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Summary of reviewsMelbourne City Backpackers offers a highly convenient option for travelers due to its exceptional central location in Melbourne's vibrant heart. The hostel enjoys great accessibility, located just steps from Southern Cross Station and offering easy access to public transport, key attractions, shopping, and dining options. Its position in the CBD allows guests to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of the city while supporting a seamless interaction with Melbourne's rich culture and nightlife.
The hostel provides a modest yet convenient breakfast, included in the stay, which guests appreciate as a value-driven addition. While basic, featuring items like toast, cereals, coffee, and tea, the breakfast offers a practical start to the day without needing to source food externally. The cleanliness of the rooms and bathrooms generally receives high praise, with fresh, modern facilities and attentive cleaning staff. Although some areas, such as the kitchen, receive criticism for cleanliness, adequate amenities and a comfortable environment are offered to backpackers seeking budget accommodations.
Melbourne City Backpackers stands out with its outstanding staff, who are frequently described as friendly, helpful, and welcoming. The staff contributes significantly to the hostel’s warm and inviting atmosphere, enhancing the guest experience with efficient service and a readiness to provide information. The Wi-Fi is noted for its strength and reliability, meeting the needs of connected travelers. The hostel's location invites guests to enjoy Melbourne's vibrant nightlife, although street noise can be a consideration for those sensitive to sound.
Beds are a mixed experience, with many guests appreciating cleanliness and comfort, though some note issues with bunk bed size and creaky frames. While certain mattresses offer excellent comfort, others receive criticism for their age and condition, detracting from the sleep experience for some travelers. Despite these drawbacks, the overall appeal of Melbourne City Backpackers lies in its strategic location, value offerings, and outstanding staff, making it a commendable choice for budget-conscious travelers exploring Melbourne. Show more
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Categories
Cheap Hostel
Offers budget accommodation in a central city location. It caters specifically to backpackers, providing dormitory-style rooms and communal facilities.
Hostel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hostel near Nightlife Spots
Hostel for Adults Only
3-Star Hostel
Room Types
Bed in 16-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared BathroomThis room has access to shared bathroom facilities.
Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared BathroomThis room has access to shared bathroom facilities.
Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room with Shared BathroomThis room has access to shared bathroom facilities.
Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared BathroomThis room has access to shared bathroom facilities.
Private Single Room with Shared Bathroom (1 Guest)This room has a double-sized bed and a single-sized bunk bed on top. It includes access to shared bathroom facilities.
Please note that the maximum occupancy is 1.
Private Double Room with Shared Bathroom (2 Guests)This room has a double-sized bed and a single-sized bunk bed on top. It includes access to shared bathroom facilities.
Please note that the maximum occupancy is 2.
Private Triple Room with Shared Bathroom (3 Guests)This room has a double-sized bed and a single-sized bunk bed on top. It includes access to shared bathroom facilities.
Please note that the maximum occupancy is 3.
Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room with Shared BathroomThis room has access to shared bathroom facilities.
Bed in 2-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared BathroomThis room has access to shared bathroom facilities.
Bed in 3-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared BathroomThis room has access to shared bathroom facilities.
Guest Reviews
7.2
Good
Location
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Melbourne, Melbourne City Backpackers boasts an incredibly convenient and central location that continually impresses its guests. Just steps away from Southern Cross Station, the hostel offers exceptional accessibility to Melbourne's public transport, including buses and trams, which is ideal for travelers arriving from the airport via the Skybus or looking to explore the city with ease. The proximity to key attractions, shopping, and dining options makes it an attractive spot for those wanting to immerse themselves in the city's lively atmosphere. Whether you're attending school, embarking on a sightseeing adventure, or simply enjoying the city's renowned culinary offerings, everything you need is within walking distance. The location also supports a seamless interaction with Melbourne's culture and nightlife, offering a hustle-free return to the hostel at any hour. Despite the centrality, guests appreciate a sense of calm as they enjoy the hostel's other amenities. Given its strategic placement in Melbourne's CBD, Melbourne City Backpackers stands as an excellent choice for both convenience and value, setting a remarkable backdrop for any memorable stay in this dynamic city.
Breakfast
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Melbourne, Melbourne City Backpackers offers a modest yet convenient breakfast experience that resonates well with travelers seeking value and simplicity. The breakfast, included in the stay, is a thoughtful addition considering the budget-friendly nature of the accommodation. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast featuring toast, cereals, coffee, and tea, with the morning meal available between 8:00 to 11:00 am—an ample timeframe for a leisurely start to the day.
While the breakfast is basic, comprising bread, butter, jam, tea, and coffee, it proves to be a welcome and practical amenity, sparing guests the hassle of sourcing breakfast externally. Despite its simplicity, reviewers noted the advantages of having breakfast included, with options such as muesli and toast offering a satisfactory start to their morning. Overall, guests appreciated the free breakfast as a pleasant touch amidst the great location, emphasizing the hotel's friendly atmosphere and efficient management.
