The St. Petersburg Soul Kitchen hostel has won five hostel Oscars (naturally called HOSCARS) awarded by the most authoritative Hostelworld.com website and its very strict jury — you, travellers. Based on one million (!) of guest reviews, these awards are undoubtedly may be considered honest and respected.
Saint Petersburg is enjoying the status of the hostel capital of Russia. There are some reasons for the city to be rich in hostels more than even the official capital Moscow:
— first of all, St. Petersburg is the No. 1 travel destination for Russians, including those travelling on a budget. For a typical student, St. Petersburg with its romantic atmosphere and aristocraticism is more preferred than Moscow or any other city.
— secondly, it’s all about romanticism that attracts many modern hippies. Yes, hippies are still alive though may not look like those in the 1960/70/80s. You can find them in hostels, see them painting, playing guitars in a kitchen or smoking something which is prohibited to be smoked at places which are prohibited for smoking;
— thirdly, a lot of flats, rooms, spaces in the St. Petersburg’s downtown have not been occupied by other commercial outlets leaving enough manoeuvre for hostels.
Well, no surprise that the best hostel in the world is in the most romantic city in the world which is one of the most visited cities in the world at the same time.
The Soul Kitchen has won in five nominations (that’s a strike, we think):
1. The best small hostel worldwide
2. The best hostel in Europe
3. The best hostel in Russia
4. The best hostel staff
5. The best facilities
How did they manage to achieve all this? Well, judging by the list made up by our colleagues from the Guardian, it’s simple. Superb location in the very city center, superb building, brick walls, vintage furniture, excellent services and staff and reasonable pricing. Sounds simple, and we know many good hostels in the city, but the top only is for one.
«Beautifully designed throughout, Soul Kitchen perfectly represents the new wave of hostels globally. Found in a 150 year old New-baroc building on Moika river embankment guests can take their pick from ensuite private rooms and custom bunk beds», wrote the Hostelworld in its press-release on the awards.
Soul Kitchen hostel:
Address: 62/2 app 9, Moika river embankment
Website: http://www.soulkitchenhostel.com/
Read also our post about accommodation in St. Petersburg and the best hotels by TripAdvisor.
Photos: Soul Kitchen hostel