238 Victoria Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Tram 19, 55, 57, 59, 68 Train Melbourne Central Bus 220, 232, 546 Tel (03) 9328 3728 or 1800 700 478 Websitewww.globalbackpackers.com.au
BUG Review
Global Backpackers is in an old building opposite the Queen Victoria Market. It feels a bit retro with magazine pictures stuck to the walls, which look a bit tacky but somehow add to the character. It has a small but fully equipped kitchen, a small rooftop barbecue area and a friendly bar with a big screen to show films.
Price Dorm bed $26 Double room $65 Prices are in Australian dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
Reception Open Mon-Fri 7am-1pm & 4pm-9pm, Sat-Sun 7am-noon & 4pm-9pm
This is without a doubt THE WORST place I've stayed in, in my life. Having travelled extensively I was surprised to find somewhere in a developed country so badly run by it's own live-in head of staff.Cost-wise it is one of the cheaper hostels in Melbourne, and on the edge of the city it is convenient in terms of transport, yet these benefits do not excuse the sheer uncleanliness of the rooms and kitchen areas, and the utterly disgusting attitude of those running things. There were hardly any pots/pans/knives forks/anything to use, and what little they had was either broken or filthy. The fridges didn't work properly, thus all food went 'off' very quickly and the kitchen often had a bad smell to it.Any amount of noise beyond 8:30pm is quickly quashed by an authoritarian 'telling off', whereby someone will come and turn the DVD/TV volume down even if the people watching it are talking significantly louder. This is due to the fact that staff live on-site, and woe-be-tide if their own night's sleep is disturbed, regardless of the fact that the bar underneath the hostel is so loud that everyone is kept awake by the sound of loud thrashing drums, guitars and cat-whiney singing throughout the weekend.In my experience the staff in question regularly threw their weight around by threatening backpackers with eviction at the slightest opportunity - this included talking too loud at dinner, swearing, and even arguing with the manager was considered bad behaviour that warranted repremanding. It became apparent that our host(s) treated their guests more like children in their own house rather than backpackers who only wanted somewhere to stay and have a little fun.There is NO SECURITY here whatsoever - in the time I stayed there my own food was regularly stolen, somebody's laptop went missing from their room, there were fights with the locals taking place outside my window most weekend nights, to name but a few pleasant experiences I remember. My only reason for staying was the people - I had a great time when out with friends, but everyone I met at Global Backpackers agreed that it would be their one and only visit to this hellhole in such an amazing city.My advice: STAY WELL AWAY FROM THIS HOSTEL AT ALL COSTS. You'd get better value for money sleeping rough on the streets.
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3 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 12687)
for the money you spend it is worth it...friendly people great loction for travel, food, and culture, April 9, 2009
Pros:
quite place, people are interesting, Vic markets, bars, clubs, nite life...meeting new friends
Cons:
not enough people here...not the cheapest...
The_traveler_guy
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(5)
The hostel is in a great location for transportation, trams right across the street. Another plus, Victoria Markets also across the street, inexpensive food prices. Lots of restarunants, bars, nite life across the street. The hostel is not the cheapest or the most expensive but I love it here because I made tons of friends. I have experienced food from all over the world. I am having a great time here. Plus the management keeps the travelers posted with any traveling news about trips around Australia. The management also helps us backpackers find work. It is an awesome place to stay and the people here are very nice. I wish everyone can experience this hostel. I would give this hostel thumbs up review and recommend it for any traveler. That means 5 stars...I can't wait to meet more friends.
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3 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11230)
A Great hostel is a hostel none the less, January 16, 2006
Reviewer:
Ana
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
As I was reading through the other reviews I was smiling thinking back of good memories in the hostel. Some however were not very becoming. I guess some people don't understand that a GREAT hostel is not always about having sterilized carpets or a concierge at the door... but about the people that stay there. I think it's a space just the right size to make friends fast but not feel cluttered. I would go back there in a second. Especially nothing beats having a market in front of the building, especially when you're backpacking. And it is a bit of a hike to the casino... but if you're gonna spend your bucks at the club, I guess you can pitch in for a cab as well. Anyway have a good one here folks! brilliant place.
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3 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11231)
friendly and a place to make those long term mates, September 28, 2005
Reviewer:
Lucy
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
When it comes to my requirements from a hostel, I think it's not so much about 5 star accomodation, as it is making my trip away something to remember. Don't get me wrong, I am not the type to use outside toilets or deal with cockroaches (there are neither here), but at the same time, if somewhere is missing a framed picture or two, that's really not going to matter when the staff have stayed open an extra hour just to check me in. I ended up at this place for a LONG time and really found some of the most interesting and kind people there, the manager included. Always going out of her way to accomodate everyone, she is intrinsicly fair and the only thing it seems she cannot bear is those who are dishonest. A great believer in karma, Mirella MADE my stay in Australia and I honestly believe that this place was integral in my enjoyment of Melbourne. I met REAL Australians, and learnt all their idiosyncrasies and the cultural differences, as well as meeting people from every country I can think of. I found upon leaving that my experience had opened my eyes to other cultures and the hostel was great at assisting/encouraging that from my first day to my last tearful farewell. I gave this place 5 stars if only for the attitude and atmosphere. I would recommend this place, NOT to those who want a posh hotel, but to anyone who wants fun and to meet people, i.e. a real backpacker. I hope you have as much fun as I did.A few other things to check out if you do go... the pub downstairs (and the people in it), not a backpacker bar but they do give you cheap beer (GO $1 pots, tastes crap but it's cheap!!); the markets (awesome cheap food, all your vegies, meat etc. and lots of cheese - which i love!!); the skyline- I fell in love with Melbourne looking at that skyline out my window; and room 2. I reckon the best room in the place, although it is admittedly right above the bar downstairs.
