babushka Grand HOSTEL

Built around 1500 chandeliers,high ceilings, balconies either side one looking over the courtyard,the other looking over the main street. A variety of rooms to choose from, an upright piano, main room and kitchen together very spacious and cool during summer. Really hip place !!.

I wouldn't call it the best hostel - it's true that there is always someone there overlooking the common spaces (living room and kitchen) and you are dependent on them to get into the place as you get no key or code. It's not very central with a 20 minute walk to the old town or a beach but the location isn't bad either and public transport works well in Odessa. It's very clean and the beds are comfortable enough and you do get a locker. There is balconies with a view on either the street below or the courtyard. The kitchen is big but not ideal for cooking (no oven and not a lot of pots and pans). There is free coffee and tea though and a nice place to sit. The apartment itself is amazing. It is typical for Europe with high ceilings and lots of details including a nice fireplace (no idea if it's lit in winter).

This is a place that you either adore or just don't get. It is advertised as an aristocratic place. Well that may be pushing it a tad. But the place has tall ceilings, chandelier and well that is pretty much it. BUT the epicenter is the living room, where many good times have been had. You will likely feel very welcome and take part in some social life. Or just retreat to your room. The place was clean as very clean and staff was really really great. Laundry service was second to none. Hope to be able to come back again soon.

No hot water, pans are very dirty, you feel like you are under surveillance all the time by a couple of old pro Russian fart bags. Every time you come back the old woman interrogates you. She is always commenting about how much water and electricity you waste. It was the worst hostel experience in my life so far.

Best hostel in Eastern Europe. Special atmoshpere and very cozy design