Russia's Hottest Hostel: Hi Loft's Unbelievable Perks!
Okay, Buckle Up, Darling! This is NOT Your Grandma's Hostel Review: Hi Loft in Russia, Baby! (Prepare to be Blown Away… Maybe)
Alright, so I just got back from a whirlwind tour of Russia, and guess what? I stumbled upon a place that's less "hostel" and more "bizarrely amazing experience," and it's called Hi Loft. Seriously, if you're even thinking about visiting Russia, listen up – this place might just convince you to book that flight. Let's be honest, hostels can be… well, let's just say they can be a mixed bag. But Hi Loft? This place is like the eccentric, artsy, ridiculously well-equipped cousin of your standard travel accommodation.
(Note to self: Don't even think about comparing this to a dingy backpacker's nightmare. We're talking next level.)
First Impressions (and a Little Bit of Panic):
Getting there was a bit of a chaotic Russian adventure (that's part of the charm, right?). The helpful folks at Airport transfer sorted me out, thankfully, because navigating the Moscow metro with a giant suitcase would've been a disaster. The elevator was a godsend. My first thought? "Woah, this is fancier than my actual apartment back home." The modern design, the vibrant artwork, the "this-is-a-place-where-cool-people-hang-out" vibe… it's actually a bit intimidating at first. I'm a total klutz with a penchant for losing things. But then, after a deep breath, I realized the sheer amount of amenities.
Accessibility & Creature Comforts (Wheelchair Users, Take Note!):
Okay, so I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I always scope out the accessibility for my friends who are. And Hi Loft? They seem to actually care. They've got the elevator, clearly labeled facilities for disabled guests, and I spotted some potentially-accessible rooms, though I’d recommend double checking directly with them to be 100% certain, as the devil is always in the details. This is a huge win, because let's face it, accessibility in Russia isn't always a top priority. This already sets it apart.
Internet City: My Love/Hate Relationship with the WiFi:
Okay, let's get real. As a digital nomad, reliable internet is LIFE. And Hi Loft mostly delivered. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – yes, please! Internet access – LAN? A relic, but hey, it's there if you need it (and trust me, some people do). The Wi-Fi in public areas was generally solid. However, there were a few instances where the connection was… shall we say, Russian. A few speed bumps here and there, but overall, it was manageable. I mean, being able to upload stories to IG while enjoying a coffee is a small victory, right?
Sanitation Station: My Obsession with Cleanliness (and Anti-Viral Victory!):
This is where Hi Loft truly shines, especially in this day and age. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Absolutely. Rooms sanitized between stays? You betcha! Hand sanitizer everywhere you look. They’re even Hygiene certified! I'm pretty sure I saw a robot vacuum blasting laser beams at every surface. Okay, maybe not, but it felt that thorough. I actually felt safe. They even give you the room sanitization opt-out available, to be less wasteful – a nice touch. I'm a germophobe, by the way, and I was utterly relaxed.
Food, Glorious Food! (And My Expanding Waistline):
Alright, let's talk food. Because let's face it, the best part about traveling is the eating. First, they had a little thing they called a breakfast [buffet]. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and a buffet in the restaurant. Now, I’m a sucker for a buffet, especially when I'm hungover from the previous night at the bar. The coffee was consistently decent, which is a win in my book. They also had a coffee shop serving all manner of caffeine-fueled delights. The restaurants themselves offered a variety of International cuisine in restaurant options and a Vegetarian restaurant for the picky eaters. I went buck wild. Desserts in restaurant, I see you! They even had a Poolside bar. I spent a little too long there, if you ask me. It's a dangerous combo. The fact that you can have Room service [24-hour] is also a game-changer.
(Anecdote incoming!) One night, I ordered a ridiculously decadent dessert at 2 am. It was so embarrassingly delicious, I almost cried. Pure decadence. Honestly, I feel a little guilty now.
Relax, Rejuvenate, and Maybe Get a Little Pampered (Spa Time!)
So yeah, I did a little too much eating. Luckily, this place is an absolute haven for de-stressing. They have a Spa/sauna, a Sauna, and a Steamroom – everything you could want. I went all-in. Like, Body scrub and Body wrap all the way. The Massage was divine. I nearly fell asleep. They have a Fitness center, too, so you can work off all the delicious Russian food, a Pool with view!
