Jolly Swagman Backpackers

I would not recommend this hostel, it is very unreliable. I made the booking in April 2006 as I was going to Australia for the Ashes over Christmas and New Year. I received a confirmation email confirming my seven nights for $420 AUD. In September I received an email asking me to re-confirm my booking and saying the rates had gone up and there was a minimum of a ten-night stay, this meant the rates more than doubled. I can understand them putting their rates up over Christmas as it is their busiest period but there was no mention of the minimum ten-night stay. I was left with the choice of finding somewhere else to stay in Sydney during its busiest period or pay the extra money.

This place has great potential and good features. Unfortunately a lot of drunken louts spoil it. They take up all the space in the lounge area by sleeping with the TV going full blast. I was unable to wake two of them. The dining area is taken up by card players so there is no place to eat except carry the meal up to your room and that is not easy. Loud parties every night until the early hours. There are signs posted concerning noise after 10:30 p.m. However their is no control or enforcement. The night duty person is partying as well and couldn't care less about complaints at 3:00 a.m. in the morning. The drink, drugs, and loud behavior appears to be condoned by some night staff.

If you're not English then don't go here. There are just loads of English guys hanging around drinking. I really didn't like this place.

My stay in the Jolly Swagman was NOT jolly in the slightest way. I was only staying in the hostel for the weekend and by the time my stay was over three people had been robbed. They each had money stolen from their rooms. The most disturbing issue about the thefts was that the person who was stealing from the rooms had a master key to get in, and not one member of staff seem to be concerned about this. My advice would be to avoid the Jolly Swagman.

Yeah, I was there last year when the world cup was on and the British were going nuts. I'm an Aussie and I came to Sydney and this is not the way we are here.

I didn't like it. Lots of British hooligan-types who like to fight and cause a lot of hassle for other travellers.

I stayed there for 2 months at the start of last year and loved the way of life there! Great nights out and the best people you'll meet whilst travelling!

This is a brilliant hostel, loads of night life, and even I got laid there! You cant help but score at the Swagman!