The Spencer Backpackers

The Spencer Backpackers is a very homey place, not too large and not too small. It is situated on the corner of Spencer and Rosslyn Streets, just to the north west of the CBD. This location is close enough to the centre, ten minutes' walk, and North Melbourne shops on Errol Street are five minutes away. The Spencer is also very close to Southern Cross Railway Station and major tram lines to St Kilda and the Free City Circle.

The rooms are of a reasonable size and are cleaned daily along with the rest of the hostel. The other facilities include a TV lounge with Foxtel and a DVD player, internet access from two terminals in the lounge, balconies on each floor for smokers, and a roof top area with picnic tables and benches for al fresco dining or just to take in the view of the CBD's tall buildings. The kitchen is clean with ample storage space in the fridge, storage bins, and lockers. The only drawback is a lack of pots for cooking. The bathrooms are also clean and in a decent state of repair. Like all old buildings the Hotel Spencer has the occasional squeaky floorboard and door hinge but this tends to add more the character of the place, which has a very friendly and social environment, with truly helpful long-term members of staff.

For sports fans this hostel is in prime position for any trip to the Telstra Dome and with Southern Cross Station close by, access to the sporting venues of Richmond, the MCG, Melbourne, and Olympic Parks is no problem. The bar/restaurant on the ground floor provides friendly service to locals and backpackers alike, and there are several other bars and small cafes within a few minutes' walk of the hostel. All in all the Spencer is a great place to stay, whether it's just for one night or even a few months.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
May 2006