The Room Itself: My Cozy, Chaotic Fortress:
Okay, confession time. I managed to snag a room with a killer view, a window that opens and… a lot of amenities. Air conditioning? Yup. Blackout curtains? Bless. Free bottled water? Essential. Hair dryer? Godsend. The bed was comfy. And the place was impeccably clean. They even have additional toilet, perfect for people who are just "guests." The room itself was spacious and stylish, with a modern, almost Ikea-esque vibe. The in-room safe box was a nice touch, because I'm always worried about losing my passport.
(Note: I tried to order a bottle of water with room service once, but my Russian is about as good as my ballet skills. Google Translate saved the day.)
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make You Swoon
Hi Loft is bursting with little extras that made my stay so darn pleasant. Daily housekeeping kept the place spotless. Concierge was super helpful, especially when I tried to figure out how to get a specific type of Russian souvenir (don't ask). There's a convenience store right downstairs, for late-night snacks and forgotten essentials, and Laundry service for all the times I spilled borsch on myself. The cash withdrawal was also incredibly useful. And again, the elevator!
For the Kids (Because, You Know, Families Travel Too):
Okay, so I didn't travel with kids, but I saw a few families there. The Family/child friendly vibe was definitely there. They even offer Babysitting service and Kids meal.
Check-in/out, Baby!:
The Check-in/out [express] was a breeze! The staff was friendly and efficient. You can even do a Contactless check-in/out, which is a plus.
Safety and Security: Because Peace of Mind is Priceless:
Feel safe? You have the CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, and Security [24-hour], along with Fire extinguisher, Fire alarm, and Smoke alarms.
Getting Around: Where to Wander
As mentioned, the Airport transfer and nearby Taxi service. You can even rent a bicycle parking. And if you’re driving, there's Car park [on-site] and Car park [free of charge]!
Things to Do (Beyond Napping):
Okay, so maybe I spent too much time napping and eating, but Hi Loft also has space for Indoor venue for special events, they also provide Audio-visual equipment for special events.
The Verdict: Should You Stay?
YES. Absolutely, unequivocally YES! Hi Loft is not just a hostel; it's an experience. It's a place where you can relax, socialize, eat your weight in amazing food, and feel genuinely taken care of. It's fun, quirky, and surprisingly sophisticated. Trust me, you won't regret it.
My Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (I'd give it a 5, but nothing is perfect, and maybe I'm still slightly bitter about the Wi-Fi glitch.)
Final Thoughts
- SEO-Focused Conclusion:
Ready for Russia? Book your stay at Hi Loft Hostel today! Experience unmatched comfort, incredible amenities, and a level of cleanliness that will put your mind at ease. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, delicious dining options, a relaxing spa, and so much more. With excellent accessibility features, a family-friendly atmosphere, and top-notch security, Hi Loft is the perfect choice for your next adventure in Russia. Don'
Unbeatable Bessemer Stay: Sleep Inn's Hidden Gem!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is my (and maybe yours, if you're crazy enough to tag along) Hi Loft Hostel, Russia survival, adventure, and all-around slightly-off-kilter plan. Get ready for the chaos!
Day 1: Arrival in St. Petersburg – Hello, Gorgeous (and Freezing)
- Morning (or whenever the heck the plane lands, let's be real): Touch down at Pulkovo Airport. St. Petersburg, you beautiful, slightly-grey-skied vixen. Finding a taxi? Expect to get ripped off. But hey, you're in Russia! Embrace the charmingly-expensive-taxi-guy experience. Try to haggle. Seriously. Even if you fail, it’s part of the fun.
- Afternoon: Check-in at Hi Loft Hostel. Okay, first impressions. It’s…industrial. Cool, industrial. Not a luxury industrial. But hey, clean sheets and a place to dump my backpack is all that matters. Hopefully, the dorm isn't full of snorers. Fingers crossed. I'll take a deep breath of that hostel air, that strange blend of backpacker funk and…well, I'm not sure what that other smell is, but I've come to expect it in hostels.
- late Afternoon/Early Evening: The mandatory Peter and Paul Fortress walk. Walk around the fortress, because there’s a good chance you'll be tired and want to save the entry until tomorrow. The light on the Neva River at this time is amazing. Absolutely stunning. Oh my god. And the wind! The infamous Petersburg wind. I forgot my hat. Facepalm.
