People come to Tel Aviv for the beach! So I chose Crown Sea Hostel because it is only 2 minutes walk to the beach. I think this place is quite popular for the price it offers- $21 for a dorm bed!
From the bus station, it’s a mostly flat walk to this building. It’s just a regular house. It’s hard to imagine how they run a hostel inside.
There we go! You need a code to get in!
When you enter, it’s a tiny area for reception. It can fit 3 people. But don’t let the size fool you, this place is professionally run. The receptionist quickly checked the other guest in, and he came back for us. He patiently went through the formal greeting procedure, despite the fact that I already heard everything.
Common Area
And … Wait, a lounge? In this tiny hostel? I haven’t seen a desktop computer for a while… looks like some people don’t travel with their laptops or smartphones. Otherwise I don’t understand who still uses a desktop computer…
So it’s incredible how there was a lounge for desktop, and a locker, and 2 more chairs in this tiny hallway. The desktop computers are placed below the TV by the wall.
And then 2 more areas, serving as kitchen.
On the left, the preparation area. On the right, cooking area. But I doubt anyone cooks here. Wait, I asked my tomatoes here. So I actually I used the kitchen, kind of.
The Room
There are 4 rooms in this tiny hostel. All guests share 2 bathroom (toilets and showers are not separated). It’s insufficient. But everyone in this hostel was courteous, so strangely I didn’t face any inconvenience.
Mezuzah, it’s a Mitzvah from the Bible. It can also be seen as a symbol of Almighty God’s protection, because that is His name, El Shaddai. It’s at the entrance of every room. I wonder if anyone else noticed.
The kitchen used to have a Mezuzah. Hahaha! What happened?!
The room size… It’s small, even if you use it as a basic double room, it is small. But now it is used as a dormitory, it makes sense as it is just a place to sleep. There’s not much room if you are traveling with a larger suitcase. But again, it cost only $21 per bed!
There is an individual bedside lamp. And outlet.
Surprise Breakfast!
I have no idea why breakfast was ‘complimentary’, it’s not included in the room price, but it is ‘complimentary’. I was told about this when I checked in. I’m happy for any free food! Israel is expensive, so when you get to have surprise breakfast for free, it’s like…..YAY!
What a beautiful morning with ocean breezes and free breakfast!
Breakfast items were laid by the table next to the lockers. Buffet style everyone! Wow! But there was sand in my lettuce… I think they don’t wash veggies in Israel…
On this table you find drinks and coffee. Free! So I see why there’s hgh review for this hostel. I will also give them high score because the receptionist has always been patient and friendly.
Since there wasn’t a big common area, it was relatively quiet at night. No wild parties. Everyone was here just to sleep. So I think that’s good management.
Check-out time was at 11AM. Free juice all day (artificial though)
Final Verdict
Good option if your budget is $20-$25 a night. Free breakfast (not sure if it’s temporary) makes this place so good for value! I will consider staying here again because of value. But there are only 2 washrooms for 4 dorm rooms here… I will be hesitant.
Crown Sea Hostel in Tel Aviv — 2018
Comment：Good location, quiet at night. Good for value. But only 2 washrooms for 4 dorms. Free breakfast? (6-bed dorm $21)
