Backpacking in Russia: Budget Dorms at the Loft Hostel in Krasnodar

Krasnodar was the final stop for me in 2018, as I used up the final days of my visa free entry, thanks to the Russian government’s inspired decision to allow all football fans UNLIMITED visa free entry until the 31st December 2018. I left on the final day, and from my second cosy hostel in the southern city of Krasnodar. Krasnodar was a city I knew hardly anything about and despite just having two days here, I loved it and recommend it – and I hope I can come back one day. The city has some great bars, cafes, friendly people and lots of unusual curiosities on your walk through the streets. For the final night I chose a top notch budget backpacker hostel – the Loft Hostel. I was welcomed here by Oksana and the warm friendly staff.

After checking in and being given a welcome coffee and snacks, I enjoyed my quick stay here. In fact, Oksana the owner did a lot to help me – it was a Sunday and there were no banks of money exchanges open, so she got her husband to drive me all the way to the money exchange place before choosing a great pub for me to watch the football match in (my team AFC Bournemouth lost 4-1 to Manchester United). Here are the reasons to choose the Loft Hostel in Krasnodar.

1.Welcoming Staff and New Friends
Not only was I welcomed by the staff, but the staff and fellow backpackers were all very keen to talk to me. I realised quite quickly that Krasnodar is a bit off the wall for backpackers as I was the only foreigner in my dorm, and of course most of the staff and tourists were Russians.

2.The Heart of the Bar Zone
While my first hostel in the city, the Home Hostel in KRD, was in a tranquil and relaxing neighbourhood, the Loft Hostel was the polar opposite. I was in the heart of a squared street pattern with a plethora of bars, cafes and restaurants. I even found my three favourite bars and restaurants here – Mr. Drunke (good cocktails and live football), Kulibin (amazing Craft Beer pub with good bar snacks), VHN (cheap restaurant for Russian and European cuisine).

3.Choice of different dorms
There are some single sex dorms, and a choice of dorms, held predictably in a loft style building across 4 floors. The reception is on the second level, I slept on the third level in a male dorm.

4.Free Tea and Coffee
Tea and coffee is free and as a bonus there were some sweets and biscuits for when I arrived. All in the downstairs kitchen area, which doubles up as a dining zone, a movie watching place and a common room.

5.Free Wi-Fi
Also of course – free Wi-Fi, fast and easy to use here at the Loft Hostel. Here are some more photos of my time at the Loft Hostel in Krasnodar…

I also stayed in the Home in KRD Hostel, which is a great hostel for a luxury stay. Here are the details for booking a room at the Loft Hostel in Krasnodar:

VK – Loft Hostel

Facebook – Loft Hostel