Urban Backpackers

I wouldn’t stay here again. The hostel is run-down, I never felt safe, the Wi-Fi didn’t work at all and the kitchen wasn’t clean. The website photos are outdated, and the night staff were confusing and unhelpful. There were three of us, but even though we’d booked dorm beds, the receptionist put us in a double room. He couldn’t say whether it had two beds or three. It worked out in the end, but we were charged for a private room instead of the dorm beds we wanted. In the morning, when we asked what area the bus station was in, all he said was “the station of the bus.” Luckily our Uber driver knew more. I’ve stayed in lots of places in Southern Africa, and this was by far the worst. Trust me, pay another dollar and stay somewhere else.

The staff really make the difference here. They were all friendly, helpful and ready to lend guests a hand. We’d come back when visiting Jo’Burg again. Thanks for everything! The backpackers is close to Gandhi square and the main bus station, with good transport connections. The rooms, toilets and showers were clean, and the showers had hot water. The rooftop is cozy and a nice place to eat takeaway on the terrace.

The bar and restaurant downstairs was the best part, and they usually organize activities during the week. The bedrooms are spacious, and there’s a nice rooftop area for self-catering. You can leave your car at a nearby private parking lot for 45R per day. It’s quite a nice place for one night in Joburg, though it tries to look like a European-style hostel. The location is the main downside, since Joburg is one of the less safe cities I’ve been in. It’s really noisy at night.

It was terrible. There were so many bedbugs, no Wi-Fi, a kitchen too dirty to use and lots of big mice. You should find another hotel.