Valley Verandas Friendly Backpackers

If you're looking for a hostel in Brisbane, consider Valley Verandahs. Located only minutes from China Town and about ten minutes from the main shopping district and waterfront area in the city, this hostel seems to appeal to a large Asian population and to travellers looking for something a little different from the large downtown hostels. It is located up a quiet sidestreet from a main road, and someone from the hostel will pick you up from the transit center downtown if you use the handy freecall number to let them know you when you arrive. The airport shuttle will also drop you off at the door if you let them know where you want to go.

The hostel is an old Queenslander with one wing of rooms overlooking the parking area, a popular hang-out area with tables and chairs. This main wing turns at the end into the adjoining dorm rooms and kitchen, dining room, and tv room. You have a choice in dorm room size; at least the 4-bed dorms are spacious and include security lockers and comfortable beds with included bedding. Several bathrooms can be found at the far end off the verandah.

The old-fashioned building and extensive verandahs of the hostel lends a nice feeling to it. There always seem to be people around, even though it certainly isn't a large hostel. There is also a nice garden/patio area overlooked by the verandah at the back of the building. The kitchen is unfortunately not too well-equipped and can be cramped if you try to cook at the popular dinner hours (Woolworths can be found only a few blocks away), and the hostel can get surprisingly loud on Friday and Saturday evenings, though this probably varies depending on the guests. It perhaps isn't the cleanest place at times, but is probably what you'd expect in an old building and certainly isn't bad overall. Breakfast is included in the price, and consists mainly of toast and one or two cereal choices. Overall, this hostel might be what you're looking for.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review