Axel Hostel

Moscow. The people I waswith made my experience of Axel hostel less disappointing. Airport shuttle

First of, they take payment before you actually arrive. Like a week before. The staff were not as friendly as other reviews have said. Requested early check in as our group would arrive early, however we didn't get it which was fine. Asked the guy at reception if he had a map of Moscow / information (they had no map or information, we obtained a map from a restaurant around the corner called 'i love wine' helpful and lovely staff). Axel hostel also had a set of rules that all residents had to obey otherwise be fined or asked to leave. These rules where not highlighted on booking.com otherwise our group would of chosen a more appropriate accommodation. The atmosphere was very unsocial, very small communal area. The rules consisted of no alcohol on the premises at any time as would be fined, wasn't allowed to be intoxicated, wasnt allowed to play music in the room or shower. As 1 of a group of 4 that came from 4 days in St Petersburg that had a really fabulous experience staying in another hostel there, I was majorly disappointed with Axel hostel. We came to enjoy Moscow and usually like to enjoy a glass of wine in the evening after a day of sightseeing whilst socialising with other travelers, however I felt like I was in boarding school with less freedom. I respect and understand others privacy and I would never disrespect any place I stay in, however Axel hostel did disrespect my groups privacy. When we got access to our room we noticed that we weren't given a key to our door and also the large bedroom window (which faces out to the main courtyard/parking area) didn't have a curtain or blind. Yes, I'd say that a handful of men working on maintenance had an eyeful of 4 ladies trying to discretely change into our clothes. When reported these issues, the excuse was the blind was taken down to get cleaned and should be back in a day or 2 (stayed 4 days in Axel hostel, no curtain or blind materialised).