Eva's Backpackers, Sydney

During new years eve, as you might expect, there are not many options to stay in Sydney. New Years Eve is the happening of the year in Sydney and the hostels, hotels and other accommodation are already booked a full year in advance. When I booked a half year in advance I had little choice. After booking The Eva’s I didn’t know if I was any decent because sometimes you hear some really bad stories about hostels.

Location

Eva’s is located in a quite side street in the district of Kings Cros. The area is mainly known for its extensive nightlife, erotic and excellent pubs. But you'll also find a lot of good restaurants, Internet cafes, supermarkets and fast food options. In Kings Cross there are mostly backpackers and you'll also be overloaded with hostels and large backpacks. I am extremely pleased with the atmosphere, the streets are full, you will find the most diverse types and everyone is willing to talk, especially when it comes to travel. It is often a very busy and 24 / 7, luckily the hostel is in a very quiet street.

The hostel

The hostel is very easy to find and the staff are really friendly. It’s actually a family owned hostel and you can feel that atmosphere. When you enter you will find the reception where they have 24 hour somebody available what gives a safe feeling and it’s always good to have somebody present to ask questions and of course they speak very good English. What me surprised me was that the hostel is so clean. They have a fulltime cleaning staff present and I can stay everything was clean especially the room. In hostel you will find a large kitchen but also a shared living room with a beautiful fireplace! It was often busy at night and a perfect place to meet people to talk with. If you really want to relax they have this amazing rooftop with a BBQ! The BBQ is free to use. I had some pretty good nights there and everybody is just very friendly.

The rooms

I myself stayed in a 4-person dorm room because, unfortunately, nothing else was available but I also had a look the twins and doubles to see how they are. The doubles are the option for couples. You have a private room with a double bed in it and in the twin room you have a bunk bed which is perfect when you are just friends. You wil have a desk and enough space for your clothes. Further on they have family rooms where four people can stay and of course the dorm rooms. The dorm beds are a mix of 4, 6, 8 and even 10 beds which can feel be bit crowded but the beds are comfortable. The 4 person room is stayed in was full but surprisingly quite and had some good night sleeps.

Prices (local currency)

Twin / Double with shared bathroom: $ 35
4 person Dorm: $ 28
8 person dorm: $ 24

Staff

At several it’s state that you get the smile for free from the staff. I unfortunately didn’t always notice this. The family who runs the hostel often take on backpackers who work in the hostel in return for free stay and food. Unfortunately the backpackers don’t speak always very good English and don’t always know everything. A minus for me on this point.

Facilities

Internet
I always find this such a plus point when there’s internet in the hostel. Free internet that is! What is perfect here is that they have free internet and even wifi in the lobby and room.

Other

• Telephone; Not used, but seeing people use without complaints.
• Livingroom with sofas; Cosy, with television and very nice pillows to dream on.
• Incl. bedding; Always nice to get somewhere to sleep under!
• Lockers; Free to use
• Reading lamp; Also in the dorm room, each bed had a separate light.
• Washing facilities; Clean, comfortable shower and enough space.
• 24-hour security; Always someone there.
• Jobs board, car ad board: Here I bought a car from: ideal and extended.
• Towels for hire; You can also choose your own towel to wash, rent is $ 3.
• Hairdryer for rent; No experience, but I can not imagine it's expensive.
• Airport shuttle, at a low fee only in low season for Australia.
• Parking; Very limited, book this in advance!
• iron / ironing board; Free to use in the laundry area.
• Tour desk; Many tours at good prices.
• Luggage Storage; Free and secure

Conclusion

I was very pleased with this hostel and had a wonderful time. I stayed here with a friend and we where a bit unhappy that we had to stay in a dorm room but we had a good experience. The other two people where friendly and not nosy at night so had a good sleep. The beds are comfortable so a hostel and also the bathroom was neat and clean. The kitchen in the hostel is a big plus and you have everything you need to make yourself a good breakfast. I loved the BBQ on the rooftop which is free to use and had a small party there. It’s really a good and fun meeting point where you can relax and enjoy the view. The hostel has a good location and in a busy area where a lot of other backpackers are. I would really recommend this hostel especially since the prices are good for what you get!