Launceston Backpackers

The kitchen was dirty and neglected when we went to make breakfast, and the overall atmosphere didn’t feel welcoming. After years of staying in hostels, this was our worst experience. It felt more like somewhere people lived long-term than a place for travellers. I also left my Kindle in the room. I emailed someone and paid to have it posted to me in Sydney, but it never arrived. They gave me no tracking number or proof it had been sent. After several unanswered emails and failed calls, someone finally answered and said the person who handled the mailing no longer worked there, and there was no tracking information. I honestly doubt it was ever posted. It was a disappointing, unpleasant stay, and I’d never stay at this hostel again or recommend it to anyone.

The manager’s conduct made us feel unsafe and extremely uncomfortable. He was creepy and unprofessional, and when the water started playing up, he denied there was a problem and aggressively blamed us instead of apologising or dealing with it. We stayed for two days, and the facilities were in shocking disrepair. There was no storage or dustbin, and barely any fixtures worked. The bathroom was awful: the knobs were broken, and the shower would suddenly turn from hot to freezing or scalding. Halfway through washing my hair, the water stopped completely. We had to step out soaking wet to ask the manager what was happening. The kitchen and common areas were filthy, so we avoided them. The tap water tasted awful, and shortly after drinking it I got sick with an infection. The location had potential, but the poor hygiene, lack of basic amenities and staff behaviour made this a dreadful stay. I strongly advise against staying here.

It was okay, it works if you’ve stayed in a backpackers before. Check-in and checkout were easy, the people were chill, and the rooms and sheets were clean. The bathrooms, kitchen and common areas were a little gross, though that seemed to be down to people not cleaning up after themselves, rather than the cleaners.

I stayed for a whole month and felt right at home. This is one of the best hostels I’ve stayed in, and I’d recommend it 100%. My room had its own bathroom, and the shared bathroom and other areas I saw were clean. There’s a huge kitchen with a fridge and freezer, cleaned daily. The manager is SUPER nice, and I’m really grateful for my time there. I hope to come back soon! The washing machine uses cold water but cleans well, and costs $3. There’s outdoor space to hang laundry. The location is great, with Coles and dominos close by, and parking is free. Internet was fine in the mornings, but in the evenings it was better not to need it. Keep a phone handy for check-in in case reception is closed.