Aaron Quinley
Google
Socially speaking, probably my favorite hostel experience. The staff here are very different than the staff at most hostels I've stayed at elsewhere. They are very inclusive and are just as likely to be hanging out with you in the common room as sitting behind the desk. Some are there even when they're off work, so that's probably a good sign of the environment being positive and conducive to the social aspects of travel. It's not a party hostel, but it's not a quiet hostel either. And the staff will invite people out on the town when they go out, if that's your cup of tea (or glass of whatever).
Wifi was fine.
Hostel was maybe a 20 minute walk to Old Town. There are grocery stores, small and full-service, within a block or two.
The hostel is not fancy though, and I wouldn't even call it aesthetically pleasing. But it cost about 8.50 Euros a night ($10). It is clean, smoke-free. Lockers are available with a key deposit. There is a kitchen and fridge. I had no issues with my food being safe in the fridge.
I did have issues the last night I was there, as I had to get up early to get to the airport to get my rental car and leave Bucharest, and some fellow travelers came in late and were up late in the common area, playing music and guitar loudly (I think I was the only person in my room, so the hostel was pretty vacant). That was the only time I had sleep issues--ironically when the hostel was least crowded.
There was often a good mix of people there, from different countries. And the staff there were very helpful when I had questions for making plans locally and for when I left Bucharest to explore other areas.
I'll definitely come back here if/when I find myself in Bucharest again. It was one of those places where you realize how special it is, especially after you've left it.
