Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse

I booked an 8-bed female-only dorm because I expected privacy and safety. Checking in alone was straightforward, even though the host had gone out for dinner, and I found the dorm easily. The male host entered the female dorm twice while showing guests their beds, without proper notice. The first time there was only a very faint knock. The second time he walked in with no notice at all while I was about to get undressed. I felt extremely uncomfortable. When I raised it politely, he said he was “not open to feedback” and told me to go somewhere else if I didn’t like it. I said he could show guests the door without entering the dorm. He replied that showing guests the available beds was how he preferred to run the business, even though I’d checked myself in and already knew which beds were available. After that confrontation, another female guest told me she was leaving the hostel for the same reason. It showed a clear lack of respect for women’s privacy, comfort, and boundaries. Female travellers who value respect and safety should find somewhere else to stay.

Montacute is Montagreat! It’s peaceful despite being right in the heart of Battery Point, and the space is well maintained. Antony, the host, is quick-tongued and very accommodating. Thanks for the welcome and such an impressionable attitude. He explained all the basics I needed to know in an instant, and I’ve never felt more welcome. I’d definitely consider coming back on my next trip down to Tassie.

The garden was pretty and the area was nice, but getting there wasn’t very convenient, especially from the airport. It’s a fair walk from the town centre and uphill, which could be difficult with luggage or if you’re not driving. The shared bathrooms were another downside. There are only two toilets and showers for a lot of guests, more than 20 perhaps, so waits were often long. The top bunk was noisy, and its charging ports weren’t conveniently placed, meaning you had to climb up and down to charge your phone. After my stay, I developed itchy bites all over my back. The beds looked clean, but I strongly suspect the bites were from bed bugs, which was uncomfortable and concerning.

Antony, the owner, was kind, helpful, and involved, and the place had everything we needed and more. It was clean, with very comfortable beds, and felt like a home away from home. The location was great too. I was sad to leave Montacute, but I’m looking forward to coming back. Thank you for everything!