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2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11232)
The People Make It!!, August 26, 2005
Reviewer:
Canadia matty
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
What A Great Place!! It's true this isn't the Ritz, but, come On We're Backpackers! LOL! The facilities are More than adequate, the proximity to the city can't be beat and the People Are Gold! All the staff are old residents and they make the stay wonderful! There is little they cannot help you with. These people are genuine and most will be good friends in no time. True the building is a bit dated but still very charming. There is live music all weekend in the pub downstairs (with beer deals for the hostel). The Vic market is great for all your food. And The people!! (not to put too fine a point on it)Global is more for the young, alot like a good party, but nothing out of control. Given the repeat patrons (at least 8 I know of in the last 3 months) I'd say this is a great place to stay , in my eyes. Keep it up!
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3 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11233)
Loved It, June 29, 2005
Reviewer:
Sarah
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
Hey ya'll this place is great, yea it isnt the most flash place to go, but like most have said it has the best staff. Daily cleaning,bar downstairs, a very relaxed atmosphere. I miss it sooo much and the people. If I didnt have to work I'd be back there in a flash. I loved it. Go hard guys, keep it up
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3 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11234)
Greatest people ever if not facilties, May 11, 2005
Reviewer:
gezb_1@hotmail.com
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
I stayed at the Global late last year, for 2 months or so. I loved it! Yes its old and a bit tatty but it is friendly, welcoming, the pub downstairs is a great party or chill place and the food IS good. I have nothing but great memories of this place, the staff are brilliant, the location was perfect for me, on the outskirts of the city right opposite the brilliant Vic markets. Its got a real atmosphere here that I found in very few other places in Australia. If you really need top notch facilities and are afraid of having to walk 10 mins to the centre then dont bother, but if you need good people, good vibes and good times then you've found your place.
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2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11235)
Lost my backpack!, March 29, 2005
Reviewer:
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(1)
Cleanliness
(1)
Facilities
(1)
Atmosphere
(1)
Place is a dump and without any ANY ANY ANY security!! Someone walked out with my backpack and during the daylight. Shame on you!
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7 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11236)
Filthy & disguisting. Cleaner sleeping on the streets, March 15, 2005
Reviewer:
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(1)
Cleanliness
(1)
Facilities
(1)
Atmosphere
(1)
I stayed here with my partner this year in Feb 2005. I read the other 2 reviews and decided that this place sounded pretty good. I am telling you now, never listen to the review of others. I did and when I arrived at this place thinking it was a four to five star hostel, I was very disappointed. Go by the bug review or you will be wasting your well earned money like we did. I think the two other people who did their reviews should get their heads examined. I wouldn't be surprised if the two reviews were from the people who worked there or who owned it - just to get customers in. This place is absolutely filthy. As you walk in you can smell a bad stinky hall way. The walls are decorated not by nice framed pictures but magazine pictures. The carpet is so dirty that it is brown and no carpet cleaner in the world would clean it. We left there after 2 nights. I don't know how we survived the first night, after being eatened by bed bugs and mosquitos. We ended up paying more money by moving and upgraded ourselves to a hotel. It was well worth it. The bathrooms smelt at this place and the toilet paper was that paper crap that hurts your arse. There was no soap to wash your hands and you have to mop the floor after your shower. The 2nd night there, I walked into the toilet and disturbed a man who didn't bother to lock the door, urinating. You are given a security code when you arrive but anyone can enter easily and most of the time at night there is no one there at the door/office to see who is coming in. It is next to the victoria markets but quite a walk from the main centre of the city, the yarra river and other good spots in melbourne. Be prepared to walk a lot if you stay here or even take a few taxi's at night which will cost you $10 from the casino - thats because the walk was too long especially in heels on a night out. Our room was at the front and the noises of the trams and cars was quite loud. As you walk around the hostel, there is dirty laundry left in the hall and other people's mess. The only good thing about the place is it's next to the markets and yes the people are nice and there is a pub next door, however the pub isn't great at all. It is old and again smelly. Why would you want to eat there. I'm telling you now, pay the extra or do some research before you book here. Your better off booking when you get to melbourne. See the places first. There is plenty of accommodation around so don't rush into it. You will find a place when you get there, no problem.
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9 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11237)
Unfair review, October 9, 2003
Reviewer:
Kate
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
Global Backpackers IS a small hostel, but that is a good feature as it promotes a friendly environment. It is NOT grungy or dirty, in fact the hostel is cleaned twice a day. The day manager is what some might consider a neat-freak. (She's been known to comb out the tassles on a floor rug in one of the rooms, just to make everything look perfect.) Global Backpackers is a non-smoking hostel, however like anywhere some people just go right ahead and smoke anyway.There is a new door connecting the hostel with the pub next door (Public Bar) where backpackers can get $4 meals and three $1 pots every night. The bar also acts as reception after hours meaning that you can check in anytime until 3 am most nights and and until 5 am on Friday and Saturday nights.I'm not going to pretend that Global Backpackers is a five star hotel, but it IS a five star hostel!
