Name: Melbourne City Backpackers
Address: 197-199 King Street, Melbourne, 3000, AU

2/10

Poor

01 Jul 2026

LUBANGAKENE

These guys hold non refundable bookings without telling you

Self

10/10

Exceptional

27 May 2026

Jonathan

It was good clean tidy shops close by

Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 Apr 2026

Axel

In my honest opinion, the kitchen is too small, and the breakfast could have been much better compared to other hostels across Australia. Having only one microwave is not really suitable for a hostel. There is still a lot of room for improvement, but overall, it is a very clean and nice place to stay.

Self

8/10

Excellent

25 Nov 2025

Jethro

The experience was good.

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

04 Oct 2025

David

I read a review saying it’s better than sleeping on the streets after staying here for 1 nights that’s highly debatable. The place has no soul.

Self

2/10

Poor

03 Oct 2025

David

My top bunk was falling apart. There were loose metal strips that fell on the ground. There is no atmosphere and no where to relax. Other places for similar price are way better. I felt uncomfortable there for the duration of my stay and checked out early.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

06 Aug 2025

Blue

The stairs and the rotary locks

8/10

Excellent

29 Jul 2025

Andrew

It was fine for what it was.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

04 Jun 2025

Melissa

Not disability friendly as there is no lift or wheelchair access. Bedrooms are roomy by kitchen/dining/lounge are very small.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

21 May 2025

Joaninha

I like it

Business_and_leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

02 Jan 2025

Sophie

I had my stay for 4 nights (Including NYE) and the experience was pretty good. A clean place, comfortable bed (In a 16 shared room), the external noise was unperceivable inside the room, the hostel offers some stuff for breakfast such as cereal, milk, tea, coffee, bread, and enough kitchen facilities to cook during the allowed times.
I'm not sure how many activities they do, but I had the opportunity to do a painting there, on Monday afternoon, with all the tools provided for them.
The only thing to consider is to let the kitchen open all the time, due to the second day of my stay I had a tour early and all my prepared food was in the fridge, and I had to go Coles to buy something because I didn't have access to the kitchen at 7am.
About the location, it is close to the CBD, with loads of shops, restaurants, clubs, transport alternatives among the free PT zone.
I'd definitively come back!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Nov 2024

Stacey

Staff friendly and accommodating. Clean rooms and kitchens, and ample storage space.

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

23 Jun 2024

Israr

The staff was very friendly and helping. Overalls property is on good location. The problem i faced was about my roommates. Whole night they did not let me sleep by making noise.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

05 Apr 2024

Caroline

Feeling at home :)

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

11 Mar 2024

Brent

Staff are nasty and abusive

10/10

Exceptional

04 Mar 2024

Ryo

This is nice. But when midnight, outside is noisy.

4/10

Poor

24 Feb 2024

Alastair

Last resort accom only!

One bathroom not servicable, beds uncomfortable , minimal linen only 1 pillow.
complex Maxwell smartesque codes on multiple doors for access ! Very basic , minamilistic shared accom
Never again .. creaky bunk beds difficult not to wake other guests when getting in and out of bed and doors

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 Sep 2023

Chi Hang

I like the kitchen cooking gas flame is higher than other hostel. And free breakfast and tea and coffee, milk. Shower is good.

Business_and_leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

03 Sep 2023

Aishwarya

Sheets were stinky and overall not a very clean backpackers hostel.

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

27 Jul 2023

Chirangivee

To start with, I didn’t get my access code to the front door for which I had to stay outside and talk over for 20 minutes because the lady In reception was not able to locate my booking. After I got in all the lower beds of my room were taken so I had to take one of the top beds where there was no access to power outlet. I asked if any extension cable was available but there was none.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2023

KAI SHIANG

Close to bus stops where I needed to get to, friendly service, breakfast provided is a big bonus.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2023

Sheryl

Great location but had to walk up 4 flights of stairs. Also excellent security

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

02 Feb 2023

Sarah

I would stay here again because the price was unbeatable includes a basic breakfast or cereal or toast tea/coffee AND its got to be the easiest hostel to get to from the airport!!! The hostel is less then 5 minutes walk from the airport shuttle bus - literally walked in a straight line and i was there. So easy to find. They had an option for after hours checkin too. Only dislike was there is no elevator, i had to carry 30 kgs up 3 flights of stairs late at night.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Dec 2022

Dinusha

The rooms were clean, very comfortable, and the staff was amazing. It makes our stay enjoyable. I highly recommend this hotel for anyone visiting Melbourne

8/10

Excellent

15 Nov 2022

santosh

reasonable and ok for the price

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

11 Nov 2022

Omkar

I like the location of the property close to the station. When it comes to stay, it was difficult to sleep at night due to side railings of top bed
being loose.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Aug 2022

Everett

The door lock was high quality and convenient.
The location was perfect as it is at CBD area has the great things to offer.
The things that i notice is the pillow is thin and filthy same way goes to the quilt has stain , door of main toilet at floor 2 making a loud sound when somebody going out and in as the doorstopper doesn't works.
well, no lift .
However, it still recommendable. keep it up guys the excellent service you have now…

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

23 May 2022

Todd

The other travelers were considerate so there were no noise problems, things were tidy. Continental breakfast was a bit of an exaggeration, was actually a choice of rice bubbles or corn flakes and then a choice of 3 types of bread and either jam or peanut butter and of course tea and coffee. At the end of the day it was my first experience at a backpackers, the cost was great, facilities good, I slept well, staff were lovely so I was happy.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

27 Feb 2022

Kesa

Affordable

2/10

Poor

18 Mar 2020

Verified traveler

It wasn’t that good in terms of bad location, seedy area and I felt somewhat uncomfortable.