- Evening: Discover (read: stumble into) a local bar near the hostel. Gotta test the waters. Drink ALL the local beer. Okay, not ALL. But at least 3. Attempt to communicate with charmingly drunk locals. Probably fail miserably. But hey, the attempt is what counts! Maybe some awkward gesturing… maybe some shared laughter. This could go one of two ways: wonderfully weird or wildly embarrassing. Stay tuned.
Day 2: Imperial Grandeur and Vodka-Fueled Adventures
- Morning: Okay, today's the day. Do Peter and Paul Fortress. Then, walk along Palace Square, and try to imagine the tsars and all that jazz. I like to picture them yelling at the pigeons.
- Afternoon: The Hermitage Museum. Prepare to be overwhelmed. Seriously, this place is a beast. Pick a few highlights and go slow. Otherwise, you'll turn into a museum zombie. Find that Matisse painting that everyone loves and then move on. Don't try to see it all. It's simply impossible. Take breaks. Lots of breaks. And… bring snacks. The human body needs fuel, especially when confronted with centuries of art.
- Late Afternoon: This is where things get interesting. Take a boat tour along the canals! It's ridiculously touristy, yes, but a fantastic way to see the city from a different perspective. The guide will be talking in a language you don't understand, but still, feel the history radiating from the city.
- Evening: This is where things get very interesting. Time for the Vodka. I'm talking about the real deal. The Russian deal. Find a "real" Russian restaurant (ask around, avoid the obvious tourist traps). Order appetizers. Drink vodka. This is where my memory gets… fuzzy. I have a feeling I'll be making friends. Maybe enemies. It's all part of the experience, right?
Day 3: Cathedrals, Canals, and Maybe Regret (or More Vodka)
- Morning: The aftermath. Ugh. Maybe start with a big, greasy, restorative Russian breakfast. Because trust me, you'll need it. Visit St. Isaac's Cathedral. Do the climb to the top for the view. It's worth it, even if your head feels like it's been used as a drum.
- Afternoon: Cruise the canals. Find a cafe and people-watch. Soak it all in. Maybe write in a journal. Who am I kidding? I’ll probably be too hungover.
- late Afternoon/Early Evening: Visit the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. This place is nuts. Intricate and over-the-top and absolutely magnificent. And also, apparently has some seriously spooky stories behind it (look it up).
- Evening: Back to the bar. With slightly more confidence. Probably a slightly different bar. Repeat the process. Maybe attempt to learn some basic Russian phrases. "Spasibo" (thank you). "Da" (yes). "Vodka." (because you already know that one). The more the merrier.
Day 4: Farewell, St. Petersburg (and Hello, Moscow!)
- Morning: Quick souvenir shopping. Because you can't leave Russia without a Matryoshka doll. Or a Ushanka hat. Or something incredibly cliché. Grab a final, delicious, pastry. Say goodbye to this beautiful city.
- Afternoon: Take the train to Moscow. Find your train. Get on the train. Sit back and relax. Or, you know, try to. Train travel is an adventure in itself. Expect delays, strange snacks, and potentially some questionable company. Embrace the journey!
- Evening: Arrive in Moscow, find your hostel (maybe they'll know the Hi Loft!) and…repeat.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is flexible, fluid, and likely to fall apart faster than a cheap Russian watch. Expect the unexpected. Embrace the chaos. Pack extra socks. And whatever you do, don't be afraid to get lost. That's where the real adventures begin! And, for the love of all that is holy, try to learn at least one Russian word. Just one. (Besides “vodka.”) Because that’s the only thing holding you back from embracing the full glorious weirdness that Russia is. Happy travels!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel Samrat, Jabalpur's Hidden Gem!
Hi Loft Hostel: The Unofficial FAQ (Because, Let's Be Real, You Need the Truth!)
Okay, Let's Cut to the Chase: Is Hi Loft REALLY as good as the Instagram ads make it seem?
Ugh, Instagram. The land of filtered EVERYTHING. Look, I went in expecting a slightly airbrushed version of reality. Let's just say...it's complicated. The location? Prime. Smack-dab in the middle of something awesome (we'll get to that). The vibe? Well, that depends on the day, right? One day it's a buzzing hive of international giggles, the next it's a low-key Netflix marathon. Look, it's NOT a fairy tale, folks. But it *is* pretty darn memorable.
