Reef Lodge Backpackers hostel and lockers Townsville

I stayed in this hostel for 5 months just because it was the cheapest but I was very bad. The owners don't manage properly, you find yourself waiting for hours at the front desk because the owner is out doing who knows what, the kitchen is always dirty-there are stacks and stacks of dishes that no one cleans. And watch out! The owner, Simon, does not give back the $50 bond for the keys. Although I've been there months and he knows me, he knows I've never made a mess, I've always cleaned up my own stuff (and sometimes other people's). I went in once after I had already checked out just to pick up my luggage and for that she kept my bond. Never found a worse hostel!

The owner attended to us for check-in. She seemed nice at first. However, the surprise came when we opened the bed. The sheets were full of stains and covered in hair. We couldn't understand how they could be so dirty. We tried to call the owner at 8pm, but she didn’t reply. Finally, around 10pm we could inform the owner and she started YELLING at us in front of everyone because we mentioned that the bed sheets was full of stains and women's hair. She got upset and said, "How can you say it's women's hair? My husband has long hair as well!" We were shocked, No comments. We just couldn’t understand what was happening. Then she gave us another room, and once again, there was hair. I understand that cleaning issues can happen—everyone makes mistakes—but her attitude was unacceptable: arrogant, and full of herself. Avoid this place. It’s better to pay a little more and stay somewhere where they treat you well, care about the guests, and make you feel comfortable rather than dealing with this kind of behavior from the owner. Honestly, it was really disappointing. Without a doubt, my worst hostel experience ever

I had an awful time here. The owners were extremely rude and unprofessional, showing no respect towards customers. The place itself was dirty, poorly maintained, and completely unwelcoming. I would never come back and I strongly advise others to avoid this place.

Absolutely love this place! The vibe is incredible! The owner is the nicest person you will ever meet! I highly recommend thanks Simone!

The hostel owner ate my head off for giving the keys back 45 minutes late, skip the morning coffee that woke me up lol. It seemed like unnecessary grief

Stayed in a private room which had everything i need however not sure i would recommend this place especially for female solo backpackers. The police arrived while we were checking in to looking for someone staying at the hostel which put me on edge. Also had the owner arguing with 2 girls who were begging for a refund as there was a man in their room making them uncomfortable (Credit to the owner as they said they had offered them 4 different dorms) but the level of desperation was worrying and i didn't feel safe here.

We were looking for a hostel and came across this one. When we rang the bell at the reception (mind you, during opening hours), no one answered, so we wanted to make sure someone was there and rang again. After that, we were "warmly" (not) welcomed. The owner then felt the need to lecture us, saying "Patience is a virtue not everyone possesses." As a guest politely asking for a room and using the bell provided for that purpose, I don't think I have to listen to such remarks. From then on, the rest of the interaction was just as described in other reviews: we felt like we were bothering them, and both owners were extremely unfriendly. I thought it would be a good idea to see for myself, and I was not disappointed. After they couldn't agree on whether there were any beds available, we only listened out of politeness. We never had and never will have a room there. I've never experienced such a reception in my 10 years of traveling.

Myself & my boyfriend stayed in a private double room for 4 months while we did our regional work - I’m definitely not a hostel girl but the reef lodge was an exception. Most nights the hostel will be quiet past 10pm, the bathrooms & kitchen were cleaned every morning, the Aircon works really well and gets the room nice and cold quickly and there is a communal area if you wanted to chill and get to know other people staying there. A lot of reviews say that the owners are rude and strict, but if you respect them - they respect you. They only want the best for the hostel and the people who stay there long term, so if they’re giving out about dirty dishes not being cleaned and being piled up in the kitchen - it’s pretty fair because there are genuinely lovely people staying there who shouldn’t have to deal with the mess from others. We have never had any bad dealings with the owners and we enjoy chatting to them around the hostel and in the office :) Location is great as it’s right around the corner from flinders street, and has a Cole’s or Woolies 10 minutes in both directions. Thank you Dean & Simone!

Located in the heart of Townsville only 10 min to the Ferry Terminal, Coach Station ( Premier Motor Service & Greyhound Stop?) And about 1ins from the Woolworth. Very nice and clean accommodation run by a nice owner couple and made with lots of love. Huge chill out areas pool table good equipped kitchen and built like a small village it is one of the best places I stayed so fat. Like: Clean Quiet good location and lot of room for everybody Duslike: no free WI-FI