Asylum Cairns Hostel

I lived at this hostel for three months. Honestly, it feels like a 50/50 gamble. There are two managers who take turns running things. If Annie "likes" you, she may be polite. Otherwise, once you’ve signed the contract, she can become cold, rude, and even hostile. The cameras make you feel very uncomfortable, since she watches guests 24/7. But when my croissant was stolen in my first week, suddenly the camera "can’t see" my shelf. I asked her to check the footage after someone threw my drying clothes on the floor. She said, "I'll check when I have time." Days later, she said she’d kicked the person out. I’m certain that was a lie, because nobody actually moved out. She only takes action when her rules or authority are affected. The atmosphere can feel oppressive. She puts passive-aggressive notes with room numbers in shared areas, and once announced a full room inspection to find a missing plastic container and knife. Even a small mistake can earn you giant letters taped to your door. The facilities have serious problems too. The Google photos are from 9 or 10 years ago and don’t show what it’s like now. There are rats in the kitchen at night and pigeons flying inside in the morning. In the women’s bathroom in my block, the showers would sometimes suddenly run boiling hot. My locked bike was stolen from the hostel’s bike rack. The response was, “We can’t control who comes in and out, and we can’t improve security because the council doesn’t allow us.” I later found out another guest who’d lived there a long time had already had three bikes stolen. The other manager, Leslie, is the complete opposite. He’s calm, respectful, and professional. He communicates clearly, keeps the place clean, and makes the rules feel fair and reasonable. Unfortunately, he isn’t always in charge. There’s a three-month maximum stay rule. Annie lets people she likes stay longer, but if you know she doesn’t like you, find somewhere better to live. My partner and I were eventually kicked out. I honestly don’t know why we waited so long to leave. We’re much happier and more at peace now, with one less thing to stress about! One thing to keep in mind: she’s really good with words, so she’ll probably respond to this review in a way that makes her seem reasonable. But remember, she is not!!

Hello, I'm giving it two stars for the time when Leslie is in charge. Otherwise it should be zero. It’s a very run-down place to stay while you look for better accommodation, and I completely agree with the other comments. When Annie is in charge, just run away. She controls everything with cameras, so you feel like you can't breathe quietly, and she makes you very uncomfortable. It’s a shame, because the place would be better without her.

I could work quietly at the Asylum at any time, and the WiFi held up well over the couple of months I stayed. As a digital nomad, having a bed, desk and internet was exactly what I needed, and there were plenty of housemates around to meet and spend time with. The location made it easy to get to the esplanade restaurants, the mall and cinema, and tours around Far North Queensland. Annie and Les were friendly and helpful too. I had a great time and would consider it for a longer stay in Cairns.

A peaceful, laid-back place, with clean rooms, kitchen and bathrooms that are a good size. It has everything you need and then some for an affordable price. The location is ideal for seeing Cairns and the surrounding area. Would recommend!