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Summary of reviewsYHA Blue Mountains Katoomba enjoys a superb central location in Katoomba, offering guests easy access to train and bus stations, as well as nearby supermarkets and various boutique shops and cafes. The renowned Three Sisters lookout and several hiking trails are within walking distance, making it an ideal base for exploring the Blue Mountains. The hostel strikes a balance between historical charm and modern amenities with spacious rooms, excellent communal spaces and helpful local information enhancing its appeal.
While breakfast at the hostel is adequate for those on a tight budget, featuring basic options like müsli, bread and beverages, it lacks variety and does not always meet everyone's expectations. Crowded dining areas and occasional issues with birds can detract from the experience, so exploring nearby breakfast options might be beneficial.
The communal kitchen receives high praise for its large size and cleanliness, making it easy for guests to cook dinner. The hostel also features a lovely garden for meals and is situated near various restaurants for those who prefer dining out.
Guests commend the hostel for its clean and comfortable rooms, which include essential amenities like private bathrooms, ample storage and effective heating. Common areas are described as spacious and practical, including a large kitchen and impressive outdoor seating. While some rooms might benefit from minor updates, the overall atmosphere is cozy, particularly appreciated during winter. The overall cleanliness is commendable, but periodic issues in the kitchen and bathrooms are noted.
The staff at YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba stand out for their friendliness and helpfulness, consistently going above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay. Specifically praised staff members, like Daniel, Flavia and Sarah, contribute to the positive guest experience by providing valuable information and exceptional service.
The WiFi generally works well both in common areas and individual rooms, though some guests note occasional slow speeds and the fact that it isn't always free.
Beds offer a mixed experience; many guests find them comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, while others note issues with hard, thin mattresses and cleanliness.
Although the hostel is situated in a historic building that lacks an elevator, wheelchair ramps and accessible rooms are available. However, some accessibility features could use improvement.
Overall, YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba is a clean, comfortable and well-situated hostel offering a welcoming environment for both family stays and solo travelers. Its excellent location, friendly staff and practical amenities make it a great choice for those looking to explore the Blue Mountains. Show more
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Categories
Hostel with Free Wi-Fi
As a hostel, it provides a budget-friendly option with free Wi-Fi, allowing travelers to stay connected without incurring extra costs. This makes it a popular choice for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers.
Hostel with Parking
Offers free private parking.
Cheap Hostel
This hostel provides budget-friendly accommodation in a prime location within Katoomba. It offers essential amenities such as a communal kitchen and comfortable lounge areas, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers looking to explore the Blue Mountains.
Accessible Hostel
5-Star Hostel
Room Types
Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory with Shared BathroomPlease note that the price is based on 1 guest staying in a bunk bed.
Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room with Shared BathroomPlease note that the price is based on 1 guest staying in a bunk bed.
Double EnsuiteThis room features a work desk.
Twin Room with Private BathroomThis room features a private en suite bathroom and a work desk.
Family Room with Private BathroomThis room features a private en suite bathroom, a TV and a work desk.
Bed in 4-Bed Male Dormitory with Shared BathroomRooms are 12 square metres.
Queen Room with BathroomThe double room features a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. This double room provides a TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Bed in 8-Bed Male Dormitory Room with Shared BathroomRooms are 20 square metres.
Bed in 8-Bed Female Dormitory Room with Shared BathroomRooms are 20 square metres.
Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared BathroomRooms are 20 square metres.
Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room
Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
Single Bed in Male Dormitory Room
Single Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Family Room with Shared BathroomThe family room provides a carpeted floor and heating, as well as a shared bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 4 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.4
Very Good
Location
YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba boasts a fantastic location that truly enhances the experience of visiting this stunning region. Nestled centrally in the heart of Katoomba, this hostel offers guests easy access to a wealth of local attractions and amenities. It's conveniently positioned within walking distance to the train and bus stations, making travel straightforward.
The hostel's proximity to well-known supermarkets like Aldi, Woolworths and various boutique shops and cafes ensures that all necessities are just a short stroll away. For those keen on exploring, the renowned Three Sisters lookout and several trailheads for Blue Mountains hiking tracks are also within manageable walking distance.
Guests have repeatedly praised the hostel for its perfectly central spot, which not only facilitates seamless trips to the surrounding natural wonders but also enables effortless exploration of the town’s vibrant main street. The area around the hostel features a variety of restaurants and eateries, adding to the convenience and appeal of the location.
With a mix of historical charm and modern amenities, the YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba proves to be a superb choice for travelers keen on both relaxation and adventure. The hostel's spacious rooms, excellent communal spaces, friendly atmosphere and comprehensive local information only add to its allure, making it an ideal base for discovering the beauty of the Blue Mountains.
Breakfast
Travelers staying at YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba have varied experiences with the breakfast offerings. For those who have breakfast included, it is generally considered to be a good start to the day with options like müsli, bread and jam, along with beverages such as coffee, tea, juice and water. However, guests have noted that the breakfast is quite basic and could benefit from the inclusion of items like cheese and sausage. Some found it sufficient and a good value, particularly if they're on a tight budget with mentions of items such as delicious oats from the free cupboard and occasional free treats like pancakes.
On the flip side, others found the breakfast to be below average and not worth the additional cost, suggesting that it could be skipped. The buffet, while complete and cheap, might not meet everyone’s expectations. The breakfast area can get crowded without enough seating and there are occasional issues with birds in the dining area, which could detract from the dining experience.
