St Ives International Backpackers "The Gallery"

This is an attractive and airy hostel where surfers, hikers, and art-lovers cross paths. The first floor is common lounge space, with lots of color and decoration, and usually a cloud of smoke in the air. There's a TV, lots of sofas, game tables, and a beach bar where guests relax and mingle after long days surfing or exploring St. Ives. Internet access is expensive, but travellers can use the Internet for 30 minutes free at the library down the block. There is no building curfew, but an unusual rule that you must clear the common areas after 2:30 am.

Downstairs there's a spacious courtyard, large kitchen, and free showers (the upstairs showers are coin-operated). There is also a laundry room that is not accessible to guests, though the courtyard has an area for washing wetsuits. The kitchen/courtyard is a popular and friendly area, and it's easy to meet travellers while cooking and eating. The kitchen has lots of storage, counter space, and appliances, and is very clean, but is not open late at night or early in the morning. Several grocery stores are right nearby.

The non-smoking, single sex dorm rooms are clean, colorful, and spacious, and named after St. Ives artists. Though the rooms have no locks and there are no lockers, the building is code-access only and feels safe. If you arrive early or depart late, they will hold your bags for free in reception.

While solo non-surfing travellers may feel a bit out of place during the high season, this hostel attracts many types of travellers all year long. Many guests come alone for short trips or to work for the summer, so there are always friendly people to talk to. No guests under 16 means no families, and there is definitely a pervasive fun and festive atmosphere. The hostel is right in the middle of town, with quick access to beaches, museums, and hiking trails.

Directions

From train station: (Maps are available cheap at the train station.) Proceed all the way through the parking lot, stay on Station Hill Road as it curves left up the hill (becomes Fernlea Terrace). Pass the bus station and continue on the same road as it curves down the hill to the right (becomes Tregenna Hill). Turn left at the sign for St. Ives Library onto Gabriel Street. The hostel is just past Chapel Street on the right.

From bus station: Turn right out of the station onto Fernlea Terrace. This road curves down the hill to the right (becomes Tregenna Hill). Turn left at the sign for St. Ives Library onto Gabriel Street. The hostel is just past Chapel Street on the right.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
May 2005