HI - Blue Mountains Katoomba - Blue Mountains YHA Hostel feels very cosy and warm, with really nice and friendly reception staff. We love the hostel, but not the biting cold in Blue Mountains!
The Location
It is easy to find and very accessible! You can see a big sign "YHA" when you're nearing the hostel -- it's just a five-minute walk downhill along the main street from Katoomba Train Station. It'll take about two hours from Sydney Central Station to get to Katoomba Station.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The dorm rooms are very clean. They have four-, six-, or eight-share dorms available. They also have double bedroom (includes a double bed with a single bunk bed above) with/without private bathroom. The dorm rooms are equipped with heaters, coat hangers, towel hangers, and lockers! It's one of the more well-equipped dorm rooms we've stayed in so far. The bunk beds are metal framed and nice thick comforters are provided to keep you warm. Bed linens are provided, and are to be returned upon check-out.
The bathrooms are very clean and nice. They also have a heater in the bathroom so that you don't freeze. There are three shower rooms are all equipped with a soap dish and changing area with benches -- hot and cold water taps provided.
Common Spaces
There are two fireplaces -- one in the common lounge and one in the reading room. It is a very laid-back homely hostel. You can just read a book and chill out by the fireplace. They will store your luggage storage for a fee. The kitchen is very neat and tidy. Recycling bins are available at the lounge area for the environment conscious. The common lounge has an area filled with bean bags, the fireplace area, kids corner, and a pool table. They also charge for internet and it is only open between 6 a.m. and 9 or 10 p.m. There are two pay phones in the hostel and even a help phone line when reception has closed.
Summary
Overall, it is a pleasant experience staying there. It is difficult to get things done via email -- things get done faster by phone over there. Your key card would be required to open the door to the building beyond a certain time to protect guests.
— Exklusive Hostelz.com Übersicht
July 2008