Shans 2 Hostel

For me, the budget Shans-2 Ho(s)tel turned out to have more character, more vitality and better service than any other place I've ever stayed at. 😄😄😄 Despite being in what some might regard as a 'dodgy neighbourhood', the Shans-2 was quiet, safe, clean and welcoming. Just a block off Maria Luisa Boulevard, the Shans-2 is within easy walking distance of just about anything a visitor could want: tourist attractions, restaurants, cafes, shops, markets, pharmacies, and the Serdica Metro station. Given the Shans-2's proximity to a main thoroughfare, one might reasonably expect a high level of noise, but not so. This colourful place was, in fact, extremely quiet. The reception desk operates 24/7 and is very efficiently run by Mira, Ludmil, and Eva. The overall level of English is not high, but that made no difference. The staff were extremely friendly, with a great sense of humour, and more than willing to help with anything they could. As for the housekeeping, well, it doesn't get much better than with Elena. She provided the best housekeeping services of any place I've ever stayed at! I guess what struck me the most about this place was its 'vitality' and 'character', so different from the sterility of many other places. I'm still smiling as I write this review! 😄😄😄