place for you. This is not a place where you will find unique designs, but you will find good service, clean rooms and bathrooms the size of...well, yes you guessed right, the size equal to a regular hotel bathroom. It is a place which seems to be utilized by many Danes, such as families on vacation in the capital, as well as members of sports organizations, more specifically, little soccer players and their coaches. The commotion can therefore, in the high-season, run high, as coaches are desperately trying to keep their groups together while the little players would rather ride the elevators up and down...and then up again...only to come down to very dismayed group leaders...at least, this was the case which I happened to observe, while lodging at the Danhostel. 
Due to the close vicinity of the fairground, also known as Copenhagen’s TIVOLI, which is open throughout all seasons, it is ideal for families with children from the age-range of toddlers to teens.
If you are lucky, you will be able to view the TIVOLI evening fireworks from the hostel windows, depending upon where your room is located, and can therefore skip dragging the whole family to the fairgrounds late at night, in order to experience the firecracking event.


As all hostels have something unique about them (whether it be of the positive, negative...or of the utterly bizarre sort); Danhostel is no different:

For you whom are a trending hosteler, you will be able to relate to this:

Have you ever had the experience of putting the issued bed sheet on your assigned bed- only to find such sheet all curled up in one of the corners by your pillow the next morning? I have, and I know that I am not the only one, as I have awakened among many whom all have had that perturbed look on their faces (equal to my own facial expression of utter confusion, I'm sure), scratching their head and wondered, “what the h*ll happened last night while sleeping? How is it even possible for a bed sheet to creep up to one corner while laying ON it?

Danhostel has found an ingenious solution to the problem: all mattresses are covered with felt! Let me put it this way: your bed sheet is not going astray in the night, what-so-ever...head scratching problem gone away!





Time to rate:

• Was the location appropriate: The hostel is located on one of the largest streets in Copenhagen, H.C Andersens Boulevard; close to downtown and within walking distance to TIVOLI.
• Overall hostel level: Definitely a “fit-for-all-hostelers”, especially if you are traveling with children, (as well as with ear plugs, legal herbal sedatives such as St. John’s Wort, Kava Kava, and possess a natural calm personality in order to persevere the sometimes high level hustle-bustle commotion at the hostel)
• Would I bring my mother: Only if my mother was well equipped with ear plugs, legal herbal sedatives such as St. John’s Work and/or Kava Kava(or better yet, a prescription of Xanex) and suddenly changed her personality, to my surprise, to that of a Zen Master...then I would consider bringing my mother to this hostel (if you know what I mean).
• Would I recommend it to my neighbours: if my neighbours were going on a family trip to tour Copenhagen city, and enjoy time at TIVOLI...then my answer would be yes!
• Low-points of the hostel: I happened to be there when a female simply misunderstood the definition of a hostel booker...and acted more like a hostel hooker (quite embarrassing, actually), which I hope doesn’t become a “trend” at Danhostel.
• Prices are consistent, usually under DKK 200,- ; FELT-covered mattresses...bye-bye creepy creeping bed sheets!!!!!!!!!!!!
• For he/she whom have tried everything: sure...live it up at the Danhostel-if it is the only way you are able to see great TIVOLI fireworks; and, if you are armored against noise by bringing ear plugs, legal herbal sedatives such as St. John’s Wort, Kava Kava, etc, or if you can afford to rent the whole floor in order to live like a zen master hostel booker!

For more information about Danhostel, Copenhagen, follow this link:

http://www.danhostelcopenhagencity.dk/?utm_source=aws&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=Branding+%231&utm_content=Branding+-+Danmark&utm_campaign=Danmark&gclid=CI2L_cetkcICFYENcwodigQAlw

TIVOLI by night; view from Danhostel

Sincerely,

TheGreatDane!

Need I say more??

Courtesy: www.hostelbooker.com

                         Please note number 9...especially number 9; it just makes the situation so...awkward!

(if you know what I mean)

Well, it isn't heaven...but it is heavenly convenient!

If you are looking for a smaller hostel which screams “diversity” from the minute you walk into the building, then Sleep in Heaven is the hostel for you.

Located in the butter eye of Copenhagen diversites, it is self-explanatory that you will see the “real” Copenhagen while staying here, as the hostel lies in a mix of residential/business district, sans the clusters of traditional hotels, and therefore carries no sense of being a tourist trap as the shops nearby are not loaded with tiny “Copenhagen” shot glasses, “I heart Copenhagen” t-shirts, baseball caps, shopping bags, and any/all other “I heart Copenhagen” trinkets which can drain a hosteler’s wallet...really fast!

