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William Penn House Reviews

515 East Capitol St SE, Washington DC, District of Columbia, USA

Reviews & Ratings Explained

87%Overall Rating

From 20 ratings
  • 88%Character
  • 86%Security
  • 94%Location
  • 91%Staff
  • 84%Atmosphere
  • 78%Cleanliness

The following reviews were submitted by customers who booked in the last 6 months.

The reviews and ratings in the rating box are based on all-time feedback and are the opinions of the customers who submitted them and do not express the opinions of Hostelworld.com. This way, you get an up to the minute opinion of just how good a hostel really is. Read our review guidelines »

We now classify our reviewers based on how well travelled they are.

  • Novice Nomad: 1-10 Reviews Added
  • Avid Traveller: 10-20 Reviews Added
  • Globetrotter : 20+ Reviews Added
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90%

Great location and quaint homey atmosphere. There should be more bathrooms/showers available; second floor has one bathroom one shower located in the 14 bed area! Nice visiting with others staying at the facility.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 25 Apr 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Female, 41+
  • (2 reviews)

Owner Comment (Show)
So glad that you enjoyed your stay with us! We actually have 2 bathrooms on the third floor (where most of our bedrooms are). One is between the 4 bed men's dorm and the 10 bed men's dorm. The other is in the 10 bed women's dorm. Besides these two bathrooms, we have a bathroom on every floor of the house, for a total of 7 showers and 5 toilets for our 30 guests to share. This means you might have to go to another floor or wait a minute or two but generally people can find an open bathroom when they need it.

97%

I cancelled this because I was staying in the International Hostel for the previous 3 nights when you did not have a vacancy due to a group booking. I decided not to transfer after all as I knew the area around the other one and found it convenient for my plans. If I come to Washington again I would like to stay in your hostel. CONSEQUENTLY THE ABOVE ANSWERS ARE NOT GENUINE - MERELY WHAT I EXPECT TO FIND, but I could not send this answer without filling them in.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 25 Apr 2013
  • Anonymous
  • Australia
  • Female, 41+
  • (1 review)


100%

The girl on staff that night was very nice! The train made me late for check in, but she was able to check me in anyway for a reasonable extra fee and pointed out the book of menu's so I could order take out. The beds were a little creaky, and it would be nice if the doors were labeled a little better (I don't remember which room I was told to go so I accidently walked in the boys room >.< ). Thankfully there were some girls downstairs and they told me which room was to go to. I slept well!

  • Novice Nomad
  • 12 Apr 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Female, 18-24
  • (1 review)


87%

Very good place to stay if you want somewhere very close to the Congress.


90%

I don't stay at hostels often.I have stayed here twice. The facilities are clean and the staff helpful. Alcohol and tobacco are not allowed. The location is perfect and I always felt safe. I will stay here again.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 19 Mar 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Male, 41+
  • (1 review)


77%

I am Quaker; I really appreciate a Friends facility where the values of simplicity and concern for others comes through. I I feel the facility could use a coat of paint throughout, cleaning of windows, and general shake down cleaning. I appreciate the lack of TV/sound systems, the intentional low profile on technologies. I wish the internet had been working at the one public computer. I will return!!


77%

Adequate, if you are a minimalists. Not very cheery, but DC location is great for the money.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 01 Mar 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Female, 41+
  • (1 review)


90%

I may be too old for hostels and was glad I had a room to myself.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 27 Feb 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Female, 41+
  • (1 review)


83%

The William Penn House is unique in as much as it's a spiritual organization that values simplicity and community ergo there is no television and there is a group breakfast where interaction with other guests is facilitated. The location, behind the Capitol, is fantastic. There are no locks on the bedroom doors so trusting other guests is necessary; in some hostels, this works and others not so much.


100%

I love this place — the best possible environment from which to prep for chasing the dragons of government.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 27 Nov 2012
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Female, 41+
  • (1 review)




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