Volunteer Experience: Sophie

Hi! My name is Sophie and I’m from York. I’m currently on a gap year and have just spent a very enjoyable six weeks as part of the team at Igloo Hybrid.

Doing a work exchange in a hostel was one of my main goals for my gap year, and when I saw Igloo’s advert on Workaway, I knew I had to apply. After a video interview, my place was confirmed, and I was on my way!

I worked in housekeeping and also did a couple of nights on reception. The work is easy to pick up and there’s always someone on hand if you’ve got any questions. One of the great things about the rota was that my evenings were free - I spent mine playing board games with other Workawayers and guests, going to ice skating lessons, and drinking far too much bubble tea.

The team are all lovely and you’re guaranteed to make friends (and maybe even be given some Freddos if you’re lucky) as there’s others who live in. My special thanks go out to all of the team for making my time at Igloo so great. Don’t think you’ve seen the last of me!

Fancy an Igloo getaway? It’s warmer than you think.

As the UK’s Summer season officially kicks off, most of us are ready for a change of pace and scenery, right?! But with the Government doing a 180 on the latest C-19 rules and regs on what feels like an hourly basis, we get that it’s really hard to take the leap and book your next getaway.

Like many independent businesses up and down the country, Igloo Hybrid & Shed (voted Kayak’s Best Hostel 2019) has had five months of creative thinking and a few tough decisions to make about how we navigate the rest of 2020 as a small but unique part of the hospitality industry.

We’re here to tell you that we’ve emerged - we’re pumped, safer than ever and in a great place to start welcoming you back to our quirky little pocket of Nottingham. And here’s a few of the reasons why we think you should come and see for yourself….

NOTTINGHAM IS THE CITY OF CAVES!

The digs

Igloo Shed reopened on 1 August. As the newest addition to the Igloo family, our quiet and secluded building in the heart of Nottingham city centre is perfectly located for a city break and houses six unique bedrooms complete with private bathrooms.

Summerhouse

Tired of looking at the same few walls? Each our rooms are decorated with amazing, individual artworks from local artists at Kid30 Shrunken Heads and @Fryfaced. Our rooms also come with a mix of repurposed furniture and modern comforts, designed to help you feel at home and totally zen.

Stable

Keeping you safe

To help relieve those C-19 anxieties, we’re taking extra care and have introduced a range of new operational and safety measures to ensure you have a safe and stress-free stay:

-          Socially distant check-in .

-          Sanitisation stations at every entry / exit point

-          Extended, more frequent and thorough cleaning schedules

-          Contactless and prepayment transaction methods

-          Closure of common areas such as shared kitchen and lounge

-          Clear and informative safety signage around the building

Peace of mind

We know that it’s never been more important to protect your finances. With Igloo bookings, you can rest easy in the knowledge that should Government guidance on C-19 protocols change late in the day – you have the option to cancel your reservation with us up to three days before your visit, free-of-charge!

Cancellation policies differ for long stay or larger group bookings. Please enquire for further details.

Stuff to do

If we’ve whet your travelling appetite but you’re still wondering what Nottingham has to offer, don’t worry - we’ve pulled together a few recommendations on where to go and what to do while you’re here! The list below includes the hottest Nottingham independent eateries, pubs, attractions and open spaces. Click here to check our availability and rates.

EAT & DRINK

-          ‘Eat out to help out’ Nottingham independents guide (50% off during August) – food, drink

https://www.leftlion.co.uk/read/2020/july/independent-nottingham-food-eat-out-help-out-coronavirus/

-          Sneinton Market Avenues – outdoor, food, drink, art, culture

https://sneintonmarket.com/

-          Street Food Club – outdoor, food, drink, entertainment

https://www.streetfoodclub.co.uk/

STREET FOOD CLUB IN SNEINTON MARKET

-          Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem – food, drink

https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/food-and-drink/ye-olde-trip-to-jerusalem-p529041

-          Best proper pubs guide - drink

https://www.leftlion.co.uk/read/2016/august/11-proper-pubs-in-nottingham-city-centre-8513/

SEE / VISIT

-          Broadway Cinema – film, food, drink

https://www.broadway.org.uk/

-          Street Art – sites, art, culture

https://www.leftlion.co.uk/read/2020/may/street-art-map-nottingham/

STREET ART BY KID 30

-          Nottingham Contemporary – art gallery

https://www.nottinghamcontemporary.org/

-          Old Market Square - sites

https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/things-to-do/old-market-square-p593561

-          The Robin Hood Experience – sites, history, entertainment

https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/things-to-do/the-robin-hood-experience-p69022

-          Nottingham Ghost Walks – sites, history, entertainment

https://www.thenottinghamghostwalk.co.uk

-          National Justice Museum & City of Caves – sites, museum

https://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/

-          Wollaton Hall & Park (Batman’s House) – sites, outdoor space / activities, museum

https://wollatonhall.org.uk/

-          Highfields Park – outdoor space / activities

https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/highfieldspark

Highfields Park

This is just a snapshot of what Nottingham has going on. We do our best to stay up to date with the latest in local events and entertainment. If you want to know more, just ask for details on arrival. We’ll be here waiting, with a warm but socially distant welcome! 😊

Contact us hybrid@igloohostel.co.uk or +44 (0)115 9483822 if you have any questions, or click here to check availability and rates for the rest of 2020 and beyond!

Some News!

