Black Elephant Hostel

I select this hostel because it is close the downtown and easy to get to the pcik up point of my tour.

My small private room is so small and without any table and chair. It is really out of my expectation. Nothing in the room expect a small fan. Pay a lot of money and it is not worthy.

More than expected from a hostel. Decor great

Nothing

The location is perfect, the staff very helpful and nice and the hostel is decorated very lovely.

Our room was very small. It was a bit of a shuffle to move around.

This hostel was clearly designed by someone who has traveled and stayed in their fair share of hostels. Loved that there were lights and plugs by each bed. Hallway bathroom made it possible to get ready for an early departure without waking up the whole bunk. Cozy comfortable shared space with coffee and tea. Location was as good as it gets. Great little place!

I arrived late at night and had to self check in, which was fine. Unfortunately I was assigned a top bunk which meant I had to fumble up a ladder in the dark. Two bottom bunks were available so this felt a bit weird and unnecessary.

I stayed one night and went there for the Portland marathon to cheer on my sister. Location was easy to reach with Uber from the airport. Mr Scooter on the front desk was a delight! He not only explained the house rules patiently but also carried some of my luggage to the room as I was overloaded. It was fun to know from him how the name Black Elephant came about! The room had 8 bunk beds and a locker with each. The locker was big enough to store my suitcase (carry on an airplane dimensions) and my laptop bag. The room, locker and bathroom were clean. Towels were provided and so was hand wash and bath soap. Check out instructions were clear as well. There is coffee available on the ground floor and a kitchen and fridge to use if you want to cook. My room was on the 4th floor and had a toilet/bath attached as well as another just outside the room as well. Of course "vampire" bathroom can be accessed through with permission from the front desk. In general the place is colorful, tastefully decorated and full of humor (if you have the sense to enjoy it). Most of my roommates were the marathon runners. In general, good value for money. I would recommend it.

The bunk beds are metal and hence slightly creeky when people move about. It is expected though. The beds are not old or rusted.

Very friendly staff

Three stairs levels with bags

Highest quality possible for a hostel.

Nothing

It felt like home & this is directly due to the warm, friendly, & well-informed staff ensuring everyone was included. The staff was very helpful with things to do & places to go locally, & made a point to interact w/everyone, & include everyone in conversation. The Black Elephant is super clean & homey. My varied roommates, as well as different housemates were all very nice & friendly. I cannot say enough great things about the place, or about the amazing location. It was very comforting to me as a woman traveling alone to know people would be looking for me.

There was a misunderstanding about wording in their ad, but it was addressed & corrected by someone while I was still getting checked in. I wish respectful, polite, tobacco smokers could smoke in the garden when no one else is around.