One World Backpackers

The name One World Backpackers sums up this hostel, as everyone comes together to make this place really feel like home. Also, the strong emphasis on recycling and saving the environment is a refreshing change for a hostel. There is even a worm farm in the yard area out the back, which everyone helps out with.

Placed right smack in the centre of Northbridge, the hostel is ten minutes' walk to the city and even shorter into all the bars in Northbridge. Aberdeen Street is actually quite a quite street, though, and the park opposite is ideal for Sunday afternoon football matches.

There are only ten rooms in the hostel, which is a perfect amount -- it doesn't take too long before you get to know everyone. The rooms themselves are clean (like the rest of the hostel) and lockers are provided for valuables. There is no more than eight people to a room and even then there seemed to be ample space for everyone's belongings. The bathrooms are standard and powerful with plenty of hot water. There are also private rooms -- they are obviously a lot more expensive, but well worth it if you need privacy.

The whole hostel has a light and airy feel to it, as sunlight pours through the French windows in the kitchen, there is a huge dining room table where people indulge in the free breakfast in the mornings, and ambient music is played through the speakers. There is also sufficient seating in a BBQ area and a small courtyard area. The television room has plenty of seats, some well used -- they were in the process of replacing them during our stay.

The DVD collection is nonexistent and there are only two computers for internet use, which can be quite frustrating. But you will come to realise that the TV is not important when you stay here -- it is much more pleasurable to sit outside and socialise. They put on organised events every Wednesday, which unusually does not involve getting absolutely hammered -- they range from movie nights, trivia, and even world food night. You have the choice here to either take it easy and laze away your days reading or socialising. It is a subdued but social hostel and as most people work, the party happens mostly at the weekend.

It took me us while to get into the swing of the atmosphere at One World, but after two weeks here we didn't want to leave. It is so clean and comfortable and the staff are always available and willing to help out with any queries.

— Avis exclusif de Hostelz.com
July 2007