Location

It’s 4 minutes walk from Yafo Center Light Rail Station. It’s in the prime location of Jerusalem with easy access to both the Old City and to Mehane Yehuda Market. Lots of restaurants around. So, it’s ideal!

I took this picture in 2018 when I stayed at Shammai Suites (Read my experience!). I noticed this abandoned theatre, little did I know… it became a hostel in a year!

Isn’t it beautiful after reconstruction?

The entrance is on the left. Now, let’s go to the “Cinema”!

Check-In

The staff at the counter was local. I asked him why this hostel has an age restriction (18-45)?  He said…  “it’s not a strict rule, just a recommendation.”  

Well, such “flexibility” is so common in Israel. But I don’t think age defines a person, someone who is 60 but still young at heart, might still share the value of staying in a hostel!

So I asked him if I could take a picture…. and he gave me this pose, haha!

The check-in went well, but what happened next upset me. The room key failed 3 times!! I had to come down for 2 times, all the way down!! I wasted at least 10 minutes just for “trying” to get into the room. When it failed the third time… I gave up and left.

What I didn’t like about Cinema Hostel

Unfortunately, I immediately found what I didn’t like about Cinema Hostel. Well, you are supposed to make your own bed.  First, pick your pillowcase, bed sheet and quilt cover behind the reception…

Why I don’t like this? Well, I’m lazy and there’s no guarantee that someone else isn’t as lazy as me! While this reduces the workload, it gives doubts to guests. Is this place clean?

I wouldn’t risk this. (If I was a hostel owner…)

And the second thing I didn’t like about cinema hostel …. there’s no elevator.

When I saw there wasn’t an elevator, the first thing that came into my mind was… I miss the Post Hostel!

The Facility

There’s plenty of space to socialize in this hostel. There’s a huge balcony, and it certainly looks cozy!

Cinema hostel has its own pub! It’s on the second floor! I didn’t go of course, but maybe some people will find this pretty convenient!

Don’t worry about the noise factor because all the rooms are on the third floor. I didn’t hear any noise!

There’s a complete and spacious kitchen! It looks great!

And finally… the common room! It’s spacious, comfortable, fun, hippy, just everything you want in a dream hostel!

Okay, let’s be honest, I wanted to stay here because of the design It’s visually appealing!

So that small area is the kitchen. All rooms are behind the kitchen!

The Rooms

All rooms are located in this area.

I was in a 12-person dorm. When I got there (I came back after dinner and finally I got a new key that worked!), I was too shy to take a picture… I took this picture in the morning….

So let’s see their official pictures!

There’s a basket below every bed. (2 baskets below bunkbeds). Your quilt and pillow are placed inside the basket. I didn’t know this because the staff didn’t tell me (was I supposed to know?)

There’s a personal cupboard for socket and light near where your head lies. I like this design because you don’t have to worry about electronics being stolen. BUT! The previous guest left trash here and it wasn’t removed… This isn’t hard to miss if the dorm room was cleaned… And that is the reason why I doubt everyone would properly make their own bed…  (but good thing that while I am observant and opinionated, I don’t have a high standard for cleanliness. I slept well! Haha!)

I like how spacious the room was!

The shower-room looked like this. The sink is in the middle. Shower and toilet are separated.  I didn’t have trouble waiting, even though I stayed in a 12-bed dorm!

Maybe I was lucky to have polite roommates? I’m not sure!

Breakfast

This is the “very good breakfast”. Included in the room price. Available from 7am to 9 am.

The breakfast station looks like this. Cereal, eggs, cheese, tuna, milk, vegetables.  Well, if you are eating breakfast at home, I guess you don’t eat with this many options. So I guess this is fine for a few days before it gets boring.

Let’s meet them! Your friends at breakfast!

It wasn’t a bad breakfast. But if the price is the same, I’d choose The Post Hostel over Cinema Hostel. Breakfast is more luxurious there with hot shakshuka and freshly squeezed juice…  there’s no comparison!

Oh! This reminds me of the super slow coffee machine in Cinema Hostel… I was frowning the whole time :/ And I didn’t like their coffee.

Activities

Cinema Hostel is trying to stand out in the market segmentation with the social aspect, but it feels like they are trying too hard. I didn’t like the 18-45 rule. Anyways, so the night I arrived was movie night…. it was okay.

And the Pub Crawl, I think most hostels have this activity anyways. I asked the staff about activities, he wasn’t ready with information… that was confusing…

“I should have it somewhere, give me one minute.”  ….

