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

I LOVE PHILADELPHIA!

You had me at these gorgeous cobblestone streets! My pining for Philadelphia finally became a reality. Reconnecting with a couchsurfer and dining at V Street (http://bit.ly/1KzJfkR) prompted my recent booking.

Couchsurfer turned friend Aura at Independence Beer Garden

I chose to stay at Apple Hostels, because I wanted to walk everywhere and this appeared to be the most centrally located accommodation on a budget. Unfortunately, I don't feel like I received a good value. The only two positive aspects about the hostel are the location and pleasant staff. Know that you will be packed in with 24 other females in the shared dorm. I didn't get any sleep and paid $85.26 for a two-night stay. That is the most I have ever paid for a dorm bed with that many people in the room.

City Hall

Philadelphia exceeded my expectations with its rich history, beautiful architecture, spectacular street art, delicious food, and craft beer. The city is quite walkable if you plan to stay where I did, which was in the Old City District.

Merchant's Exchange Building

The best way to travel to and from the airport is via the train (SEPTA). Buy your tickets inside a station, as it will save you money.  http://www.septa.org/fares/ticket/

Here are my recommendations for a smashing time. I wasn't there long enough to go inside any museums, but that didn't stop me from taking snaps of the outside.

*V Street Restaurant
*Love Statue
*Mural Mile
*Reading Terminal Market
*Independence Beer Garden
*Sunday Open Blues Jam at Twisted Tail 
*Tartes Bakery
*I Sushi
*Penn's Landing
*Merchant's Exchange Building
*Masonic Temple
*Chinatown
*Franklin Square
*Yards Brewing Co.
*Philadelphia City Hall
*Panorama (http://bit.ly/1QPGjEy)

Franklin Square

Quince Street

View at Penn's Landing

 

Masonic Temple

Most charming restaurant front

Entrance to Chinatown

The next five photos are a few of the Mural Mile Masterpieces.

 

 

 

  

Outline of Ben Franklin's home

I "love" you Philly and truly hope we meet again!

 

WINE FLIGHTS AT PANORAMA

I had the pleasure of being invited to a new experience on my recent trip to Philly, where I reveled in my first wine flight. Panorama is an Italian restaurant and wine bar located inside Penn's View Hotel. The venue offers 120 wines on tap, 150 wines by the glass, and 28 wine flights. These impressive numbers have earned many accolades including the Guinness Book of World Records.

 
Panorama is beautifully decorated, classy, and inviting. I'm especially fond of the stained glass doors and wall mural, and the display of wine bottles is absolutely mesmerizing.

I let my cordial and enlightened bartender order for me, and he chose flight #402 (Aromatic Alternatives to Chardonnay). I was overjoyed when I saw the exquisite quintet delivered in such a fetching manner.

A great time to check out all they have to offer is during happy hour from 5-7pm Sunday through Friday and Saturday from 3-5pm. Do yourself a favor and become acquainted with the wine at Panorama.
 
http://www.pennsviewhotel.com/panorama#wine-bar-section 

V STREET - ONE OF THE REASONS I TRAVELED TO PHILLY

For the first time in my life, one of the reasons I booked a trip was for a restaurant. No kidding. I heard through the grapevine that a new vegan eatery featuring street food opened in Philly, so I started stalking their Facebook page.

I couldn't stop salivating over the food photos and descriptions, coming to the conclusion that I needed to dine at V Street, sooner rather than later. I booked a flight and had dinner the day of my arrival. The place was packed; however, two stools at the sizable, lovely front window were waiting for us.

My companion and I began with a couple of bevvies. I wanted to try a local beer and chose "Fear of the Brett Planet" (highly recommend). My friend decided on an interesting and refreshing cocktail, "Sevan Springs Eternal." We selected four menu items to share, which were all phenomenal and left us well satiated.
 

Peruvian Fries - aji amarillo, cilantro, olive, peanut

Korean Fried Tempeh Tacos - gochujang, radish kimchee, corn tortillas

Za'Atar Grilled Corn - zhoug, grilled tomato

Cauliflower Shawarma - flatbread, cucumbers, hummus, harissa

A big shout out to our impeccable and delightful server, Erin, who spent time with us despite being in demand. The timing for each plate was perfect. Honestly, the food might be the best I have ever had in my life. I'm not one to choose a favorite anything; however, V Street has me changing my tune.

You don't need to be vegetarian or vegan to thoroughly enjoy the fare. The dishes are highly creative and absolute flavor explosions. Dining at V Street was worthy in itself of my journey. Whether you are a local or just traveling through, you need to make a date with this street food bar.
http://vstreetfood.com/