Cheeky Carabao Backpackers Hostel

A couple of power or water issues came up, though that’s to be expected in the area. The hostel had AC in the rooms all day and a good location. What made it memorable was the classic hostel feeling: interesting people from around the world meet in an unfamiliar city and become friends for a little while. The staff deserve credit for that.

The room was full of mosquitoes, and in summer there was no air or ventilation. It got far too hot to sleep. There were 14 beds in one smelly room, and the linen smelled and wasn’t clean. For nearly 40 guests, there were only two toilets, which were almost never free. They were disgusting and stank. Reception was often unavailable, and after arriving we got no information about the hostel facilities. There were also racist remarks. Staff couldn’t speak English, making communication difficult. We waited 30 minutes at the door after arrival, then another 30 minutes before checkout because the receptionist was asleep, and we missed our train. We had paid for breakfast but never saw it.

The hostel was pleasant and quiet at night, and the staff were flexible about my arrival and helped me find my way around the city. Everything was clean, with all you’d want in a hostel, even a piano. The staff speak fluent English. Really nice place!

The location was really good, close to the city centre and lots of shops. We arrived before check-in, just planning to leave our bags, but the receptionist asked us to wait and got the room ready quickly. The room was a good size, fairly bright with two windows, and had two single beds pushed together. The mattresses need replacing. I could feel every spring in my back. The kitchen was tiny, poorly equipped, and often a bit disgusting. There were only two bathrooms with showers and toilets for about 40 guests, and they were usually occupied. The toilet paper ran out, the shower was dirty, and the bathroom floor was often wet. We booked a private room for four nights. It was pretty cheap, so I guess we got what we paid for, but the stay was only okay and I wouldn’t return.