Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
hard to help guests with logistical matters, tours, visa issues and airport or train-station
runs. Their countryside tours get positive reports from travellers and business is casual -
tours are usually paid for when you get back. The guesthouse is a simple affair with
small private rooms and slightly larger dorms. There's a cosy lounge with three com-
puters and a kitchen. The entrance of the guesthouse is around the back of the third
building west of the State Department Store. Credit cards are accepted.
Zaya's Hostel
GUESTHOUSE$
( 9918 5013, 11-331 575;
www.zayahostel.com
;
Peace Ave; s US$30-35, d US$40, tr US$45;
)
While most guesthouses in town are located in crumbling old Russian flats, this one is
in a modern building with hardwood floors, sparkling bathrooms, a comfortable lounge,
fresh paint and new furnishings. Owner Zaya speaks English, enjoys a good conversation
and is happy to help travellers looking for volunteer opportunities. A simple breakfast is
included. Zaya is not too keen on groups of noisy backpackers, however, so if you are
looking for a party guesthouse, skip this one. The hostel is on the 3rd floor of an orange
building, about 100m north of Peace Ave (behind the glass-fronted Peace Tower, and
then a bit past the Seoul Hotel).
Green Steppe Guesthouse
GUESTHOUSE$
( 7010 5588, 8803 3080;
www.greensteppemongolia.com
; dm US$7; )
This popular
cheapie has a couple of scruffy dorms, a kitchen and a large outdoor courtyard where you
can chill in the summer months and swap travel info. Lots of DVDs and books to borrow.
The staff are friendly and don't pressure guests to take their tours, but are not always
there when you need them. The main problem is that the hostel has just one (often
musty) bathroom so when the place is busy it's in high demand. Location is very central,
in a courtyard 100m east of the State Department Store.
Golden Gobi
GUESTHOUSE$
( 9665 4496, 11-322 632;
www.goldengobi.com
; dm US$7, d with/without bathroom US$23/19;
)
This family-run place has a fun, youthful vibe, with colourful walls, two lounges
and lots of soft sofas. Dorms and private rooms are clean and comfortable and the bath-
rooms are kept tidy. On the downside, it can get very crowded in summer and just trying
to get some face time with the manager could require getting in a long line. This has led
