The only thing going for it was the location, in the atmospheric old city of Jerusalem.
But the location is also what got us, because after carrying our bags up and down stairs in from outside the old city wall (as we arrived on a holiday and taxis weren't allowed to drive into the old city), my friend and I were so exhausted that, although taken aback by the proprietor's rude demand to be paid upfront for our 5 night stay, we obliged before seeing the room (big mistake).
We were told we'd have a lovely roof top view of Jerusalem. Well, we had a view alright - of the flophouse right outside our window. There were over 20 people sleeping on matresses on the roof. Our room was hot as an oven, but with the window open, how could anyone sleep with people literally right outside our window talking all night long? And walking throught the hotel, you were literally tripping over bodies of sleepers all over the common areas.
The next morning I searched the city and found 4 better hotels around the same price (by the way $40 USD for 2 a night to stay in a cell-like room, with hair on the sheets and dirty shared bathroom downstairs and no hot water - I found out the roof-dwellers were paying $15 USD each for their experience), but the arrogant owner simply pointed to their list of rules, which of course said in bold letters, NO REFUNDS, and refused to refund any of our money. He was offended when I mentioned the hair on the sheets and assured us they were clean. He did provide a fan, which drowned out the roof dwellers, but barely moved the stifling air in the sweatbox of a room.
Oh, and I forgot to mention the disgusting shared kitchen. And lack of service. They couldn't even call a taxi for me to the airport. I could have forgiven a few of the deplorable conditions had the service been good, but no such luck.
AVOID the Citadel Hostel if you want to have an enjoyable time in Jerusalem.
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Citadel Youth Hostel (average rating 1.0 of 5)
The only thing going for it was the location, in t... by suzy301
