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Sydney Central YHA Hostel Review and Recommendation
Accommodations in Australia are relatively expensive compared to other countries. Since I was alone when I went to Melbourne, I decided to try sleeping in a hostel for the first time... I didn't regret it. Melbourne Central YHA (Youth Hostel Association) was a great choice. It was relatively new, the bathrooms were clean, and the facilities were great. Since then, I realized that staying in a hostel isn't a bad idea at all... I even miss the experience once in awhile. Here are what you can expect:
Reception - Get greeted at their cozy reception area by people who are young and energetic. The area has comfortable sofas, travel brochures, and an in-house travel agent. You can go to Australia without any ideas of where to go but still end up with a good itinerary with the help of their in-house travel agent.
Rooftop - This was a sweet surprise as it had cozy seats and convenient toilets (no need to go down should the need arise). Perfect place to lounge around. If I'm not mistaken, there are rooftop rooms which you can book. Suggestion: Buy food and drinks from the supermarket/grocery and enjoy the rooftop experience.
Internet Terminals and TV Area - Watching movies or tv is free. While the internet/computer terminals have a fee (relatively expensive), at least you won't get "disconnected" if you don't have a laptop or mobile internet gadget with you.
Barbeque / Smoking / Lounge Around Area - If you don't want to lounge around at the rooftop, this one which is located at the same level as the reception is a good alternative. The "receptionists"/hotel attendants usually hang out here so this a great place to get to know them as well as mingle with other guests.
Hallways - Modern feel and will make you feel like you're staying in a hotel instead of a hostel.
Toilet - One of the cleanest, if not the cleanest, among all the hostels I've been to. I can guarantee that they are regularly maintained.
Private shower room with personal changing area
Relatively clean toilet bowls and lavatories
Rooms - You have the option of choosing among: 6 share male, 4 share female, 3 share male, Twin, or Double Private Bathroom (as of Jul2011). During my time, I stayed in a 4 share male which seems to have been removed from the choices already. Expect personal power outlet, personal bed light, and personal lockers. Try to know your roommates, they're usually friendly.
Location - Location has got to be one of the best selling points of the hostel. There's a tram stop in front of the hostel (also a stop of the City Circle Tram - a service that allows you to visit Melbourne's major tourist spots for FREE). It is also walking distance from the Southern Cross Station which is both a drop off (you can also have yourself dropped near Melbourne Central YHA itself) and pickup point for Melbourne's Skybus - an affordable bus service to and from the Melbourne airport.
A hotel across the block where Melbourne Central YHA is (serves as a good landmark)
Facade of the entrance along Flinders St. - look for this spot across the tram stop
Location Map courtesy of Google Maps
Recommendation - Because of a good first hostel experience here (at a very good price of AUD35/night), I ended up booking hostels for some of my succeeding trips. If you want to save when travelling to Melbourne, I highly suggest you consider staying here. NOT ALL HOSTELS ARE CREATED EQUAL... Melbourne Central YHA is one of the best!
If you're keen on staying here, below are important information which you may want to take note of:
Address: 562 Flinders St. Melbourne 3000
Reception Hours: 24 Hours
Arrival Time: Check in from midday, check out at 10am.
How to go:
Bus - The hostel is located 1 kilometre to Southern Cross Station and Skybus Terminal.
Train - The backpackers hostel is located 1 kilometre to Southern Cross Station.
Nearest Airport - The backpackers hostel is located 28 kilometres to Melbourne Airport. Skybus operates 24 hours from Southern Cross Station and picks up at the hostel.
The entrance to Melbourne Central YHA Backpackers hostel is to the right hand side of Bertha Brown's bar. Take the lift or stairs up to reception on level one.
