The Hostelz.com Review
HI - Newcastle Beach YHA Hostel is a well-run hostel in a great location, and with friendly staff on hand to help you out you'll feel right at home. Its relaxed yet social vibe and backpacker events make it a great choice if you are looking for somewhere to stay.
The Location
The hostel is situated a few minutes' walk from the beach in Newcastle, on a pleasant street with several restaurants and cafe. It does not offer parking, however there is on street parking (free overnight), and a free carpark about ten minutes walk' away. It's easily accessible by bus or train, being only a hundred-fifty meters from the nearest stop/station.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The hostel offers four bed dorms (bunk beds), as well as twins and doubles. They are in reasonable condition, and some have access to a large outdoor balcony. The rooms themselves are not overly flash, and don't include additional features like independent lights or air conditioning, but they are of an acceptable standard. They do however allow long-term residents at the hostel, which means that some of the rooms are quite messy and filled with personal effects. The bathrooms are in good condition with plenty of toilets, showers, and sinks. The showers have a changing area, and are kitted with hooks for your clothes.
Common Spaces
The hostel has outstanding common spaces. The best of these is a large ballroom, which has been converted into a common room. It has a TV area with large TV, VCR and DVD players (with a great selection to choose from), as well as a plethora of additional tables and sofa areas. It also has a selection of board games and chess boards, a pool table, and a table tennis table.
There is a secondary common room area attached to the kitchen. This has a huge number of tables for eating, and is bright and well-lit. There is no natural lighting as this is in the basement. The kitchen is attached to this, and is very well stocked with utensils and burners. There is free tea and coffee, a large number of fridges, and separate storage for dry goods in individual shelves.
Next to the ballroom there is a well-facilitated computer room with a number of desktop computers for use (at a fee). There are also two further sofa areas in the main hallway of the building, and the previously mentioned balcony areas (only accessible through some of the rooms). Finally, there is an additional sofa area in a secluded alcove near to the kitchen, next to the smaller of the two book exchanges.
The hostel has a fabulous book exchange, and they encourage you to take a book even if you don't have one to replace it with. This is situated in two separate locations -- under the stairs, and near the kitchen. The hostel itself is a social place, as it's large enough to hold a number of people, yet the rooms are small enough to encourage intermingling. The hostel lays on a huge number of social events and trips, including free/extremely cheap meals at certain pubs around the city, live bands, quiz nights, and much more. However the hostel itself is not rowdy or too noisy -- it's the perfect blend.
The management at the hostel are particularly helpful and friendly, and encourage people to join in group events should you so wish. They are happy to give information about the area, and the hostel is extremely well-stocked with local, national, and international information on many noticeboards around the building.
Summary
All in all, the Newcastle Beach Hostel is a great choice for a place to stay, especially if you're traveling alone and looking to make some friends. Its relaxed vibe, helpful staff, and fabulous location make it a top choice.
The Location
The hostel is situated a few minutes' walk from the beach in Newcastle, on a pleasant street with several restaurants and cafe. It does not offer parking, however there is on street parking (free overnight), and a free carpark about ten minutes walk' away. It's easily accessible by bus or train, being only a hundred-fifty meters from the nearest stop/station.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The hostel offers four bed dorms (bunk beds), as well as twins and doubles. They are in reasonable condition, and some have access to a large outdoor balcony. The rooms themselves are not overly flash, and don't include additional features like independent lights or air conditioning, but they are of an acceptable standard. They do however allow long-term residents at the hostel, which means that some of the rooms are quite messy and filled with personal effects. The bathrooms are in good condition with plenty of toilets, showers, and sinks. The showers have a changing area, and are kitted with hooks for your clothes.
Common Spaces
The hostel has outstanding common spaces. The best of these is a large ballroom, which has been converted into a common room. It has a TV area with large TV, VCR and DVD players (with a great selection to choose from), as well as a plethora of additional tables and sofa areas. It also has a selection of board games and chess boards, a pool table, and a table tennis table.
There is a secondary common room area attached to the kitchen. This has a huge number of tables for eating, and is bright and well-lit. There is no natural lighting as this is in the basement. The kitchen is attached to this, and is very well stocked with utensils and burners. There is free tea and coffee, a large number of fridges, and separate storage for dry goods in individual shelves.
