Description
Jolly Swagman Backpackers Details
|
|
(To add or correct information for this listing, please use the Listing Update Form.)
Map Location/ContactHow is Jolly Swagman Backpackers rated on other websites?
Jolly Swagman Backpackers Reviews on Other WebsitesHostelz.com Guest Reviews
Shabby, no aircon, so hellishly hot and stuffy. I ruined my reputation booking this accommodation for my family, as we almost went into culture shock over the lack of everything here. I normally research very carefully with a list of requirements -- close to sights, public transport. from the minute we arrived internationally into the arrivals hall, all we had was stress and horror. first we rang the hostel and asked if they could pick us up they said nah, you're five minutes too late, find your own way, so we got stiffed A$70 for that and our $NZ has tanked a lot against the ozzie so was about $NZ100. When we got there the bus driver said this is a seedy place dont go out at night and just to make his point there was a big brawl as we got out of the bus. The same twat who denied us transfers charged my card in NZD -- didnt even ask and I'm not sure yet if that's a good thing or not, but it ended up being hideously expensive for four nights for five of us. $NZ240 per night. didnt tell us anything about the hostel, didnt tell me he'd charged me extra for key deposits, we had to haul all our bags up stairs to some hot, stuffy stinky rooms. Us and the kids weren't even on the same floor. They really didnt give a toss. I would think they would put families off staying in a place like this, but the e-mail I received from them said "we'll do everything possible to make your stay a happy pleasant experience." We left Sydney vowing never to go back and to put everyone else off from going there, as we had many unpleasant memories of this place and it was particularly about the backpackers, not necessarily about the whole Kings Cross Location. — teelee , New Zealand (2009-03-17) Excellent and Fantastic Very friendly staff. Nice and clean. Common area is very clean. I would recommend his place. We love this hostel so far. very welcome. — Ezikill , Indian (2009-03-09) Nice, clean, and fun I've been in Sydney for a while and I must say that Jolly Swagman is one of the better hostels. It's big but friendly at the same time. The rooms and bathrooms are clean, the staff is awesome and you just feel at home. The only problem would be that the kitchen is a bit small for the number of people staying at the hostel. They have organized outings to bars for those who want to party -- or you can just stay in and watch some movies on the bean bags. Loved my stay here and I would recommend it to others. There were no english hooligans here in 2009. — Michelle , Canada (2009-03-03) Well, from the Jolly Swagman website, this hostel looks like its the cats ass. However, in the picture, they failed to show the 3 homeless people who live in front of the hostels, the cockroaches that reside in your bedroom. They also have signs in your dorm that they clean every Mon, Wed, and Friday and to put your things on the bed or it will be thrown out. Well, I think this sign should be thrown out, since i have NEVER seen them clean the room, and there is sh*t under the beds that have been there for years probably, and the fridges in your room have probably never been cleaned (hence the cockroaches that live under your carpet). But if you like to party, rent some hookers, check out some druggies, this is TOTALLY the place for you. Smack dab in the middle of redlight district. But it's fairly safe (ill give them that) and 100% guaranteed free entertainment from all the people that wander around the hostel. It's also quite noisy at night time, 'cause there are public paths around the hostel, so you usually get drunks yelling to each other random times at night. — Stinky Syndey (2007-02-22) I would not recommend this hostel, it is very unreliable. I made the booking in April 2006 as I was going to Australia for the Ashes over Christmas and New Year. I received a confirmation email confirming my seven nights for $420 AUD. In September I received an email asking me to re-confirm my booking and saying the rates had gone up and there was a minimum of a ten-night stay, this meant the rates more than doubled. I can understand them putting their rates up over Christmas as it is their busiest period but there was no mention of the minimum ten-night stay. I was left with the choice of finding somewhere else to stay in Sydney during its busiest period or pay the extra money. — Karina (2007-01-18) This place has great potential and good features. Unfortunately a lot of drunken louts spoil it. They take up all the space in the lounge area by sleeping with the TV going full blast. I was unable to wake two of them. The dining area is taken up by card players so there is no place to eat except carry the meal up to your room and that is not easy. Loud parties every night until the early hours. There are signs posted concerning noise after 10:30 p.m. However their is no control or enforcement. The night duty person is partying as well and couldn't care less about complaints at 3:00 a.m. in the morning. The drink, drugs, and loud behavior appears to be condoned by some night staff. — G. Haffenden (2007-01-11) If you're not English then don't go here. There are just loads of English guys hanging around drinking. I really didn't like this place. — Tony (2004-11-08) My stay in the Jolly Swagman was NOT jolly in the slightest way. I was only staying in the hostel for the weekend and by the time my stay was over three people had been robbed. They each had money stolen from their rooms. The most disturbing issue about the thefts was that the person who was stealing from the rooms had a master key to get in, and not one member of staff seem to be concerned about this. My advice would be to avoid the Jolly Swagman. — Anonymous (2004-11-07) Yeah, I was there last year when the world cup was on and the British were going nuts. I'm an Aussie and I came to Sydney and this is not the way we are here. — Anonymous (2004-08-17) I didn't like it. Lots of British hooligan-types who like to fight and cause a lot of hassle for other travellers. — Anonymous (2004-07-20) I stayed there for 2 months at the start of last year and loved the way of life there! Great nights out and the best people you'll meet whilst travelling! — Anonymous (2004-01-09) This is a brilliant hostel, loads of night life, and even I got laid there! You cant help but score at the Swagman! — Anonymous (2003-02-07)