Turin's BEST Backpacker Hotel? (Tomato Backpackers Review!)
Tomato Backpackers: Turin's "Best?" Backpacking Blender – A Chaotic, Quirky Review
Alright, buckle up, fellow wanderers! You're about to get the REAL lowdown on Tomato Backpackers in Turin. Forget those glossed-over travel blog entries – this is the unvarnished truth, sprinkled with my own brand of messy, opinionated chaos. Let's dive in, shall we? And I'll be honest, I have a love-hate relationship with hostels, but I'm always up for the ride…
First, the Basics (and the Anxiety Attack): Accessibility, Safety & Sanitization – Because, You Know, 2024:
Okay, let's rip the band-aid off first: Accessibility. This is a mixed bag. There's an elevator, which is HUGE for a hostel. Big thumbs up. BUT, and this is a BIG but, navigate the hallways, and rooms are not explicitly wheelchair accessible although there are facilities for disabled. It's Turin, so there are cobblestones everywhere you can't always get around easily.
Safety? Well, they've got the usual: CCTV (both inside and out, a good thing), 24-hour security, fire extinguishers woot woot. The building is generally safe and comfortable.
Now, the COVID-related stuff. This is where things get… rigorous. They're going HARD on hygiene. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, individually-wrapped food options, room sanitization opt-out (!!), staff trained on safety protocol, hand sanitizer everywhere… I mean, they're practically wielding a flame thrower of cleanliness. It was a bit overwhelming at first, ngl. It felt almost sterile and like you're being watched, which is not necessarily what you want during a holiday and for socializing.
The Rooms: Your Temporary Home (or Slightly Chaotic Crashpad):
Alright, let's be real, this isn't the Four Seasons. But the rooms? They're alright.
The Good: Wi-Fi is FREE in all rooms! (and it actually works! Praise the internet gods!) They got air conditioning, which is a lifesaver in a hot Turin summer. They have non-smoking rooms which is good. Standard internet access, but I used the Wi-Fi all the time so I didn't have to connect my laptop
The Less-Good (but Totally Manageable): The décor is basic, you need to lower your expectations. But, they're clean and functional. They have bathrooms. No one's getting the suite of dreams.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Stomach Rumble):
Food! This is where Tomato Backpackers shines… and occasionally trips.
Breakfast (Buffet / Takeaway): The buffet breakfast is included which is a blessing. The Asian breakfast is a good option because, let's face it: you need to eat your carbs and protein. There is also a breakfast takeaway service which is good.
Dining/Snacking: They've got a decent bar for an afternoon Aperol spritz. There is a coffee shop for your caffeine fix. They've got snack bar available too.
Activities, Relaxation & Stuff (Or, Trying to Find Your Zen):
This is where it gets interesting…
Relaxation: They have a spa which allows you to relax which isn't always the easiest task at a hostel.
Fun Stuff: The pool with a view is great for a swim after a hot day.
Services & Conveniences – The Nitty-Gritty:
Okay, let's get practical:
Laundry service, luggage storage (essential for a backpacker), concierge, currency exchange, cash withdrawal. Standard stuff.
Stuff That's Handy: Dry cleaning, an elevator (again, a lifesaver!), and a convenience store for those late-night snack cravings.
The Quirks & Anecdotes (The REAL Reason You're Reading This):
Okay, this is where things get real.
The Staff: The staff are generally very friendly, helpful people, I can't lie.
The Vibe: It’s a very social hostel.
Okay, So… Is Tomato Backpackers "The BEST" in Turin?
It’s good, it’s not perfect, it's messy, it's got quirks, and it's not the Ritz. But it's a solid choice for a backpacker. I'd go back.
My Verdict (The Honest Truth):
Tomato Backpackers is a good option if you want to enjoy Turin to its fullest.
The Pitch – My Offer:
Craving Turin? Ditch the Bland, Embrace the Adventure!
Book your stay at Tomato Backpackers NOW and get:
- FREE Wi-Fi! (No more data-sniffing!)
- **A social atmosphere
- Clean and sanitized rooms!
- Great location!
Don't settle for boring. Book Tomato Backpackers today!
Click Here to Book Your Turin Adventure!
Uncover Hidden Gems: Tuoro sul Trasimeno's BEST Kept Secret (Ospitalità Perugina!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to descend into the beautiful, chaotic, and caffeinated world of my trip to Turin, Italy. Specifically, the Tomato Backpackers Hostel. Let's see if I can remember this… It's like, a blur of cobblestones, cheesy grins, and questionable pizza slices, but here goes.
