Hobart Hostel

Hobart Hostel is a bright and friendly hostel located minutes from the heart of Hobart CBD. It is just a short walk from the Salamanca markets, local cafes and restaurants, shops, and transport to various attractions.

The Location

Hobart Hostel is easy to find -- it's located just two streets off the main access road through Hobart CBD. It does not have private parking and parking during the week is metered on most streets adjoining the building from 8 am to 6 pm. There is a parking station located just minutes' walk up the street within a church building that has a flat full day rate (Saturdays and Sundays are free).

The hostel is located just a short walk from the CBD and the Salamanca markets, local cafes and restaurants, shops, and transport to various attractions including Mt. Wellington, the Botanical Gardens, the Huon Valley, Bruny Island Charters, and Port Arthur. There is a bus stop just down the road and the Information Centre is located within about five minutes' walk.

The hostel is decorated with vibrant and bright colours but it is a very relaxing and easygoing place. It does not have a party atmosphere. There is a 10 pm curfew on noise and you cannot hear any traffic from inside the building.

Rooms and Bathrooms

There is an option of dorm rooms, double rooms, and doubles with en-suites. We stayed in a double with an en-suite but had a peek at the dorms and shared bathrooms -- all were clean and tidy. The bedroom consists of a double bed, shelf with hanging space underneath, bar heater, bedside table, and en-suite. The bed is comfortable and showers are excellent because they have endless gas hot water. They also supply towels with the en-suite room and there is plenty of hanging space for them in the bathroom. The one issue with the en-suite (which is very minor) is that there is no barrier between the floor of the shower and the basin and toilet, so the floor got quite wet when showering. We just put a towel down.

Common Spaces

The hostel has a large kitchen with plenty of fridge and dry goods storage space. There is limited bench space, but a huge lot of gas stove tops, oven, and two sinks. The hostel does not have a freezer in the kitchen, which is something to take note of -- especially if you want to freeze a freezer pack for a day trip or buy ice cream. We bought ice cream without knowing but fortunately the night manager was kind enough to put it in her small freezer for us.

The eating area is located upstairs next to the lounge room and contains heaps of tables. Here there is also a small book and video shelf. The lounge room area is bright and vibrant, but the furnishing is quite old and not the most comfortable. It has a small TV which has local Australian channels. The internet kiosk (access available for a small fee -- no Wi-Fi available) and reception is also in the lounge area and there were doors marked for storage (we assume for luggage). There are also male and female toilets in this area, which is quite convenient.

There is no smoking inside the hostel, however the courtyard outside our room was the smoking place and this does drift into the room at times when quite a few people are having a cigarette.

Summary

Hobart Hostel is a convenient, friendly, and cost-effective place to stay for both singles and couples. It is both relaxing and comfortable with adequate facilities to enjoy a nice stay in Hobart. All the members of staff are friendly and we met a few other backpackers all in a friendly but subdued atmosphere. The gas hot water is a big bonus!

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
October 2008