The Great Hostel Company 136 Grafton Street, Cairns City, Queensland 4870

"Cool backyard, pool and plenty of communal seating areas, large kitchen with lots of storage space, clean enough although there was a bed bug outbreak while I was there and they didn’t do much about it. The most concerning part of this hostel is the senior staff. Almost each night there was a different ‘drama’ which would be blown way out of proportion resulting in physical fights that the manger and (even worse) the owner would convince themselves was necessary. Drunk annoying people happen at hostels and instead of moving the guests or visitors along they would yell, threaten, and often hit them, soon followed by bragging about their tough fighting abilities. The only manager that could deal with drunk people in a civil way is now gone and the new one power trips every single guest out of some superiority complex. Felt like a being round a pack of drunk dogs figuring out who’s alpha. Apart from the senior staff who can’t seem to overcome their egos it is a cheap place to stay in a good location. Everything is quiet by about 10-11 pm so if you don’t mind being around fights and getting ridiculed for saying the wrong thing, go for it."

"We planned to stay just two nights but extended to one week because we loved the hostel so much! The pool is awesome, the hostel has a great vibe with lots of young people and it’s pretty close to the city centre. Great value for the price with breakfast included!!!! Will come back!"

"This hostel always has a good vibe, music playing all day so you can chill out and have a good time with all the amazing friends you meet from all over the world. The hostel is clean and the management are so friendly, always there to help. Centeral location so can walk every where. Even with the rain there’s lots of people Around so never a boring moment! Recommend, especially for the price!"

"In 3 years of travelling, this is one of the worst and most poorly run hostels I have ever been to. I checked out the next day and moved to Mad Monkey (best hostel I've seen). The hostel is extremely dirty and generally run down. -Air conditioners don't keep rooms cool -Showers are cold -Pool has dirt at the bottom with cloudy water -Most of the kitchen is broken The staff are lazy and unhelpful. -You have to call the owner on arrival so he can come to the hostel to check you in -No information given about the hostel or tour of the facilities -Staff don't tell you about various fees."