The Old Swan Barracks Backpacker Hostel Perth 2-8 Francis Street, Perth, Western Australia 6000

"I had a wonderful time until the Momsen found me and put her dirty band hands down my pants. I now have PTSD and the police need to catch this predator"

"Before COVID I was a frequent traveller. I have stayed in hostels in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Japan and all over Europe. I have also stayed in several backpackers in Perth. So I understand that hostels can be a little grimy and you get what you pay for. This was by far the worst hostel experience I have ever had. Right from the get go I noticed the reception was run down and the atmosphere was stuffy. There was a big sign stating that you cannot bring your own alcohol into the hostel (no wonder there was no atmosphere). The staff seemed to be friendly enough if seemingly a little hazy but I found it very odd that the receptionist knew my name and room before I had stated my name. I asked if I was the only guest checking in that night (thinking that would be an obvious give away of who I was)... I wasnt. Still, forgivable if slightly awkward. The room itself was about what I would have expected if I was paying $40 a night, but I guess theres an extra $25 for location. There was no temperature control in the room and two very large windows faced out onto the street with little to no noise control. The room also had a bit of a funky smell to it. Whilst I had experienced better rooms for $10 a night in Asia, I will admit that you wont get that kind of value in Perth. The bathroom was clean enough except for the open window right next to the toilet facing out into other windows. I guess the sight of guests provides the free entertainment for the office across the road. I passed out at 3am and slept well enough. Bed was surprisingly comfortable if shabby. But when I got home I realised I had a few bite marks across my chest. This was the only accommodation I had stayed in outside of my home this year. I rang the hostel and got a receptionist who didn't seem to quite understand what I was saying when I asked if they had had any bed bug infestations this year. First she said something about the manager being out and I reiterated that I needed the information now as I would need to take measures to prevent a break out in my house. She eventually admitted that they had closed off rooms because of bed bugs three weeks ago. I understand that with the frequency of travellers in hostels that bed bugs can be a common issue... but it is not peak travel season anymore. I would have thought that during COVID they would have had ample time to shut things down and eliminate issues with bed bugs. They still are not busy enough to justify not having eliminated the issue even if it has sprung up only in recent months. Guests also should have been notified of the presence of bed bugs. At this stage I feel there is room to call the owners negligent. Either way my $65 bargain is now a regrettable $700+ loss of all my bedding, bags, shoes and clothes that touched the surface of the hostel."

"Can’t complain at much because of the price. Here are some pros and cons anyway. Pros: cheap, powerful showers, wide comfy-enough beds, great location, 24 hour check in desk and good air con (though can get v cold). Cons: Thin walls, quite dirty kitchen and facilities, had to make own beds on arrival which was not ideal when we arrived at 2:30am and couldn’t see a thing, terrible WiFi, can’t bring in own alcohol (due to their license) and no recycling bins."

"Would've given a 4 star as good prices, showers are hot with good power, rooms have aircon and friendly staff at reception, but the beds we stayed in had bedbugs. Also had to make own beds when arriving which isn't ideal although it is a huge hostel so would take the staff a lot of time. Rooms are good enough but nothing fancy. Seemed a pretty social place but wasn't staying for long. Parking is on road outside, paid from 8am-6pm Mon-Sat"

"Service was absolutely wonderful; all of the staff that I met were friendly and hospitable. The entire hostel was clean. One down side was having to put a deposit down for your room key and dishes for the breakfast in the morning. It was in a great, central location, and I'd love to go back one day. I had a great time!"