BUG Review
The lush green outdoor area makes Elke's an attractive hostel. Thanks to the newly-renovated dorms, toilets and kitchen, Elke's feels clean and well maintained. In addition to the kitchen, you'll find a swimming pool, laundry facilities, barbecue and a decent TV lounge. The dormitories are air-conditioned, which is essential in Darwin. Overall Elke's is a nice place - especially if you're looking for a peaceful atmosphere.
Price Dorm bed $25-27 ($24-26 HI/YHA, ISIC, VIP) Prices are in Australian dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
Pros:
Good social areas for drinking before walking into town
Cons:
Needs attention to interior areas (but its not filthy).
davidthirlwell
saw things this way
Maintenance
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Cleanliness
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I had a really good time while staying here, although some parts of the hostel look a little tired there are different areas for socialising and quiet areas for reading/chilling out. The staff were fun and relaxed but as I didnt book any tours here I cant comment on booking aspects. Maybe I was lucky when I stayed here as to the people I met but if I went back to Darwin I would stay at Elkes again. Its only 5 minutes from the local pubs and nightlife and the right side of town to get to the night market in 15 minutes on foot. Another bonus in location is the proximity to the 25 hour asian food halls....delicious and cheap seems not worth cooking (unless youre on the 1 min noodle budget!) The pool is cleaned reguarly and has a spa built in. Dorms are quite small but I didnt spend much time in my room anyway. Internet facility closes early so go into town for your blogging...
4 of
5 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 707)
Too far from town, not party like at all, August 15, 2006
It's a rubbish hostel, that's hell boring and is miles from town in the end....it may be on mitchell street but it's the wrong end with a crap pool.... and don't go on kakadu dreams which ius what they promote...
1 of
4 people found this review helpful
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Hostel Manager's Right of Reply
Elkes has just undergone a major renovation and overhaul (finished 04/07), this means all new facilities (new beds, linen, kitchens, bathrooms, games area, TV room etc.) and new management. This has turned it into the best hostel in Darwin.....hands down.
Elkes is not miles from town, it is literally 5 minutes walk to the centre of town so yes, it is more quiet but definately not boring. If you want to get drunk every night maybe it is better that you stay in the backpacker hostels in the middle of the city so there is less of a 'stagger' to your bed. But if you did you would miss out on our lagoon style swimming pool with spa and waterfall surrounded by lush, tropical gardens.
Unfortunately it is a case of sour grapes for 'Crunket'. Maybe he would have enjoyed his stay in Darwin more if he had not got himself kicked off a tour for being drunk and harassing his fellow passengers.
Finally, yes, we do promote Kakadu Dreams, along with all the other tour companies that provide the best service for our guests. Please come and see for yourself.
(Review ID: 8798)
Please DO NOT stay at the place - you will regret it!!, September 7, 2003
Reviewer:
Nicola & Stephen
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n/a
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n/a
Imported Review
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This place is disgusting. We have been travelling around Australia for a while now and this is without doubt the worst place we stayed in with the rudest staff. Free breakfast? Free if you don't actually want to toast your bread (toaster was broken the whole time we were there). Hot water? Not after 8am I'm afraid but you wouldn't want to shower in the the dirty place anyway. Oh yeah, and they lock the kettle away after 8.30pm so hope you don't want a cup of tea in the evening...Take our advice and stay somewhere like the Banyan Lodge across the road. Backpackers are on a budget but shouldn't have to put up with places and service like Elkes.....
5 of
5 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 8799)
I thought the Indonesian's where Pushy, August 9, 2003
Reviewer:
Mark Chapman
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n/a
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n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
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Arrived from Bali, sick of morning or afternoon price that you get there, and them not understanding " I don't want to buy anything". Well this place takes the cake, the woman on reception didn't understand why I didn't want to buy anthing off her, she just kept on harrasing us each time she saw us about going to Kakadu. Sort of nice pool, not very clean and realy small rooms. Should have taken notice of the last two reviewers.Moved to the Cavenagh Cool Spot and really cool staff.
2 of
2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 8800)
Can't Agree More, with the last two reveiws, May 25, 2003
Reviewer:
Mike
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n/a
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n/a
Imported Review
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Checked in late, what a drama, was harrased first thing in the morning about going on a tour to Kakadu, Kitchen, fully equipped with about two knives four plates and engough room if you swung a cat in there the cat would be very sore. So many of my friends stayed there about two years ago and apparantley it was great, NOT ANYMORE!! Oh yeah my room was great if I was four foot two.
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(Review ID: 8801)
dissapointing, April 30, 2003
Reviewer:
Christina Luckham
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n/a
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n/a
Imported Review
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Lush tropcial gardens? hello? dump more like. cramped dorms, dingy common areas, tiny kitchen with nowhere near enough space/facilities for the amount of people there. and a cliquey atmosphere. went to Frogshollow afterwards, which was much, much better
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(Review ID: 8802)
Visted two years ago, now very pushy for tours & dirty, April 11, 2003
Reviewer:
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Anonymous
saw things this way
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Such a dissappointment, as soon as I walked in, " What Kakadu tour you are going on", checked into my room, said four bed dorm, was six and very tight, smelt of mildew, and the water from the shower block next to our room, leaked into our room. The VIP web site,said Ocean Views, what drugs were they on, Also Free BBQ, (at the hostel up the road), when I disclosed what tour to Kakadu I was going on, aparentaly I was unable to re check in, because they got back to late, but they welcomed me at midnight, when I rang from the airport-strange.I moved to another hostel .
4 of
4 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 8803)
Great location, with gardens and a relaxed atmosphere., December 2, 2002
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Anonymous
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Great concept with a personal and friendly and personal service, this is my second time. I see the email address is wrong, it is <info@elkesbackpackers.com.au>
1 of
2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 8804)
Cool location and great atmosphere, July 22, 2002
Reviewer:
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Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
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Great place, with an atmosphere to go with it, nice pool and staff really know the travel side of things.
2 of
2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 8805)
Amazing gardens and atmosphere at night,+troppo rooms!, November 18, 2001
Reviewer:
Peter Arnold Jackson
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Imported Review
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Maintenance
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yeah forget the concrete bunkers in the Inner-City! Come and stay at a smaller more personalised place! Great local tour discounts and prices as well! Plus a free big dinner at nights at the pub!