We have been a little quiet on here since the start of lockdown but the Igloo is still here getting itself looking and feeling beautiful before we are ready to reopen again. Here is a sneak peek of our revamped lounge and amazing new wall art, we can’t wait for our guests to see it in person. Stay tuned for more updates ! X  #hostels #backpackershostel #travel #uktrav #wallart #streetart #graffitiart #lounge #roomgoals #colourfullounge #coolhostel #nottingham #notts #ihuk #decor

As per government guidance and order, we are closed to the public and guests for at least the next 3 weeks. We can still be reached via email and phone and are on hand to deal with any enquiries you may have and of course we are still taking future bookings.

Please keeping looking out for each other and remember there will be a light at the end of the tunnel and we absolutely can’t wait to meet all our guests, backpackers and world explorers when this is all over. Peace ✌️ #nottingham #notts #ihuk #independentnotts #indiehostels #hostel #backpackers #staysafe #ukhostels #indienotts #neverstopexploring (once it’s safe)

Our Top Vegan Eats In Nottingham!

What's On March 2020!

What's On February 2020!

What's On January 2020!

Volunteer Experience: Deborah

To be honest, living in UK was never in my plans. But deep inside, I always wanted to live abroad, and the opportunity finally came. When I decided to leave Brazil two years ago, I began to prepare myself financially and psychologically, because the change was very hard for me. After the decision, came the question: where to go?

That's when I found Igloo Hostel at the Worldpackers volunteers website. I had no idea where Nottingham was, nor had I heard about the city before. But as soon as I found the opportunity and started reading the description, I became very interested.

Having decided the country, city and hostel, it was time to say goodbye and start a new cycle in my life. I confess it was not easy at all. I resigned from my 5-year job, and the day after Molly confirmed my application, I booked my flight ticket. It was done, there was no turning back.

I arrived here on August 1st, aiming to stay at least 6 weeks. I ended up staying almost 3 months. I was very welcomed by everyone from the staff to the volunteers. All of them were kind and helpful.

The work is easy and consists of cleaning and housekeeping. It's four hours a day and two days off a week. Everyday the hostel has to be cleaned from the bottom to the top. I also had the opportunity to work for a few days at the reception, which was one of the biggest challenges for me.

Another nice thing about volunteering at Igloo is being able to work in four different buildings (Pods, Annexe, Hybrid and Shed). Thus, there is no routine itself. And it may vary, the workplace was very good.

During this time I learned a lot. I met people from all over the world, from Estonia to Malaysia, from Canada to Argentina, and so on. That was the best part, because understanding and knowing other cultures is very valuable to me.

Apart from work, there are two days off and in a row. Thus, there is a chance to know nearby cities. I had the opportunity to visit some like Cambridge, York, Lincoln, Stratford Upon Avon and Liverpool. All of these are within easy reach and a maximum of 3 hours away by train from Nottingham. At the same time, I visited some cool things here in the city. An interesting walk is to go to Wollaton Park, where the movie Batman - The Dark Knight Rises was filmed. Another option is to stroll along the banks of the Trent River and the canal that cuts through the city. In the city centre there are several options of pubs and restaurants as well. And as I particularly love cinema, one of my favourites was Broadway Cinema located at Lace Market.

Well, it's kinda hard for me to write this because it brings back so many nice memories which makes me so nostalgic that it hurts. And, reading and writing it all now makes me happy and sad at the same time. Glad because I connected with very nice people and got a sense of duty fulfilled by everything I did and learned. And sad because I'm gonna miss this place so much.

My time here was beyond my expectations and I loved every minute of. The people I met, and the beds we made - all of it has a special place in my heart now. I will remember everything and everyone with great affection: Molly, Sarah, Marine, B, Sebastian, Giuseppe, Georgia, Paul, Xanthea, Nicky, Attila, I'm so grateful to have been part of this amazing team. Thanks for everything, from the bottom of my heart, guys. And be sure I'll be back sometime!

Deborah

Igloo Shed

Our brand new wing, Igloo Shed, located next to Igloo Hybrid (Wheeler Gate)is now OPEN! At Igloo Shed you can find find 6 new rooms, en-suites, funky decor, artwork throughout the building by local artists SmallKid and Fryface, brand new bathrooms, Freeview TV, multiple USB ports and plug sockets and double-glazed windows. Free WiFi is also available in common areas. SHED also benefits from sharing Igloo Hybrid’s lovely urban garden, lounge area and fully equipped self-catering kitchen!

Superior Double Room (+ Sofa Bed options)

This room comes equipped with a double bed with a super comfy memory foam mattress and an ensuite bathroom. It also has the option of a single or double sofa bed, allowing for up to 3 person occupancy - just add at the time of booking!

Deluxe Double Room (+ Sofa Bed option)

This room comes equipped with an ensuite bathroom and a double bed with a super comfy memory foam mattress. It also has a sofa bed, just add an extra person at the time of booking!

Deluxe Twin Room (+ Sofa Bed options)

This room comes equipped with 2 single beds with super comfy memory foam mattresses and 1 shared toilet / 1 shared shower and 1 shared bathroom. Up to 4 people can stay in this room using our double sofa bed option!

Double En-Suite Room

This room comes equipped with a double bed with a super comfy memory foam mattress and an ensuite bathroom.

Twin Room with Garden View

This room comes equipped with 2 single beds with super comfy memory foam mattresses and 1 shared toilet / 1 shared shower and 1 shared bathroom.

To book any of our new rooms go to > https://www.thebookingbutton.co.uk/properties/igloohybriddirect?locale=en . All new rooms are labelled with SHED.