Information about music and movie activities. But it’s in a cafe called Tmol Shilshom, not in this hostel.

Help Exchange Option

I accidentally found this information online- the hostel is looking for help. For 5 hours work, 6 days a week, you get free board and breakfast in exchange.

Link：https://www.worldpackers.com/locations/cinema-hostel-jerusalem

Requirement：3 weeks minimum

Hey, this is Jerusalem! It’s worth considering!

Final Verdict

For $22, I had a bed and breakfast. There’s nothing to complain! The vibe was good. But I personally prefer the Post Hostel because of the breakfast and elevator. When the price difference is not more than $5, I’ll choose the Post Hostel over this one.

Cinema Hostel — 2019

Comment：Ignore its market positioning, it’s pretty perfect  (12-bed dorm $22-26)

These are the websites that I recommend!

1.HotelsCombined

Hotelscombined is good for comparing prices. If you already know which hotel/hostel that you want to stay, it’s not a bad idea to ‘double check’. 

2.Booking.com

I use Booking.com. This is my “go-to” booking portal because the interface is much easier to use. I think the prices is presented as clear as possible. And you get some perks being Genius member.  Booking.com works with local credit card companies, so make sure you check what’s available in your country.

3.Hotels.com

If you are looking for “proper” hotels, in terms of quality, Hotels.com has better listing (there are exceptions though).  The game here is if you stay 10 nights you get 1 night free (average price). I use it when I want filtered hotel-like accommodation.

4.agoda

There was a day when agoda was popular. It’s not so popular in my home country now (and many places) mostly because the quality of listings are not verified, the hidden costs and hard to use filters. They’ve now got this rule for giving you rebates. If it’s hard to find accommodation in your budget, try Agoda. You might find something cheap but with bad reviews.

5.Expedia.com

I used this website 10 years ago…..  and I did a research on the prices offered for “Flight+accommodation”, well, you can save about 16% if you choose the deal of the day. Otherwise it’s about the same as other websites.

6.Hotwire.com

Don’t use hotwire in Israel. At least my experience in 2017 was not good. You get blind deals but a ‘deal’ never existed.  The ‘40% discount’ claim was the price of this hotel comparing to simialr hotels in the neighborhood. How can you compare oranges to apples? What’s the point for presenting price difference of two different hotels as 40% discount?

7.Priceline.com

Priceline is similar to hotwire. You don’t know the name of the hotel until you have a deal. There is a function of  “Name Your Own Price!” Again, in my opinion I don’t think this model would work in Israel….

8.Airbnb

If you want to stay in a room with kitchen, then it is better that you rent an apartment/studio. Expect to pay $20 per head at least, so the price is about the same with dorm-bed if you are a group of 2-3 people, except you have way more privacy.

9.Flipkey

Similar to airbnb. The listing seems to be superior. It’s a brand of Tripadvisor!

10.Home Away

Like Airbnb. This is a brand of Expedia. It purchased VRBO. The options look good actually!

11.Couchsurfing

Israeli love traveling and hosting. You can easily find a host in Israel, and personally I think it is a good way to see a country through the eyes of a local. It’s very time consuming to find a host though, and it costs $25 to be a member now…

 12.BeWelcome

Similar to couchsurfing (before it is commercialized). But the interface is so basic and there aren’t as many hosts on it.

 13.Home Exchange

You need to pay $150/year to be a member, so it’s for serious users only. But I think it worth a try if you are a house owner and if you can work something out!

 14.WWOOF

You are allowed to volunteer as a WWOOFer not longer than 30 days with a regular B/2 visa (the visa you get when entering Israel as a tourist).  The membership fee is $48 a year. There are many good oppurtunities which actually sound fun!

 15.Craiglist Israel

If you are considering short-term rentals, you can use craglist. The term is for minimum a year I think.

 16.Janglo

Similar to Craiglist. Lots of ads to check.

