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Summary of reviewsPuffin Hostel Vík is highly praised for its prime location in the heart of Vík, making it an optimal base for exploring southern Iceland. Guests appreciate its proximity to essential services, supermarkets, gas stations and a variety of dining options. The hostel is also a short walk from Vík's iconic black sand beach and serves as a convenient starting point for visiting key attractions like Reynisfjara Beach and local hiking trails. The historical building housing the hostel adds a unique old-world charm, further enhancing its appeal.
The breakfast offerings receive high marks for their quality and variety with many guests opting for the hearty buffet available nearby for an additional fee. This buffet is frequently commended for its range and deliciousness, accommodating various tastes and needs.
In terms of accommodations, the rooms are often described as small and basic but clean and cozy, suitable for short stays. The shared facilities, including bathrooms and kitchens, are generally clean and well-maintained. Although the hostel faces some criticisms for room size and soundproofing, its cleanliness and practical amenities make it a strong choice for budget-conscious travelers.
The staff at the hostel are widely regarded as friendly and helpful with many reviews highlighting their efforts to ensure a pleasant stay. Specific staff members are often mentioned for their exceptional service, contributing significantly to the positive atmosphere.
The hostel’s Wi-Fi is mostly reliable, though some guests report issues with connectivity, especially during peak times. Parking is another strong point with ample, free parking spaces readily available, adding to the convenience for those traveling by car.
Beds at Puffin Hostel Vík elicit mixed reviews. While many guests find them comfortable with warm, high-quality bedding, others note issues such as small bed sizes and noisy, creaky bunk beds. Despite this, the overall sleeping accommodations are considered adequate by most travelers.
Adding to its appeal, the hostel’s historical setting provides a unique and charming backdrop, offering a glimpse into the area's past. The building's classic design and preserved features contribute to its authentic and inviting atmosphere, making it a memorable place to stay.
In summary, Puffin Hostel Vík stands out for its excellent location, cleanliness and historical charm, bolstered by friendly staff and practical amenities. While room sizes and some comfort aspects may not be ideal for everyone, it remains a popular and convenient choice for exploring the stunning landscapes of southern Iceland. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Historic Hostel
Small Hostel
Room Types
Basic Twin Room with Shared BathroomSimple room with shared bathroom facilities.
Budget Triple Room with Shared BathroomSimple room with shared bathroom facilities.
Please note that this room has a bunk bed with a bottom double bed and a top single bed.
Small Single Room with Shared BathroomThis compact room is 5 square metres. Please note that the bed is 180 cm long.
Quadruple Room with Shared BathroomThe quadruple room provides parquet floors and heating, as well as a shared bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. The unit offers 4 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.0
Good
Location
Puffin Hostel Vík enjoys an overwhelmingly positive reception for its location, firmly placing it as an ideal base for exploring the southern town of Vík in Iceland. Visitors consistently highlight its central position within the town, making it highly convenient for accessing local services, supermarkets, gas stations and numerous restaurants and bars. The hostel's proximity to Vík's iconic black sand beach is a recurring theme with several reviews mentioning that it’s just a short walk away—a key attraction for those interested in Iceland's unique natural splendors.
The hostel also serves as a strategic starting point for various excursions, including the renowned Reynisfjara Beach and the scenic Route 1. Guests appreciate the convenience of being close to points of interest such as the Lava Show and the mountain hiking trails, adding to the array of activities easily accessible from this central spot.
Accommodations are described as being housed in a charming, historical building, adding a quaint, old-world atmosphere that many travelers find appealing. The hostel's clean facilities, safe parking spaces and well-stocked communal kitchen further enhance its appeal, especially for budget-conscious travelers looking for comfortable and practical lodgings.
Additionally, its central placement makes it a great point to observe local wildlife, including the fascinating puffin colonies that frequent the nearby cliffs. The vicinity to the bus station and other essential services also provides added convenience, making Puffin Hostel Vík not just a place to stay, but a hub that connects guests to the wider attractions of southern Iceland.
Breakfast
Puffin Hostel Vík earns high praise for its breakfast offerings, highlighting a variety of options to suit different needs and budgets. Many guests appreciate the opportunity to enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast at an adjacent facility for an additional fee of around 2000 to 2500 ISK per person. This breakfast is frequently described as excellent, delicious and plentiful, featuring fresh fruit, waffles and a wide selection of items that cater to diverse tastes.
While some reviews mention breakfast options onsite, the nearby hotel's buffet breakfast seems to be the standout feature, noted for its quality and variety. Guests also commend the provision of breakfast packages to go, accommodating early departures. Overall, breakfast at Puffin Hostel Vík and its associated facilities is repeatedly acknowledged as a convenient, affordable and satisfying start to the day.
Rooms
The rooms at Puffin Hostel Vík are consistently noted for their small size, often described as tiny or cramped and somewhat basic in amenities. Despite the limited space, they are generally clean and cozy, making them suitable for short stays. The furniture is minimalist, typically featuring essentials like bunk beds, a bedside table and sometimes a sink. Room layout issues such as thin walls, narrow staircases and poor soundproofing are common, potentially affecting overall comfort.
Several reviewers mentioned issues with musty smells and limited space for luggage, often requiring guests to leave their suitcases in their cars or struggle with storage in the room. However, some rooms are cozy and warm, providing a comfortable environment for the night. The outdated nature of the building does give it a traditional charm and its location within walking distance to the beach and central Vík is convenient.
