Posted by Derrick Bunn from Auckland, New Zealand
The world’s most poorly managed hostel. The substandard, threadbare accommodation is far from clean. The bed linen is inadequate and complaints are handled with a shrug of the shoulder, which shows the level of commitment amongst the part time/casual staff.
The wireless internet simply does not work. The kitchen is filthy and the laundry is a slum full of non functioning washers and dryers. Motels are available in Perth at little more cost, if you add the "rental" costs for towels, kitchen eqt and internet use.
The evacuation procedure, due to a drunken guest setting off the fire alarm at 2am, was nonexistent, and no-one was informed of the "emergency". People stood around in the hostel waiting.
Avoid.
Response from The Old Swan Barracks
We are very surprised and disappointed to learn of this guest's experience here. Since January of this year we have undertaken the extensive renovation of all rooms and common areas and three weeks ago we enlarged our laundry area and installed new gas dryers which are fast, cheap and effective. The WiFi can be tricky at times but we have over 20 computer terminals for inexpensive 24 hour use. We do not try to compete with motels which offer clean and quiet rooms and complete anonymity. We ARE Backpackers and, as such, provide adequate double rooms for those who like to combine the privacy of their own room with the fun and companionship found in our bar and many common areas. Our aim is to become the best value hostel in Perth in terms of fun, activities and facilities. We still have a little way to go and appreciate all feedback! :)
Posted by janedot from esperance, Australia
This hostel is close to the city, transport and night life. It has been recently renovated, with a new bar, flat screen TVs, Foxtel etc... The staff were friendly and helpful. And overall I had a good stay.
We are one of the best located hostels in Perth, but we recognise that location isn't everything and we are in the beginning stages of our extensive rennovations & improvements. New additions are Setanta Sports and costume parties and we begin constuction on a swimming pool very soon! Thanks for your feedback.
Posted by Canadians from Ontario, Canada
From July 23 to 26, 2007 I stayed for 4 nights with my 2 children and unfortunately did not read the reviews before I booked with my credit card. This place should be closed down for window repair and uncleanliness. They have falsely advertised how great a place this is. This place should be taken off the internet. Do not go there.Disappointed Canadians
Thanks for this opportunity to clarify the exact situation. We have fully investigated this matter and found out that indeed the Room alloted your esteemed clients had a broken window pane.We did however offerred to move them to another room. But they declined to change because they preferred this particular room.It's unfortunate that they were still unhappydespite our staff friendliness in welcoming them and offering them road directions to their visists tourist destinations, etc
Indeed, we are still a great place to stay and visit as we are centrally located in the heart of the citywith big dining hall and kitchen, etc. With our daily house-keeping in consistent with the City Health Authorities. we cannot be faulted for uncleanliness.Last but not least, we welcome you the opportunity for an inspection visit inorder to confirm the real scenarios and to verify whether our Castle should be taken off the internet...Thank you
Posted by a TotalTraveller from cork, Ireland
An old army barracks...looks alright at the reception, but further on noticed the odour of a deceased rodent under the floorboards, appears not to have been cleaned since the lads went off to Gallipoli. Broken windows all over the place, thought I'd get Legionaires Disease out of the showers. There's a reason why they're the cheapest in town.
Thank you for your comments. Indeed we may be an old army barracks...but it's not true that we have "the odour of a deceased rodent...."as we have daily house-keeping and cleaning in our entire premises. Yes, we do have a couple of broken windows in some rooms (BUT NOT ALL OVER THE PLACE.... due to vandalism and whch have since been repaired.... No, you will not get "Legionaires Disease out of the showers" as we have a Toilet Cleaning Record Register in every of our toilets and showers to ensure daily cleaning and maintenane of hygience, far exceeding the mimimum requirements of the health authorities.We are certainly not the cheapest in town as our room rates are just as competitive commensurate with the accommodation and the service we provide to one and all.
Posted by a TotalTraveller from Weston Super Mare, United Kingdom
I left on the 29/11/2006 after a two week stay. The hostel was unclean with broken windows and doors. The kitchen had overflowing rubbish bins . Male showers and male toilet in the main hall were smelly and dirty . Unless you are desparate do not use the in house internet . I did receive a refund for the week that I had paid for, in advance.
Thank you for your feedback. We apologised for any inconvenience caused. However, it is unfair to say that our hostel is unclean......ALL the time. You may have occasioned to see an overflowing rubbish bins...but we have since ordered more rubbish bins and increased the house-keeping hours to cope with our high occupancy rate.. Indeed, it is an over exaggerated.
Discover the South Coast
This stunning region offers pristine beaches, charming coastal towns as well as majestic hinterlands and national parks. Read more ...
Save $240 3nts Merimbula Resort
From $21 To $77 per night
