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| - I would DEFINITELY stay here again. Though there are downsides (it is urban), there is a lot of upside here. Oh, and with changes lately, things are much improved so some of the older reviews may no longer be applicable.
OK - so I arrived mid-day Monday for check-in for one night and found my bunk in the 4-bunk room to be great - and lucky me, I ended up with a private room as the other two reservations ended up cancelling. There is a 2-door locker but you need to bring your own lock. No problem for me as the room door has a key so my belongings were safe inside. The 4-bunk room was the old kitchen - amazing to contemplate. It's not small for a room but I can't imagine fitting in a kitchen for multiple person use.
The new kitchen is on the first level behind the office and sitting room. It has a large island and dining table and lots of space for moving around. I didn't use the kitchen except to store some food in the fridge and get some water to drink. However, there was an ample availability of things and an easy clean-up system, though it appeared some people had left their dirty dishes in the sink. I washed a couple more than just mine but not all of them. Maybe people don't get that this is a hostel, not a hotel. There is no cleaning lady to make up your bed, no maid to clean the kitchen. That's why it's inexpensive!!
There is a large couch in the lobby entrance which, with the sitting parlor, allows multiple groups to have gatherings. The sitting room even has a piano! I should have taken a moment to play but I'm so rusty... There is a limited library so bring a book to donate if you can. I was so busy touring State Street that it was not a problem but for a longer stay, you may want to bring some reading material. When I was here in Jan-2015, the computer in the lobby was non-functional. I had my own but didn't even use it so can't comment on the WIFI.
There is no alcohol allowed at the hostel so if you're gonna be drinking, you can enjoy one of the MANY pubs within walking distance. However, if you have an experience like me, do this with a GPS so you can find your way home. I have a very good sense of direction but all the criss-crossing and diagonal streets really threw me for a loop. I will say (to my credit) that I had to ask for directions at the parking garage around the corner from the hostel and even that guy had to pull out a map! I was literally a stone's throw from the place. He said it's real easy to get turned around. What an understatement!
Parking was $7 and I was glad I paid for it as this is right downtown and it snowed overnight. Glad to be safe in a spot in back.
There was some hallway noise but nothing too loud and nothing during quiet hours. The bed was SUPER COMFY - way great for a hostel environment. Nice sheets and blankets with extra pillows available (my personal favorite thing).
Downsides: 1) The towels in the bathroom are hand towels (like large washcloth size) so it took two to get the job done. But they are super-absorbent and brightly colored so they are cheerful! The shower is small but I'm a big girl - standard 3' x 3' which is workable. 2) There is a garbage truck garage across the street and they rumble out about 6 AM... but it's over quick. I guess this is just weekdays so weekends would be better.
Best upside: Carlos is super-fantastic friendly. He can direct you to anything you might need to get to in town. I definitely felt welcomed by him when I ran into him late Monday evening.
Helpful hint: A family of 3-4 could stay in Room 2 as it has a double bed-bunk. That's where we'll stay next time we do a family vacation to Madison.
Overall, I thought Madison was a hip town with loads to see - wish I had more than 24-hours and that it was about 50 degrees warmer! This place is a good value for the price.
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