Hostel Alma & Cafe Express

4.6
Not good
(162 reviews)

37 Folkestone Rd, Dover CT17 9RZ, United Kingdom

+44 1304 448947

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Hotel Description

Hostel Alma & Cafe Express is a budget-friendly bed-and-breakfast located at 37 Folkestone Rd, Dover CT17 9RZ, United Kingdom, just a short walk away from Dover Priory train station. The hotel is conveniently situated within an 11-minute stroll from the Port of Dover, making it an ideal choice for travelers arriving by ferry or those looking to explore the historic seaside town. Guests will also find themselves only 2.5 miles away from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, a must-see natural landmark that offers breathtaking views of the English Channel. This budget accommodation is designed with simplicity and comfort in mind, featuring no-frills rooms that prioritize relaxation without unnecessary extravagance. The hotel’s convenient location and cozy ambiance provide an inviting atmosphere for tourists and business travelers alike.

The rooms at Hostel Alma & Cafe Express are straightforward yet comfortable, featuring basic furnishings and decor. Each room is equipped with a 26-inch flat-screen TV, offering guests entertainment options during their downtime. Complimentary WiFi is available in all rooms, ensuring that guests can stay connected throughout their stay. Each room also includes an en suite bathroom with a shower, providing privacy and convenience for all guests. Though some guests have mentioned the bathrooms as a point of improvement, overall, the accommodations meet the essential needs of those looking for a clean and comfortable place to stay.

As for special amenities, the hotel offers a continental breakfast each morning, included in the room rate. Guests are also welcome to use the guest kitchen, where they can prepare light meals or enjoy complimentary hot drinks and biscuits. Additionally, the on-site cafe provides a cozy space to relax with a hot beverage or a quick snack. For those in need of laundry facilities, these are also available, ensuring a hassle-free stay for longer-term visitors. Free parking is another highlight of Hostel Alma & Cafe Express, offering added convenience for guests traveling by car.

Hostel Alma & Cafe Express is easily accessible by public transport, making it an ideal base for those exploring the area. The nearest public transportation options include Dover Priory train station, which is only a 3-minute walk from the hotel, and a variety of bus stops located within a short walking distance. Guests traveling from major airports can easily reach the hotel via public transit or taxi, with Heathrow Airport just over two hours away by taxi or approximately 2 hours and 16 minutes by transit. Other nearby airports include London City Airport, London Luton Airport, and London Gatwick Airport, all offering easy access to Dover. For those looking to travel locally, bus stops such as Priory Street (Stop E & F) and Ladywell (Stop K) are just minutes away on foot.

Hostel Alma & Cafe Express also takes the safety and well-being of its guests seriously, implementing several health and safety measures to ensure a comfortable stay. As a smoke-free property, the hotel provides a clean and healthy environment for all guests. While there is no fitness center or spa on-site, families with children will appreciate the hotel’s kid-friendly atmosphere.

Guests staying at Hostel Alma & Cafe Express can take advantage of a variety of activities and experiences in and around Dover. The nearby Dover Castle offers a fascinating historical tour, with access to its medieval underground tunnels and military museum. The White Cliffs of Dover, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provide the perfect setting for scenic walks and breathtaking views of the English Channel. Additionally, the Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery offer a glimpse into the town’s rich maritime history, including the rare prehistoric boat on display. For nature lovers, Samphire Hoe is a nature reserve created by the construction of the Channel Tunnel, where visitors can enjoy scenic walks, picnics, and even some angling.

Several other top sights are easily accessible from the hotel. Dover Castle, located just 4 minutes away by car, is a must-see with its rich history, panoramic views, and fascinating wartime tunnels. The White Cliffs of Dover, only 6 minutes away, are another natural wonder that visitors can’t miss. For a unique experience, the National Trust South Foreland Lighthouse is just 19 minutes away, offering guided tours of this historic lighthouse, the first to use an electric light.

As for dining options, there are several excellent restaurants within close proximity of the hotel. Guests can enjoy a range of cuisine, from hearty British meals to international dishes. A short walk from the hotel is The Ivy, a well-known local restaurant offering British classics and a relaxed atmosphere. Another great option is The Dover Fish Bar, serving fresh seafood and traditional fish and chips, a true local favorite. For something more casual, the nearby Pubs & Grub offers a selection of comfort food, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.

With its convenient location, welcoming atmosphere, and affordable pricing, Hostel Alma & Cafe Express is an excellent choice for travelers looking to explore Dover. Whether you're here for a short stay or a longer visit, the hotel provides everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Book your stay today and discover all that Dover has to offer!

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. Walking distance to Roman Painted House and Dover Museum

2. 3 min walk to nearest train station

3. One of the few hotels in the area with a restaurant

4. Free parking available for guests

5. Complimentary hot drinks and biscuits available in the guest kitchen

6. Kid-friendly property with a smoke-free environment

7. Continental breakfast included with each stay

8. Free WiFi in all rooms

9. En suite bathrooms with showers in all rooms

10. Close proximity to major attractions like Dover Castle and White Cliffs of Dover


9.6 Exceptional

Location rating

Top sights

Dover Castle
4 min
White Cliffs of Dover
6 min
Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery
7 min
National Trust South Foreland Lighthouse
19 min
Samphire Hoe
10 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Check-in15:00
Check-out11:00
Location rating9.6
Nearest airportLondon City Airport
Travel time to airport1 hr 30 min

