Oslo Hotel for Backpackers is located in the centre of St. Kilda, about five minutes' walk from the beach. The hostel is situated about twenty minutes from Melbourne city centre and can be reached by tram (number 16 or 96). If you are arriving by train or bus, you can catch the tram at Swanston Street as far as the Fitzroy Street station. From here, you literally cross the street and take the turn left to Grey street. The hostel is about three minutes' walk from here.
Grey Street itself is famed for its lively street entertainment, as it plays host to the area's red-light district! However, fear not -- the hostel is still a safe place to stay and the most shocking thing you'll need to deal with in the vicinity is the leering men in cars slowing up to check whether you are working the street or not! Just be sensible walking around at night and you will be fine.
Oslo is a friendly place that welcomes backpackers with open arms. It has a more personal touch than many hostels we have encountered and the staff appear genuinely interested in getting to know the guests of their establishment. At first sight, Oslo appears outdated, both inside and out, but there's more to this place than meets the eye! If you are willing to see past the old-fashioned building and dorms, you will discover the charm that Oslo has to offer. The rates are reasonable and weekly rates are offered if you plan on sticking around. There's a really chilled, friendly vibe around the place, which caters to most tastes, and above all, makes you feel welcome.
There are kitchen facilities but, they could not be described as modern. However, the kitchen is generally clean and well-kept. Cutlery and crockery are provided but there is often a shortage -- especially of cups. There are a couple of large fridges and reception provides storage boxes for your food. The bathrooms are clean and showers are well maintained and cleaned daily. However cleaning usually takes place in the afternoon so beware after fellow hostelers have been out on the town the night before.
Internet is provided and there is twenty-four-hour access once you have your prepaid card from reception.The common areas are great. There's a lounge area with leather couches and also a separate TV room. This is a great place to meet other guests and hang out. There's usually a good crowd in here in the evenings. The pool table does exist (it sits in viewing line of the TV) but during our visit, it was covered up with sheets.
The dorm rooms aren't the most spacious but are fairly standard for hostels in Australia. The beds are in good condition and the free linen is clean. There is a separate girls dorm in Oslo, complete with its own common area. The rooms are also vacuumed regularly.
Overall, Oslo Hotel is a great place to spend your time in Melbourne. It has that old-style charm that is lost in many of the larger, more modern hostels. The facilities, while not sparklingly new, are more than adequate and the general vibe of the place is friendly and relaxed. If you can handle a hostel that's a little rough around the edges, then Oslo's the place for you!
— Exklusive Hostelz.com Übersicht
February 2007
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