The Olembia is a nice, friendly hostel -- ideal for small groups or couples. It is great for having a chilled out time and for using as a base for exploring the sights of St. Kilda. The hostel does have some dorms and single rooms but is mostly twin and double rooms. The hostel is located on Barkley Street, which is only a ten-minute walk from all the main attractions in St. Kilda. There is a bus stop (route 246) right outside the hostel and the tram lines are only a five-minute walk away. There is a bar just one hundred yards down the road at the junction of Barkley and Inkerman, and there is also a liquor store and convenience store nearby.
Inside the hostel it is more like a large house with a dining room (with TV) and drawing room as you enter. This is a great place to sit and read on the comfy chairs and browse the collection of books and magazines. The kitchen is a reasonable size and is well equipped with a large oven (not something you get in every hostel), in addition to the standard kitchen facilities. There is a washing machine, dryer, and clothes line, but these are not for use in the morning, so if the hostel is busy you may have to wait. However there is a cheap laundrette next to the convenience store just down the road if you are in a hurry. The nearest supermarkets are only a ten-minute walk away on Ackland Street.
The hostel is really clean and the bathrooms are all individual rooms so you can get some privacy. However again, if the hostel is really busy, these will be busy at peak times. Most of the rooms have sinks anyway and come with extra pillows and blankets. The decor throughout is well maintained in pleasing colours and gives the hostel the feel of a large home rather than a backpackers. The hostel definitely has a friendly atmosphere and although the office isn't open all day, the staff are quite willing to help with information and suggestions for places to eat and drink. There is a carpark at the rear and a open porch area at the front that smokers can use.
Although this is not a buzzing party hostel, it is a relaxed friendly place ideal for small groups or couples. It is a great place to stay to discover the day and night life of St. Kilda.
— Avis exclusif de Hostelz.com
January 2007
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