Location

37 Folkestone Rd, Dover CT17 9RZ, United Kingdom

Airports:

Heathrow Airport

Taxi: 2 hr 4 min

Transit: 2 hr 16 min

London City Airport

Transit: 1 hr 30 min

Taxi: 1 hr 30 min

London Luton Airport

Transit: 2 hr 10 min

Taxi: 2 hr 13 min

London Stansted Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 48 min

Transit: 2 hr 27 min

London Gatwick Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 41 min

Transit: 2 hr 32 min

London Southend Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 44 min

Transit: 2 hr 22 min

Transit:

Pencester Road (Stop D)

Walking: 5 min

Priory Street (Stop F)

Walking: 2 min

Priory Street (Stop E)

Walking: 3 min

Ladywell (Stop K)

Walking: 5 min

Dover Priory

Walking: 3 min


Nearby locations

9.6

Exceptional Location

This budget bed-and-breakfast is a 3-minute walk from Dover Priory train station, an 11-minute walk from the Port of Dover and 2.5 miles from the White Cliffs of Dover.

Top Attractions


Amenities and Facilities

Pets

No pets

Policies & payments

Smoke-free property

Food & drink

Restaurant

Breakfast

Wellness

No fitness center

No spa

Children

Kid-friendly

Internet

Wi-Fi

Pools

No pools

No hot tub

Rooms

Kitchen


Reviews

100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo

4.2

10 reviews

Wonderful
1
Excellent
1
Good
1
Below Average
2
Not Good
5
Cover Image for Carlo Madoglio

Carlo Madoglio

5/5
We had a good experience, room was comfortable and clean, owner helped us storing a big tandem bicycle for the night. No issues to report

Room 4

Service 4

Location5

Cover Image for Francis Huddy

Francis Huddy

1/5
This is a horrible place. It is run-down and there is no reception. No-one even answered the door when I arrived (at about 15:30 hrs, on 30/09/2023). And my phone call was unanswered.They also stole £50 for a "deposit" which I was not told about when I booked. I have now had to cancel my Visa card. (Why did Booking . com pass on my Visa card details to a third party?).I will NEVER use Booking . com again.

Cover Image for Konrad M

Konrad M

4/5
Good location, close to the sea and town centre, clean room, reasonable for its price and an attentive owner 👍

Room 4

Service 4

Location5

Cover Image for Jared Bohlmann

Jared Bohlmann

3/5
While the location was really great the unfortunate part was the street noise, the unlimited supply of cars driving down the road and people walking below the window making conversation are easily heard. We left the window open due to ventilation and got the down side of noise which is understandable as it was Halloween weekend. The TV worked nicely with multiple channels. The owner was very accommodating and made sure the room was ready for us earlier than ancipated. I would suggest some foam seals for the doors as I heard the doors being opened and closed easily. Otherwise if you looking for a deal then Alma is good!

Cover Image for Andrea Mena

Andrea Mena

1/5
REALLY BAD AND SCARY PLACE.The person of the recepción was really rude and smelled strongly of alcohol.The night in there was awful, screams, lots of noise, no hot water, cocorouches..I left before the sunset as it felt safer to be in the street that in that awful building.

Cover Image for Deval Pradip

Deval Pradip

2/5
We stayed one night, there was 3 of us. In general it is quite simple and easy getting around Dover, the hostel location was good distance from things such as the railway station, White cliffs, castle and beach. We had to call a number to check in (which was written on a post-it note on the door). The hostel is under construction so there was no access to the kitchen, which wasn't mentioned before hand but left us 3 small water bottles and got us a mirror to get ready in the morning. The bathroom was tiny, especially the sink was making more of a mess brushing my teeth! There was a hairdryer, towel and small hand towel in the bathroom.One of us decided to leave hand luggage behind to be collected later, which was easy to collect.Overall for a one nights stay and the price it was good.

ls

livvy s

2/5
Welcome-|a blonde lady was in the cafe that they run downstairs but she appeared very arrogant, she didn’t speak English very well either. …

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Viktorija v

1/5
BTW Hostel Alma is right opposite a busy Petrol station and on a busy road.||We Booked Hostel Alma in Dover, and the booking.com web site offered me to select the time when I want to check in the drop down. …

Cover Image for Abdul FaRu

Abdul FaRu

1/5
AVOID!!!!This place is awfull.Noise all night long.No kitchen!!!Bed are very small the feet came out them even if you are short!!!Bad smell of tabaco and humidity.Dirty.Very rude person opening the door.They made us pay more money because the doble room was only for one guest and they won't allowing the two of us in!!

Cover Image for Duygu Gunes

Duygu Gunes

1/5
AWFUL STAY !!!**We paid extra 15 pound** for the hairdryer! We were accused ofbreaking it although we never used it! Host was very rude and **herefused to give us our luggage** back if we don't pay the money. Theworst ever experience I had in a hotel/hostel! He was shouting, hewas very rude and abusive! We were literally shocked and couldn'tstop shaking for minutes! Never stay here! The room was in very poorcondition too. The sheets and duvet were so bad quality that I felt likesleeping in a plastic bag and sweat all night! At the end I had to usemy jacket instead of duvet. The windows were not closing properly andthe cars never stopped passing on the busy road in front of thebuilding. These kept us awake all night. The pressure was too bad andhad to spend ages in the shower. Eating area was badly damp and smelleddisgusting. Do not think about staying here!