Sir Toby's Hostel

It turns out a hostel room with two beds can feel much cozier than a luah hotel room. The staff were really friendly and helpful, and the managers were understanding and provided everything we asked for. We missed room cleaning one day even though we hadn’t put out the “Do not disturb” sign, but that may have been down to the Christmas rush. The breakfast was great, and it costs less if you buy it on your first night. Public transport is nearby and easy to use, with a few interesting places around that the staff introduced us to. The bar downstairs is fun for younger people, and when it’s quieter it’s a nice place to relax. They also hold some interesting events, though we didn’t have time to join. Thanks, everyone :))

We stayed in the private room called Balcony. It had a private bathroom, three beds, one of them double, and a balcony. It was clean and definitely spacious enough. Our room felt a little cold in December, but staff brought us a heater and that fixed it. There’s a luggage room, laundry room, and I think just about anything you might need. The staff were incredibly helpful. The place is easy to get around from by tram. They offer free events and tours, towels, lockers, cheap but delicious breakfast, and a lovely little evening bar. It’s not big and is usually full of students, but it’s cute. One day we needed the room cleaned, but it wasn’t, although we hadn’t put up a “do not disturb” sign. Maybe we should have asked directly, since it was a busy Christmas season.

The rooms were fine and good value for how affordable they are. I liked the location for the places I wanted to visit. It’s a quieter part of town, but buses make it quick to get around, and a couple of the cooler, less touristy clubs are within walking distance. The staff were very accommodating. I got a free room upgrade, and when they were overbooked one night, they arranged a stay at Sophie's Hostel, which was very nice too.

I was in the 12-person dorm, with four sets of triple bunks. The bunks were surprisingly sturdy and quiet, though I wish mine had been against the wall so my pillow wouldn’t fall into the gap. The mattress and clean linen were very comfortable, especially the soft, puffy pillow. Each bed has a short curtain that covers only your top half, so the bedroom light still shines into your eyes. There’s a reading light, two shelves, and a large lockable drawer at every bed, handy for my 75L hiking bag. The room was spacious and heated well despite the cold outside. There’s a sink, mirror, and running water, but I’m not sure what it’s for, since even a flask won’t fit under the tap. A small table and chair were there too, though everyone seemed too shy to claim much space. The toilets were cleaned every day, and the staff were friendly and happy to give me the information I needed. There’s a kitchen with everything, a luggage room, and a Penny grocery store a short walk away, plus takeaways around the corner. Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out at 11:00. Maybe I came at the wrong time of year, but it was surprisingly quiet, and people didn’t really talk to each other. That’s why I’m giving it four stars, one off for the lack of atmosphere. I thought the cozy lounge in the basement bar area might liven up when the bar opened Wednesday at 18:30, but it stayed dead. Sir Toby could use a foosball table to help people connect. There’s something happening every day, according to the “Week Plans” photo, though I only went to the pub on Wednesday. I like that Sir Toby is environmentally conscious. It reminds guests to switch off lights, has double glazing, and reuses furniture and doors. I wish people would stop slamming the doors and respect the hostel’s history and philosophy.