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Summary of reviewsSimplon Hostel in Groningen is highly favored for its excellent and central location, making it ideal for exploring the city's attractions, shopping and dining. Nestled away from street noise, it offers a quiet and charming environment along with convenient transport links and nearby parking options.
The breakfast receives mostly positive feedback for being delicious and varied, featuring fresh fruit, cold meats, cheese and yogurt. While there are some minor criticisms regarding bread quality and availability, the breakfast is generally considered good value and the inclusion in the room rate is appreciated by many guests.
Room feedback is mixed with most guests finding them clean and cozy, suitable for short stays. The larger rooms and apartments are well-received for their comfort and good value. However, issues with room size, noise from thin walls and outdated furnishings are noted. Shared bathrooms are mostly clean but could benefit from more consistent maintenance.
Cleanliness overall is commendable with rooms and common areas well-kept. However, there are recurring issues with shower cleanliness and occasional hot water shortages. Improvements in these areas could further enhance the guest experience.
The hostel staff are consistently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing to a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere. The staff's professionalism and willingness to assist greatly enhance the overall stay.
WiFi is frequently praised for its good coverage and reliable speed throughout the premises, adding to the convenience for guests.
Parking options near the hostel are convenient with several choices available, including secure garages and street parking, though the cost may vary.
Beds at Simplon Hostel are a point of contention with some guests finding them hard and uncomfortable due to thin mattresses. Nonetheless, others appreciated the clean bedding and functional setup despite the lack of individual lights and privacy curtains.
In summary, Simplon Hostel offers a central and well-connected base with a generally positive guest experience, marked by good breakfast, friendly staff, reliable WiFi and reasonable cleanliness. Minor improvements in room and bathroom amenities, along with enhanced bed comfort, could further elevate the experience. Show more
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Categories
Cheap Hotel
This hostel provides simple accommodations and is located a short walk from the city center. It features a courtyard and an adjacent restaurant, offering budget-friendly options for travelers.
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
This hostel features an electric vehicle charging station for guests.
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
EV charging stations
Small Hotel
Room Types
Standard Single RoomThis compact room features a box-spring bed, cable TV and a small closet with drawers. The shower and toilets are shared.
Standard Twin RoomThis uniquely-decorated room includes box-spring beds, cable TV, a closet and a small table. The shower and toilets are shared.
Standard Triple RoomThis room is furnished with box-spring beds, a closet and a cable TV. The shower and toilets are shared.
Single Bed in Mixed DormitoryThe dormitories have 16 or 20 beds. Guests receive a pillow and mattress cover, Bed linen is included in all prices. The toilet and showers are shared with other guests. Free WiFi is available.
ApartmentThis Apartment features a private entrance, 2 single beds, seating area, a Kitchenette and a shared bathroom with toilet and shower. Breakfast can be enjoyed at the breakfast area of Simplon hostel.
Standard Quadruple RoomThis room features box-spring beds, wardrobe, cable TV and shared bathroom and toilets.
Single Bed in Mixed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory has a patio, seating area and sofa.
Single Bed in Mixed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory features a patio.
Single Bed in Mixed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory has a patio.
Guest Reviews
7.6
Good
Location
Simplon Hostel boasts an excellent and highly convenient location in the heart of Groningen. With the city center just a short walk away, guests praise its central position, which makes it ideal for shopping trips and exploring local attractions. The hostel's proximity to transport links, including a nearby bus stop and the main train station, further enhances accessibility.
Guests appreciate the quiet and charming environment despite the bustling surroundings. The hostel is nestled away from street noise, offering a tranquil retreat with a beautiful courtyard and green, cozy outdoor space. Nearby, a variety of restaurants, supermarkets and cultural spots are within easy reach, adding to the hostel's appeal.
Parking is readily available in a nearby garage, making it convenient for those traveling by car. Whether visiting Groningen for a short city trip or a weekend getaway, Simplon Hostel provides a central, well-connected and comfortable base, allowing guests to fully enjoy the vibrant city life and rich culture of Groningen.
Breakfast
Guests at Simplon Hostel generally found the breakfast to be quite satisfying with many reviews praising it as delicious, varied and well-supplied. Numerous guests noted that the breakfast included a good selection of items and some even described it as excellent or fantastic. The spread often featured fresh fruit, cold meats, delicious cheese and farmer yogurt, which added a nice variety.
However, there were occasional criticisms, such as the bread being stale or cold and a lack of variety on some days. A few guests also mentioned timing issues with breakfast not available early enough for some and noted that coffee wasn't available before 8 o'clock. Despite these minor drawbacks, the general consensus was that the breakfast offered good value and was better than expected for a hostel. The inclusion of breakfast in the price was a positive aspect for many and the friendly staff contributed to a pleasant breakfast experience. Overall, while there is room for improvement, the breakfast at Simplon Hostel was largely considered to be a highlight of guests' stays.
Rooms
The rooms at Simplon Hostel received a mixed bag of feedback from guests, though the majority leaned on the positive side. Many guests appreciated that the rooms, although simple and clean, met the basic needs of travelers. Rooms were described as cozy and tidy, making them perfect for short stays. Cleanliness was a recurring highlight with numerous compliments on well-maintained conditions and comfortable beds.
