Transit Centre Backpackers

A Nice Stopover
"This is not really a party hostel" is probably something that one of the two managers will mention to you when you get there. And it's true. The place has a relaxed ambiance and is run by two very gracious and nice Australian guys who are friendly and laid back. It's small, friendly, and relaxed and couldn't be more convenient if you're continuing on with some coach travel as the coach transit centre is underneath. Don't worry about coach noise -- it doesn't service all the coach companies, only one and the hours they keep are civilized. Don't worry about train noise either -- there are no trains in Tasmania!

OK, I had such a good time there. The common area is the best place for meeting people. Recently I stayed there for 4 nights and I did meet fantastic backpackers. However, I will just concentrate upon reviewing the hostel out of my whole experience. I've realised it from this experience that your satisfaction level heavily depends upon your encounter with personnel and service. I must say one of the personnel who works evening shift is by far the rudest receptionist as I've ever met in Australia. He rarely stays at the reception desk and if you need help or information you may have to wait for hours. Even if you ask questions, the way he answers is unbelievably rude although he thinks he is just being friendly. Moreover, he shows strong preference for the guests. If you are especially an Asian or a female, you might have to stand his "lecture" as well. He does not hesitate to suddenly sit in front of you taking the initiative of your conversation. By all means did he give me the first lecture on my arrival (I'm a bloke from Japan), however I replied to him with a fancy counter-argument enough to shut his mouth. Since then his attitude to me became terrible. The other receptionist was OK, but when I needed to ask questions he was playing pool with one of the guests. He's got a lot to learn also. Conclusion: As long as he works there, I will never stay there again,. The receptionist must know the difference between rudeness and friendliness although being friendly is a must. Some other fellow travellers (esp. females) have exactly the same opinion as I do. However, if you could get along with this bloke, you would rate this hostel as 5 stars. By the way, I've just remembered one of his lectures "the pen is mightier than the sword." See what I've just done.