Please select your travel dates to see rates and availability
Check In
Check Out
1 room2 guests1 room, 2 guests
Info
Summary of reviewsGeneva Hostel garners high praise for its prime location at the heart of the city with easy access to the main train station (Cornavin) and Geneva Lake. The strategic positioning allows guests convenient exploration of the city’s attractions through walking or public transport. The hostel’s safe and calm neighborhood, filled with amenities like restaurants, bars and shopping centers, further amplifies its appeal.
The breakfast offerings at Geneva Hostel stand out for their high quality and variety, featuring items like bread, cheese, cold cuts, cereals, yogurt, coffee and the notable Swiss muesli. Guests appreciate the value of the inclusive breakfast, finding it hearty and generous, satisfying various tastes including healthier and vegan options upon request. The organized and clean setup enhances the breakfast experience, complemented by the friendly service and early start time.
For dinner, Geneva Hostel provides hot meals at reasonable prices with the lentil steam bowl and New Year's dinner receiving particular praise. Guests also benefit from a well-equipped kitchen for self-prepared meals. Despite some calls for more variety in the dinner menu, the overall feedback is positive, marking it as a budget-friendly and convenient choice.
The rooms at Geneva Hostel are recognized for their spaciousness and cleanliness with comfortable beds and well-maintained bathrooms. Practical amenities like bed lights and ample lockers are appreciated; however, the absence of air conditioning and noise disturbances from both inside and outside the hostel are noted drawbacks, especially during hot weather.
Cleanliness is a highlight with consistent mentions of clean rooms, bathrooms and common areas maintained to a high standard. The modern and spacious design adds to the pleasant ambiance, although there are a few remarks on the need for more frequent cleaning in select bathrooms.
The staff receive widespread acclaim for their friendliness and helpfulness, enhancing the guest experience through attentive and courteous service. Specific staff members are often highlighted for their exceptional service and ability to assist with various issues, making the team a standout feature of the hostel.
Geneva Hostel offers free WiFi throughout the facility with a generally strong connection in rooms. However, stability and speed issues arise in certain areas like the upper floors and common spaces. Despite these hiccups, the overall ambiance and facilities encourage guests to return.
Parking options are a notable convenience, featuring on-site and underground parking, including bicycle storage. While some guests mention the high cost, the availability of secure parking upon arrival adds significant value, especially given the challenges of finding free parking nearby.
Nightlife options in the hostel area are accessible with a basement bar providing a social space. Yet, noise disturbances from external sources and within the hostel compromise the experience for some, affecting sleep quality.
Guests have mixed opinions on the beds, although many find them comfortable and clean. Issues such as narrow dimensions, hard mattresses and lack of privacy curtains are noted by some, but the overall comfort and cleanliness are generally appreciated.
Geneva Hostel excels in accessibility, offering proximity to public transport and seamless travel options throughout the city. Secure individual lockers, spacious facilities and straightforward check-in processes enhance the accessibility, despite occasional challenges with the elevator.
In summary, Geneva Hostel combines central location, cleanliness, generous breakfast, friendly staff and reasonable dining options to offer a well-rounded stay for budget-conscious travelers. While areas for improvement exist, the hostel’s strengths make it a popular choice for visitors exploring Geneva. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Categories
Hostel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hostel near Nightlife Spots
Hostel with Parking
Cheap Hostel
Accessible Hostel
Room Types
Quadruple Room with Shared BathroomRoom with 2 bunk beds. The shared-use bathroom is located on the corridor.
Twin Room with Private BathroomTwin room with a private bathroom. This room offers access to a terrace and panoramic lake views.
Quadruple Room with Private ToiletRoom with 2 single beds, a bunk bed, and a private toilet. The shared-use shower facilities are located on the corridor.
Single Bed in Female Dormitory RoomSingle bed in a female dormitory room. The shared bathroom is located on the corridor.
Please inform the property about the gender of the arriving guests in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking.
Single Bed in Male Dormitory RoomSingle bed in a male dormitory room. The shared bathroom is located on the corridor.
Please inform the property about the gender of the arriving guests in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking.
Triple Room with Shared BathroomRoom with 2 bunk beds. The shared bathroom is located on the corridor.
6-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThe dormitory room includes a shared bathroom equipped with a shower, a bidet and a hairdryer. Rooms on the upper floors are reachable by lift. The unit offers 2 beds.
Single Room with Private BathroomThe single room offers a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, a terrace with sea views as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
7.9
Good
Location
Geneva Hostel is celebrated for its prime location, receiving high praise from guests for being well-situated in the heart of the city. It's conveniently close to the main train station (Cornavin), making it accessible for travelers arriving by train and only a short distance from Geneva Lake. Guests find it easy to explore the city's main attractions either by walking or utilizing the complimentary public transport card provided by the hostel.
Additionally, the hostel is nestled in a safe neighborhood, often noted for its proximity to a police station and an array of amenities including restaurants, bars and shopping centers. The area is described as calm yet central, offering a peaceful stay with the advantage of being near key tourist sites like the Jet d'Eau and the botanical garden.
