Geraldton Backpackers on the Foreshore

A gorgeous old building in a terrific location, and exceptionally clean. The shared bathroom was spotless, bright and lovely. Great value.

When I arrived back in September, the hostel looked clean and cared for, the room was alright, and the gated parking lot was reassuring. It had good reviews and a great location, so my expectations were decent. I'd waited a while to post because I don't like leaving bad reviews, but what happened was dangerous. At night, the room I shared with another person began to smell strongly of cigarette smoke. I'd told the receptionist at check-in that I don't smoke and have asthma. I started coughing and was afraid of an asthma attack. The other woman in the room checked on me and said she smelled something strange too. I couldn't stay, so I went to reception and called the after-hours number for help. Nobody answered. I kept calling and emailed until around 11pm, but couldn't reach anyone. In the end, I slept on the downstairs couch. In the morning, I explained what happened to the receptionist in person and by text before checking out. She said she'd raise it with her boss and that I might get a partial refund. A refund would have been nice since I didn't sleep in the bed I'd paid for, but that wasn't my main concern. The messages I got about their “investigation” appalled me. It's nearly impossible to smell something 12 OR MORE HOURS later, let alone days afterward. My low rating is about how they handled the situation, without care and in a dangerous way. If there's an emergency and nobody is available, how can I feel safe or looked after in a place where guests are left alone?

My husband stayed here last night. The receptionist was lovely, and there were two beautiful little dogs.

A very nice hostel in a beautiful old building. Everything was clean and smelled lovely, and the kitchen was large. Pips is lovely and helpful.