Shared facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens are generally clean, though the water regulation of the showers and the distance between them and the rooms can be a downside. Overall, Puffin Hostel Vík offers a practical and budget-friendly option for travelers who prioritize cleanliness and location over space and modern amenities.
Beds
Puffin Hostel Vík offers a sleeping experience that has received mixed reviews from its guests. Many visitors found the beds to be very comfortable with warm blankets and high-quality, clean bedding frequently mentioned as standout features. The mattresses are often described as quite comfortable with some guests even calling them the most comfortable they've slept on.
However, not all feedback was positive. There were consistent complaints about the beds being too small for two people with double beds measuring only about 1.15 meters in width. Bunk beds often creaked with every movement, leading to a noisy sleep for some. Additionally, there were remarks about old and sagging mattresses with certain guests describing them as uncomfortable or even comparable to sleeping on a board with a thin foam mattress. A few reviewers also noted poorly designed beds, inconsistent pillow quality and that beds could have been more comfortable overall.
While there was a general consensus on good-quality bedding and heating, the hostel's beds may not suit everyone, especially light sleepers troubled by noise. Despite the mix of comfort levels, the hostel does provide clean accommodations and warm bedding, making it a practical option for those staying overnight in Vík.
Cleanliness
Puffin Hostel Vík has garnered consistent praise for its cleanliness across various aspects, making it an appealing choice for travelers seeking a tidy and functional place to stay. Guests frequently mention that the rooms, both private and shared, are clean and comfortable. The shared bathrooms and showers are also highlighted for their cleanliness with many reviews noting that they are maintained to a high standard. The common areas, including the kitchen, are often described as clean and well-organized, contributing to an overall pleasant environment.
Despite occasional criticisms about minor cleanliness issues, such as sticky tables or less-than-immaculate showers, the majority of reviews emphasize the hostel's commitment to hygiene. The facilities are generally described as very clean with some mentioning the meticulous efforts of the staff in maintaining this standard. Additionally, the hostel’s well-stocked kitchen and spacious common areas add to the practical and comfortable experience.
In summary, Puffin Hostel Vík stands out for its cleanliness, making it a reliable choice for travelers who prioritize hygiene and functionality. The hostel’s clean rooms, bathrooms and communal spaces contribute to a welcoming and comfortable stay.
Staff
The staff at Puffin Hostel Vík has received widespread praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. Many reviews highlight the welcoming and polite nature of the staff, mentioning individuals who went out of their way to make guests feel at home. The reception team, including Dimitri and others, are frequently noted for their kindness and attentiveness. Guests appreciated clear instructions and the readiness of the staff to provide assistance and information. The overall atmosphere created by the team is described as genuine and inviting, contributing significantly to the positive experiences of the visitors. However, a few reviews pointed out instances where staff presence was considered excessive or attitudes were less friendly. Despite these isolated comments, the general consensus is that the staff at Puffin Hostel Vík are dedicated to ensuring a pleasant stay for their guests.
Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi at Puffin Hostel Vík generally receives favorable remarks from guests. Many found the service to be excellent with easy and reliable connections throughout the hostel. Guests often reported strong and fast Wi-Fi, highlighting efficient access that worked well even in their rooms. However, there were notable exceptions. Some guests experienced issues with weak connections, especially on the upper floors and during crowded times, the Wi-Fi became slow and less reliable. While the majority of the reviews commend the hostel's Wi-Fi, a few guests faced difficulties, indicating a slight inconsistency in the service. Overall, the hostel's internet service is decent for most but may occasionally struggle in peak conditions.
Parking
Puffin Hostel Vík offers a variety of parking options that have mostly positive feedback from guests. The hostel features car parking directly in front of the building and additional spacious parking areas are accessible right next to it. Guests frequently mention the ample parking availability, both at the hostel and across the road, ensuring convenience for those traveling by car. The ease of finding a parking spot is noted with plenty of free parking spaces and no parking fees mentioned. There are sufficient parking facilities, including private and on-site options, which are generally appreciated for their size and suitability. Despite some occasional comments about limited parking within the hostel carpark, the overall consensus is that parking is readily available and meets guests’ needs effectively.
Historic
Puffin Hostel Vík offers a unique experience by combining historical charm with a central location in the old town of Vik. Housed in a beautifully preserved building over 100 years old, the hostel stands as a symbolic place that respects historical traditions. The structure, a classic youth hostel, has been thoughtfully adapted from an ancient typical house, featuring narrow staircases and old fixtures that add to its vintage feel and authentic atmosphere.
Guests appreciate the character and charm of this historical facility, which is evident in its old-fashioned decor and unique architecture. The building’s historic status is palpable; it captures an old-time design aesthetic that many find appealing. Situated within easy walking distance to the center of Vik, the location provides convenient access to the town's amenities while maintaining a special historic climate.
Despite some aspects that reflect its age, such as small stairs and outdated facilities, the historic listed building remains a cozy and charming place to stay. The hostel's conversion of an old monumental building into a welcoming space offers guests the joy of sleeping in a piece of history, complete with preserved character and a good vibe. The friendly atmosphere and the hostel’s positioning in downtown Vik make it an accessible and memorable stop along Iceland’s south coast.
No, 1908 Hostel by Ourhotels doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at 1908 Hostel by Ourhotels.
No, 1908 Hostel by Ourhotels doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at 1908 Hostel by Ourhotels.