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When travelling one of the main experiences and expenses we all encounter is the place we are staying. A bad hotel or hostel can really sour an otherwise good trip. Especially since the human brain has a tendency to more vividly remember negative events. Every traveller I know has a horror story about a place they stayed. It comes with the territory, However, Hurricane Hostel is not a place of horror stories, but a gem nestled gently in the heart of Split, Croatia. Perfect for any Hostel stay, especially if it’s your first time.
What Type of Hostel is Hurricane Hostel?
Most hostels usually fall into one or two of the categories of different types of hostel. Hurricane on the other hand adds a twist dabbling into 3 maybe 4 different types.
First and foremost Hurricane is definitely a classic youth hostel very focused on a young adult demographic. Different group activities that are run several times a week are posted around the hostel for anyone and everyone to sign up for. Ranging anywhere from trips to different islands in the Adriatic to pub crawls to game and movie nights.
The second type Hurricane would fall under would be the party hostel with a bit of a twist. They encourage people to live it up as Split is definitely a party town. The staff take guests out on pub crawls and to different clubs and hang out with them. They also have nights of drinking games in the main area. The twist is that after 11:00 pm is quiet time. Either you have to turn the party down or go elsewhere so others can sleep.
Hurricane Hostel dabbles in the homely hostel for its third type. The main man, Aaron (Eh eh ron), is the owner and is almost always there. He brings a warming, homey touch to this lovely locale. An amazing host, Aaron constantly goes out of his way to ensure people feel like part of the family and have a good time.
I said maybe 4 since it could be argued that there is a slight dabble into the lifestyle type of hostel with all they offer. With how long some people decide to stay I can only agree.
The Good
I could go on for hours, maybe even days, about all the good things that Hurricane Hostel brings to the hostel game. The events alone are amazing and it was one such event that ended with me going there from Korcula.
On one of the walls is an “achievement” list. Names of people who have found things that are hidden around the hostel or done something predecided by the staff are on this list. If you do or find one of these unknown things you are granted a free night.
The staff is amazing. Constantly destroying the line between guests and staff to create an amazing environment. Aaron constantly goes above and beyond, making this place arguably the best place to stay in Split.
The lockers are made out of wood instead of metal. Therefore, you won’t be hearing that metallic clang whenever someone drops something or closes the locker. Aaron had this custom made for that reason.
Aaron does his best to keep prices in the mid-range for the area. Prices range from 80 Kuna (less than 10 Dollars) in the offseason to about 300 Kuna (40 euros/46USD) at the busiest part of the tourist season.
Yet, this is just the beginning and I am constantly finding myself wanting to go back.
The Bad
There are only two things I would say are bad. The first is the fact that there are only 27 beds. This place just isn’t big enough. I would love to see this place become bigger as I believe that it would foster an amazing community.
The second is the fact that there are no private rooms. This is unfortunate for those travellers that aren’t comfortable sleeping in a room with strangers. Yet, for most, is nowhere near a deal-breaker.
The Ugly
There are 2 shared bathrooms with a toilet and showers for the whole place. There is also a small toilet room right in the kitchen. Those in themselves aren’t really a problem. It’s the fact that at some time there was an event that occurred that made it so they had to take locks off the bathroom doors.
This has led to a “knock first” policy. That policy will be in place until Aaron figures out a solution that will make the doors lockable. All while avoiding a repeat of the past problems.
My Review
Hurricane Hostel is one of the best places I have stayed in my travels. I would say that if you end up in Split and don’t stay here you are missing out. I constantly find myself wanting to go back and one day I definitely will.
Don’t miss the chance to stay at the Hurricane Hostel.
Ratings:
Cleanliness: 5/5
In my few times at Hurricane Hostel, they were completely on top of the cleaning. Complete with cleaning out the fridge regularly.
Location: 5/5
Hurricane has an amazing location. The Palace is literally on the other side of the small park that is just across the street. The beach, pier, and Lobster Tattoo are both just a few minutes walk away. Restaurants, bakeries, and bars are absolutely everywhere, including some of my favourites in Split (Funky George to name one). If you are looking to island-hop using the ferries or catamarans the harbour is about a 10-minute walk. A beautiful location for a hostel.
Atmosphere: 5/5
The atmosphere here is incredible. From the moment you walk in you feel welcomed and at home. Freely available to party, hang out, chat, or do whatever it is you want to do. Even if you want to just work on your laptop people are completely respectful.
Amenities: 4.75/5
You’ve got almost everything you need. Sheets are already on the bed and the pillow is cased. A sleeping shit and towels are waiting for you in your free lockers. Free Wi-fi. Bathrooms and a full kitchen for all guests to use. Not only that, but Hurricane Hostel also has air conditioning! All included in the price.
The only thing missing is a place to do laundry which is rare in almost any hostel.
Overall Friendliness and Professionalism (Staff and Guests): 5/5
As a hostel, it can be hard to find that line between friendliness and professionalism. That usually varies based on the type. Regardless of that Hurricane Hostel makes that line their *cough* home *cough* as the staff perfectly live right on top of it and encourage it between guests. Any problems are swiftly dealt with.
Overall Rating: 4.9/5
I so wanted to give Hurricane Hostel the first 5-star review I have ever given, but I just couldn’t. It was so close too! The only reason I couldn’t was the fact that the washrooms don’t lock. I understand why this is and the system that is in place works perfectly. Even saying that it just knocked off that little bit.
However, I couldn’t recommend this place anymore than I do. Every time I go I have an amazing experience. It is my go-to for Split and I assure you that you won’t regret it.
Have you ever been to Hurricane Hostel? If so, how was your experience? If not, will you be going your next time in Split? Let us know in the comments below!
Until next time travel authentically, travel nomadically, and let the world leave its inscriptions on you as you do on it.
