Belgrade's HOTTEST Hostel: Chill House Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from… drumroll … Chill House Awaits! in Belgrade, and let me tell you, this place is NOT just a hostel, it's a freaking EXPERIENCE. Forget everything you think you know about hostels - we're talking a whole new level of chill, mixed with a healthy dose of Serbian hospitality and a sprinkle of… well, let's just say it's memorable.
Accessibility? Forget the Worries, Embrace the Adventure (Mostly)
Alright, straight up, I'm not in a wheelchair, so I can't fully vouch for every single nook and cranny. But, from what I saw, Chill House Awaits! seems to be doing a pretty decent job. The elevator is a godsend (especially after those Rakija nights!), and the facilities for disabled guests are in place, which is already a HUGE plus. I saw ramps and things, but I'd recommend reaching out and really checking to be sure – they’re great at responding to emails, which is a win in my book!
Food, Glorious Food (and Drinks!)
Okay, food. This is where Chill House Awaits! really shines. The restaurant is a total vibe - think colorful, energetic, and always buzzing. The buffet breakfast is a serious game-changer; imagine waking up to a mountain of fresh fruit, pastries, and eggs cooked JUST how you like them. And, the Asian breakfast offering is a nice touch (I’m a sucker for a good miso soup in the morning!).
But, let's be real, the real star of the show is the bar. Their happy hour is legendary, and the poolside bar is the perfect spot to nurse a hangover (or start a new adventure, no judgment here!). The a la carte in restaurant is also worth a try, and the international cuisine will keep you from getting bored. The coffee/tea in restaurant is good, and I’m a huge fan of their desserts drool.
A little story for you…
So, one morning after a particularly enthusiastic night (let's just say I had a few glasses of Serbian red wine (the best!!)*), I woke up feeling… less than stellar. The thought of facing a buffet was too much. Luckily, the room service [24-hour] came to the rescue! Within minutes, I had a coffee and a croissant, and *voila,* I was ready to face the day! Honestly, that was worth the price of admission alone.
Cleanliness? Safe as houses (literally!)
This is where Chill House Awaits! really knocked it out of the park. In a world that feels a bit germ-y, it's comforting to see that the staff takes cleanliness seriously. They use anti-viral cleaning products everywhere. Seeing those guys work made me feel so safe I swear. It felt like my room was being scrubbed like a spaceship! They have daily disinfection in common areas, and things like hand sanitizer are everywhere. Even though I kind of messed up, they still had it! They have room sanitization opt-out available too, if you’re being a little paranoid. I wasn't, but nice to know!
Things to do, Ways to Relax, and the Occasional Steam Room
Listen, this place is an adventure playground. Want to just chill? Hit the pool with a view (trust me, the view is amazing). They have a sauna, a Spa, a Spa/sauna, and even a steamroom! I indulged in a massage. I'm not always the biggest fan, but it was heavenly. If you're feeling energetic, there's a Fitness center and a Gym/fitness. If being a couch potato is your plan, that’s okay too. Oh, and there is a foot bath!
The Room: My Oasis, With a View (and Killer Blackout Curtains!)
My room was… perfect. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver after those Rakija nights. There’s a coffee/tea maker! Free Wi-Fi (and actually good WiFi, unlike some hellholes!) and an air-conditioned room is a godsend. And the slippers? Small touches like this made all the difference and made me feel like a celebrity, with all the basic needs met.
The Little Things (and the BIG ones!)
- Wi-Fi [free] throughout the entire property and in rooms is a necessity in 2024!
- Breakfast in room is a convenience that you can't beat.
- Laundry service is a MUST for backpackers.
- Air conditioning in public area helps.
- Car park [free of charge]: huge win for anyone driving.
- Elevator: because stairs are nobody's friend.
- Convenience store: midnight snack cravings? They've got you.
- The front desk [24-hour] guys know everything. Literally.
- The safe dining setup gave me a peace of mind.
