Hostel HI - Philadelphia - Chamounix Mansion

Hostel response:
Philip, Thank you for your comments. All insight is helpful to us, and we take your comments and concerns seriously. True, Chamounix Mansion is about 4 miles from Center City, but a convenient bus ride away. I agree, for a late arrival, early departure, we are probably not the "best fit" for one's accomodations, although a great number of our guests do fine with it. We appreciate your comments about the staff. It's nice to know when we've been "great"! Regarding the strict rule about leaving the hostel before 8am-- that's not quite correct. The hostel's exterior doors are locked and alarmed between 2am and 8am for our guest's safety, and there is staff in the building to respond should the alarm sound. Should a guest need to leave the building before 8am, we show them how to do so without activating the alarm. This would have been explained clearly, as you were checked in by the General Manager who is very consistant about the procedure. Unwanted cats are often dumped in the park and find their way to the stables or the mansion. We want to treat them humanely, so we feed them outdoors, and encourage guests not to feed them at all and not to let them in. This isn't always successful, and I am indeed very sorry if they disrupted your visit. We will try to improve our diligence with the cats. I hope you will stay with us again. --Abbe, Hostel Steward

Hostel response:
Dear Richard, Thank you for your thoughtful comments about Chamounix Mansion. I am glad that you found our price structure suited to your needs ($20 USD/per bed/per night for HI members; + $3 per night for non-members). I am sorry that you found the beds uncomfortable. Some of the dorm rooms have older bunks, some dorms have bunks that are pretty comfortable (as far as bunk beds go :)... Mention that next time you visit and we will see that you get in a newer bunk or we can add a mattress. Best wishes, Abbe, Hostel Steward

Hostel response:
Hi Jessica, I am sorry that you found Chamounix Mansion too far from Center City for your liking. It is about 4 miles, but our Philadelphia public transit system is excellent, so there are two busses that stop 1 mile from here (much closer if you get off the 38 bus at the trail head and walk through the woods (about 6-8 minutes). Many of our guests enjoy the bucolic setting in the middle of a large city, and feel rested and relaxed while here. It's really a matter of preference-- Apple Hostel is a great, lively hostel in the heart of Old City/Society Hill, and is condusive to taking advantage of the city's night life, amoung other features. Chamounix, while a taxi or bus ride away after a night out, also provides a peaceful country-like setting, with its front porch filled with Adirondak chairs and benches so our guests can observe our almost tame deer and other wildlife; set out on hikes or walks through the park and explore the trails; or borrow one of our bicycles and ride along the river. I can appreciate you preferring a hostel located within Center City, but I hope you enjoyed your stay. All the best-- Abbe, Hostel Steward

Hostel response:
Hi P Jack, I am so glad that Chamounix Mansion was your first HI hostel visit and I hope that you found DC and Austin as plesant. Chamounix Mansion is unique, due to its location (the largest city park in the world) and its historical interest (a summer home built in 1805 by the son of one of Philadelphia's first mayors). I think it's great to be able to stay in one of our country's original "summer homes", especially one that has changed very little since it was built. I hope you found that, indeed, there are three HI hostels in the LA area (LA Fullerton; LA South Bay; and LA Santa Monica). As for GA, MS, and AL-- I agree, it would be wonderful to have HI presence in those southern states. All the best, and thanks again, Abbe- Hostel Steward

Hostel response:
Dear Francesco, I am sorry you found the walk from the bus stop difficult and frightening. Sometimes this is the case with guests who have lived and travelled strictly in urban areas--they find the park walk a little overwhelming. The park sidewalk to Chamounix is canopied with very large, old Oak, Walnut, Maple, and Ash trees. I will disagree about the signage. Fairmount Park spent a great deal of money and put alot of thought into the park signage, and from almost anywhere in West Fairmount Park, there is a sign pointing to Chamounix. Walking from the Ford and Cranston Stop is 1/2 mile residential, then 1/2 mile through the park. This stretch of the park is mainly used by children and the elderly and is uneventful, except for a few cars that exceed the speed limit. If on the park sidewalk, not the road, this is not an issue. You will pass tennis courts and a horse stable. I'd venture to say most people in a large airport maneuver heavy luggage at least a mile, when all is said and done. Most of our individual guests travel without a car, although we do have lots of free parking. Francesco, we appreciate that you found the mansion to be beautiful and our staff friendly. Should you want to stay with us again, call from the bus stop, and I will stay on the phone with you until you get here! All the best--Abbe, Hostel Steward