BUG Review
The hostel above the Elephant and Wheelbarrow pub has a good atmosphere, but it could be better maintained. Facilities include a common room with a pool table and foosball. There’s also a TV lounge, Internet access and a kitchen.
Price Dorm bed $24 ($23 VIP) Double room $65 ($63 VIP) Prices are in local currency and are inclusive of all taxes.
Credit Cards American Express,Diners Club,MasterCard,Visa
Reception Open 24 hours
Book The Ritz for Backpackers
No booking fee when you book The Ritz for Backpackers online through BUG
Pros:
In a good location
Cons:
Rooms are a bit shabby
kellyj24
saw things this way
Maintenance
(2)
Cleanliness
(3)
Facilities
(2)
Atmosphere
(3)
Although i didnt actually stay in this hostel i spent a lot of time here with friends who stayed here for 2 weeks. The communal areas were fine and the kitchen wasnt bad - quite clean, but the rooms were quite shabby and need some work. After seeing the rooms i was a bit worried about visiting the bathrooms but they werent actually as bad as i had expected. Clean but basic - showers looked ok, but no mirrors which i found a bit strange.If you arent too fussy about where you stay and want somewhere cheap in a fantastic location just to get your head down for a bit of rest then this isnt a bad choice.
If you are looking for a more modern, sparkly clean hostel with great facilities then book elsewhere.
I've stayed at the Ritz on a few occasions over the past few years and I've got to say that it is has really slipped in cleanliness recently. The rooms are filthy and the bathrooms are worse. Hot water is a rare commodity as well.The Ritz IS a very social place and a great place to meet other travellers who are looking to have some fun, but living in filth and risking a bed bug attack is the downside to having a great social life.Ironically, the prices at the Ritz are the same as the newest and cleanest hostel in th St. Kilda area. Go figure.