Turin Tango: A Backpacking Ballad (Tomato Backpackers Edition)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Pasta Crisis
- 14:00 - Arrival at Caselle Airport (TRN): "Arrive." That's what the itinerary says. Reality? I staggered off the Ryanair flight – the one that was supposed to be on time, but of course, not. Delayed, cramped, and fueled by stale airport coffee. My backpack, bless its dusty soul, felt heavier than usual. The first sign of trouble: my attempt at Italian was met with glazed eyes at the taxi stand. "Per favore, Tomato Backpackers," I croaked, feeling like a complete idiot.
- 15:30 - Check-in at Tomato Backpackers: The place is a riot of mismatched furniture. Seriously, it looks like a thrift store exploded. But in a good way? Maybe? The guy at reception, Fabio, had a beard that'd make a lumberjack jealous and a smile that could launch a thousand ships (or at least get you a free map). He gave me the lowdown – "Free pasta night! Tuesdays! You're welcome!" - and pointed me towards my dorm room. Which smelled vaguely of feet and air freshener, a classic backpacker combo.
- 16:00 - Dorm Room Disaster: Oh, the dorm room. My roommates were a kaleidoscope of humanity: a snoring German, a perpetually stressed-out American glued to his laptop, and a girl from Australia who looked like she hadn’t showered in a week but could probably charm a cobra out of its skin. I snagged a bottom bunk, which was pure gold. The upper bunks? Too much potential for a mid-sleep tumble.
- 17:00 - Exploring the Neighborhood (and my own sanity): Okay, breathe. First things first: coffee. Turin is famous for its coffee, and I needed a caffeine infusion stat. I stumbled out into the streets, overwhelmed by the sheer beauty. The architecture! The elegant arcades! The sheer number of Vespas zipping around! I got hopelessly lost within 10 minutes, wandering past a glorious pastry shop, a real shop with that smell of baked dough and sugar. I opted out, as I was still recovering from my recent pasta induced trauma.
- 19:00 - Dinner at a Trattoria (or the "Pasta-pocalypse"): Armed with Fabio’s recommendation (and a vague memory of where I was), I found a charming trattoria. I ordered pasta aglio e olio (garlic and olive oil), thinking, "Simple. Elegant. I can't mess this up." HA! Famous last words. My pasta arrived swimming in oil - I'm starting to think aglio e olio is Turin's secret test of character. I felt a little sick and decided that was enough for me.
- 20:30 - Attempted Socializing (and Failure): Back at the hostel, I joined the "welcome drinks" (read: cheap wine and questionable pizza). All I did was stand in the corner, and the girl from Australia caught my eye, and I found myself staring at the ceiling in shame. The wine was cheap, the pizza was worse.
Day 2: Chocolate Dreams & Lingering Doubts
- 09:00 - Breakfast at the Hostel (or, "The Mystery of the Croissant"): Breakfast was included. "Included" meaning a selection of day-old bread, something that looked suspiciously like powdered eggs, and instant coffee. The croissants, however, were a miracle. Flaky, buttery, and somehow still warm. I devoured two, hiding the evidence from the judgmental eyes of the German snorer.
- 10:00 - Chocolate Exploration (Or, "Death By Gianduiotto"): Turin is the birthplace of Gianduiotto chocolate (hazelnutty, delicious, and highly addictive). I’m a sweet tooth so I planned my day around it. I took myself on a walking tour of chocolate shops, sampling everything from the classic Gianduiotto to chocolate-covered espresso beans. I may or may not have bought an entire box to go.
- 12:00 - The Mole Antonelliana & Altitude Sickness (Real or Imagined?): The Mole is this insane, towering monument. You take a glass elevator up, and the views are breathtaking. I felt a bit dizzy, and I'm convinced it was just altitude sickness, but I also considered it may be all the chocolate I ate.
- 14:00 - Lunch (or, "Another Food-Related Regret"): I was still stuffed from the chocolate, but I knew I needed something savory. I ended up in a generic cafe and I ordered a sandwich. It tasted like cardboard, and I still felt sick.
- 15:00 - Lost Again (and Found…ish): Turin is a maze. I spent the afternoon wandering down cobbled streets, getting gloriously lost. I stumbled upon a fantastic vintage bookstore and bought a book I can't read.
- 17:00 - Return to the Hostel & "Free Pasta Night": As promised, Tuesday brought with it the infamous free pasta. I braced myself. This time, it was spaghetti with a pesto that looked like it had been made in a blender from 1987. I ate a little, and then I stared out the window, contemplating the meaning of life.
- 19:00 - The Search for Water: I’d drank a lot of chocolate, and a little bit of wine, and I'd been walking a lot, so my mouth was dry like the Sahara. I went to the front desk and asked if there was water, and got a strange look. After some back and forth, I went to my room.
Day 3: Castle, Culture… & the End of My Stay
- 09:00 - Goodbye Croissant: The croissant gods smiled upon me yet again.
- 10:00 - Castello del Valentino & the Parco del Valentino: This castle is beautiful, so I went out for a walk.
