The Station Backpackers

For the price, it's a nice place and especially handy for Spark Arena and Queen Street. The staff aren't especially friendly, but they're not rude either. Our room could've been cleaner: the bin was broken and there was some rubbish in the sink. The shared kitchen could use better equipment, though maybe other guests take things to their rooms and don't bring them back. We had no spoon for breakfast and only one bowl. The light above the mirror is a great idea, but the bulb wasn't working.

The staff were lovely, polite, friendly, and helpful. The woman at the desk let us check out a little late without telling us off or charging us. We were excited to stay after being at another backpackers, but nobody told us the elevators weren't working until after we'd paid. With all those floors, having to walk up and down the stairs every time we went to the car or out for food got old fast.

The bed was comfortable, and the laundry is the cheapest: $3 for 46 minutes in the washing machine and $3 for an hour in the dryer. The staff are nice and the place is clean, but the kitchen isn't well equipped. My room smelled bad, and the Wi-Fi signal was very poor.

The location and price are great, but there are better budget options. This was my second stay, and the rooms aren't all equal. I requested a high floor if the elevator was fixed, or a lower one if not. I got the top floor with no elevator, even though I travel with gear and had explained why it mattered. I asked to switch but couldn't. There was no iron or board in the room, and it was a hassle to find one. The windows were taped shut, so the room felt stuffy like a cell. I hadn't used the kitchen last time, but this time it was disgraceful and needs a lot of work to be food grade.