Hostel Bear Hug

Had a good couple of nights here, sheltering from bad weather during the peaks of the Balkans trail. The host was super nice and helpful and the decor was fun and quirky in a 70s style. The dorm I was in was a little draughty and had some road noise from outside, but otherwise it was a nice place. There was a lack of soap in the main toilet also. Taking this into account, thought the price was a little steep at 20€/night.... Otherwise I enjoyed my stay.

I stayed at Hostel Bear Hug for two nights during my self-guided Peaks of the Balkans tour, which I booked through Balkan Mountain Adventures via Emir the host himself. Emir is very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about the region and the trail, and also very attentive to his guests, always making sure you have everything you need. The location of the hostel is ideal. just a short walk from the lake, the city centre and the bus station. The rooms are clean, and the bathroom facilities are tidy. I would highly recommend this hostel to anyone planning to hike the Peaks of the Balkans route.

I stayed at Hostel Bear Hug for 5 days and can genuinely recommend it. The location is superb - close to everything (shops, restaurants etc.) but still peaceful and relaxed (close the the lake), which made it a perfect place to rest and recover before my hike. Emir, the host, was incredibly helpful. He gave me great advice for the Peaks of the Balkans trail and was always attentive, and supportive. You can tell he really cares about the people staying there. The hostel itself was very clean and cozy. There are awesome common areas to sit and relax (both inside and outside), and the vibe among guests was always friendly. I’m really grateful for the time I had there and would absolutely recommend it to any traveler, especially those preparing for or returning from the trail. Thank you, Emir!