- 12:00 - Lunch: After the castle, I went to a very nice restaurant and ordered the pasta. I loved it and decided that this was the best thing to happen on the trip.
- 13:00 - Departure: I have to leave. I feel so sad. That was it. Goodbye. Goodbye.
Observations & Ramblings:
- The Tomato Backpackers Vibe: It's grimy, it's loud, it's kind of gross, and it’s strangely endearing. You'll meet people you'll instantly vibe with and others you'll want to chuck out the window. That's backpacking, baby!
- Italian Food Confession (Unsolicited): I was wrong. I had bad meals, but I also had some amazing ones. The real Italian food – the stuff made with love, in small trattorias – is legendary. I just had to find it.
- The Language Barrier: My Italian is terrible, but you can get by with a smile, a lot of hand gestures, and a willingness to embarrass yourself. Trust me, it's part of the experience.
- The Best Part: The best part? The unexpected moments. The conversations with strangers. The random discoveries. The feeling of being completely lost and loving it.
Okay, so maybe this isn't the most polished itinerary. But it's honest. It's real. And it's my Turin adventure. And honestly? I wouldn't trade it for anything. (Except maybe a decent cup of coffee.)
Escape to Sportsman's Valley: Your Luxurious Liskeard Getaway!
Tomato Backpackers: The Truth (and My Hangover) - An FAQ for the Bleary-Eyed & Book-Weary
Question: Is Tomato Backpackers ACTUALLY good, or is it just the cheapest option?
Answer: Look, let's be brutally honest. The price tag was the siren song. Turin on a budget, you know? My bank account was practically begging for mercy. So, yeah, Tomato was high on the list. But here's the thing. It's not just a 'cheap and cheerful' scenario. It's more like…cheap, a touch chaotic, and utterly, utterly loveable. I went in expecting a glorified shoebox. I stumbled into a slightly dysfunctional, yet incredibly vibrant, Italian family. Is it perfect? Nope. Far from it. Let me tell you about the shower situation later. But the VIBE? That’s the gold. Solid gold, I tell you.
Question: What's the dorm situation ACTUALLY like? Are the beds as rickety as they seem in the photos?
Answer: Alright, let’s talk beds. The photographs, you know? They *do* look a little... fragile. And trust me, those photos don't lie. They are not, I repeat, NOT five-star hotel quality. ‘Rustic.’ Let’s go with ‘rustic.’ My top bunk? It creaked. Oh GOD, did it creak. Every time I even *thought* about shifting...which, if you're me, is about every five minutes. But honestly? I slept like a goddamn log. Was it exhaustion after a gelato fueled rampage? The sheer camaraderie of snoring strangers and late-night whispers? Who knows. Either way, against all odds, I survived. You'll survive too. Just, you know, **pack earplugs.** And possibly a small prayer book for the creaks. Because those babies will haunt your dreams if you don't heed my warning.
Question: I’ve heard the showers are an experience. Spill the tea!
Answer: Oh, the showers. Please, God, the showers. Okay. Deep breaths. Let's paint a picture, shall we? Imagine squeezing yourself into a phone booth. Now, add to that experience with lukewarm water that fluctuates...like a moody teenager. One minute it's a pathetic dribble. The next, a scalding blast. And the smells? Let's just say stale shampoo and the lingering scent of other people's regret. *Gorgeous*, right? In my experience, it was a comedy sketch, a daily performance. The water would go from a sad, pathetic trickle to a searing blast and back again faster than you could yell out 'acqua calda!' - which, trust me, I did on more than one occasion. But hey...it's an experience. Hey, guess what? I'm still here *alive*.
Question: Is the kitchen actually usable, or is it a hot mess?
Answer: The kitchen, my friend. A tale of two halves. It's got the basics, you know? A stove, a fridge, a…vague collection of cutlery. The good news? You can cook! Save some *serious* cash. You can cook up that 2 euro pasta and meet people who also, bless them, brought instant ramen. The bad news? It's ALWAYS, ALWAYS busy. Unless it’s some magical moment of emptiness, you're battling for stovetop space. And at least one person will almost *certainly* leave their dirty dishes in the sink overnight. (I'm looking at you, mysterious pasta-eater from the 4th floor). The truth? You'll survive. It’s…part of the charm, I think. And cheap is cheap, after all.
Question: How's Turin itself as a city? Is it worth the trip?
Answer: Turin? OH, ABSOLUTELY. THIS CITY IS A GODDAMN HIDDEN GEM. Forget all the hype around Rome and Florence - I mean, go *visit* them, sure, but Turin? Turin is different. It's got grand architecture, chocolate shops that will literally make you weep tears of joy, and a slower pace of life that's a welcome change from the tourist crowds. I walked for *hours*, got gloriously lost, stumbled upon hidden piazzas, and ate enough chocolate to give Willy Wonka a runChicstayst
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