Bondi Backpackers

Bondi Backpackers Hostel is located on Campbell Parade in the suburb of Bondi and is in spitting distance of Bondi beach literally across the street. Traveling from the city or airport takes thirty minutes to one hour. From Circular Quay or the city centre, you can catch the 333 bus (prepaid ticket required) or the 380. Traveling from the airport, you can catch the train to central, a connection to Bondi Junction Station and then the buses mentioned above from there. The buses stop close to the hostel so just ask the driver. Look out for Peter Pan's Travel agency, the hostel reception is on the first floor above here.

The hostel is close to all sorts of amenities -- restaurants, bars, cafes, internet, shops, and bus stops to the city and you couldn't really live any closer to the beach! The rates at this hostel are pretty average for Bondi, especially considering the close proximity to the beach.

The atmosphere in the hostel is not what you would expect. It's a large hostel but the common room (shared with the reception area) is tiny! Usually, a large scattering of hostelers can be found here squashed around the TV. This hinders the social side a lot and it's not one of the friendliest hostels for meeting and socialising with guests. It's quite a noisy and lively place, especially when people return after a night on the tiles. So if it's sleep and tranquility you're after, steer clear of the place! But then again, Bondi's all about the action!

The accommodation consists of dorms, twins, and doubles. The rooms are average bunk-style. The carpets are very dirty and stained but the linen is clean and fresh. Lockers are provided in the dorms (bring your own padlock) to lock away your valuables. Oh and don't expect too many plug sockets. One in a four-bed dorm seems to be acceptable here.

The facilities are better than expected at Bondi Backpackers. The kitchen is big, modern, and spotlessly clean! Each room has its own little press assigned for dry goods in the kitchen. There is a good selection of washing machines and dryers in the laundry. Coin-pay lockers are provided to store backpacks in the laundry. Each floor in the hostel has its own showers and bathrooms. The cubicles are clean and spacious. Oddly, some of the toilet cubicles have no sinks!

Overall, Bondi Backpackers is a good place to experience the Bondi beach culture, but it's not somewhere you would really spend too long. If you're looking for long-term accommodation, look elsewhere on Bondi (two weeks is the max here anyway). It's a large establishment where you're just another goldfish in the bowl, but fine for a few days partying and lazing at the beach.

-- Recensione esclusiva Hostelz.com