Many reviewers appreciate the quick and easy access to public transportation with bus and tram stops situated nearby. This strategic positioning also allows guests to reach international organizations and the airport without hassle.
Lastly, the hostel’s vicinity to the lakefront is frequently highlighted, offering picturesque views and a pleasant atmosphere for leisurely walks. The central location, combined with the cleanliness, friendly staff and good breakfast, makes Geneva Hostel a favored choice for visitors exploring the city.
Breakfast
The breakfast at Geneva Hostel has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests. Numerous reviews emphasize its high quality, variety and generosity. Many guests appreciated the diverse options available, including items like bread, cheese, cold cuts, cereals, yogurt, coffee, fruits and the exceptional Swiss muesli. The inclusion of breakfast in the room price was repeatedly highlighted as a fantastic value, especially given Switzerland's high food costs.
Overall, the breakfast is highly praised for being hearty, tasty and extensive with some reviewers describing it as the best they've experienced in a hostel. It's noted for its good selection with plenty of choices to suit different tastes, including healthier options and vegan-friendly items upon request.
Guests found the breakfast setup well-organized, clean and conducive to a pleasant start to their day. Coffee and other breakfast beverages received special mentions for their quality. While a few guests desired more variety, such as the inclusion of hot dishes like eggs, the overall consensus is that the breakfast is more than satisfactory.
The breakfast experience at Geneva Hostel is complemented by friendly service, the convenience of an early start time and the bonus of an unlimited transport card, making it a valuable and enjoyable feature of the stay.
Dinner
Geneva Hostel offers a unique dining experience, transforming its cafeteria into a restaurant for regular meals after breakfast hours. Guests who have sampled the evening offerings found the lentil steam bowl particularly delightful and praised the New Year's dinner for its amazing quality. The hostel provides hot food around the clock at reasonable prices, making it a convenient and budget-friendly dining option for travelers. For those preferring to cook, the hostel features a tidy kitchen on the ground floor, fully equipped for meal preparation and a comfortable dining area where guests can enjoy their own packed lunches or dinner.
While some guests noted the desire for a more varied dinner menu, many were satisfied with the existing meal options. However, it is important to be aware that the visibility of dinner availability signs could be improved for shorter guests. Despite these minor points, Geneva Hostel's dinner offerings have generally received positive feedback, making it a suitable choice for both those who enjoy convenience and those who prefer to prepare their own meals.
Rooms
The Geneva Hostel receives mixed reviews regarding its room conditions, yet it holds a prominent place among travelers for its key advantages. The hostel features spacious rooms and ample communal spaces, ensuring guests do not feel cramped despite the number of beds per room. Cleanliness is a strong point with many guests noting that the rooms and bathrooms are well-maintained and tidy. Comfortable beds and lockers, some with key card access, add to the convenience.
The location is highly praised, situated near Lake Geneva and in a lovely neighborhood. Guests appreciate practical amenities such as individual bed lights, ample locker space and functional, clean bathrooms with strong water flow in the showers.
However, the hostel does face criticisms primarily regarding ventilation and temperature control. Many guests reported rooms being excessively hot and stuffy without air conditioning, which becomes particularly problematic during a heatwave. Noise also emerged as a drawback, whether from outside the hostel or from other guests in the dormitory rooms. These issues significantly impacted the sleeping quality for some visitors.
Breakfast receives positive feedback, often described as very good, making it a bonus for those looking to start their day well-fed. Despite some shortcomings, including limited privacy in shared dorms and occasional maintenance issues, the Geneva Hostel manages to combine economy with basic comfort, making it a viable choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Beds
Guests have mixed opinions about the beds at Geneva Hostel, but many highlight their comfort. Several reviews mention that the beds are comfortable with some guests even describing them as very comfy or super comfy. Cleanliness is frequently noted with guests appreciating the clean and modern bedding and bedsheets.
However, there are also some less favorable comments. A few guests found the beds to be narrow or small and others described the mattresses and pillows as hard or thin. Noise from the beds was another recurring issue, as some guests said the beds were noisy or creaky. The lack of privacy curtains on the bunk beds was mentioned as a downside.
On the positive side, the bunk bed setup is generally seen as comfortable and sturdy with lockers underneath for storage. Some reviews noted that the beds were well spaced out in dormitories and there were useful amenities like sockets and lights on the beds.
Overall, while there are some areas for improvement, many guests found the beds at Geneva Hostel to be comfortable and clean, making it a decent choice for budget travelers.
Cleanliness
Geneva Hostel has earned high praises for its impressive cleanliness, consistently noted by guests as a standout feature. Reviewers frequently describe the hostel as clean, tidy and well-maintained. The facility’s general atmosphere is one of meticulous upkeep with clean rooms, bathrooms and common areas being repeatedly highlighted.
The cleaning standards are often described as exceptional with mentions of daily cleaning routines and attentive maintenance. Bathrooms and shower areas are noted to be particularly clean and organized, although there are occasional mentions that the bathrooms could benefit from more frequent cleaning sessions.
