YMCA Hostel Basel (Switzerland)

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When I passed through Switzerland earlier this month I stayed at the YMCA in Basel because my friends were out of town. I like visiting Basel. It's a nice Swiss city that's very much bustling with fine arts cultural stuff, shopping, and borders with Germany and France. It's easy to navigate around town on the tram.

Oddly, it doesn't have the iconic big, red Y on the rooftop

As for the hostel: 
reaching it from the main train station SBB is thankfully easy because it is so damn near. Oddly, it doesn't have the iconic big, red Y on the rooftop...which, I think, is like a beacon to newcomers. Still the YMCA Basel is a straight shot from the back entrance of the train station; entire walk amounts to probably three normal blocks. I booked a bed on a walk-in.
"Do you have a reservation?" asked the boy behind the counter. "No," I replied, "but I have money." He smiled, "Oh I think that will do." I paid for two nights. Another good thing to come of my first night was finding a leather jacket on the street...especially since the weather was nippy.

The hostel is nothing short of modern and looks spanking new. Maybe it is. The place is not decked out with funky colors, garage furniture, kitch knick-knacks nailed to the walls or other backpacker/hippy/earthy rubbish. Instead the modern facilities are clean, bright, sleek, airy...nothing that feels like home or a home basement. And it's quiet. And I liked that. In the commons area/dining hall are plenty of tables and chairs and a working fireplace! Plus there are two fast public computers. Their kitchen is one of the best I've seen. It's big and plenty stocked with eating and cooking utensils along with about four refrigerators, two sinks and a microwave.

the modern facilities are clean, bright, sleek, airy...nothing that feels like a home basement

I took the elevator to my third floor dorm. The personal reading lights were too bright to be personal but everything else - mattress and bedding, individual lockers, radiator - worked fine. Would have had a nice sleep were it not for the two old geezers in the room snoring. I hate people who snore. 


website

500 West Hotel & Hostel (San Diego)

This commercial hotel once served as an Army Navy "Y" way back in the days when people actually wrote letters and the country was fighting a winning war. The hostel's name is a (+) and a (--); Plus: The address is its name. Minus: The address is its name so if you ask a local for "West Broadway" you'll get a quizzical look as no West Broadway exists, only Broadway. The hostel happens to be on the west end at direction 500.

While I'm on the subject of confusing names, the place is actually AAE San Diego 500 West Hotel & Hostel. Had I known this truth I would have bought a 'hostel' bed in a dormitory/shared room and saved lots of money, which, after all, is the gist of budget travelling instead of the 'hotel' room I thought myself lucky to snag. Bitch.

$100 deposit is a big reason for not patronizing the place

The beds in private rooms like the one I unwittingly bought are flat bed style---which I find comfortable---and bunk style in shared rooms. A flat screen television was in my room along with an armario, desk, large mirror, and ottoman. Wi-fi is available in rooms but without a working laptop I couldn't take advantage of it, and I did not bother to be taken advantage of by the two computers downstairs. One, they are not free and two, not property of the hotel so good luck trying to get help if the computers freeze or flat out steal your money. Instead, I went to the local public library which gives free Internet access for 15 minutes at a time. After your 15 minutes are up simply get back in line for the next available computer. (Note: You cannot enter the San Diego library with large luggage. We can probably thank the surplus of stray tramps for that inconvenience.)

The YMCA still has a big red symbol on the roof and operates a fitness facility in the basement/lower level. With a spa (pool was down during my stay), free weights and machines, cardio room and basketball court the digs are quite modern and practical. What isn't cool is having to pay an additional fee to use the facilities ($5 day pass; $13 weekly pass).

As the building was built with soldiers in mind the bathrooms and showers are public but not communal. The 500 employs electronic keys which you use to access---and close---the bathrooms for privacy. There is a full kitchen and television room however no dish ware or utensils are stocked.

This oversight blows and is rather inconsiderate of backpackers and long-term guests.

Staff are professional and nice, an aspect which can never be overlooked. Location is central to everything, including the Greyhound Bus Terminal and tram line which takes you to U.S./Mexico border (Tijuana). That explains one way so many get over here! Be sure to retain your ticket as proof of purchase. The 500 is quiet, close to San Diego (expensive)night life attractions, and clean. Like most greedy American hostels, though, a hefty key deposit is required.

At $100 the deposit is a big reason for not patronizing the place, especially since I wasn't informed of it until I went to check-in.

500 W.Broadway Street
619.234.5252