Traveler Favorite - December '09

Goat Hostel, Budapest, Hungary

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Why so darn good? "Very inexpensive rooms, with five beds or fewer, housed in an old apartment building with high ceilings and a once grand sweeping, circular staircase. The beds are comfortable and the showers were clean. However, this is definitely more hostel and less private bed-and-breakfast. Plenty of breakfast items, sunny windows, and a comfortable living room with DVD's, television, and computer made this a comfortable place to stay in busy Budapest."

Location: "Within walking distance of the Danube, Chain Bridge, and other major Budapest attractions (there are so many!). Access to public transport, but we just hoofed it the whole time."

Rooms: "On the second floor of an old apartment building, the large rooms have a funky, modern vibe with bright colors and geometric prints; however, the hostel is more Ikea-like than, say, luxury modernist. The building opens into an atrium at the center, though it has seen better days and is not meant for use."

Food: "A kitchen to prepare your own food, and simple cold-breakfast items are available."

Vibe: "Very relaxed, opportunities to mingle and chat with other travelers, and quiet."

Keep in Mind: "Bring your own towel and a good guide book or language guide since Magyar, the Hungarian language, is very different from most other Central European languages! English was the second language for younger people and German was often the most accessible alternate language with older people."