Guests appreciate the clean sheets, spotless rooms and the overall well-kept appearance of the hostel. Many reviews refer to the modern and spacious design of the facilities, which presumably adds to the clean and pleasant ambiance.
While the majority of feedback celebrates the cleanliness of Geneva Hostel, a few comments suggest areas for improvement, such as more consistent cleanliness in specific bathrooms and the need for better housekeeping in some rooms. Despite these minor criticisms, the general consensus remains positive.
In conclusion, Geneva Hostel’s commitment to cleanliness significantly enhances the comfort and satisfaction of its guests, making it a reliable choice for travelers prioritizing hygiene and pristine accommodations.
Staff
The staff at 'Geneva Hostel' have received widespread praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, significantly enhancing the experience for many guests. Numerous reviewers highlighted the accommodating nature of the staff, even during late check-ins. Several praised specific team members, such as a Colombian receptionist and a staff member named Padraic, for their exceptional service.
Frequent mentions of staff being attentive, efficient and courteous underscore the high level of professionalism throughout the hostel. The front desk staff, available round-the-clock, were particularly noted for their welcoming demeanor and ability to provide assistance on various issues, from resolving noise complaints to managing lost baggage.
While a few reviews mentioned occasional lapses in service and the need for more personnel during busy times, the overwhelming consensus is that the team is dedicated and supportive. Their cheerful attitudes, coupled with the ability to communicate efficiently in English, make them a standout feature of the hostel. Overall, the staff's amiability and competence leave a lasting positive impression on the guests.
Wi-Fi
Geneva Hostel offers a mixed experience when it comes to WiFi connectivity. Guests frequently note that WiFi is generally good in the rooms with some even praising it as strong and excellent. Free WiFi is available throughout the facility, which is appreciated, but there are issues with stability and speed, particularly on the upper floors and in common areas like the lobby and kitchen. Some guests have found the WiFi to be nearly nonexistent or poor in specific spots with common complaints including frequent crashes and weak signals. Despite these issues, the overall ambiance and other facilities of the hostel keep guests looking forward to returning.
Parking
Geneva Hostel offers a range of parking options for travelers, including on-site and underground parking, providing convenience for those arriving by car. The hostel has a secure underground garage with storage facilities for bicycles, making it a practical choice for cyclists. Parking needs to be reserved in advance and is available at a cost with prices noted as high by some guests. Previously free parking is now subject to a fee. Despite the cost, the parking facilities are seen as a good opportunity, especially given the challenges of finding free parking nearby.
The hostel stands out for its easy access to public transportation and proximity to the lakefront, providing an added layer of convenience for guests who might choose to park and then use alternative transport options to explore the city. Guests also appreciated the convenience of having a parking place available upon arrival.
Additional amenities such as lockers with key cards and luggage keeping facilities further enhance the overall experience, making Geneva Hostel a considerable option for those needing secure and convenient parking while staying in the city.
Nightlife
Geneva Hostel is situated in a central area, making it convenient for guests to easily access downtown activities in the evenings without any issues. The hostel features a bar in the basement which offers a social environment for meeting new people with nightly activities recommended for solo travelers. However, the overall atmosphere at night can be quite noisy. Guests have reported disturbances from both outside noises and internal sounds within the hostel, such as people talking loudly in the corridors, children yelling and the sounds of doors slamming.
The soundproofing in the hostel leaves much to be desired with noise from the walls and other rooms being a common complaint. There are frequent disruptions from people returning late, which compromises the quality of sleep for many occupants. The presence of large groups and a mix of very young or older visitors adds to the bustling and often loud environment. Outside the rooms, street noise and the sounds of trains passing by can also be heard.
While Geneva Hostel provides a vibrant atmosphere and opportunities to meet fellow travelers, those sensitive to noise or looking for a more quiet retreat might find it challenging to enjoy a restful night's sleep here.
Accessible
Geneva Hostel is known for its exceptional accessibility and convenient location, making it easy for guests to explore the city. The hostel is situated less than five minutes from Lake Geneva and is close to various public transport options with complimentary transport passes provided to guests. This location is not only accessible by foot but also near the train and subway stations, facilitating seamless travel throughout the city.
The hostel boasts secure and spacious facilities, including accessible individual lockers and secure luggage storage options. The rooms and showers offer ample space and the booking and check-in processes are straightforward. The presence of an elevator (not always functional) and handrails in the hallways adds to its accessibility, although some guests mentioned that the handrails sometimes felt unstable.
Guests appreciated the secure access to all areas of the hostel and the individual card system ensures maximum security. The breakfast services are easily accessible and the ability to use a microwave is an added convenience. Despite some minor issues, the overall secure and clean environment of Geneva Hostel, along with its excellent location and transport facilities, make it highly recommended for travelers, especially those requiring accessible accommodations.
No, Geneva Hostel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Geneva Hostel.
No, Geneva Hostel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Geneva Hostel.