Besides the shops (without the tourist trinkets), fabulous bakeries as well as take-out/dine-in wonders serving primarily really, really good food (did I mention REALLY good…?) with a Middle Eastern flair, reflecting the neighbourhood’s influx of immigrants, you will also find unique and rather eclectic bars, which by the way, seem to stay open a little longer than other bars elsewhere in Copenhagen.

Sleep in Heaven is definitely catering to the younger hosteler, which is mirrored in the design as well as their dorm rules. There is an age limit of 35 years; in other words, are you 36 years young, then you are deemed too old to stay in the dorm rooms, and off you go to a private room. Accept, this was not the case when I decided to stay there; despite my passport clearly stating that I had surpassed the age-limit, my persona obviously fooled the receptionist, as I was “allowed” to be booked into a dorm and thereafter stuffed away in a 12-persons room.

Was it the cargo pants (X-small, nonetheless), gender-less boots, and the wrinkle-free androgynous face with no make-up that convinced her that I was still “age-appropriate” to sleep in one of the large dorm rooms? I guess that I will never have an answer to that...ever.

Anyway, this is a hostel which seems to have a rather consistent price for lodging, anywhere from DKK 130,-/DKK 200,- , depending on the sleeping option you choose, which is anything from a 12- persons dorm room to private rooms (for the “oldies”). 

The hostel offers bicycle rental services, which is perfectly in tune with the district; as most Danes own bikes (By the way, I must be the only Dane not owning a bike) and use them to commute everywhere and during all sorts of weather conditions, you will blend right in if you take advantage of this service, thereby getting the opportunity to experience the whole "real" Copenhagen sensation. Beware, though: The Danes take their bicycling very seriously; if you dare to cycle into the "mainstream" bike lane whilst touring the city, do not-and I repeat: DO NOT slow down for anything, unless you want the wrath of the Danes upon you (for all eternity); the locals take biking very seriously and are in no mood to be inconvenienced by novice-level foreigners mingling in their bicycling lanes (if you know what I mean).

It should be noted, that the transport system is very efficient in Copenhagen and in Denmark, overall. Should you therefore opt to get around by bus, metro and/or "S-tog" rather than putting yourself in danger by daring to bicycle among the native Danes, then you will find bus-lines as well as the metro station "Forum" only minutes from the hostel...

Time to rate:

• Was the location appropriate: If you enjoy being a "Peeping-Tom", in the sense that you like to observe authenticity of the people and place for which you are visiting...then yes, this is the place for you! 
• Overall ho(s)tel level: Youngster...definitely!
• Would I let my children stay at this hostel: Yes...besides, they are all in the "appropriate" age-range and would not be sent off to a private room.
• Would I bring my mother: Uhm, no...she would, probably, be considered too old; I suspect that she wouldn't even be allowed to book a private room (if you know what I mean)
• Would I recommend it to my neighbour: if my neighbour was a youngster between the age of 16-26, with a "Peeping-Tom" personality, in the sense that he/she likes to observe authenticity of the people and place, and did not intend to bring a mother whom is older than 35 years...then the answer would be " ja, oui, si, da...yes"
• Low-point(s) of the hostel: the fact that someone over 35 years of age is considered "too old" to count their sheep in a dorm room and will have to count them in privacy...for an additional DKK 100,- a night (sulk)
• High-point(s) of the hostel: The only English-written newspaper in Denmark, The Copenhagen Post, is available there, at no cost; the hostel offers very inexpensive coffee.
• For he/she whom has tried everything in life, I would recommend...that, should you in fact have tried everything in life (and I mean everything!) before you are 35 years of age, then go for it! Book and count your sheep away at the Sleep in Heaven!

Follow the link to Sleep in Heaven here: http://www.sleepinheaven.com/



Sincerely,

TheGreatDane!

It's all about the G-spot...as in the Generator spot in Copenhagen, Denmark

The Generator hostel, located in Copenhagen, has a special meaning to me, as it was my maiden voyage into the world of hostels.

Located in the very heart of Denmark’s capital it is perfect for anyone who is visiting the city, as the main shopping street called “strøget” is just minutes away from the hostel, packed with everything from souvenir boutiques to the posh stores such as Louis Vuitton, Royal Copenhagen and the Danish luxury designer, Georg Jensen.  What makes the location perfect for the price conscious hostelser is, that despite the price for lodging at the Generator can be a little higher than elsewhere, the restaurants and café’s nearby are nothing short of great food and coffee at very attractive prices, compared to the prices of pizza, burgers, shawarmas, Thai food and cappuccinos other places in Copenhagen. Not to mention that should you get the munchies late at night, you can satisfy your hunger for junk food at the 24-hour 7 11 right around the corner.

The Generator Hostel, Copenhagen, serves a varied clientele, as it offers both co-ed dorm rooms, all female dorm rooms, as well as private rooms. The prices at this hostel seems to fluxuate quite a bit, following a typical “supply and demand” cycle, or so it appears. But the convenience of extremely clean dorm rooms, crisp linen; toilets and showers located in most dorm rooms makes it worth the price.