Honestly? Yes, the proximity to the Metro is a godsend. Especially after downing a couple of those delicious (and surprisingly strong) local beers. I'm talking stumbling-distance-to-bed good. Which... is a huge perk. Trust me on this.
Tell me about the "Unbelievable Perks" – are they actually believable? The free vodka situation, for example…
Ah, the free vodka. Listen. "Free" is a loose term here. Picture this: A tiny plastic shot glass, the size of a thimble, filled with what *might* be vodka. Served with a slightly weary smile from the hostel staff (bless their souls, they deal with a lot). It's less a lavish, flowing fountain of booze and more… a social lubricant. A tiny nudge to get the conversation flowing. Which it does. Quickly.
But more importantly... THE BREAKFAST. This is where Hi Loft actually *delivers*. Free? Yes. Delicious? Mostly! Think a buffet of bread, cheese, ham, jam, and maybe some weird, but oddly addictive, Russian pancakes. It's enough to fuel a day of wandering around St. Petersburg, even with a vodka-induced brain fog. Seriously, load up. You'll need it.
The Common Areas – Cozy or Claustrophobic? I've seen the photos...
Okay, those photos *lie* a little. They're well-lit, with Instagrammable angles, and everyone's smiling. The reality? It can be a bit… compact. But in a good way, usually! The common areas sort of force you to interact. There's not much escape from the chatter, the board games, and the general chaos. Think of it as controlled spontaneity.
The kitchen? Tiny. Prepare to fight for counter space during peak breakfast/dinner hours. Pro tip: learn the universal sign for "I just want to make some toast." It'll save you a lot of stress. BUT I MET THE COOLEST DUDE from Sweden while waiting for my toast, so... worth it.
What about the Rooms? Are they a comfortable place to crash, at the very least?
Look, let's be honest. Hostels. You get what you pay for. I booked a dorm, expecting… well, not much. And that’s pretty much what I got. The beds are… beds. The lockers… flimsy, but they *exist*. I'm not gonna lie, the first morning, I woke up to someone's snorting symphony. Not ideal. (Earplugs: bring them).
But you know what? I was *tired* after a day of exploring the Hermitage Museum and even without a soundproof room, I slept like a log. The sheets were clean (thank god). And honestly, after a day of traipsing around the city, all you really need is a place to collapse.
Is the Staff Helpful? I've had some hostel horror stories...
The staff? They're the unsung heroes. They're young, they're generally pretty cool, and they speak enough English to help you stumble through ordering blinis or figuring out the Metro. They’re not perfect, but they try.
I had a minor crisis (lost my phone – ugh!). The guy on reception, I can't even remember his name now but bless him, spent a good hour helping me retrace my steps, even phoning the cafe where I *thought* I left it (it wasn't there, I'm a moron). He calmed me down when I was near a full-blown panic. That level of kindness? Absolutely invaluable. You might not get five-star concierge service, but you'll get genuine, helpful people.
This hostel has more than one name, right?
Yes! It's sometimes called "Hi Loft" and sometimes "Loft Hostel". It's the same place, same address, same everything. It's like the hostel has a secret identity... a little bit like Batman.
What's the best thing about Hi Loft, honestly?
Definitely the location! Seriously. Everything is a short walk or Metro ride away. The location is the *biggest* win. You're right in the thick of things but not in the *middle* of a chaotic mess. Also, the people you *meet*. Hostels, even the slightly imperfect ones, are petri dishes for unexpected friendships. I'm still in touch with a girl I met in the common room, who's helped me navigate the chaos of applying to jobs just months later. That, my friends, is worth way more than a fancy hotel!
So, would you recommend Hi Loft? The good, the bad, and the definitely messy.
Okay, look. Here's the deal. If you're expecting luxury, skip it. If you need absolute silence to sleep... bring industrial-strength earplugs. If you hate the idea of sharing a space with strangers... book a private room (or, you know, a hotel). But if you're looking for an experience, a taste of St. Petersburg, and a chance to meet some genuinely interesting people? Yeah. Go for it.
I had my moments of frustration, let's be real, a few "why did I do this?" moments. But the good stuff? The people, the location, the free (ish) vodka... They outweigh the minor annoyances. Would I go back? Maybe. Absolutely. I might even try to book a private room next time. Just so I can finally get a decent night's sleep.
