HI - Fremantle Hostel - Backpackers Inn - Freo YHA Hostel is huge! Housing up to one hundred-forty people, YHA Freo is one of few hostels in Fremantle, just twenty-two kilometers from Perth. Fremantle is a popular summer destination due to its beaches and coastal character, therefore booking and planning ahead are vital during the summer months.
The Location
The hostel is on a quiet side street, Pakenham Street, but still only minutes away from town centre, one hundred-fifty metres from the train and bus station, and five minutes' walk from Coles. It's easy to find and if you arrive by car you can park right in front of the hostel.
Rooms and Bathrooms
YHA Freo offers singles, doubles, twins, family rooms, and three- to eight-bed dorms. The three-bed dorms are tiny but the eight-bed dorms are already a reasonable size. Dorms have bunk beds and lockers big enough for a rucksack (bring your own lock). Under the beds are big plastic boxes that can fit a whole backpack, although these cannot be locked. All linen and bedding included in the price. Toilets and showers are plenty and reasonably clean throughout the day.
Common Spaces
The hostel offers complimentary tea and coffee, table tennis, and surround-sound cinema. Communal areas include internet/TV room, laundry, two kitchens, outside courtyard, and a joint sitting and dining area where you can watch movies every night or just chill. YHA Freo has a chilled and laid-back feeling. Especially the outside courtyard -- it provides the perfect setting for enjoying a hot summer's night as there are tables set out to have a cold beer while getting to know other travelers.
The two kitchens seem a bit too small to cater for one hundred-forty people especially in the evenings. It's also lacking in some basic crockery like bowls and spoons. Fridges are permanently full and leaking with condensated water. The hostel is built on a minimal budget inside an industrial property. There's a big open space which creates a lofty feeling but the walls are paper thin and in the dorms you can hear all the noise coming from the common areas.
Summary
All in all this is guaranteed YHA-style -- not the best but also not the worst. You know you're getting at least basic amenities and a clean bed. The price after the YHA discount is ok, but the regular price seems a bit high for what you get.
— Exklusive Hostelz.com Übersicht
December 2008