The Imperfections? (Because, let's be real, no place is perfect)
Okay, the bar service could be a little slow sometimes, especially during prime time. BUT, the staff are so friendly and happy to help, I honestly didn't even care. Also, the soundproofing in the rooms could be better, you can sometimes hear the sounds of the party outside, but it wasn’t enough to ruin my sleep.
Get Around!
Chill House Awaits! is in a pretty accessible location, and they even offer an Airport transfer. Car power charging station might also be an advantage.
Final Verdict: Book It, You Won't Regret It
Chill House Awaits! isn't just a hostel; it's a vibe. It's where you go to meet incredible people, explore Belgrade, and feel utterly at home. It's got the amenities, the location, and – most importantly – the heart.
My emotional reaction? I’m already planning my return trip. I’m seriously considering moving in.
Here's the offer: BOOK NOW and GET 10% OFF your stay! Use code "BELGRADECHILL" at checkout and experience the magic of Chill House Awaits! Don't miss out – this place is seriously HOT!
(P.S. tell them the crazy American with the red wine stain on her shirt sent you!)
Escape to Paradise: Mokpo's Yaja Hotel Awaits!
Chill House Chaos: Belgrade or Bust (and Maybe Back Again)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly curated Instagram feed. This is Belgrade: Unfiltered and it's gonna be messy, hilarious, and probably involve me accidentally ordering a plate of something I can't pronounce. Let's do this!
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Questioning of Life Choices
15:00 - Arrival at Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG): Okay, the smell of jet fuel is… comforting? I'm already regretting the massive backpack I'm hauling, which, let's be honest, is mostly filled with books I'll never read and emergency snacks. Finding the bus to the city center felt like a scavenger hunt designed by a sadist. I SWEAR the bus driver was judging my questionable sense of direction from the get-go.
16:30 - Arrival at Chill House Hostel: "Chill" is… optimistic, considering I've already sweated through my shirt and the reception feels less like a warm welcome and more like a hostage negotiation. The dude behind the desk, bless him, had the air of someone who’d seen far too much backpacker drama. Key in hand, and here we go!
17:00 - Room Reconnaissance: Okay, this dorm room is… small. Very small. And is that a distinct smell of stale cigarettes and desperation? Let's hope it's just the ghost of a smoker who lost his keys. My bunk bed is the top one, because clearly I'm not learning from my past experiences. I can already feel the claustrophobia creeping in.
18:00 - First Attempt at Socializing (Failed): Went down to the communal area. Big mistake. The game of beer pong was in full swing, and the vibe was pure, unadulterated youth. I retreated after accidentally spilling beer on a guy with a man bun and a smug expression. "Sorry, dude, my social battery died at Heathrow," I mumbled before escaping.
19:00 - Dinner: Attempt #1 (and #2): Found a little place near the hostel. Ordered something that sounded delicious. Turns out, it was a massive plate of grilled meat. Like, everything. Everything. I ate… a lot. And then a dog came by and looked at me with such longing. I couldn't. So I gave him some meat. My fault. I know.
21:00 - Bedtime. Before the Party Starts. I'm exhausted from the trip. I decided to go to bed early. Because of course there's a party starting the moment I dim the lights. The thumping bass is shaking my entire bed. I have a bad feeling about this. I don't think I'll get a good night's sleep.
Day 2: Embrace the Chaos (or Try To)
09:00 - Wake up. Miserable: I don't remember the music stopping, but the light is so aggressive. It appears I slept for approximately 2 hours to the soundtrack of a rave.
10:00 - Breakfast and Desperation: I ate a stale croissant and drank instant coffee, fueled entirely by the desire for a caffeine-induced resurrection. Wandered around a bit, looking for some inspiration.
11:00 - Kalemegdan Fortress: Found a lovely spot at the fortress with a glorious view of where the Sava and Danube Rivers meet. I just sat. And listened to the city. Amazing.
14:00 - Lunch, Round Two: Found a little pierogie place. It was amazing. Like, actually, amazing. The service was slow, the restaurant was small, but the pierogies? Worth the wait and the hungry looks from the other patrons. This place is a win.
