Nomads Backpackers

This hostel is a popular one, previously with a loud party reputation but now a lot quieter as it is in a quiet residential area and neighbours have complained.

Nomads is in the Musgrave area of Durban, a safe residential area, and less than five minutes' walk to the Musgrave shopping centre which has a supermarket, cinema, shops, cafes, ATMs and foreign exchange. It is also near the bus stop for goingin into town and the minibus taxi stop. These buses go via Florida Road where there are many cafes, pubs and restaurants. There is off-road parking behind a locked gate, and there is a pedestrian access code to get into the grounds as well. It is about a 20 minute downhill walk to the Botanical Gardens, and a further 20-30 minute walk into the city. As Musgrave is on a hill overlooking the city, it is easier to walk into town and catch a minibus back rather than the other way round, but the buses and minibuses are inexpensive. A regular taxi will cost about 20 times as much.

There are various sized dorms, as well as private room options. There is a 6 bed dorm with three bunks, an 8 bed (with a normal bunk and two triple bunks) and a 10 bed dorm (with three normal bunks and two triple bunks). The larger dorm has an ensuite bathroom with shower over, which is good sized and has a sink and WC as well. The main bathroom facilities for the other dorms are next to the reception, with a small shower room with WC and sink. This is a bit outdated and tired looking but generally clean. Next to this is a bathroom with sink and WC, but this is also where the washing machines are so the cleaners are frequently in here. There is a separate newer building with private rooms, and guests can use the shower room in here also.

The first entrance room is large and open plan with a pool table, table and chairs where breakfast is served, and the reception / bar in the corner. Off here are corridors to the dorms, there is an open plan lounge with sofas, coffee table and book exchange, with a computer room off here with one computer for internet access. The kitchen is also off the main entrance room, which is outdated but adequate. Again, there is a newer kitchen in the other building which guests can also use, but storage and fridge space in both kitchens are limited, especially as it is shared with all the people who work here. In this newer building is also a large open plan room with a few chairs around a TV, although there is no option to change channels yourself as it is only an extention of the TV in the owner's cottage and whatever channel they are watching. There is also a dining table here and patio doors to a large outside picnic table. The main seating area is outside next to the swimming pool, as there are benches around a coffee table under a covered area. There are also tables and chairs around the outside servery which is occasionally manned to serve snacks and beverages, and there is a larger grassy area infront of a third building which some guests are put into.

The hostel is generally clean, although quite tired. The bar is limited as is the activity centre - some of the staff are friendly and helpful. It is not all that sociable and facilities could be better managed and rooms placed - the bathrooms being across the open social spaces next to the bar is not ideal. However, it has one of the best locations in the city, being in such a safe neighbourhood and so close to the Musgrave Centre and the bus routes to get into the city.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review