YHA Adelaide Central

I wish I’d stayed here from the start instead of spending my first few days in a different Adelaide hostel. The team were lovely and welcoming, and I really liked the feel of the big kitchen and the dining and hangout space next to it. There’s even more room upstairs, and the location is great. The beds were comfortable, though curtains for a bit more privacy would have been one of the few improvements. I’d definitely return.

This is one of the best hostels I’ve stayed in across Australia. There’s loads of space in the common areas and kitchens, and plenty of room for everyone. When fridges break, they get repaired quickly. Showers and toilets are on every floor, and it’s clear people work hard to keep them clean. The staff are friendly, and Alessandro deserves a special mention for starting the street cleaning effort. I think that’s really commendable. Backpackers can ask to stay beyond the two-week limit shown at reception, which is useful if you’re working through your 88 days.

YHA Adelaide has such a lovely feel to it. With only three floors, it feels more intimate and less anonymous than most hostels. There’s a park just across the street and a grocery store about five minutes away. Inside, the big common room makes it easy for a lot of people to sit together and start chatting, but the social atmosphere never felt forced. The kitchen was large and very clean, and there were plenty of other spots to relax or get some quiet work done. I absolutely adore this place.

I’ve stayed here a few times and plan to return. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and well looked after, and the price is good value. The property is managed well and guests are cared for. It’s also in a handy central spot, close to transport and services.