BUG Review
Set in a unique old building not far from the beach and the city centre, this YHA hostel has great presentation. It has large spacious common areas with rows of aged leather couches and fireplaces, chandeliers, and a grand staircase. Kitchen facilities are good, dorms are excellently maintained, and bathrooms are flawless. Reception can organise almost any kind of excursion you can think of in the surrounding area. The TV lounge is a great place to meet backpackers. They offer free meals three times a week, use of body boards, and internet access ($4 per hour).
Price Dorm bed $30 ($27 HI/YHA) Single room $50 ($45 HI/YHA) Double room $72.50 ($65 HI/YHA) Prices are in Australian dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
Pros:
Free meals and activities on offer
Cons:
Cant think of any
charliebecca
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
Just like what youd expect with a YHA you get the better class of backpacker...you know the ones that show respect! My room was overlooking the sea. There was a great vibe with the place. The owner/boss man made sure everyone got together and got to knw each other and so gave free meals and we did quiz'z etc.
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2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 1245)
Great atmosphere, nights out a must, March 8, 2007
Pros:
3 freemeals a week in local pubs !!
Cons:
Hostle in need of upgrading eg lockers and bedside lights
annathereluctantback
saw things this way
Maintenance
(2)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(2)
Atmosphere
(4)
The hostle is at end of train line in Newcastle east and so right on the beach close to shops and pubs. Day tours are on offer and Port Stephens is a must do. the hostle needs some improvements didn't like the comunal showerrooms and the larger bedrooms need an overhaul. Great big lounge to relax but kitchen is in basement and the laundry is too expansive.
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2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 1202)
Great location. Great atmosphere. Good facilities., February 14, 2007
Pros:
Right by the beach! Big comfy common area and patio.
Cons:
It's in Newcastle? Joke!
twojawas
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
Great place. Cheap tours to the Hunter and to see dolphins are available. Staff is very friendly and helpful.Very spacious common area. Ensuites in some (all?) of the dorms.A very good hostel overall.Will definitely stay again.
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2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 1088)
lovely building with character & atmosphere, December 30, 2006
Pros:
Great building & evening outings organised
Cons:
Newcastle itself is a disappointment
zulu17
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
A well furnished character building with sofas everywhere - even in the laundry room. Outings with free meals organised several days a week encourage socialising. The nearby Ocean baths and several other points of interest were undergoing what appear to be lengthy renovations and are a bit of an eyesore. Plenty of surfing beaches around.
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2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 9089)
Good old style hostel with free meals on special days, December 27, 2004
Reviewer:
christellefv
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
The rooms were very sunny with big windows, a lockable wooden box for luggage. The bathroom I used was downstairs and the showers were new and very clean and the bathroom spacious. I did not see any insects. The Internet consisted of crappy consoles, expensive and not very handy. The kitchen (basement) was clean and spacious with a lot of space for food. The staff was friendly but enjoyed talking with the other staff a lot and it took time for me to get their attention. There was also renovations during the time I was there so a strong smell of paint in the hostel. Great location, 2 minutes from the beach and easy walk to shops in the city. The hostel itself was also nice, old style, never saw any other one like this. We were offered a free meal at a local pub but it was a little walk to get there (15 minutes) but was worth it with the free food!
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3 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 9090)
THIS HOSTEL GIVES YHA A GOOD NAME!!!!, November 29, 2004
Reviewer:
krista&sam
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
Im not overly keen of YHA's but this one was fantastic. The building is spectacular and the features make you feel so relaxed and comfortable. The bathrooms could be a bit nicer, but the layout was great, showers were nice and powerful and the cubicles were far from small!!! The bedroom was a bit bland, but spacious. The kitchen is huge and they have a pizza night. we managed to aquire some left over pizza which kept us going!!!! Friendly people. Not far from anything.
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2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 9091)
Big and quietly comfortable, October 19, 2004
Reviewer:
Sofi
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
I stayed in here in September and its your averidge YHA really. although I usually object to paying the high prices. This one is in a huge old building with a grand entrance hall and wooden sweeping staircase and stately furniture everywhere, which made a nice change from other hostels although it gives it a bit of a musty dusty feel. The guy on reception was really helpful and friendly and the rooms were clean and comfortable and the security was really good. The kitchen was very nice and very well equipped. Its a good option if your just staying a few nights.
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2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 9092)
The best hostel we stayed in during our trip, January 29, 2004
Reviewer:
Phil Knight
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
This place was really great. It looked nice on the website and it really was. Lovely old ballroom with leather sofas, books etc. Great kitchen/dining area. Free surf boards. Friendly staff. My only regret is that we were only booked in there for two nights before we had to move to our next destination.
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3 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 9093)
Easily the best hostel I've stayed in--ever!, January 12, 2002
Reviewer:
rachelmercer@juno.com
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
I'm originally from 'The States' and enjoy traveling a great deal. Newcastle Beach YHA was the best hosteling experience I've had as of yet. Not only were the facilities fantastic, but the staff was knowledgable about local tours; the wine tour to the Hunter Valley was an incrediable (inexpensive)experience. Since everyone seemed to be enjoying their time at the hostel the atmosphere was fun and I was able to make some amazing friends in a short amount of time. The only downside is that it's somewhat expensive for a hostle, but I'd say it's well worth the extra $5!
