Koala International Youth Hostel

Koala International Youth Hostel is a member of the Hostel International group and is the main reason for booking here. They are usually always of a high standard and consistent among hostels.

The Location

The hostels directions are not very clear at all. Being asked to walk for seven minutes, then changing direction and walking another seven minutes is never going to be ideal. If arriving by train, just take a taxi from the station. There is a metro but it will take most people a day settling in before using it, as the station is not that close by. The street it is on is not that busy or noisy and there is a major supermarket (Tesco) just a five-minute walk across the creek. There is only a small entrance, which could be missed were it not for the large hostel sign above it.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The rooms are quite spacious and all have en-suite bathrooms. A television is also present, although you may struggle to get anything in an English language here. All rooms also have a small kitchenette that contains a microwave oven. There is no main shared kitchen facility, so the microwave can be invaluable. The beds can be considered quite firm for some people and just plain uncomfortable for others, depending on your preference. There was plenty of hot water for washing and the shower. The water pressure is somewhat variable and better in the morning for some reason.

Common Spaces

There are no common spaces to speak of here other than the laundry room. You pay at reception for your laundry but do it yourself. There are three washers and a couple of dryers. There is just the one internet station down at the reception, but if you have your own laptop they will give you a cable for the room -- with that you have free broadband. Without the common areas, the hostel cannot really be called a social hostel but the staff are friendly. Trips can be booked through reception as can rail tickets. If leaving late, luggage will be stored for you.

Summary

The hostel could almost be classed as a mini hotel. The rooms are all opened with a card. Bins are emptied and towels are supplied every day. It is a very clean place, but also a little impersonal. Having said that, we would stay here again.

— Avis exclusif de Hostelz.com
December 2007