Various room sizes were noted, ranging from compact single rooms to more spacious apartments, which many found convenient and comfortable for extended stays. Some rooms featured colorful walls and neat decor, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. The larger rooms, particularly the apartments, were praised for having everything one might need, providing good value for the price.
On the downside, several guests encountered issues with room sizes being too small and limited in amenities. Thin walls created noise disturbances, impacting the overall comfort for some. Other criticisms included outdated furnishings, poor lighting and ventilation problems. Despite these occasional shortcomings, most rooms were found to be quiet with good insulation from exterior noise and the overall environment was described as peaceful.
Shared bathrooms were generally clean, although some guests found them occasionally lacking in hygiene. Nevertheless, key-card entry provided a sense of security and the hostel's location in a beautiful setting contributed positively to the guests' experience.
Overall, Simplon Hostel rooms offer a comfortable stay with generally good value, particularly valued for their cleanliness and basic amenities. However, potential visitors should manage expectations regarding room sizes and certain dated aspects of the furnishings.
Beds
Simplon Hostel offers a mixed experience when it comes to bed comfort. Many guests report that the beds are quite hard with some describing the mattresses as thin, stiff or uncomfortable. Instances of bed springs being felt and old mattresses were noted, impacting overall rest quality. Despite these concerns, several guests found the beds to be comfortable and appreciated the provision of towels and clean bedding.
The hostel seems to maintain a basic but functional bed setup. Guests appreciated the minor conveniences such as bed lights, which do not disturb others and sturdy bed frames. However, some reviews mentioned a lack of individual lights or curtains for privacy. Overall, while the beds at Simplon Hostel serve their purpose, they may not meet everyone's standards for comfort, especially for those sensitive to firmer sleeping surfaces.
Cleanliness
Simplon Hostel has garnered mixed reviews, particularly regarding its cleanliness. Many guests have appreciated the hostel for its overall cleanliness with frequent mentions of clean rooms, tidy common areas and well-maintained bathrooms and showers. The hostel indeed seems to have a consistent cleaning routine, as several reviews confirm that rooms, shared spaces and bathrooms are often clean and presentable upon arrival. The bed linen and accommodations generally meet cleanliness expectations.
However, there are recurring mentions of issues with the showers and toilets. Some guests pointed out that the showers were not cleaned thoroughly or frequently enough with specific references to dirty shower floors and inconsistent availability of hot water. The inability to adjust the shower temperature was also noted. Additionally, there were instances where toilets weren’t restocked with toilet paper and appeared unclean at times. The need for some areas to undergo renovation was highlighted, suggesting that a more thorough upkeep could enhance the overall experience.
Despite these issues, Simplon Hostel remains a favorable choice for those seeking budget-friendly and reasonably clean accommodations. With minor improvements in bathroom maintenance and addressing the issues related to the showers, the hostel could significantly elevate its guest experience.
Staff
The staff at Simplon Hostel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. Guests have highlighted their kind and accommodating nature, making the stay pleasant and enjoyable. The reception area exudes a welcoming vibe with staff who are always available and attentive to guests' needs. Many reviews mention the professional demeanor of the employees and their willingness to assist with any query, making check-in processes smooth and hassle-free.
Receptionists, in particular, stand out for their courteous and service-oriented approach. Visitors also appreciate the flexibility and honest service provided by the staff, contributing to a positive overall experience. Despite a few comments on instances of less friendly interactions, the general consensus points to a team that is eager to ensure guests have a comfortable stay, offering helpful advice and maintaining a professional yet warm atmosphere.
In summary, the staff at Simplon Hostel are a significant asset to the property with their genuine hospitality and readiness to help leaving a lasting positive impression on guests.
Wi-Fi
Simplon Hostel's WiFi service has received numerous positive remarks from guests in their reviews. The hostel provides free WiFi that is included in the price and many have noted that the WiFi works well throughout the territory. Guests have appreciated the presence of working WiFi hotspots with fair to high-speed internet connections. Functional WiFi is widely available, ensuring that there are adequate spots for accessing the internet. Many have found the internet connection to be good with reports of it working consistently and reliably. Despite a few mentions of the occasional lack of WiFi, the majority of guests reported having a good internet experience during their stay.
Parking
Simplon Hostel offers a variety of parking options for its guests, making it relatively easy for travelers with vehicles. For those looking for secure facilities, there is a nearby underground garage that many guests find convenient with a daily fee of EUR 15. Moreover, a parking garage just 50 meters away in the Boterdiep area is available for EUR 13.50 for 24 hours, offering another practical option.
While some reviews have mentioned that parking can be seen as expensive or of poor quality, others have found it to be an adequate and basic facility. Guests have appreciated the availability of both street parking and secure bike parking, which enhances the overall accessibility for different types of vehicles. Despite variances in cost, many have found the parking to be nearby, convenient and largely satisfactory.
Additionally, options for inexpensive parking and several pay parking areas are available, providing a range of choices depending on the budget and preferences. Whether driving a car or riding a moped, visitors have generally found it practical to park near Simplon Hostel without significant issues.
No, Simplon Hostel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Simplon Hostel.
No, Simplon Hostel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Simplon Hostel.