Rooms
Melbourne City Backpackers offers straightforward accommodations with a focus on cleanliness, making it a comfortable choice for budget travelers. The rooms, while not lavishly decorated, maintain a high standard of cleanliness, with fresh bedding and tidy spaces. Although some guests mention minor inconveniences such as limited space under the beds or a creaky bed frame, the overall tranquility of the rooms ensures a restful stay. Private rooms are particularly noted for their safety, and the presence of individual lockers in dorm rooms adds an extra layer of security for personal belongings. Despite the compact nature of some rooms, there are options like spacious double rooms available. However, the lack of shelves in bathroom stalls could pose a minor challenge for visitors. In summary, the accommodations are suitable for those seeking an affordable yet clean and quiet place in the heart of the city.
Beds
Melbourne City Backpackers offers a mixed experience when it comes to their beds. Many guests describe the beds as clean, tidy, and super comfy, with firm mattresses providing a great night's sleep. Soft pillows often contribute to a cozy resting experience. However, there are notable drawbacks as well. Issues with small, low bunk beds that creak and squeak are commonly mentioned, and some beds have mattresses with protruding springs or thin, uncomfortable padding. While some mattresses provided excellent comfort, others were criticized for being hard or sagging, sometimes feeling decades old.
Overall, while some visitors praised the beds for their comfort and cleanliness, others pointed out discomfort and noise due to old or poor-quality materials. Alongside a lack of warmth and stains on bedding, these factors could detract from the comfort experience for some travelers. Despite these concerns, the positive comments suggest that a good night's sleep might still be possible for those fortunate enough to find themselves on one of the better beds.
Cleanliness
Melbourne City Backpackers presents a mixed picture when it comes to cleanliness based on guest reviews. On the positive side, many guests found the bathrooms and rooms to be very clean, with fresh and modern shower facilities and attentive cleaning staff maintaining the areas well. Several reviews praised the hostel for its overall cleanliness and noted the friendly and helpful nature of the staff. The hostel boasts an incredible location, offering easy access to some of Melbourne's top attractions.
However, some reviews highlighted areas in need of improvement. The cleanliness of the kitchen and certain parts of the hostel fell short, with reports of dirt, noise, and inadequate maintenance. Shared spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms, attracted criticism due to issues like poor ventilation, limited facilities, and hygiene discrepancies. Guests noted the need for more regular and thorough cleaning to match the hostel's high-traffic nature. Despite these concerns, the hostel generally offered adequate amenities for backpackers and provided a comfortable environment for many travelers.
Staff
Melbourne City Backpackers has received glowing praise from guests, particularly for its exceptional staff. Visitors frequently found the team to be friendly, helpful, and welcoming, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether being greeted with smiles or engaging in friendly conversations, the staff consistently demonstrated a keen ability to make guests feel at home. Many reviews highlighted specific individuals, such as receptionists, who went above and beyond, displaying patience and kindness. Even with instances of self-service check-in challenges, the overall impression remains positive thanks to the knowledgeable and attentive staff. Guests appreciated the efficient service, the readiness to provide information, and the efforts to accommodate personal schedules. The staff has contributed significantly to the hostel’s reputation for not only its hospitality but also its cleanliness and general ambiance. Overall, Melbourne City Backpackers distinguishes itself as a place where the staff's friendliness and helpfulness enhance the guest experience.
Wi-Fi
Positioned in a prime location with budget-friendly pricing, Melbourne City Backpackers offers a range of features that cater to the connected traveler. Most reviews highlight the consistently good internet connection, with several guests specifically appreciating the strong and reliable Wi-Fi. Although issues with functionality were noted by some, the overall experience with the Wi-Fi seems to be positive for many.
Safety is a focal point, particularly in how Wi-Fi access is managed, ensuring a secure digital environment for guests. While convenience is compromised in certain areas like charging ports, the positive remarks on Wi-Fi suggest that Melbourne City Backpackers generally meets the needs of those seeking dependable online access during their stay.
Nightlife
Situated in the vibrant heart of Melbourne, the nightlife surrounding Melbourne City Backpackers hums with energy and excitement. The area boasts an abundance of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, ensuring that visitors are never far from entertainment and dining options. King Street is particularly lively throughout the night, offering an active social scene that's ideal for young travelers seeking a dynamic Saturday night experience. While this central location places guests amid the bustling activity of the city's popular nightlife, it's important to note that the vibrant atmosphere does contribute to noise levels. Street sounds can permeate the accommodations, potentially challenging those with lighter sleep preferences. Nevertheless, this lively setting is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in Melbourne's renowned nightlife.
3 Star
Melbourne City Backpackers offers a convenient stay for travelers and backpackers looking to explore the city. The location is a major advantage, being just a short 3-minute walk from the bus station, enabling easy access to Skybus services to the airports. While the overall appearance may not be the most modern, the facilities are praised for their practicality and organization. Guests appreciate the friendly and accommodating staff, who ensure a smooth experience even when the reception is not open 24 hours by providing access codes for late check-ins. The complimentary breakfast is a nice touch, adding to the value of the stay. Although some aspects could benefit from a more thorough cleaning, the overall service and deal remain satisfactory for those seeking a budget-friendly option in Melbourne.
No, Melbourne City Backpackers doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Melbourne City Backpackers.
No, Melbourne City Backpackers doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Melbourne City Backpackers.
No, Melbourne City Backpackers doesn't have a gym.