16:00 - Strolling Skadarlija: This area is perfect. Cobblestone streets. The street performers. So many little cafes. I can imagine the old artists gathering here and having a grand time. I sat and listened to music.
18:00 - More Beer Pong (Success!) Returned to the communal area. The man bun guy? He actually smiled! We bonded over a shared love of pizza. It was a beautiful moment of connection.
21:00 - Dinner & Karaoke: Found a spot with live music. But then the karaoke machine came out. I did a duet of "Islands in the Stream" with a girl from Germany. I don't think anyone was really impressed but it was a good time!
Day 3: Lost in Translation (and Loving It)
10:00 - After a Terrible Sleep woke up full of regret.
11:00 - Exploration of the Church of Saint Sava: The size alone blew my mind. The mosaics! The stories! And the quiet. I needed that quiet.
13:00 - Food Market: Found this absolutely insane marketplace. So much food. So much culture. I bought some weird, delicious cheese that has a truly unpronounceable name and a bottle of something that almost certainly contains rocket fuel. I feel like I'm going to be here the next 3 days.
15:00 - Street Art Hunt: I've been wandering around, looking at the art. Finding the art. Belgrade has a vibrant street art scene! Each piece told a story, screamed a message, or just made me laugh. This city is art.
17:00 - Attempt at Serbian Language Survival: I went to a shop where the employee didn't speak English. I pointed and smiled and somehow managed to get bread and a weird sparkling water. I think I understood "hvala" (thank you). My Serbian phrasebook is a mess of scribbles and panicked doodles.
19:00 - Dinner with a View: Found a rooftop restaurant. The food was ok, but the sunset over Belgrade? Spectacular. I almost cried. No, I actually did.
21:00 - Night of the Museum: I did not know about the Museum of Illusions before, but this was what I needed. It's silly, cheesy, and a LOT of fun.
Day 4: The Day of the Floating Boat
10:00 - The boat! The boat tours were pretty fun. We'd float on this boat and see the city by the Danube and Sava. It was great.
13:00 - Food! I didn't bother with a tour today. I wandered on my own, sampling more street food.
14:00 - Nikola Tesla Museum: I went to the Tesla museum. Incredible stuff. I was surprised by how much this scientist has contributed to our lives.
18:00 - Riverboat Party! I went. It was supposed to be chill. It wasn't. I fell in love. I broke up. I ordered a pizza. I cried. What a night!
Day 5: Leaving with a Broken Heart and a Souvenir Sausage
08:00 - Goodbye Belgrade: I'm sad to leave. Serbia, you've messed me up. I'm leaving with a suitcase of memories and a souvenir sausage (don't ask).
09:00 - Breakfast: I ate breakfast. The same bad breakfast.
10:00: Airport. It's time to leave. It was short, but here's the conclusion:
- It's a messy, chaotic, and beautiful city.
- The food is divine.
- The language is impossible, but the people are great.
- I'll be back!
Until next time, Belgrade. Wish me luck on the next adventure!
Dubai's Hidden Gem: Unnamed Property You NEED to See!
Okay, spill the tea: Is Chill House Awaits *really* as wild as everyone says?
Wild? Honey, let me tell you a story. Day one: I arrive jet-lagged, reeking of airplane peanuts, and basically just want a quiet corner to die in. Nope. Within five minutes, I'm roped into a vodka-fueled "getting to know you" game led by a guy named Boris who kept losing his shirt. He swore it was the Belgrade heat (it wasn't). So, yes… wild. But the *good* kind of wild. The kind where you end up on a boat party at 3 am with people you met *literally* two hours ago, singing karaoke to a Serbian power ballad you don’t understand a word of, and somehow, it's the most joyous thing you've ever experienced. I can’t guarantee Boris won’t try to steal your socks, though. He *really* liked my socks.
The beds… are they actually bearable? I'm a princess (don't judge).
Look, let's be realistic. This isn't the Four Seasons. The beds are dorm-style, which means… they are what they are. I'd packed my silk pajamas, thinking I was *so* fancy. Wrong. I will say this though, the mattresses are surprisingly decent. Better than some hotels I've been to, for sure. AND the *real* win? They've got individual reading lights! A tiny luxury, sure, but after a day of exploring, curled up with your book and a bag of those suspiciously tasty Serbian pastries from the bakery across the street? Pure bliss. Just don't hog the power outlet. People get savage about phone charging.