Next to the ballroom there is a well-facilitated computer room with a number of desktop computers for use (at a fee). There are also two further sofa areas in the main hallway of the building, and the previously mentioned balcony areas (only accessible through some of the rooms). Finally, there is an additional sofa area in a secluded alcove near to the kitchen, next to the smaller of the two book exchanges.
The hostel has a fabulous book exchange, and they encourage you to take a book even if you don't have one to replace it with. This is situated in two separate locations -- under the stairs, and near the kitchen. The hostel itself is a social place, as it's large enough to hold a number of people, yet the rooms are small enough to encourage intermingling. The hostel lays on a huge number of social events and trips, including free/extremely cheap meals at certain pubs around the city, live bands, quiz nights, and much more. However the hostel itself is not rowdy or too noisy -- it's the perfect blend.
The management at the hostel are particularly helpful and friendly, and encourage people to join in group events should you so wish. They are happy to give information about the area, and the hostel is extremely well-stocked with local, national, and international information on many noticeboards around the building.
Summary
All in all, the Newcastle Beach Hostel is a great choice for a place to stay, especially if you're traveling alone and looking to make some friends. Its relaxed vibe, helpful staff, and fabulous location make it a top choice.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
February 2010
Their Description
Opposite Newcastle Beach, Newcastle\'s largest and most popular hostel is a beautifully restored heritage building, featuring a magnificent ballroom with chandeliers, leather armchairs and open fire.
Only 150 metres walk to the greyhound and train stop and all the best pubs and clubs in the city centre.
Chill out in the courtyard or cross the road to newcastle beach and take a free bodyboard.
FREE pub meals 3 nights a week, including bands, trivia and pool competitions.
Newcastle has some of Australia\'s best surf beaches, cafes, pubs and student nightlife. Activities include dolphin and whale watching and day tours to the Hunter Valley wine region.
Show your YHA/Hostelling International membership card when checking in or join YHA on arrival and receive a discount of at least 10% off the standard rate.
Only 150 metres walk to the greyhound and train stop and all the best pubs and clubs in the city centre.
Chill out in the courtyard or cross the road to newcastle beach and take a free bodyboard.
FREE pub meals 3 nights a week, including bands, trivia and pool competitions.
Newcastle has some of Australia\'s best surf beaches, cafes, pubs and student nightlife. Activities include dolphin and whale watching and day tours to the Hunter Valley wine region.
Show your YHA/Hostelling International membership card when checking in or join YHA on arrival and receive a discount of at least 10% off the standard rate.
HI - Newcastle Beach YHA Hostel Details
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Hostelz.com Guest Reviews
This place is fantastic. I spent a couple of nights there and I don't regret a single day. The place is very clean and the kitchen is great. The salon is very big and comfy and they even have a piano there! The old English styled sofas are just awesome. Staff is friendly and helpful. If you're looking for a really good budget place to stay, go for this YHA! — Francis (2006-10-16) I would recomend this place for anyone looking for somewhere with the friendliest staff, a brilliant location and clean facilities! this place felt like home and i was very sad to leave. — abi hands (2006-06-22) The cleanest hostel I stayed in in Australia. Good atmosphere, great lounge, nice showers. A breath of fresh air compaired to some of the other hostels i've stayed in. Quality! — Dave (2006-06-22) Lovely hostel, very clean and staff helpful. 5 minutes walk to the beach which is great! Stayed in a twin room which was cool, tidy and peaceful. — Fudge (2006-01-27) Nice hostel, clean and in a pretty good location. But (and this is very picky, I know) because the lounge is so nice, it's a shame the rooms and kitchen are so bland-looking. Still, a very good hostel. — FunkyMunkey (2005-11-26) Fun and exciting atmosphere. The staff were extremely friendly and accommodating. Great location, beautiful building. — Anonymous (2005-01-28) The rooms were massive, and were clean and tidy. The building was massive with a huge kitchen and communal area with lots of tables, sofas , and a TV. They also offer free meals/BBQ nights at local venues. It's in a good location near the centre. — Anonymous (2004-03-31)