What is a hostel?
Hostels are typified by having shared facilities. We call our hostel ‘The Bunk House’. It has a mixed-gender bunk or dorm room and shared bathrooms. We also have private rooms; our three private rooms share a single bathroom. Hostels are generally the cheapest option in town, and also provide travelers an opportunity to interact more directly with fellow travelers. Hostels also tend to have more information about local interests and attractions, and generally have a much more personal atmosphere.

Is Alexander House a youth hostel?
No.  People of all ages are welcome at Alexander House.

Is there a curfew?
We do not have a curfew; once you check in, you may go and come at your own hours.  For those sharing space in the bunk house, we ask that you be sensitive to your fellow guests.

When is Check-in and Check-out time?
Check-in is 4:00pm and Check-out is 11:00am.

Can I pay with a credit card?
No, we take cash and checks only. Send deposits to Alexander House, 1205 Monticello Rd, Charlottesville, VA. Please pay the balance when you check-in.

Is there (free) parking?
Yes!  We have several spots, as well as plenty of free on-street parking one block away.

What is the neighborhood like?  Is it safe?  Noisy? Do the rooms have locks?
The neighborhood is mostly residential. Across the street from us is an auto body shop. An elementary school is two blocks away. It is a very safe neighborhood.
Both the Inn and the Bunk House have a lock on the outside door.
The private rooms have slide bolts to lock the room while you are inside; there are no locks on the outside of the private rooms. 
Lockers in the bunk house are available for all guests to secure personal items.  Please bring a lock, or you may rent one of ours for $2. 

Is Alexander House Centrally located?
We are convenient to downtown Belmont (5 minute walk), the downtown Mall (less than a mile), the University of Virginia (2.5 miles), and Monticello (3 miles).

Do I have to share a bathroom with other people?
We do not have private bathrooms.  Both the main house and bunk house have their own bathroom.  The bathroom doors do lock.

Can I do laundry there?
Sorry. We do not provide laundry facilities.

Where is the closest laundromat?
Bubbles is about a ten minute walk down Carlton Rd., in the shopping center at the intersection of Carlton Rd/Carlton Ave (there is a traffic light there).

Do I need to bring my own sheets, towels or other bedding?
We provide all linens, including sheets, blankets, pillow cases, towels and washcloths.

Can I cook my own food there?
Yes!  We provide basic breakfast food free of charge (bread, fruit, coffee, tea, jam, butter).  You are welcome to use the fridge, toaster oven, french press, and hot plate to store/prepare your own food.   Both the Inn and the Bunk House are equipped with dishes, pots, pans, and cooking utensils.

Do you have bike rentals?
Yes! Bikes are available for $15/day. Helmet and lock are included.

In what ways do you practice environmental sustainability and promote local businesses?

• composting
• biodegradable, non-toxic cleaners
• solar water heater
• herbs and vegetable produce available to you from our garden
• line dry when weather permits
• push mower
• rain barrel
• fair-trade, organic coffee, local bread, jam, and fruit when available
• feature local artists’ work
• inexpensive bike rentals to encourage less fossil fuel consumption

Where is the closest restaurant?
A five minute walk north (turn left) on Monticello Rd. will lead you to downtown Belmont – home to several restaurants. La Taza Coffeehouse serves a nice breakfast; Belmont Barbecue is known for delicious barbecue; Mas is a Spanish tapas bar that wins best restaurant awards almost every year; Tavola is an excellent, romantic Italian restaurant; and the Local serves a fabulous dinner.

A little farther away on Carlton Ave (Right on Monticello Rd, Left on Carlton Ave, through the light and on your left), is a great restaurant, Aqui Es Mexico, and Beer Run, which, not surprisingly, specializes in a huge selection of beers but also has great food.  Korea House is a small family-run restaurant  in the same cluster and has delicious, authentic Korean food.

Venture to the Downtown Mall for many, many more restaurants of all kinds.

Where is the closest drug store?
The Belmont Market, a five minute walk north on Monticello Rd., is a basic convenience store.  The closest full-featured pharmacy is CVS on the Downtown Mall.

How far are you from Monticello, UVa, downtown, etc?
Monticello, UVa, and the Downtown Mall are all within 2 miles, close enough for guests to walk or bike to.  Monticello is about a 1 hour walk, UVa is about 45 minutes, and downtown is about 15 minutes.  By bike, it is about 30 minutes, 15 minutes, and 5 minutes, respectively.  By car, you can get to any of these places in less than 10 minutes.  Public transportation, via the Downtown Transit Center on Water St, is a great way to get to UVa.  There is a bus stop on Monticello Ave., about 2 blocks away, that will get you about half way to Monticello.

Who are reliable taxi services and what are their phone numbers?
Access Taxi, 434-974 5522.  They are located right in the neighborhood, and charge $30 to the airport.

What’s going on tonight?
The Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar is on the downtown mall, and has live bands most weekend nights.

On Thursday, head to Miller’s on the mall for the John D’earth Trio (Jazz).

On Tuesday, try the C&O (on Water St., one block off the Mall) for the Rick Oliverez Trio (Gypsy Jazz).  Latin Night at Al Hamraa is also Tuesday nights.

You can also check the local papers’ websites for events:  The Hook,  Cville Weekly, and the Daily Progress.  The Inn and Hostel has free wi-fi, and a public computer if you don’t have a laptop.