Hostel G

I’m from Chile, and from the moment I arrived, everyone was kind and welcoming. The staff were especially warm and ready to help, and I felt really cared for. Even sharing a mixed dorm with six people and one bathroom, I found the stay very comfortable. The kitchen was clean, the facilities spacious, and the common areas were great for meeting travelers from around the world. There was plenty of social life, and the good beer was a bonus. I’m grateful for the stay, a definite 10 out of 10, and would absolutely recommend the hostel.

The only reasons I can give this one star are that the woman making coffee was really nice and the coffee was decent, and a French staff member was helpful and kind. Otherwise, this was an utterly awful hostel. The price was exorbitant for an uncomfortable mattress where I could feel every spring and a thin, dusty-feeling pillow. For that cost, I still had to make my own bed, with no pillowcase or duvet cover, and the top bunks were so high they felt unsafe. The so-called kitchen was a wall of microwaves and a shelf of appliances with only one small bench, inadequate tools and hardly any dishes. I counted two forks, and had to wash one before using it, despite seeing only two people eating. The building felt like a renovated slum that still managed to be a slum. The bathroom sink cabinet door was broken and left ajar, the air conditioning didn’t work, and the main showerhead holder was broken. The alternative pointed almost at the ceiling, so showering meant holding the showerhead. Neither the shower nor sink drained properly. The room lights only worked when the key was in the wall slot, which was annoying when my bunkmate took it. Customer service was also terrible. A dark-haired woman from India with glasses was confrontational and rude. When I called about fridge space, I was told not to worry, they’d find room even if the fridges were full. Once there, the fridges were full, and she told me to go through other guests’ food and throw it away. That shouldn’t be a guest’s responsibility, and it’s bad hostel etiquette. There were no food labels, and it was clear the hostel never cleaned out the fridges. Later, she was standing by the desk in uniform, but when I asked about activities, she snapped, “I’m not working.” She could have directed me to a colleague. A random person beside her was kind and answered my simple question. Other staff were condescending when I called to book, and oddly brought up bad reviews, saying people hate them. The refund policy is also completely inflexible for weekend bookings. Don’t book here.

My glam women-only room was great, with its own bathroom and showers, and my roommates were respectful of the space and quiet times. I didn’t use the other amenities, like the kitchen, so can’t comment on them. Bunk curtains would give people more privacy. I didn’t find the area appealing, and shops and restaurants weren’t convenient, though that’s not the hostel’s fault. I always felt safe, and the CBD was quick to reach.

It’s a great spot near train stations, museums and RAC Arena. The shared room has no bed curtains, and the ensuite toilet is a reasonable size but best shared just with your roommates. Staff responded promptly and fixed the sink drainage problem the other day.