Hostelling International - Chamounix Mansion in Bled, Amerika

This is a beautiful mansion in the middle of the Fairmount Park, 10 min driving from Old City. The location is great if you have a car, otherwise it is far away from downtown. Everything was great. The staff was really helpful and helped me to find a nice breakfast place, the room and facilities were clean and secure. They have 2 great living rooms and a dining room if you want to hang out at night. I would recommend to bring your own drinks because they don t sell anything on the site. sahar, from Lebanon ~ 22nd Feb 2012

It's in a lovely setting, in a proper mansion outside the main city but only about 10 mins drive to the city centre. You definitely need a car here, but there's free parking if you do. Staff were interesting, friendly and happy to help. The dorms themselves are comfortable, if a little old fashioned. Matthew, from England ~ 16th Feb 2012

Great place to stay when you have a car. Otherwise it's hard to reach by foot. Not convenient to public transportation, but great for a weekend 'in the country', in one of America's great urban parks.

Dear David, Thank you for your comments. As I suspect you probably imagine, we get more complaints about the walk from the bus stop than anything else. It's a problem that we try to envision "fixing", but we are not in the position to do any kind of shuttle. I think our staff with vehicles is super-helpful about offering rides to the bus stop, when they can, but it's out of the goodness of their own hearts. There is a shortcut to the Route 38 Bus, but people without backpacks couldn't manage it. Thank you for your nice comments about our beautiful park and setting. I wish I could be of some help on the transportation end. Abbe- Hostel Steward
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David, from USA ~ 6th Dec 2011

This hostel is so far from anything. In my perspective, they should re module the rooms into hotel rooms, and accommodate families and senior citizens, that doesn't mind the extra 1hour travel to the city, and can actually appreciate the nature. Jeppe, from Denmark ~ 2nd Nov 2011

Really beautiful hostel, but for me the location sucked. From the greyhound station it took me like 45min riding the bus + (!) like 30 to 40min walking to get get there. Not the perfect place if you're by yourself, have no car and wanna go sight-seeing ... But I mean... if you need some time to breathe the place is nice. Fabian, from Germany ~ 9th Sep 2011

The hostel itself particularly the interior is very attractive, given its historic look and furnishings (painting, furniture, etc.), which is why I rated it "Excellent" for character. The biggest problem, however, is the location, which is why I rated it "Very Poor." It is very difficult to access from downtown Philadelphia.One night I took the 38 bus from Market street, and waited 45 minutes for the bus to arrive.(The bus shelters don't even have signs telling you the exact schedule only th

Kelly, Thank you for your comments. You've made excellents points about the shelters/schedules. How would anyone not familiar with the transit system know? I am very sorry for your experience. You gave us great information to take to Septa, instead of bemoaning the mile walk from the bus stop to the hostel. Very helpful, very thoughtful...Thanks so much! Abbe- Hostel Steward
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Kelly, from USA ~ 28th Jul 2011

Originally booked for 4 nights i cancelled after the 1st night. The mansion itself is...beautiful, i felt like i was living with the queen, very clean, common areas really comfortable and womans dorm very spacious. Unfortunately unless you drive its not a viable place to stay if u actually want to see Philadelphia, its ridiculously, location is hugely dissapointing for a "HI" hostel. I'd recommend they organise a shuttle service, or market as a family, couple or drivers retreat. Rachael, from Scotland ~ 6th Jul 2011