Penang Hostel Review

FRAME GUESTHOUSE

Facilities 

There is always someone manning the desk so regardless of what time you arrive there will be someone there. The main door is locked after 12 so you just need to use your key to open it.

The wifi here was quite good. It could sometimes drift in and out but there were several modems making it easier. There is also a Mac downstairs that you are welcome to use. Although, when we were staying there the printer was not working. 

There was a kitchen, free drinking water, toaster and coffee and tea always available but not a fully functioning kitchen. 

Showers and Toilets 

The standard of the bathroom was good. We were treated to the luxury of power showers although there was only two. This was the same for the toilets also. However, I would much prefer quality over quantity.

Staff 

Staff here are really helpful. We arrived at 7 in the morning to the hostel and our room was ready for us so we could just go striaght in. Plus they let us have breakfast aswell- bonus. 

Not only this but they helped us to be able to get the bus to the beach (Bus 101 going away from the jeti) and where a supermarket was. 

When we came to book a taxi for our trip to Koh Samui, the guy at reception informed us that he would ring the company for us to see if the minibus would pick us up. They agreed, which we were happy with because it saved us RM50 but also gave us extra time in bed. However, when it got to the morning the bus was late and the guy rang again and again until we were informed that we had been forgotten about. So his 'help' hadn't really helped at all. It was all sorted in the end but it was stressful at the time. 

Breakfast 

Again, quite basic just toast and jam with coffee and tea. Not the best breakfast but not the worst either. 

Value for Money

It was quite cheap and it had a good review on hostel world so all in all not bad at all. 

Dorms

The dorms here were really nice. In fact the furnishings in the entire hostel were nice- they were quite basic but not in a cheap way. Very minimalist. Although, you can hear everything in this place which wasn't ideal when we had a very early night due to our early bus Thailand.

Location

Location wise it wasn't bad. It was close to a lot of the food markets and super market. However, it was quite far away from the bus station and the airport if you were to need it. The public buses here are good and are easy to understand. Just be aware you need the correct change. 

OVERALL, I would recommend staying here but maybe sort your own travel!rhe staff are really helpful and they do try and get to know their guests which is nice.

Love Imogen xoxo

Nha Trang Hostel Review

HQ CAFE

Facilities

The wifi is pretty good here. There are different modems for each level so it's pretty strong for payments and bookings-perfect. 

You don't need a key to get in to the initial building but you do need a key to get on to your floor. They provide lockers with a key for you to out your valuables in. 

There is not a great deal of communal space but there is a common area for your floor. This has a television, sofa and free water.

Showers and Toilets 

There are two showers and toilets on each floor. The showers themselves have a good pressure and heat but sometimes due to the plumbing smell a bit off. 

Staff 

Staff here are friendly and helpful. They managed to book our bus for us and gave us help and directions without us even having to ask. They also give you a map when you book in which is good and useful although a smart bit of advertising for themselves. 

Breakfast 

For breakfast you have the choice of fruit and yogurt, toast and a banana or noodles and a banana with tea or coffee. The fruit was nice but the portion was quite small. Whereas the noodles, which on the picture look really nice actually are instant noodles. Not that there is anything wrong with instant noodles but when you think you are getting something else it's disappointing. 

Value for Money 

The room was around £6 per night. The free breakfast and water was a great point of this hostel although many were unaware of the deal so would buy water themselves. 

Dorms 

The dorms were big. However, the beds were not that comfortable, personally they were too soft. There is also a plug beside most beds and there are two ACs in the room. 

Location 

It's a two minute walk from the beach-what more do you need!?

OVERALL, this hostel was decent and makes a great place to stay in Nha Trang. It's not the most social of hostels but it is still nice. 

Love Imogen xoxo

Journey 

The journey to Nha Trang is quite simple. We were picked up by a taxi and taken to the bus 'station'. We were travelling this time with Viet Nat. From here we were on a sitting bus. I personally prefer sleeper buses because there is much more room. On a sitting, if someone leans their chair back you actually cannot move. You stop in quite a decent place for food and with decent toilets. So if you haven't brought food it's not the end of the world. When we arrived,we actually walked to the hostel. Nha Trang is not the largest of cities- it's more like a large town.

Beach 

We spent every day here. It's quite a nice beach and there's plenty of stalls and activities if you so wish for them. It was really busy on the days that's we went because of Reunification Day. Reunification Day is the celebration of, as the Spice Girls would say, two becoming one aka when Vietnam because one country again rather then the previous split of North and South. There were lots of families and celebrations going on which made the atmosphere so lively. 

Street Markets 

We ate at street markets every night. I am not going to lie, I have been living of noodles and rice since being in Asia and I am starting to get a little bored. So we treated ourselves to a beef steak dish which had a lovely rich sauce that was served with an egg and a baguette. It sounds like an odd combination but it was really nice. Plus it cost just over a pound!

We also divulged in a baguette from one of the stalls for lunch. There are stalls everywhere and you can get a baguette with everything on for 20 dong which is less than a pound. I would not be able to tell you what everything consists of but it tasted damn good! 

Nha Trang does not always have the best reputation amongst travellers but I really enjoyed my time here. Furthermore, it was really nice to have a few chilled days after Canyoning! 

Love Imogen xoxo