Generator Rome
"How did it strike you on arrival?While your mind understands that this is a hostel, it can’t quite reconcile that fact with how nice it all is. Generator is design led, but the design is ‘fun’, with Chesterfields, and patterned tile floors at reception, and a really cool bar with lime green stools, Chinese lanterns, decent food, and a perpetually upbeat atmosphere. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Only 10 minutes from Rome's Termini Rail Station, Generator attracts a good mixture of those on a budget and those arriving into the city at unreasonable hours. We’re talking students and hippies, backpackers and businessmen crashing out before an early train the next day. Relaxed, fun, and friendly is the vibe. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Double rooms in hostels are often terrible fudges, just a piece of plasterboard between you and the dorm, but Generator doesn’t cut any corners. Each has a private bathroom, a desk and a plenty of storage space for clothes, not to mention some nice design touches—ours was an odd picture and slightly strange hanging lamp on a very long cable. Best of all, they’re quiet. No dorm rowdiness at 2 a.m. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The bed is a bit firm, but there’s nothing wrong with that, though the pillows could have had a bit more life in them. You’ll need two if you like to keep your head up high. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Having a private bathroom in a hostel is a luxury anyway, so finding out it’s spotlessly clean, and the walk-in shower has some vim to it, is incredible. Towels are great, bathrobes non-existent. There are no products either, so bring your own. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Free Wi-Fi, and it’s nice and quick. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The bar is very cool indeed, and serves a nice mix of cocktails. Even better, you get a complimentary shot just for staying here. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?This is the nicest hostel we’ve ever stayed at, and for €40 a night it puts a lot of mid-budget hotels to shame. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Clean, friendly, quiet, and comfortable. These are all words you don’t normally use to describe hostels, and yet they all apply to Generator. Remarkable."
