Mango Tourist Hostel

The hostel is a lovely historic building with wooden walls and a roomy old Queensland veranda, though you can hear sound through the walls. If you need a very soundproof place, this probably isn’t for you. It’s a small, slightly eccentric setup, usually with only a handful of people: one four bed bunk room, a twin room, and a double room. It’s often peaceful, the other guests are usually friendly, and the place is clean and tidy. The kitchen has plenty of supplies, including a four burner gas hob, microwave, toaster, kettle, and sink. Phil is charming, knows a lot, and is often around the hostel for a chat. He’s also available by phone to help and can sort out deals on tours. I forgot to mention that Phil and his partner have a beautiful dog called Leyla, I think. She’s very friendly and comes in with Phil. My partner loves hostel dogs, so that’s a definite plus.

The common area was nice, and at first the hostel seemed cozy, tidy, and well equipped. But I booked a private room hoping to get a good night’s sleep, and “private” turned out to be a stretch. There’s a large opening at the top of the wall into the room with the group bunk beds, like a window frame with no glass. I could hear everything from there, including the loudest snorer ever and someone whose cough made me think he might have tuberculosis.

This little place felt much more like a shared house than a regular hostel, which I loved. It only fits 8-10 people and has really cute interiors. If you want a party hostel or a huge place where you’re just a number, Mango Hostel probably isn’t for you. I’m a solo woman traveller and have stayed in lots of hostels over the years, and this was one of the good ones. The owner is chatty and has plenty of off the beaten track recommendations, especially if you’re into sailing. There are no lockers and the front door is unlocked, but I never felt unsafe. If you don’t want to leave valuables there, just take them with you for the day. The walls are thin, so you hear the other rooms, but earplugs at night do the trick. The kitchen is well equipped, the shower is nice and warm, and the bed was comfy. The mattress is a bit thin, but I didn’t mind it. I’d definitely stay again.

Very sketchy. There was no service and only street parking. The dog next door was vicious. I didn’t feel safe, and there was no air conditioning, no insect screens, and no privacy.