During my trip to Russia in September 2024, I figured I might as well visit Murmansk in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights — because why not? As a solo traveler on a budget, I was happy to discover that Murmansk offered more affordable accommodation options compared to other Arctic cities. So, I booked a stay at Murman Loft Hostel for two nights, and here’s how it went!
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- Sightseeing: Arctic Circle in Autumn: A Tour to Teriberka & Hunting of Northern Lights in Murmansk, Russia
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- Accommodation(s): Friends in Sennoy Hostel in St. Petersburg
Hostel Location in Murmansk
Located on Ulitsa Sof’i Perovskoy, Murman Loft Hostel sits right in the heart of the city, just a stone’s throw from Alleya Vorovskogo Park and Musical Alley. It’s also within walking distance of Murmansk’s railway and bus stations, which made exploring the area on foot quite convenient, especially for a first-time visitor like me.
Other nearby spots include Ploshchad Pyat Uglov (Five Corners Square), Fontan S Yakorem, and Stroitel Stadium — all of which are easily accessible on foot. However, if you plan to visit more distant landmarks like the Lenin Nuclear Icebreaker Museum, Alyosha Monument, or the Monument to the Cat Semion, I recommend using a taxi via Yandex Go, which is reliable and budget-friendly.
The hostel is tucked inside a multi-use building shared with other establishments. After entering the building, head straight to the elevator and go up to the 4th floor — where you’ll find the hostel’s reception.
While I didn’t get to explore Murmansk as much as I’d hoped, walking around the neighborhood — even at night — felt surprisingly safe. I was able to make grocery runs after dark without any issues, which aligns with my general experience of feeling secure while traveling in Russia.
Hostel's Rooms & Facilities
Surprisingly, I was met with a cozy atmosphere despite the industrial-toned interior. When I arrived at reception, the vibe instantly reminded me of People Hostel in Baitik Baatyr in Bishkek — simple, quiet, and welcoming.
As I explored further inside, I was again surprised by how many room types they actually offered. In addition to dorms, Murman Loft Hostel also has double rooms and a loft-style Junior Suite with a courtyard view. I swear I didn’t even notice that when booking — I was too focused on the cost!
Inside the Dorm in Murman Loft Hostel
As a solo female traveler, I booked a dorm bed hoping to meet fellow backpackers — and luckily, that intention wasn’t in vain. While it wasn’t listed as an all-female dorm (I checked multiple times), I ended up sharing the room only with other ladies.
There was a quick turnover of guests during my stay, but most nights the room had just one or two vacant beds. All of us were hoping to get a glimpse of the Northern Lights despite our short stays.
My favorite part? The dorm came with a private bathroom that we shared only among the people in the room. The layout reminded me of MyHostel in Almaty — private enough to feel exclusive, even though it's technically shared. I really love this kind of setup!
Murman Loft Hostel's Facilities
While the hostel doesn’t offer much in terms of common areas, it feels more like a backpacker’s crash pad for a couple of nights, and I didn’t mind that. There’s no co-working space, lounge, or even a proper dining table. So if you’re looking for a social or digital nomad-friendly vibe, this might not be the spot.
That said, the minimalist kitchen and pantry were functional and equipped with modern appliances. Plus, free drinking water was available — a small but huge win! This was actually the first hostel I stayed at in Russia that offered free drinking water.
And I have to say — the laundry area is massive. I mean, you could do cartwheels in there! There's plenty of space to hang and dry different sets of clothes without feeling cramped.
Hostel Cost
Due to the current sanctions, properties in Russia were removed from Booking.com. Instead, I booked through Ostrovok!, a local platform that works similarly to Booking.com.
Here's what I paid for my two-night stay at Murman Loft Hostel in Murmansk, Russia:
- Accommodation: 1,721.52 RUB/80 AED/22 USD for two nights (see photo above)
Unlike in Friends in Sennoy Hostel, I didn't pay any additional fees here. No deposits or charges for linen and registration. I only paid extra for the laundry, which is automatically an extra paid service.
👥 Who This Hostel Is For?
Murman Loft Hostel is a great choice for:
- Budget-conscious travelers looking for affordable stays in the Arctic region
- Solo travelers (especially females) who want a safe, low-key place to rest
- Short-stay guests who don’t mind limited social or common spaces
- Travelers who prefer privacy even in dorm-style rooms (thanks to the en-suite setup)
- Visitors with day trips planned and just need a convenient base near the train or bus station
Unfortunately, the hostel might not be for digital nomads who will be staying for weeks or those seeking a vibrant social scene. But, if you just need a clean, functional, budget-friendly, and secure place to sleep — especially during Northern Lights season — this hostel checks the boxes!
Overall Experience in Murman Loft Hostel:
Despite my short stay in Murmansk, I had a comfortable experience and honestly wish I had stayed longer — not just because I missed the Northern Lights (such a bummer, I know), but also because I barely scratched the surface of what the city has to offer.
Still, for what it’s worth, Murman Loft Hostel made my quick Arctic detour feel welcoming. The dorm setup was cozy, the private bathroom a real perk, and the free drinking water — a rare gem in Russian hostels — didn’t go unnoticed.
I’m pretty sure I’ll find myself back in Murmansk someday, although not anytime soon. But when I do, I already know where I’ll be staying
Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights or simply stopping by the Arctic Circle, Murman Loft Hostel is a great option for budget travelers looking for a safe, clean, and conveniently located stay. I hope this review helps you plan your trip — and maybe even convinces you to give this humble little hostel a try.
Ready to book your stay? Book Murman Loft Hostel HERE!
