Hostel Foster, budget apartments in the centre of Mariánské Lázně
Hostel Foster is a budget hostel with apartment-style rooms in the centre of the spa town of Mariánské Lázně, in the Karlovarský region of Czechia. It has kitchenettes, free parking and free Wi-Fi. It suits walkers and spa-town visitors who want a cheap base and can live with simple, worn rooms.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published .
Updated
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Where Hostel Foster is in Mariánské Lázně
Hostel Foster is on Tyršova street, in the middle of the spa town of Mariánské Lázně, in the Karlovarský region of western Czechia. The old description puts it within an easy walk of the Colonnade, the Singing Fountain and the Casino Bellevue, and guests also praise the access to the colonnade, to small shops and to pubs.
The train station is described as well connected too, which is useful if you travel without a car. If you do drive, parking is free. For a spa town where you will mostly walk, this is a handy base, and location is clearly the strongest card here.
How the rooms and apartments work
This is not a classic hostel with bunk beds and a loud common room. Reviewers describe it as three flats in an older building, each with several rooms, so you share a kitchen and bathroom space with other guests in your flat. The old description also talks about apartments and studios with a kitchenette.
What is listed is practical rather than pretty.
- The kitchenette. Fridge, hob, kettle and basic dishes, so you can make breakfast or a simple dinner.
- The bathrooms. Shared or private, with a shower and towels. Cleaning during a stay is limited.
- The extras. Free Wi-Fi, a lift, a digital TV, a washer and dryer, and pets welcome for a fee.
- The reception. It does not run all night, so tell the hostel when you will arrive.
The old description also mentions a wellness area with a hot tub and sauna. I would confirm that with Hostel Foster before you count on it, because none of the guest reviews I have mention it.
What guests say about Hostel Foster
On Google, Hostel Foster scores 3.9 from 94 opinions, and the reviews fall into two very different camps. That is exactly why I would read them before booking.
The positive ones are mostly short and old. Guests like the price and the position. They mention a kind host, a cosy room, clean spaces, a quiet stay and an easy walk to the colonnade and the town. A few say it is good value for the centre.
The negative ones are more detailed and more recent in places. Several guests say the photos do not match reality, with dirty walls, peeling plaster and old, creaking furniture. Squeaky beds come up more than once, and one person says it was nearly impossible to sleep on them. Others mention a missing shower curtain, a missing shelf, broken light fittings, weak Wi-Fi and an unfriendly check-in. Shared areas were described as clean by at least one guest, so the problem seems to be the state of the rooms rather than dirt everywhere.
What to know before you book
Hostel Foster sells location and price, and the compromise is the condition. If you accept that going in, the stay can work. If you expect the polished look of the photos, you may be disappointed.
| What works | What to check first |
|---|---|
| Central position, close to the colonnade and the station | Rooms are described as worn, with peeling plaster |
| Kitchenette to save money on meals | Beds may creak, so light sleepers should think twice |
| Free parking and free Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi was reported as not working by one guest |
| Low price, according to many guests | Cleaning during the stay is limited |
My tip is to write to the hostel before booking and ask which flat and room you will get, and ask for recent photos. Also let them know your arrival time, since the reception is not open round the clock.
Who Hostel Foster suits
I would recommend Hostel Foster in Mariánské Lázně to people who spend the day out, walking the spa gardens and drinking from the colonnade, and only need a clean, cheap place to sleep. It also works for a self-catering stay, because of the kitchenettes, and for anyone travelling with a pet, since animals are welcome.
I would not choose it for a romantic break, for a long stay where comfort matters, or for anyone who sleeps badly in a creaky bed. The guest who called it a place for people on a tight budget was blunt, but the point is fair. It is a practical option, not a treat.
What to do around the hostel
The big draw of Mariánské Lázně is the spa town itself, and the hostel puts you inside it. The Singing Fountain and the Colonnade are the obvious first stops, and the Casino Bellevue is nearby as well. Guests also highlight the small shops and pubs close by, and the town as a good starting point for walks.
The staff are described as able to help with trips and tickets, and they speak several languages, including Czech, English, German and Russian. That is useful if you want advice on what to see without planning everything yourself.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
