Banyan View Lodge (YWCA)

Excellent
This hostel was great, it didn't have that hostel feel more of a holiday lodge. When I first arrived I wasn't so sure because of the atmosphere and it being different to a hostel. But after getting a job I settled in well. You did get a mixture of guests, and it did contain a few weirdos who were thrown out. The manager was excellent, she really did look after you and really managed the place well. If you had a problem you knew she would sort it. The facilities were very good, two TV rooms, two mini kitchens and a main one, two free internet terminals, swimming pool and spa, and a DVD player but not on display. I met a lot of great people here and had a great time. You would get occasions where it was quiet and then sometimes the opposite. It was by far the best hostel in Darwin. it had the best of both Worlds.

This is a big hostel -- and in the wet season I think I was one of only ten guests! As others have described facilities were good, but the place can feel a bit institutional, and out of season a bit dead. I would imagine the place has a totally different feel in the dry season when I understand it's always full!

I loved this place! I stayed for five nights and did not want to leave! The staff are friendly and very approachable. The place has a really chilled out feel to it -- all the guests kind of follow suit! You must stay here!There is no alternative in Darwin!

This is the cleanest, friendliest and trouble-free budget accommodation in Darwin. Management are cheery and helpful and committed to the efficient management of the premises. The kitchen is clean, and well equiped with pots and pans, cooking utensils, cutlery, and crockery. None of that deposit rubbish that goes on elsewhere is here and yes there are teaspoons to stir your coffee. Bedding was good quality inner spring matresses with a quality linen service with good quality white hotel sheets. The unisex showers and toilets are clean. Rooms are mainly twins and there are some four-bed dorms in which I stayed. I noticed that the place was serviced by pest control during my stay so that problems with insects and mites should not be an issue here. My only issue with the dorms that it was difficult to store my stuff as the others present had spread themselves out a bit. A delightful back garden area and swimming pool is a great place to relax and there are two TV lounges in the complex. There are ringtail possums and tree frogs. The client mix is diverse with an even mix of people from twenty to seventy years of age. We had an interesting mix of local and overseas guests from a diverse range of professions as well as travellers from U.S. and Europe. The regular Friday night BBQ is a classy dinner party where everyone spontaneously contributes food to the evening and an amazing meal is somehow cobbled together in a dinner party atmosphere. I have no hesitation in recommending the Banyan View to those who want a civilised place away from the craziness of Mitchell Street yet are only a short walk away from that area. I will be back next year for a weeks R&R at this excellent establishment.

Good accommodation, and affordable. All that you need when you are on holiday is a bed to lay down on after a busy day. All amenities you need are there. The tea- and coffee-making facilities in each room are a luxury, and there are great kitchen facilities to make what you want at a cost within your budget.

Good affordable accommodation. It had the basics which was all we needed as we were in Darwin for the V8's and only needed a bed to lay our weary heads. Close to all the action in the city at night, just a casual stroll away.