Backpackers By The Bay

I lived in this hostel for 3 1/2 months and absolutely loved it! Brilliant staff, very homely vibe. Even after moved out I spent most my time there as the vibe, people and place is so good. Will miss it for sure. Shout out to the manager Amena for being the most lovely, friendly and helpful hostel worker I have ever met.

BED BUGS, DIRT AND UNAPOLOGETIC STAFF. A group of us stayed in this hostel for 4 days. On the second night I found one bedbug on my pillow on the top bunk of a bed that was located below an air con system. Upon research I found that bed bugs tend to live in electricity outlets including sockets and air conditioning units. I did not tell my group as a didn't want to cause hysteria within a clean and hyper conscientious cohort. We chose this hostel on the basis that the other more popular and better rated hostels in the town were booked out. Upon checking out myself and the main guest made the incident aware to a member of staff followed by management. We received no apology for this and in fact were blamed for potentially bringing this infestation on site. We presented to the management the fact that we had just begun our travels and had purchased new suitcases and clothing specifically for our trip. But of course we shouldn't have had to prove ourselves to a staff member. Bearing in mind there were dirty socks left outside our "deep cleaned" room upon our arrival. As someone that has worked in high end customer service and hospitality roles for many years, I am familiar with the procedures that should follow when a client comes to you with a query and a complaint. Rule number one is to be apologetic. We asked for compensation and were kindly provided with money to thoroughly wash all of our belongings which we were very grateful for. But sadly we didn't receive an apology for the occurrence and no ownership for the the incident was taken by the staff on site. When looking through reviews online after the matter this clear lack of empathy and unprofessional approach is apparent in the rude responses to customer reviews.

Very good hostel. Feels very cozy, is clean enough and beds are quite comfortable. Showers and toilets can get somewhat crowded at time. Location is a bit far from the city centre but still under 15 minutes walk, which is not bad. I liked that they offer free tea and coffee all day.

I would put this a little low because of the cost. It’s a bit expensive for what they offer. The staff weren’t very warm or helpful. They more or less were there to give the key. Didn’t really show me around or explain anything. The bunk beds were comfy, but pretty exposed. No curtains, no outlets to charge anything in the bed. The price should be a little cheaper, or they could maybe do a few upgrades. The kitchen was pretty sweet though.

the hostel itself was pretty good, cleaned regularly, cool A/C in each room. however the people staying there are awful vibe. ESPECIALLY THE LONG TERM GUESTS, they have such entitlement to place and are not welcoming or considerate of short stay guests. ||unfortunately had to spent 4 night here, stuck inside because of rain. had long term guest storm in and out of our room drunk turning on lights at 3am brining multiple guests (4+) into our 4 person room during night INCLUDING MEN IN OUR FEMALE DORM, totally inappropriate and unsettling. (literally paid extra for a female dorm for a man to be in there …? ) ||when we told reception on check out all she said was that’s not good, lightly apologised and gave us $20… do better.lack of respect from long term guests in that building is awful and not acceptable to be honest. ||also whilst i was having shower girls were playing hide and seek (totally fine whatever) but pushed my shower door twice trying to open it whilst i was in there, thinking i was the girl hiding. totally wrong of them to do so.||counted down the days to get out of that place …

An amazing hostel with the cosiest vibe! Great place to chill or the common area is perfect for socialising. Location is perfect, near to town but away from the hustle and bustle! Receptionists are super friendly and amazing at what they do :)

I had booked a two-night stay. On the afternoon of the second day, I went sightseeing, and when I returned, all my belongings were gone from my bed. My clothes had been placed in a box meant for guests to take for free, while my expensive diving mask and portable battery were stored in a locker. The food I had just bought, without even opening, was already eaten. People can make mistakes, but when I ask for a refund for the two-night stay, I was initially refused. I wasted time searching for my things, and by 3 p.m., I had another scheduled activity. The reception was closed, and even though I needed my diving mask to go in the water, I couldn’t use it. My day was ruined, and I couldn't fully enjoy the experience, yet they still denied my refund. Only after further complaints did I finally get a refund, but it felt reluctant. I would never want to go there again. I hope they handle things better next time.

Stayed here for four months as a long termer and loved it. Amena is amazing at what she does and gives the hostel a welcoming and cosy vibe. The location is great and it was the perfect way for us to meet people and enjoy Airlie. I will definitely be back to visit <3