Youth hostel now much lighter and brighter

The youth hostel in Zug came in to being in 1987 after the city gave the premises over for this purpose. Now, after 30 years, the hostel has benefited from a major make-over, taking four months and costing CHF 1.5 million.

The official re-opening took place last Friday, the hostel now all spruced up in lighter colours yet remaining predominantly functional and with some areas barrier-free.

Monika Krezdorn, who was warden of the youth hostel for 26 years until 2013, said how successful the renovation had been. It is now run in its opening months, i.e. from March until Novermber, by Sabine Palme, who is helped by three assistants. “In season it is a very hard job,” she said, though she appears to enjoy it.

As mentioned, all the rooms are now brighter, and some even benefit from views over the lake. All double rooms have their own shower and loo, but those who occupy multiple-bed rooms have to share such facilities.

Palme mentioned how the hostel’s clientèle had changed over the years, some occupants being those who worked in Zug but who had not yet found a flat here. Even businessmen made use of it at times.

The hostel also benefits from a very central location, with easy access to bus and rail transport; there are also some car-parking spaces available too. It was decided not to put TVs in every room.

When full, the hostel can accommodate up to 92 people, with 23 beds in 11 barrier-free rooms. While there are those who stay for longer times, most move on after a two-night stay. Large groups also come, sometimes taking over most of the premises.

What is interesting is that, rather than have keys, the guests are given badges.

Of note, too, is that all the old furniture was sent off to be used in Serbia.