2015 Hostel Reviews

Photo courtesy joblo.com

In my opinion, hostels are the way to go (don't believe what you see in those movies:) I stayed at seven different locations in 2015 with repeat visits at Freehand Chicago. I prefer hostels for the price, camaraderie, and because they are typically located in an area that is convenient to transportation and activities.

Orange Drive Hostel in Hollywood, CA
This hostel was originally a home from the 1920's and is oozing with charm and character. It's located in an ideal location right off Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood, CA. I love their scrumptious free waffles in the morning, friendly staff, and location. I have stayed in a spacious dorm room at this hostel many times, and will continue to do so when I travel to LA. 
http://orangedrivehostel.com/


Apple Hostels in Philadelphia, PA
I knew what I was getting into by securing a dorm room with 27 other females; however, it was worse than I expected. There are two separate rooms with no door, and it's bunk on top of bunk. A male staff person entered the room without announcing himself, and fortunately, I had just finished changing. Not to mention, it was hot, stuffy, pricey, and oh so noisy. I would not stay here again. 
http://applehostels.com/

DC Lofty in Washington, DC
This is another charming property with chandeliers and exposed brick. I stayed in a 4-person dorm with ensuite bath. The hostel was clean with a comfy bed, friendly staff, and a great location. I felt secure walking around, even from the subway late at night. Be sure to check out nearby 14th Street for fantastic bars and restaurants. I would definitely stay here again.
http://www.capitalhostels.net/

Hostel Detroit in Detroit, MI
I wrote an individual post for this hostel (bit.ly/1lAZebX). I had a great visit and would stay here again.

Freehand Chicago in Chicago, IL
Another property that I published an individual post for (bit.ly/1MWdC3T). I'm completely smitten with this hostel, and intend to have many more visits in the future.

Getaway Hostel in Chicago, IL
I always stay at Freehand Chicago when I visit the Windy City; however, I chose this location because it was within walking distance of my Halloween activities. The hostel is located on a lovely, tree-lined street and is aesthetically pleasing; however, I wouldn't stay here again. I base this on the location of the bathrooms being nowhere near the dorm room (you had to walk through two different areas), and the bunk beds are terribly unstable (my bed shifted with the slightest movement from my bunkmate).
http://www.getawayhostel.com/

The Cleveland Hostel in Cleveland, OH
I couldn't have chosen a better place to stay than the Cleveland Hostel. What a gem in a remarkable neighborhood. Immerse yourself in Ohio City for the architecture (especially the homes), phenomenal bars/restaurants, Great Lakes Brewing, and the West Side Market. The hostel is inviting, clean, tastefully decorated, and extremely accommodating. I will return for a summer visit to relish the rooftop deck. View photos here http://bit.ly/1MLnsFP

Hostel Detroit Will Make You Feel at Home

 
While I had a long time hankering for a trip to Detroit, Hostel Detroit is what prompted my visit to be sooner rather than later. The hostel followed me on Instagram, and I became immediately captivated with their gallery. It also didn't hurt that the hostel is bursting with character. 

Hostel Detroit is aesthetically pleasing, colorful, and inviting. There are numerous kitchens and bathrooms, computers, super WiFi access, and free laundry. I noticed that waste baskets were emptied, and new hand towels/bath mats placed in each bathroom daily.



The room rates were so affordable that I treated myself to an adorable private room for four nights, complete with everything a girl could ask for. Silly me forgot to snap a photo before I moved in and messed the place up.

If you are on a tight budget and arrive at the airport during the day as I did, I recommend taking Smart Bus 125 (make sure you get on the right one going downtown!) for a mere $2.25. I got off at the Fort and Cass stop, and walked about 20 minutes to the hostel. The bus ride downtown will cost you about one hour and 20 minutes of your life, but the price can't be beat.

I felt right at home at Hostel Detroit, and invite you to do the same.
http://www.hosteldetroit.com/

Detroit Charmed the Pants Off Me!

My long-awaited yearning to experience Detroit finally came to an end. I recently spent five memorable days there, intending to take side trips to Ann Arbor and Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo. Detroit had such a fierce hold on me that I didn't make either one of those outings.

"Nice Outfit" Art Installation at Paradise Valley Park

Hello autumn

Millennium Bell

The Motor City is attractive, quirky, full of character, and artistic. Excellent restaurants, craft beer, architecture, and street art opportunities are endless. People are friendly and helpful, especially when asking for directions. 

The Greening of Detroit (http://bit.ly/1M5d7rk)

I had a pleasurable stay at Hostel Detroit in Corktown, which is the oldest neighborhood in the city. Corktown is amiable and full of eateries, bars, funky shops, and charming homes.

I highly recommend starting at the Detroit Experience Factory Welcome Center. Friendly and knowledgeable staff are waiting to fill your head with information and guide you in the right direction. A big shout-out to Sue Krause for her wonderful personality and assistance. I took advantage of their free art and architecture tour, which was fun and enlightening. Check these Detroiters out at www.weknowdetroit.org.
 

I walked more miles than I can count during my holiday, becoming acquainted with at least five different neighborhoods. Exploring on foot allows you to make delightful discoveries like Woodbridge.

Here is what I did, saw, ate and drank in this fine city:
Food and Drink
Batch Brewing Co.
Brooklyn Street Local
"Delectabowl" and "Beignets 2 Go" food trucks at Eastern Market
Green Dot Stables
PJ's Lager House
Wasabi
MotorCity Wine

Pretzels, Fattoush Romaine Salad and Butternut Squash Arancini. Beer - Weizenbock, Dicksmasher & Antwerps Placebo

Kielbasa Bowl with black beans instead of kielbasa, topped w/spicy feta sauce

No need to go to NOLA

Green Dot Stables - go for the ambience and sliders (I had the Quinoa, Tempeh and Black Bean).

Tofu Bahn Mi at PJ's Lager House

PJ's posed as a furniture store during Prohibition and this is the secret password slot. 

Arts and Attractions
Belt Alley and Z Lot Parking Garage
Campus Martius Park
Comerica Park and Ford Field
Fox Theatre
Millennium Bell
Library Street Collective Gallery
Eastern Market Tuesday Market
Street Art in Eastern Market
Lincoln Street Art Park (http://bit.ly/20DfgSE)
Motown Museum
Guardian Building
Quicken Loans Headquarters

Two of many impressive murals in the Belt Alley

Peekaboo General Motors

Views from the rooftop of the Madison Building

Wait until you see the inside of the Guardian Building

Quicken Loans Headquarters at Campus Martius Park

Shops
Savvy Chic Trends
Hello Records
El Dorado General Store
Honeybee Market

The photo opportunities were so great that it isn't possible to share them all here. If you would like to see more of the gallery, please check out my Instagram feed, particularly if you enjoy street art. I will be publishing a separate post on all these showpieces soon.

Stay cool Detroit and I look forward to our next rendezvous.
http://visitdetroit.com/

The Bewitching Lincoln Street Art Park

On my last full day in Detroit, my big adventure was going to be the Heidelberg Project. That is, until I pulled up a seat at MotorCity Wine Bar. My amazing bartender told me to check out Lincoln Street Art Park first. How did I not know about this? He said I could do both, and I accepted the challenge.

I traversed a couple of fetching neighborhoods, and when I reached my destination, was instantaneously awestruck. The collection of oddities in front of me was like nothing I had experienced before. I will let the photos do the talking from here.

Alas, it ended up being a cold, extremely blustery day, so the Heidelberg Project will have to wait until next time. Learn more about this fascinating sculpture park, and plan your own visit soon.
https://www.facebook.com/Lincoln-Street-Art-Park-179542518761761/