The best part of this hostel is the big lounge area, which serves as a cafe during the day and bar in the evening. Usually there is always a party going in this area, and if you are more of an introvert, then you can enjoy the party from the computer nook, where both computers as well as internet are complementary.

Time to rate:

• Was the location appropriate: one word...SUPERB!
• Overall level: Youngster, hipster and...I would add: "fit-for-all-hostel-bookers", indeed.
• Would I let my children stay there: Y.E.S!!!!!
• Would I bring my mother: I'd have to think about that one (if you know what I mean)
• Would I recommend to a neighbour: If my neighbour was the young, hipster type...then, yes, I would recommend this G-spot.
• Low point(s) of the hostel: prices can fluxuate quite a bit from day to day
• High point(s) of the hostel: Awesome staff and awesome lounge...not to mention location, location, location!
• For he/she whom has tried everything in life, I would recommend: unless you cannot find another place whilst in Copenhagen, I would not recommend it; it would not give you an extraordinary experience other than above-average quality hostel lodging...

Complementary ear plugs!

To visit the the Generator website, please follow this link:

http://generatorhostels.com/en/destinations/copenhagen/?gclid=CK2Q5Oql9cECFSHecgodITgAUA

Sincerely,

TheGreatDane!

Little things which make a BIG difference!

Throughout the time as a ho(s)tel booker, I have found that there are certain items which all true hostelers should carry in their back-back, duffle bag, suitcase, or what-have-you, in order to make hostel life a little easier while sleeping through the night, soundly, among strangers:

1.Flash light: Although I have seen iPhones serve as flash lights throughout all hours of the night when hostelers are sneaking in the door and unto the dorm floor, navigating slowly toward their assigned bunk bed, followed by trying to open padlocked bins in silence (which, by the way is never a silent ordeal) so that tooth brushes, PJ's,computers, hair brushes and all other trivial items can be retrieved before stumbling in the dark toward the shared bathroom- also usually a task intended to be conducted in silence, but usually ends up awakening half the other hostelers; only to repeat the stumbling in not-so-silent way back to the bunk bed before passing out...until the next hosteler shows up and repeats the task of conquering the dorm room obstacle course in the dark; thus, the use of a small flash light makes the whole ordeal a little easier. Trust me, the bunk bed ladders, especially after consuming a few glasses of wine, becomes a death trap if attempting to climb with no light present! I have, regretfully, personal experience of this, and after almost crashing toward the floor as I was grasping into air instead of railing because of limited view of the ladder and rail. I was, thereafter, facing a choice: either to give up drinking wine whilst climbing hostel bunk bed ladders...or to bring a flash light next time I was living the ho(s)tel booking life! I opted, of course, for the latter choice, and found a cheap travel reading light which fits perfectly between the teeth (mission possible style!) while swinging myself up toward the top bed.

2. Beanie Hat: Now, I am not saying that I have actually heard of anyone having the "pleasure" of bringing with them the gift of a nice little family of head lice whilst hosteling, but I have had the experience of laying my head down on a hostel pillow with great hesitance, despite the fact that such pillow was covered with clean linen. So, I solved the problem by wearing a Beanie hat to bed! I couldn't tell you if wearing a hat will keep the little critters away from the scalp, but besides looking hipster fabulous while sleeping, I have found that it provides some sort of comfort knowing that lice and co. will face a greater challenge if they attempted to camp down somewhere among my reddish locks as opposed to an uncovered head; it also relieves of any psychosomatic tendencies such experiencing an itching scalp even before the head has landed unto the pillow...voila, problem solved!

3.Padlock: Ok, this one is an absolute must-have! Keep in mind, that even though some hostels have bins and/or lockers where luggage can be stored, it isn't always the case at all hostels. Therefore, having a small padlock which also can be used to lock your back-pack, suit case, etc. comes quite handy. Thus far, I have only had the pleasure of sharing dorm rooms with fantastic hostelers whom all have trusted each other by leaving everything from top-notch electronic devices out in the open, to hanging one's most intimate clothing about on the bunk bed railings...because nothing brightens a hostel dorm like newly washed undies in hot pink, lime green, and the occasional Bjorn Borg brief dangling from everywhere much like ornaments on a Christmas tree! However, it is always better to be safe than sorry; taking responsibility for your own belongings by locking it up keeps everyone honest...if you know what I mean!

