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.

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 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.

The hostel was just like any other hostel I’d stayed at - if anything it felt more comfortable than some I’d experienced along the east coast. The staff were lovely and the vibe although an old building everything was good. Only downside was the way other backpackers treated the kitchen and cleanliness - something out of the staffs control. Would happily stay here again.

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

This is one of the best hostel where I stay in all my days in Australia (3 months), the staff is very nice, kind, all works amazing, I felt safe, and I enjoyed the kitchen because is big and have everything for made a good cook, the dinner room is big, illuminated and open. And the old building give a feeling of living in the past times. I recommend to everyone stays here and have a unique experience.

I wouldn't let my dog sleep on the mattress they provided me. Shocking really. Everything is old and run down and the place is generally grimy and dirty everywhere you look. I wouldn't recommend. The rooms are relatively cheap and it won't take you long to figure out why