Guests recommend extending the breakfast hours to 11 am for better convenience. Overall, while the breakfast may not be the highlight of the stay, it provides an adequate option for a budget-friendly meal to start the day. For a more satisfying breakfast experience, visitors might want to explore nearby options such as Pomegranate in the village.
Dinner
Guests at YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba appreciate the dining options at and around the hotel. The communal kitchen often comes up in reviews with many praising its large size and cleanliness, highlighting that it has ample fridge space and can accommodate many guests. Cooking dinner every night is a common activity for visitors, taking advantage of the great kitchen options and adequate space. However, some guests have noted that the kitchen could use more tables and kitchenware. Outside the hotel, the village offers various dining options with many delicious restaurants easily accessible. Additionally, the hotel's lovely garden provides a pleasant setting for enjoying meals.
Rooms
YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba offers a comfortable and convenient retreat nestled in a stunning location close to restaurants, cafes and supermarkets. Guests frequently highlight the cleanliness of the rooms, which are also described as spacious, comfortable and well-equipped with essential amenities like private bathrooms, ample storage and effective heating. Many visitors find the beds to be particularly comfortable, making for a restful stay.
The hostel's family rooms receive positive feedback for their size and functionality, though some guests note that these can be a bit cramped. Overall, comfort is a recurring theme with rooms providing a cozy and warm atmosphere, especially appreciated during the winter months.
Common areas within the property are described as spacious, tidy and practical with a large kitchen being a notable highlight. The communal spaces, including an impressive outdoor seating area, contribute to a welcoming environment for guests to relax and socialize.
While some rooms appear outdated and could benefit from minor renovations, the overall experience remains positive thanks to the cleanliness and functionality of the accommodations. Guests also appreciate additional touches such as individual lights and power sockets for each bed, large lockers and even rooms offering magnificent views of the Blue Mountains.
Despite a few drawbacks like occasional noise from neighboring rooms and some outdated furnishings, YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba stands out as a clean, practical and comfortable option conducive for both family stays and solo travelers. The friendly and helpful staff further enhance the welcoming atmosphere of this well-situated hostel.
Beds
YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba offers a mixed experience when it comes to its beds. Guests frequently point out that the beds are generally comfortable with many reviewers noting they had a good night's sleep. Some found the mattresses and pillows to be particularly comfy, describing them as clean and cozy upon arrival. Several reviews specifically mention enjoying a cozy and warm environment in their rooms.
However, not all reviews were positive. A notable number of guests found the beds to be uncomfortable, citing issues with hard mattresses, beds being squeaky and occasionally worn-out, thin mattresses. Cleanliness was also a concern for some with remarks about bedding not being pristine and some bed linen not appearing clean.
Despite these mixed reviews, many guests appreciated the overall cleanliness of the rooms and the practical features like plugs for charging near the beds. The family-friendly atmosphere and spacious rooms were also highlighted as positive aspects of the hostel.
In summary, while YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba seems to provide a generally comfortable sleeping experience for many, there are still some concerns regarding bed comfort and cleanliness that future guests might want to consider.
Cleanliness
The YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba is often praised for its clean rooms and well-maintained common areas. Many guests highlight the hostel's welcoming atmosphere, comfortable and tidy rooms and spacious bathrooms. The facilities, such as the large clean kitchen and organized public spaces, add to the overall positive experience.
However, some areas require attention. The kitchen occasionally lacks cleanliness and some guests noted that cleaning in common areas and rooms could be more thorough. The showers, while mostly clean, have sporadic hot water and poor pressure and some guests found hair in certain areas.
Despite these cleanliness issues, the overall consensus is that the hostel maintains a good level of cleanliness and offers a cozy, quiet environment with friendly staff. The historic building adds a unique charm, making it a noteworthy place to stay in the Blue Mountains.
Staff
YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba boasts an exemplary team of dedicated and welcoming staff that has garnered widespread praise from guests. Reviews consistently highlight the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff with phrases like very welcoming, friendly and accommodating and always amazing frequently mentioned. Guests appreciate the super friendly and efficient service, particularly commending staff members like Daniel, Flavia and Sarah for their courtesy, availability and customer service skills. The front desk staff is noted for providing helpful suggestions, maps and valuable information about nearby attractions, which have enhanced guests' experiences. Whether assisting with recommendations for walks in Katoomba or ensuring check-ins are smooth and welcoming, the staff go above and beyond to make guests feel comfortable and at home. The overall sentiment is that of genuine friendliness and efficiency, contributing to a positive and memorable stay for visitors.
Wi-Fi
YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba generally offers a strong and reliable WiFi connection throughout the building. Guests frequently mention the good quality of the WiFi, highlighting that it works well in common areas as well as in individual rooms. The connection is praised for being very good, excellent and strong, ensuring that guests do not experience issues with connectivity. However, a few comments note a lack of information about the WiFi and some guests mentioned that the WiFi isn’t always free or that it can occasionally be slow.
Accessible
YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba is an established, historic building located near convenient transportation options including train stations and bus lines with supermarkets and other shops close by, making it a handy and accessible location. Visitors noted that wheelchair signs and directions are clearly mentioned and the hostel uses vendors to provide wheelchair ramps for staff. Some rooms were reported to be fully accessible for disabled guests. However, the absence of an elevator and limited information about accessible rooms were highlighted as drawbacks. Additionally, some guests mentioned issues such as the cleanliness of toilets at the reception and the unavailability of room-fixing services. Overall, the hostel is celebrated for its proximity to essential services and transport, contributing to its accessibility despite some gaps in facilities.
No, YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba.
No, YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba.
No, YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba doesn't have a gym.