I stayed at Marco Polo Hostel for one week after reading many positive reviews. Here’s my honest take:
📍 Location (10/10):
The location is perfect—right in the city center. It’s just a 5–8 minute walk from both Metro 2 (where the hostel is) and Metro 3 / Deak Ferenc Ter (for the 100E airport bus). Couldn’t ask for better.
👋 First Impression & Check-in:
I arrived early at 9 AM on Christmas Day (Dec 25), well before the 2 PM check-in. A friendly staff member (chubby, helpful) allowed me to leave my luggage in the storage room—a very kind gesture that started my stay on a positive note. When I returned to check in, there was a small confusion about my booking (I accidentally booked for 2 people in a 12-bed dorm instead of 1), but the staff handled it calmly and professionally. They also helped sort out a postal code issue for my Hong Kong details—thank you!
🛏 Room & Sleep:
I was assigned beds 3 & 4 in a 2nd-floor dorm. The bunk beds are subdivided, offering decent privacy. Noise was minimal—maybe 10–15 minutes of understandable movement here and there, but nothing disruptive. Most guests were European ( students, southeast Asians and Europeans) staying short-term. Male and female dorms are separate.
🚿 Bathrooms & Facilities:
All showers worked perfectly—good hot/cold water. Remember to bring your own towel and toiletries. As a backpacker, I was prepared, but it’s worth noting.
🍞 Breakfast:
Available for 3200 HUF. Simple but satisfying—fresh, hand-made bread was delicious. I’ve never eaten so much bread in my life, and I mean that in a good way!
💧 Water & Extras:
Bottled water is available for 500 HUF. The friendly slim staff even gave me a discount when I bought five bottles. Tap water in Hungary is drinkable, so you can refill if you prefer. I also appreciated the staff’s fluency in English—communication was never an issue.
🔑 Small Issues Handled Well:
Once I locked myself out of my room, and they promptly lent me a spare key. My key card occasionally failed, but they fixed it in under a minute. The team is flexible and quick to help.
❤ Nice Touch:
During check-in, the staff introduced a charity donation for kids in Hungary. I donated for the first time here—felt good to contribute.
📌 Final Tips:
Read the house rules posted near the counter. Bring your own toiletries and towel. The hostel is well-run, clean, and staffed by helpful, English-speaking professionals.
✅ Overall:
Great value for money, excellent location, and genuinely helpful staff. I’d happily stay again and recommend it to fellow travelers. I will definitely come back here for my solo travel!
