Low Costel Hostel
Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgaria)

After years of backpacking around the world and having stayed in literally hundreds of hostels, we at Low Costel Hostel like to think we know what makes a great place to stay.

The 15 bed hostel was fully renovated in 2005, with an entirely new open plan lounge area and kitchen being built on the top floor, offering stunning views across the Yantra gorge; it?s an ideal setting to meet fellow travellers, or simply relax with a beer or two.

We have accommodation to suit all; either in spacious dormitories sleeping 6 or a private twin/triple; ensuring that your stay with us will be as comfortable as it will be enjoyable.

Veliko Tarnovo is renowned for being one of the most beautiful cities in the country, with its medieval houses crowded along narrow winding lanes, and the Yantra River sedately snaking through the gorge below, it?s not surprising that Veliko Tarnovo is hotly anticipated to be Eastern Europe?s ?Next Big Thing?.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Where is Low Costel Hostel located?
We are located right in the centre of Veliko Tarnovo, just behind the tourist information centre and Bus Station, and only a 5 minutes walk from all the best bars and restaurants.

2. Is there a curfew?
No. Upon check-in, each guest is given a key to the front door. You can come and go as you please!

3. What is included in the price?
The price includes your stay in dormitory or private style rooms together with a back pack size locker for keeping your personal belongings safe. Each bed is equipped with blankets, pillows and linen. Toast, tea and coffee are available all day.

4. When are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in time is anytime between 8am and midnight, though rooms are not available until 1pm. Check-out time is between 8am and 1pm. Although bags can be left free of charge after 1pm.

5. What type of payment do you accept?
Payment is in cash only; Bulgarian Levs preferred. We are happy to except Euros and Pounds Sterling at competitive rates.

6. Where?s the best place to eat in town?
Without a shadow of a doubt the best place in town is Shtastlivetsa Pasta and Pizza, located on the main street. The enormous menu (in English) offers all sorts of cuisine both Bulgarian and Foreign. Another not to miss restaurant is the Architects Mehana.Serving traditional Bulgarian Cuisine in a cosy enviroment built into the rockface offering authetic fare, again at fantastic prices. Alternatively if you fancy cooking your own meal, the brand new fully equipped kitchen in the hostel will cater for all your needs and we can point you in the right direction of the best place for fresh produce!

7. What about nightlife?
Being a University Town with a student population of around 15000, ensures that bars and clubs are plentiful. On the main street alone, within a 5 minute walk from the hostel you?ll find Pepy?s Bar, Ulitsata, Bacardi Club, and Tequila Bar, which are the most popular bars each catering to a different taste in music. For clubs, currently the best in town is Bally; popular especially on Monday nights which is student night. Others clubs worth a visit are Joy, Scream and Organsa.

8. Is there an International Train Ticket Office?
Yes, as Veliko Tarnovo Train Station is on the main Turkey-Romania line there is a Rila International Railway Ticket Office located at 2A Kaloyan Street; a narrow street in between the hostel and the Tourist Information Centre. Tickets must be booked at least one day prior to travel. Open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-1pm. Phone (++359) 062/62-20-42.

9. How does Veliko Tarnovo fit into the Backpackers route?
Veliko Tarnovo is situated right in the geographical centre of Bulgaria and on a main railway crossroads; North-South Bucharest-Istanbul and East-West Varna-Sofia, and onto Greece. Meaning reaching us is very easy. All the following can be reached by one train/bus; Sofia (3 hours), Varna (3 hours), Plovdiv (5 hours), Bucharest, Romania (5 hours), Istanbul, Turkey (12 hours) Thessaloniki, Greece, (11 hours).

10. What?s the weather like?
Bulgaria has a temperate climate, experiencing 4 distinct seasons; summers are hot and dry with max temperatures reaching 35c; autumns are mild and pleasant; winters are cold, typically -15c with snow for much of January and February; spring is typically changeable with frequent showers.

We are located right in the centre of Veliko Tarnovo, just behind the tourist information centre and Bus Station.

When you reach the Mother Bulgaria square which is where the Post Office and Tourist Information Centre are located take the road to the left of the Tourist Information Centre, walk down here for a couple of minutes then take the first right into Assen Ruskov Street, opposite ?Hotel Central?. The hostel is number 6 which is the 3rd building on the right.

Getting here by bus:
From the Yug (South) bus station in Veliko Tarnovo. (For buses from Sofia, Varna, Plovdiv and Ruse) - It?s a 5-minute walk up the main road (Hristo Botev) towards town, then follow the instructions above.

The Zapad (West) bus station in is located 4km west of Veliko Tarnovo (for buses from anywhere else in Bulgaria). To reach the centre, take any of the following buses: No. 10, 12, 14, 66, 70, 110: Trolley Buses No. 1, 2. Alternatively, a taxi should cost around 3 levs (1.5 Euros) ? call ?OK Taxi? on 062 31111.

Arriving by Train :
Veliko Tarnovo Train Station is located 2 km south of the centre. To reach the centre, take any of the following buses: No. 4, 5, 13, 66. Alternatively, a taxi should cost around 2 levs (1 Euro) ? call ?OK Taxi? on 062 31111.