Haus Julia - Berlin, Germany     

We stayed at Haus Julia for 3 nights as part of a budget European tour. It was a bargain. £35 per night for 2 adults and a teenage child. The hostel is located a short walk from Osloer Strasse U8/U9 station. We chose this hostel as it has free car parking at the rear. The area seems to be a little run down and dominated by Turkish immigrants but this wasnt a problem, we didnt feel intimidated at all. The hostel itself takes up a block of yellow painted flats and is set back slightly off Koloniestrasse. the room decor was dated and evocative of east Berlin DDR style, but who cares? All the basics were ok: the linen was clean etc although the pillows were slightly soft if I was going to be fussy. The bathroom was shared. We stayed on the fifth floor, but again this isnt a problem as there is a lift. If you want breakfast, they offer it as an extra for around 4 euros I think. On booking in, the staff didnt speak English, but this is never a problem for me as I always print off my reservation anyway. The hostel was quiet. Room even had a TV but alas no english channels apart from MTV! The room also had a fridge. Highly recommended for budget no frills travellers!