“No no,” she waved me away, muttering incomprehensibly in Danish.
I pointed to the sign indicating the kitchen closed in the afternoon; therefore was presumably open to boil an egg for breakfast. Another worker appeared and I eyed him pathetically.
“Can I please cook my egg?” I gestured to my carton and pan.
He ushered me in, an inconvenience. Relieved, I heated water for my meal, a bit of protein to sustain me for the long walk to the train through a springtime snowstorm.
Inconveniences aside, Hostel Copenhagen Amager is clean and quiet, not a rowdy youth hostel but a refuge for travelers of all ages. Resting on a “green space” across from the spectacularly slanted Bella Hotel, the clean lines of Scandinavian design are epitomized even in budget accommodations. Though located on the outskirts of Copenhagen, the nearby train is quick and modern. Or experience a commute as true Dane—bicycle rental is available on-site from the hostel staff, who directs guests to the must-see attractions around Copenhagen and the Hovedstaden region.
Guests can expect a comfortable bed in a shared dorm for 145 DKK per guest ($28). For those accustomed to staying in hostels, extra expenses are expected. A charge for linens is acceptable; Internet fees understandable. Here, the add-ons become bizarre. If you plan to self-cater, pans are provided, but disposable dishes must be purchased from the front desk. The shelf that holds staples like salt, sugar, and a sketchy bottle of oil? That’s been wiped clean—but seasoning packets are available for sale. And don’t even think about eating in your room unless you want to risk an automatic $20 charge.
Inevitably, numerous additional charges led us to wonder the costs of the architectural marvel across the street. Travelers who don’t require a kitchen (and prefer to have their linens already on their beds upon arrival) will be pleased to know the Bella Sky Hotel starting rates are around $130—not too much more than “budget” accommodations.
After checking out, my husband races to the car. “Let’s get out of here—the woman from the kitchen caught me throwing out wrappers from the chocolate I ate in our room yesterday!”
Hostel Copenhagen Amager
Vejlands Alle
200 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
Tel. +45-32-522908 Fax. +45-32-522708
Hostels need not be limited to college students—they offer a unique experience for travelers of all ages. Here are some others to consider:
Stockholm `af Chapman & Skeppsholmen' Hostel
Flaggmansvägen 8
11149 Stockholm
Sweden
Tel. 46-8-4632266
chapman@stfturist.se
A special hostel experience indeed, this Swedish treasure allows guests to stay in a traditional room or on a ship. The historic boat serves as a glowing landmark for newcomers to the city—its masts are lit in the evening and can be spotted throughout the Stockholm archipelago. Rates for dorm-style rooms start at about $21 per guest.
Hostel Puerto Iguazú
Av. Guarani N°70
3370 Iguazu Falls
Argentina
Tel. +54-3757-421295
Fax. +54-3757-421295
info@hosteliguazufalls.com
The Iguazu Falls area is a true rainforest experience, and the Hostel Puerto Iguazú is a perfect place to relax after hiking the legendary waterfalls. Guests can cook their own meals at the outdoor kitchen, or spend an evening lounging by the pool. A real bargain for $10 and up.
Busan - Busan YH Arpina
45 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro Haeundae-gu Busan South Korea Tel. +82 51 740 3228 Fax. +82 51 740 3233 phk@mail.arpina.com
The South Korean culture is epitomized in the Busan Hostel. No comforts need be sacrificed—guests are offered a fitness center, massage parlours, and even a driving range within the facility. With all of the amenities, advance booking is recommended. Dorm accommodations start at $22.
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