Arthouse Hostel

I might be the last person who have checked in before its cloesure on 6/6/2025. I have lived several times in the last year from summer to winter. It's a low-cost hostel in Launceston, you would not expect a luxurious facilities but it did offer a place to live for many people. The kitchen could be used whole day so you can make a meal for yourself when returning here at midnight. The river view is really amazing at the first floor, I really enjoy it at evening. This hostel had offered rooms over 100 years and I was sad to see its cloesure. Hopefully it will open again in the future.

I wrote this review because the place has heritage and deserves to be looked after, and could be a lot better.||I don’t know if they are aware. The entire place stinks badly of sweat, the reception, the stairs, the hallways and rooms. There is no adequate ventilation, and the place needs thorough and daily industrial cleaners, especially if they are going to have people living there. The sheets and bedding are old and second hand, and a friend complained of bug bites.||Were it adequately scrubbed daily, and afforded 21st century bedding and ventilation, and all the honking old furniture cleaned or replaced, you might have a four star score.

For what you pay, I was happy with what I got, though I can imagine this building becoming VERY cold in winter. If all you’re after is a roof over your head and somewhere to leave your bags (and some beautiful Federation Architecture), Arthouse is perfect. If you’re after a more modern hostel, or better amenities I’d suggest paying a bit more and going elsewhere. James was fantastic in helping me sort out my late arrival (thank you!). Definitely could use a deep clean, especially in the kitchens. Though hard to tell if that’s more because of the guests than anything. Overall rating is reflective of this. Make sure you bring shower shoes! Stayed here before doing the overland track and it was exactly what I needed. Roughly a 20 minute walk to good coffee, groceries, etc. Suggest bringing ear plugs.

I'm a 26 year old female who has never before posted a review, but I was so shocked and shaken up by the experience I had at Arthouse that I feel I have to warn other girls about it.|I was looking for an affordable backpackers to stay at for a night after a hiking trip in Tassie, but this place is NOT the typical travelers hostel I expected. I've stayed at many affordable hostels before, but as soon as I walked into this place there were rough looking guys everywhere looking me up and down. Walking to my room there were about 20 of these men in sight, clearly living at the hostel, no females anywhere. I knew I would not feel safe spending the night here, having to walk up and down the halls through these men, never mind the old, old building and doors that could easily be breached. I walked straight back out the door and found other accomodation. Who knows if anything would have happened, but I had to listen to the strong unsafe gut feeling I got as soon as I walked in. Would NOT recommend this place to any solo female travelers looking for a secure and comfortable spot. Honestly shocked that Arthouse's reception encourages solo women to book here and considers this to be acceptable, safe accommodation for them.

I made a booking for a weeks’ accommodation at the abovementioned establishment after dealing with numerous assaults on my person. When I arrived, the attendant stated that he had not received my booking. After checking my records, I confirmed that I incorrectly booked for the 10/10/2024-17/10/2024. The attendant requested that I contact booking.com.au to rectify in the morning but offered me the keys. At the time he indicated that they would be unable to extend my stay if required.|| ||On the 7/10/2024 I returned to Arthouse Hostel after a series of incidents to recoup my senses that kept me unable to utilise the room I paid for. Upon waking on the 8/10/2024 I spoke with a new attendant who failed to identify himself. I informed him that I am seeking alternative accommodation and had an appointment with Anglicare at 1pm and requested if I can extend my booking until more suitable accommodation was found. ||||The attendant was less than helpful, rude and lacked any sort of empathy or compassion. I informed him that I will be writing a fair review of the establishment in which he confirmed that he will kick me out prior to the 10/10/2024 at 10am as per the paid arrangement if I “Threatened” him. I assured him it was not a threat, but a promise and here I am writing a recap the events whilst I wait for police to speak to me regarding how he can lawfully remove me from a premises in which I have already paid.||||Since the unreasonable removal from a secure accommodation, I have been homeless. During this time, I confirmed that I am pregnant and have been since before I encountered a very cold and rude reception by quite a few namely organisations and institutions here in Launceston, and sadly, the Arthouse in Invermay was the final straw. ||||I kindly request that before you book here just for its cheap accommodation, that you realise that you are supporting an establishment that does not have a heart or soul. Thank you for your consideration.

What I liked: Good communication (although reception is not on site after 5 pm, so if you need a hair dryer need to wait until next morning) Good location (next to qv museum) Big kitchen Clean bathrooms and kitchen What can be improved: Kitchen is big but only one tap, I recommend adding a second tap because there are already two sinks Hallways and common areas are dirty and smelly, need a proper/ deep cleaning The majority of guests are male and as a solo female Travellers first it gives the impression of the place not being safe - I recommend having a female receptionist who could make the environment more friendly and safe for other female Travellers No atmosphere like in a backpacker’s hostel because majority of people staying are working. Recommend to put the price a bit down or offer breakfasts since for same price Launceston backpackers is a much better option being clean and being a hub for other Travellers

I have been living there for more than 2 months. it is definitely the cheapest place around and when I arrived the vibe of the people was really nice but it has always been very dirty, from the kitchen to the toilets. The rooms during my whole time there have never been swept or cleaned in any way. My friends and I went multiple times to complain because of the lack of basic hygiene. My friend even got some diseases from using the toilet that was never cleaned. The building is very beautiful and it has so much potential but unfortunately it is not looked after at all and it is falling apart. I really hope that it will get better because as it is now it has not much to live.

One of the most disgusting hostels I have stayed in. When you walk in to the hostel, the mess behind the reception puts you off. The common living area is disgusting and smelly. Then your room is way below basic. The curtains are torn and people can see through, holes in the wall, the heater doesn’t work at all.The quilt they give you is very very old and kind of smells too. The toilets and kitchen are terrible and disgusting. The whole place puts you off. You just want to run away. I am sure there are better hostels around which are clean and nice. You would have people stomping and talking loud at 5am in the morning too.