Breakfast included? And is it at least edible?
Yes! Breakfast is indeed included. Edible? That depends on your definition of 'edible'. Okay, okay, it's not Michelin-star quality. Think continental. Crusty bread (which, let's be honest, is fantastic with butter), sometimes some ham and cheese, maybe some cereal. And coffee, blessed, life-giving coffee. Seriously, after a night at Chill House, you *need* that coffee. The trick is, get down early. Or find a friend who's already there, already caffeinated, and ready to grab you a plate. Early birds get the best bread. And usually, the quietest spot to recover from the previous night's shenanigans. Speaking of which, last time I was there, a guy tried to trade his breakfast croissant for a cigarette. The audacity!
What's the vibe like? Is it all backpacker bros or is there a bit of variety?
Alright, let's be honest. There are backpacker bros. There are. But blessedly, at Chill House, it's a whole glorious mix. Seriously, I met a couple who'd been traveling the world for five years (and were *still* sane!), a solo traveler sketching in a notebook, a group of girls celebrating a bachelorette, and even a guy who claimed he was a semi-professional chess player (I never saw him play chess, but he did know a *lot* about craft beer). The common thread? Everyone's up for a good time. They want to *experience* Belgrade, not just tick it off a list. Which is the best part! You will literally meet every walk of life.
Can you trust the staff? They seem a bit... enthusiastic.
Enthusiastic? Honey, that's an understatement! I love it though. The staff at Chill House are… legends. They're not just checking you in; they're your guides, your drinking buddies, your rescue team when you inevitably get lost on the way back from a bar crawl. They'll tell you the secret spots, the best places to eat (try the cevapi!), and which clubs are worth the trek. Can you trust them? Absolutely! They'll warn you about the scams, they'll help you navigate the city and they might even help you navigate a hangover. Though they'll probably be nursing one themselves. They're just... so incredibly welcoming and friendly. And they have a fantastic ability to remember everyone's name. That's impressive at the end of the night if you ask me.
I'm worried about the noise. Is it actually possible to sleep?
Okay, deep breaths. Yes, it can be noisy. It's a hostel, in a bustling city! Earplugs are your friend. Seriously, pack them. And maybe an eye mask. But honestly? After a few nights, you kind of get used to it. It becomes part of the experience. The muffled chatter, the occasional door slam, the laughter spilling in from the common room… it’s all part of the soundtrack to your Belgrade adventure. Plus, it's not *constant*. There are quiet times. And if you *really* need a good night's sleep, book a private room. Or, just embrace the chaos and join it. You might even find yourself contributing to the noise (in a good way!).
Best thing about it? And worst? Be brutal!
Okay, the best thing? The atmosphere. Hands down. It’s pure, unadulterated fun and energy. It’s a place where strangers become friends in the blink of an eye. Where you'll leave with stories, memories, and probably a slightly throbbing head. It’s the *connection*. That's what makes it. The worst? Hmm… the shared bathrooms can get a little… well, let's just say they're used and abused. Bring flip-flops. And maybe a healthy dose of "what happens in Chill House, stays in Chill House" mentality. Oh, and the laundry! It's almost impossible to avoid having to do laundry there.
Is there a bar crawl? (Please say yes.)
Oh, you bet your sweet bippy there's a bar crawl! And it's legendary. They're not just *walking* from bar to bar. They're *experiencing* Belgrade nightlife in all its glory. Expect cheap shots, questionable dance moves, and the kind of camaraderie that can only be forged over a shared love of rakija (Serbian fruit brandy – proceed with caution!). You *will* lose track of time, you *will* end up in places you didn't expect, and you *will* wake up with a story that's probably too blurry to tell your mom... but oh, it’s worth it. Just… pace yourself. And stay hydrated. And maybe don't wear your best shoes. Just sayin'!