4.Ear plugs: If you are annoyed because of the noise level in a hostel, then I am here to tell you that a life as a ho(s)tel booker is not for you! We all from time to time get distracted by all the activity which stirs in a dorm room, which, by the way, seems to increase depending upon the number of persons occupying such room, in addition to the fact that some people have a tendency to snore really,really loudly...I am talking about the nail-down-the-ceiling-before-it-blows-off kind of snoring; but there is a small solution to such a problem with enormous benefits: earplugs! The small spongy wonders are but a small investment which you will thank yourself for purchasing later once you have had the pleasure of sharing a room with a super-level snorer...

5. Passport and other form of valid ID: This on is self-explanatory; even in hostels are you asked to present identification when checking in.

6. Flip-flops: Everyone will love you for having a pair of flip-flops with you. As showers are shared by many, wearing these little sandals will prevent you from bringing an unwanted souvenir such as athlete's foot with you back home...or even worse yet, spreading the "joy" to shared bathrooms in other hostels.

Now that you have the little list of gadget-must-haves, there is nothing stopping you from becoming a bonafide ho(s)tel booker;

Bon Voyage!

Sincerely,

The Great Dane

Life as a Ho(s)tel Booker!

Ok, so I decided to start blogging about a lifestyle which seems to be trending these days-and not only for back-packing youngsters, but also for hipsters, business (wo)men, artists, writers, teachers, lawyers (that is "barristers" for you British) health industry professionals and all other
curious individuals well into the fifties, traveling either alone or in packs,
as families or as teams of all sorts, landing themselves on a bunk bed in the various hostels around the world!

I didn't choose the trending hostel life on purpose; in fact, the concept of lodging with either
5,7, or even 19 other individuals in the same room seemed to be something
quite peculiar to me...until recently, that is. Of course, I had heard of hostels, but as lodging while living in the USA had been more in the Marriott or even Best Western arena (with the occasional Motel 6 overnight lodging), since the days of spending weekends in 5-star hotels were set on what seems to be an eternal
"hold", there never was a need to seek out the hostel accomodations. That all changed when I
moved to Denmark.

My first experience of sleeping voluntarily on a "dorm" floor among 7 others in a 8-persons room in
a hostel was in Copenhagen, Denmark. Finding myself in an awkward situation where I had to
move out of my rented apartment before I was able to receive the keys to the door of my
purchased flat, I had no other choice to seek out other form of lodging. Due to the outrageous
prices of ordinary hotel lodging in Copenhagen, I decided to try a hostel for a couple of nights; I
mean, how bad could it be? According to the pictures on booking.com in addition to the very
flattering prices, I was sold in an instance. Not that it would have been too difficult to convince me
otherwise, given the circumstance I was in; the alternative to "hostelling" was to crash under the
office desk and hope that no one would find me before sneaking out of the office in the early
morning hours...only to return to the very same desk by nine o'clock, as if nothing bizarre such as
using the work-area only hours before as a slumber-hut had just happened. With that thought in
mind, I didn't hesitate to book my first hostel bed on-line.
And before I knew it, I was hooked on the life in the world of hostels...

Before I start to write reviews of various hostels around the globe (and when I say globe, I mean
Europe as I haven't ventured further...yet).
I wanted to let you, the reader, know that the quality of the hostel (or lack thereof) is only my opinion, and in order to get a proper evaluation would be that you book and stay at the hostel yourself.

Considering that I am what most most Americans would refer to as a "laid-back" personality, the Norwegians would consider a regular "viking", and regretfully most Danes would refer to as a out-of-ordinary strange persona, my reviews may not be the kind of reviews to rely on if you are nitty-picky about your accomodations whilst on holiday.
But I will pack the blogs with insightful information in a rather humerous way,
so that you may as well become interested in trying the ho(s)tel just out of pure curiosity.

The reviews will not be on a point-system, star-system, or any other mainstream rating system.

Instead it will be rated upon:

1. Was the location appropriate
2. Overall ho(s)tel level: A. "youngsters", B."Hipster", C."Top-notch-Boutique-level", D."Fit-for-all-ho(s)tel-bookers", E."Keep lookin' before bookin'" F."Not stayin'...just sayin'" G. "Only.for-the-bravest" H."Don't-blame-me-if-you-decide-to-book-despite-my-review" last but not least: I. "Oh h**l NO!"
3. Would I let my children stay at this ho(s)tel...
4.Would I bring my mother...
5. Would I recommend it to my neighbour...
6.Low-point(s) of the ho(s)tel
7.High point(s) of the ho(s)tel
8.For s(he) who has tried everything in life, I would recommend...

Let's take a closer look at number 4 shall we: My mother is the kind of woman whom would "investigate" the room of a luxury hotel, find a nano-particle of dust in the corner of a window pane and swear up and down that she would never return to such a ghetto-gepetto sad excuse of a hotel...ever! So needless to say that if I state in a review that I would bring my mother, rest assured that that it is safe for you to book it!

Let the reviews begin :)

Sincerely,

The Great Dane!