Aussitel Backpackers

Started off great then it all changed
I have just finished my stay in Coffs Harbour and it was sooner than I intended. Reading past comments saying such amazing things about the staff at this hostel I can only surmise that some new staff in charge have been appointed. My first impression of the hostel was that it was small but definitely made up for being a bit out of where the main shops are. The rooms were fine but not amazing but the pool was nice. For me, as im sure is the same for many travelers, it is the people that make the experience (or break it). By coincidence I met up with traveling friends from Melbourne and Sydney and a surf camp i went on at this hostel and made some amazing new ones. Due to unchangeable circumstances another friend from home booked me and her into another hostel in Coffs for three nights after I got there. I didnt want to move but they didnt have space for my friend, i didnt want to leave her on her own and would have lost money from the other booking. i explained the situation to the managers of the hostel, one in particular (a fellow english person nicknamed goose -- who had seemed like a decent guy) was really unclear about me hanging out at the hostel. I kept being told different things about whether i could visit in the communal areas or not, what time i had to leave by and my friends who were still paying money to be there were made to feel angry and uncomfortable by comments made by staff about me visiting them there and derogatory comments about the other hostel in coffs. i made every effort to compromise with staff and show my understanding of rules in place whilst also hoping they'd understand that i wanted to spend time with my friends. they seemed to be fine and nothing was said when i stayed and paid towards punch night and bbq night when i was not staying there in the night but not when we were just there for a short time sitting on the sofa waiting for a taxi. i thought the people would be a friendly contact but i didnt feel like this in the end. i had the intention (with my other friend) of moving back to avoid the situation by giving them my money but in the end i didnt feel like it. i was made to feel like a child and embarrassed in front of others -- not good. it proved to me that money seemed to be at the root of the problem rather than rules about people standing there (not even when they were full) rather than being friendly.

Wasn't really a fan of this hostel. Thought it was quite noisy and the dorm rooms were very basic and quite crowded. They did however have activities on almost every night and give you a sheet describing things to do in and around Coffs.

Great hostel. Staff were excellent, and the vibe around the place was very friendly and laid back. Rooms were clean too - so couldn't really ask for much more!

It is exactly what it says on the label, a brilliant place to stay. I stayed at the Aussietel hostel in 1997. I stayed for several weeks — enjoyed every minute of it. It was the best hostel I stayed in during my tour of Australia. In fact, I'm going back in a few weeks!!!

This is a fun and outgoing hostel with a pool and beach access just down the road. This hostel is clean adn the staff are outgoing and full of suggestions. There is an open plan kitchen and the lounge has a beatiful fish tank in it. There is a pool table to keep the restless amused, but best of all the diving here is so cheap. The hostel work with a dive shop and there are some amazing dives to be done, and you can even learn to dive and get your PADI, for cheaper than anywhere on the East coast. The bedrooms are roomy and clean, the bathrooms are always spotless and all is all the whole place is kept tidy and up to date. There is so many things to take from this hostel for free, that you need at least 3 days to take advantage of it. The prices are reasonalble and even though it a way out of the main town it is near some great cafes but most of all, near to the beach.

This is the best hostel I have ever stayed in. It has a very friendly staff, a great location and heaps of things to do. I miss you guys — I hope to come back soon.

The rooms here are basic (the double bed is comfy and massive, though!). However, the whole atmosphere being relaxed and laid back made up for the rooms. All the staff are helpful and there are a lot of activities, etc., available. It's one of the nicer and friendlier hostels in Australia. Fully recommended. I wish we could have stayed longer than two nights.

Brilliant place, really relaxed and you feel welcome. The pool is great just to lie by, otherwise you can learn to dive and see the ocean just down the road. This hostel has lovely owners who are so helpful, not only about Coffs Harbour but also about the whole of Oz.

What a fantastic hostel, don't even plan to leave within a couple of days as you won't want to!! This year was my 3rd visit to Aussitel and I intend to make my 4th early next year. It's too good to miss!

I tried to stay for 2 days and stayed for 2 weeks. This is the best hostel I have ever been to, the staff were friendly and created a great vibe around the place, they got me hooked on scuba diving and it didn't cost anything like what it does in Cairns.