Apr 08 2008
2005
Oct 27 ‘05- This is a wonderful place to stay! The owner has eclectic taste. there are great shops, bars and cafe’s in walking distance. every thing was very clean and it was over all very relaxing!
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Oct 16 ‘05- Great place to stay (I’d highly recommend it)–but the staff wasn’t always available/to be found, though they were extremely affable when they WERE around. We really enjoyed staying there, immensely.
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October 2005-Comment by Arturo Alvarez Luque:
Short but intense, we spent only one night there and it was simply fantastic. Since the very first moment we felt very comfortable, not only at home but also going out at night. Paul and his friends, Katherine, Rebecca and others gave us a very nice treat. I could even chat a little bit in my homeland language, in Spanish! I strongly recommend this hostel as well as the city of Asheville to spend a nice laid-back, wonderful time.
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Oct 4 ‘05- Best Hostel Experience Ever!!!
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October 2005-Comment by Emily:
I’ve stayed at hostels in six countries and five U.S. states, and Bon Paul & Sharky’s Hostel surpasses them all. The place is very clean and safe, but somehow, miraculously, extremely mellow. The back porch has a hot tub and a view of the mountains that is nothing short of sublime, and the front porch has a swing. The staff are exceptionally helpful, there are bikes to borrow, and the walls are decorated with fantastic tiny picture frames. I’d stay there even if it weren’t in super-fun Asheville, which it is. In short, you’d be crazy NOT to stay there.
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October 2005-Comment by World Trekker:
A hostel in it’s truest and best sense. The hip young staff has ample knowledge of the area, and even organized a couple of community nights while I was there (pumpkin carving, and homemade pizza) then out on the town. There is a large common room with a huge TV, great for sports and movies, and a fire pit in the backyard where we sat around at night telling stories and roasting marshmallows. A great hostel experience and a must-stay place for any traveler in the region.
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October 2005- Comment by kentucky:
Very clean at the time I visited, nice vibes, beautiful house, huge/clean hot tub, and the bicycles are a plus! Lots of cool shops to walk/ride bikes to, safe location, and the do-it-yourself breakfast in the morning gives you a chance to meet and hang out with fellow hostelers. Joe is a great guy, very kind and helpful. Eric, (the other guy) is pretty cool and helpful as well!! I would recommend this hostel to anyone who travels, and especially if you like AWESOME organic pizza!!! (Digable pizza within a stone’s throw!!!)
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September 2005- Comment by Eric:
My best hostel experience in North America!
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Sep 26 ‘05- Great location in West Asheville…Joe is super nice…great space!
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Sep 3 ‘05- thanks to Joe, has all the answer and was very laid back
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September 2005- Comment by Lauryl:
I have stayed at hostels all over the world, and this one was by far the best! Joe (the owner) is a wonderful host, and a great guy. The hostel has a cozy, comfortable, friendly environment. There is much to do here if you like to party, and if you don’t, you can just curl up on the couch and watch a movie. If you plan on staying at a hostel in Asheville and having a good time, definitely stay at Bon Paul & Sharky’s.
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Sep 26 ‘05- Great location in West Asheville…Joe is super nice…great space!
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August 2005- Comment by P:
Bon Paul & Sharky’s hostel provided me with a much better experience than staying at the 4 Seasons and for a fraction of the price. The hostel was clean, safe, and in a great location close to pubs, coffee shops, hiking trails, and shops. For 20 bucks you get a bed, a shower, a huge TV to watch, coffee and if you’re lucky some of the best lasagna in the world. The guests and the staff were very considerate and friendly. The owner, “Joe,” is the MAN.
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Aug 18 ‘05- If you’re lucky enough o stay here on one of Joe’s dinner nights, his lasagna is DANG good. Really enjoyed my stay, the people, house and neighborhood- Westville Pub is the Best!
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August 2005- Comment by Lindsey
I came to Asheville by myself because I was sick of my friend’s BS when it came to making trip plans and I needed a break from my normal life. When I found out how expensive the hotels in Asheville were I thought I wasn’t going to be able to go. Then as fate would have it I misspelled hotel on a Web search and found Bon Paul & Sharky’s hostel. I didn’t really know much about hostels but I’m always up for an adventure so I decided to give it a try. To my surprise the house was clean, the people staying there were nice, Joe (the owner) was a cool laid-back guy even though he was gimp (he broke his leg) and I felt safe. I didn’t feel like anyone was going to rob me even though my drunken a** probably wouldn’t have noticed. I am a high maintenance type of girl in that I have to shower regularly, brush my teeth, and I like my Serta Perfect Sleeper, so I was very happy to learn that there were showers and sinks readily available, as well as shockingly comfortable bunk beds. Since I went by myself and I am a shy person I was expecting to have fun during the day on hikes and while visiting the Biltmore but be lonely at night because I wouldn’t have any friends to go out with. But the beauty of staying in the hostel was that I met new people to go out with and stay “home” with. I enjoyed meeting people from all over the country. So come stay at Bon Paul & Sharky’s Hostel where for $20/night you get a shower, shelter, a place to lay your head, coffee, and if you’re lucky some of Joe’s world-famous lasagna. You can’t beat it. And for those of you who don’t want to meet people don’t be discouraged because if you want to be left alone then people will leave you alone and there is plenty of space and tons of things to do in Asheville and the surrounding area. Beautiful waterfalls, pubs, music festivals, coffee shops, hiking trails, mountains, and the famous overrated and overpriced Biltmore Estate.
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August 2005- Comment by Carole Edeburn:
Great place, great staff, clean environment. 
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August 2005- Comment by Lauren:
Joe, the owner, is very friendly and fun and the other employees here are also great to be around. Staying here feels more like visiting close relative or friends than being in a hostel. The hot tub is great and the kitchen has everything you need and is easy to navigate. I camped in the backyard and found it to be pretty comfortable. Joe even let me borrow his tarp. I have nothing but good things to say about this hostel! (As a woman traveler, I felt completely at ease here.) Thanks a million!!!
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July 2005-Comment by Kathryn:
We stayed here for two nights. It was a very welcoming and comfortable place. Joe was incredibly helpful in any way he could be and he went out of his way to make our stay wonderful! Lots of neat shops/cafes within walking distance. I would definitely stay here again!