The Hive Hostel

I stayed at this hostel for one week. I mainly used it just to sleep and take a shower, so I didn’t really have the chance to properly check or use the kitchen. Unfortunately, my experience was quite negative due to the general lack of cleanliness. The common areas and corridors were often dirty, and there were pigeons walking around inside the corridors, which was honestly unpleasant and unhygienic. On top of that, there was a strong smell of cigarette inside the bathrooms. The bathrooms were in very poor condition. It was common to find used items left on the floor, and there was often no soap available, which is unacceptable for a place hosting travelers. This made the overall hygiene situation feel very precarious. Another major downside was the beds: they were extremely noisy, and even small movements would wake people up, making it difficult to get proper rest. Overall, the hostel seriously needs improvements in cleanliness, bathroom maintenance, and basic comfort.

Unfortunately, our stay was not what we had expected. We stayed there for two nights. We arrived on a Wednesday morning and had to wait until 3 p.m. to get our room, which was completely fine. However, when we entered our room (which we had to share with 10 other people), we realized that we had to put the bed sheets on the mattress ourselves, and the sheet did not even fit the size of the mattress. The mattress itself had old yellow and brown stains, which was simply disgusting. The duvet and pillow did not smell freshly washed, nor did they look clean. In addition, at check-out you had to bring your bed sheets to the reception yourself; otherwise, you would not get your $40 deposit per person back. The hostel gave us the impression of an old, run-down youth hostel. Everything was messy and dirty. You almost felt disgusted to sit down on the sofa or a chair. The kitchen equipment was the biggest disappointment. There were only three plates, four pots, and two frying pans (which were useless, as I tried to use them but couldn’t cook with them because they were bent and the surface was scratched), plus a small amount of cutlery. For a hostel that accommodates at least 100 people, this is unimaginable. The lighters for the gas stoves were always empty, and the flame of the gas burners was barely visible. We simply wanted to cook pasta with pesto, and it took us 50 minutes because of the weak flame. In the kitchen, we also found dirty cutlery on the floor and cockroaches crawling up and down the walls. For that price that we paid, it’s absolutely unacceptable. The only positive aspects were that the receptionists were friendly and that the hostel is relatively central (the CBD is about a 10-minute walk away). We will definitely not be coming back. Denise

What started off as a negative with the cleaner not admitting that she threw away my expensive reusable water bottle, turned into a big positive with staff member Jamie going above & beyond the call of duty and looking after me. I would recommend staying here because of the great service that he showed. It’s also in a good location (CBD) and I think it’s better than some of the other hostels.

I had an unforgettable time at The Hive Hostel! I stayed there for 5 months during winter. Don't expect a nice looking, fancy hostel.. everything is a bit old, broken and improvised but it has character. The people were great and that is what matters when staying in a hostel. It's a very social place and I would come back!

Warning. This business is a fraud. I paid $72 dollars for a reserved parking spot on the day I arrived. When I entered the car park then I realized that my car wouldn’t fit into the space so I didn’t used it and I requested for a refund. However, the girl on the counter on Friday, 6th Feb promised me she will get the refund processed. Now I still haven’t received the money from this hostel and so far no one can solve this issue. Don’t waste your time here. This business is a scam with their “un-refundable” policy.

I loved the common area—cozy couches, fast WiFi, and travelers from all over the world. Met two new friends during my first hour there. Highly recommend to any woman traveling alone.

Great location near the centre, super helpful staff! Very friendly environment, all staff available to help you! It seems to be at home, surely it is a youthful environment where you can make friends and have a basis to start your own experience! Excellent quality price!

There is only one men's toilet and then two unisex portaloos in the back yard. The one men's toilet doesn't have a lock on it. The place is generally filthy and in desperate need of renovation. I only stayed for one night thankfully cos I wouldn't want to have to use the facilities here. Definitely got party vibes and easy to meet people but I'm pretty sure it's literally illegally badly equipped and would fail a health inspection.