 17.Facebook Group

Good for sublets. You’ll find 1-2 month oppurtunities in these two Facebook groups. A room without bath is typically 2000NIS/month. You are sharing the common area with other roommates. Often you’ll see SS/SK, SS means roommates are shabbat keeping (SS: Shomer Shabbat) and SK means the kitchen is kosher (SK: Shomer Kashruth）

1. https://www.facebook.com/groups/JerusalemApartments/
2. https://www.facebook.com/groups/121562707980013/

18. Pilgrim Houses

There are many Christian pilgrim houses. Many require you to write emails to check availability (like the Casa Nova I stayed in Tiberias)

19.Zimmer

If you feel like having a can somewhere, check out zimmer. I find it expensive though. Check: www.israel-tours-hotel.com , www.weekend.co.il (in Hebrew)、www.zimmer.co.il (in Hebrew)

20. Camping

There are free campsites in Israel (Ein Bokek, Masada, Tiberias), but I’m not sure what facilities there will be except toilets. If you go to national or private campsites, expect to pay ₪65-₪70 ($16-$17) a head! Unless you love camping, you might as well go to a hostel. For more information:  http://gocamping.co.il/apage/71496.php

Hopefully you will find one of these websites useful! Happy searching!

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)

The dorm bed is $27 a bed, including breakfast!!

The Location

The Post Hostel is only 2 minutes walk to the nearest light-rail station, anyone can easily walk to the Old City of Jerusalem from here. Jaffa road is probably the most important road in Jerusalem, and this hostel is right here! Lots of restaurants are in this area. I cannot recommend more!

Some Tips on Hostel

Well, In Israel (and many countries in the world), hostel isn’t for young people only. Anyone with a young spirit can stay in a hostel! But dormitory is not ideal for light sleepers. Alternately, opt for double room is $80, including breakfast. You are paying only $10 more per head, but you get much more privacy and better sleep!

The Post Hostel Experience

The building is where the Post is (hence the name). The entrance is at the back alley, parallel to Jaffa Street.  It’s hard to miss.

It’s completely accessible, which is important for those with special needs. Use the elevator to go to 3rd floor.

And here we are, The Post Hostel! Okay, turn left.

The Facility

I like this common area a lot. It’s open, artistic, and relaxing. There’s a tiny kitchen where you can boil water or cook something.

The ambiance is perfect! The place is super popular, and I know that because I booked my room here way ahead of time, and some dates are already booked out! while it looks empty in this picture, the next morning this room was packed with loads of people! I wasn’t surprise!

I can see how people can easily connect to one another and have a good time together here. By the way, there’s a book exchange here, and you can leave your unwanted clothes here.

Let’s go to my basic economy room!

The Room

Tadaa! Yeah this is how big the room was. It was for $80/night only though. It’s clean and comfortable. Though there isn’t much view out there.

Let’s take a look around. Toilet, basin, and shower are separated. I guess this is the standard design for all rooms. Ideally, when you have many people in a dormitory, you won’t occupy shower or toilet for too long. But anything can happen. So it’s a nice gesture to have these 3 functions separated to cut waiting time. My guess is that this room used to be a 4-bed dorm for girls.

Toilet and wash basin. Very clean. Unfortunately there wasn’t a hair dryer.

Shower room. Looked a bit lonely. There wasn’t a complete set of toiletry, but you can use the 2-in-1 shampoo-shower soap thing. But hey this is Jerusalem, and the price for this room is only $80, it’s reasonable.

Breakfast

And…  I really liked the reception guy I met. First of all, he is an Israeli, but he speaks perfect Chinese, with a Taiwanese accent! How cool is that! (Very cool!)

And he offered us free dinner (he was eating it himself). Free? Well, there was a larger group and they booked dinner here. So the food they didn’t finish was offered for free to guests. It actually looks delicious!! I should have taken a bite!

Schinitzel, meat mall and rice! Wow!

The breakfast of The Post Hostel is a highlight. It’s a hostel, but they offer freshly cooked shakshuka! It’s delicious! I ate 2 servings of it!

Besides that, you will find typical Israeli breakfast here. Tomato, boiled egg, tuna, cheese, canned fruits. No meat of course, because it is kosher.

About drinks, you get options such as coffee and tea. But here is another highlight, you can squeeze orange juice here! A glass of orange juice would cost 12NIS….. Yes, if you have time, have some juice here!

Activities

Hostels usually offer activities and tours for free or a small cost. In the Post Hostel’s case, they offer a Mea Shearim Tour for FREE! Fridays at 11AM.

Or, Yoga at noon, Saturdays only.

Final Verdict

I liked everything I saw! I highly recommend this place for people with all kinds of budget, whether you go for $27 dorm-bed or $80 double-bed. It’s perfect for backpackers, especially if you are looking for travel buddies or people to talk to.

The Post Hostel — 2018

Comment：Perfect location, relaxing ambiance, outstanding breakfast (say “shakshuka”!!!)  Bring your own toiletries.  (Double room $80, 8-bed dorm $27)