Business Self

6/10

Pleasant

30 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

Nice common lounge and you can get some sleep.
It's a good budget option

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jan 2020

Talon

Loved staying at this hostel! Such a friendly group environment, brilliant location and the staff was extremely helpful! I had lots of little issues throughout my trip and the people working the front desk were always so eager to help me out every time (: I recommend this hostel to anyone planning to stay in Melbourne

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Dec 2019

Mathias k

Good hostel

There were good beds, nice temperature in the room, and quiet in the room.
The hostel was clean, there were good showers and well equipped kitchen. It was a good 11 days stay.

Self

2/10

Poor

17 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

When my 18 year old daughter when to the room there was no bed for her &it was full with boys.so she ended up staying in the lounge area till 4am in the morning

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

23 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Great location and affordable but just a bit dated and in need of some maintenance and better cleaning.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Close to public transportation cafe's shops in the area with walking distance to the backpackers

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

29 Sep 2017

KA YAN

Melbourne 9/2017

Close to Southern Cross Station and Skybus pick up point, about 5 min could be reached. Staff were quite nice, willing to answer tourists' queries. We are free to use the cook sets in the kitchen, which allowed us to buy food at QVM and then cook. The room and corridor were smelly. No lift to access between the rooms and concourse.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

28 Aug 2017

Verified traveler

All good for what I paid as i was on a bender and slept there like 2 hours

8/10

Excellent

26 Aug 2017

Michael

Nice place and affordable but needs cleaning

I would consider staying here again. About 15 minute walk to the CBD and river and a few blocks away from Coles supermarket and the main train/airport bus station. The room such as the carpet was very dusty and dirty. They should just get rid of the carpet if they don't vacuum it. The carpet edges were filthy from just not getting vacuumed regularly. Lots of hair on vacuum. The shared bathroom was fairly clean but one of the two showers in the men's room had a broken knob so it was hard to control water. No wifi in main areas, limited to common area but it reaches certain rooms. Free breakfast was basic, mostly cereal and drinks. Tuesday they add sausage, bacon and fruit to the breakfast. If this place was cleaned better I'd give it a 5 as it is a great place for the price.

Family

8/10

Excellent

04 Aug 2017

Verified traveler

Just nice. Near to southern cross station

Partner

2/10

Poor

09 Jul 2017

russell

PRICES NOT WORTH FOR THE ROOM CONDITION

the price is not worth with the condition inside the room (dirty floor, towel still wet - seems ex used by previous guests, sound of exhaust fan too loud)

Family

8/10

Excellent

26 May 2017

vassilios

service

service to the point which is what i like

4/10

Poor

17 May 2017

li3

staff is disorganised about room availability

disorganised and mix up of how many people staying in a room, was asked to change to another room after bath and ready to go to bed

10/10

Exceptional

05 May 2017

Inga

Friendly staff, close to station

One block from Airbus, cllose to downtown, river, shopping. Very friendly and helpful staff. Rooms clean, comfortable beds, quiet at night.

6/10

Pleasant

05 Apr 2017

Verified traveler

Rooms were clean but bathrooms ... let's just stay not that clean! Anyway, it was close to the SkyBus terminal and very central.

6/10

Pleasant

26 Mar 2017

Verified traveler

Cheap hostel with a good location in the CBD. The bathrooms were pretty smelly though. I was not confident with the cleanliness of the place at all. The common areas were kinda depressing, but overall it was a good value at $40 for 2 people.

6/10

Pleasant

11 Mar 2017

Savannah

Nice hostel \"very\" close to Southern Cross Station

King street backpacker is very close to Southern Cross Station.
For those who take SKYBUS, it only takes to 5 minutes to walk to this hostel.
However, there is not elevator in this four-floor building.

I stayed four night in the four-bed-room for female.
It was quite quiet in middle night but sometimes people might chat too loudly.
I met nice people here.
It is disappointed that some of the staff here was not so helpful.
However, due to the price and location, I recommend this hostel to solo traveler.

4/10

Poor

27 Feb 2017

Verified traveler

Convenient, but not very pleasant.

Staff is friendly, and it makes for a cheap bed in the heart of Melbourne. However, there are signs for tv lounges that don't exist, rooms and bathrooms were pretty gross. I can't blame it a ton on the property as the guests are the ones who are inconsiderate and leave a mess. Granted, I'm not a backpacker, but I've stayed at a few hostels and this was not a fun experience. But, if you like to party and just need a bunk to crash in then this will probably suit you.

8/10

Excellent

20 Feb 2017

Sam

Typical backpackers

Nothing special, nothing less than expected. Great central location

2/10

Poor

24 Dec 2016

Phil

Only stay here if you're desperate

I walk into the room after an early morning flight and hoped to get some rest but the the beds were not made and the mattress was dirty. The room smelt like excrement and made me very sick etc etc

10/10

Exceptional

23 Dec 2016

Olivia

Good place

They had a lot of things to do and stuff like pasta Night and stuff like that

6/10

Pleasant

05 Dec 2016

vuelalto

Nice location but dirty

The hostel was cheap, the location is the center but in my opinion was dirty, the room and comun areas, like kitchen.

6/10

Pleasant

29 Nov 2016

Verified traveler

Short stay. Found it fairly comfortable

I arrived late at 1am and was so glad that someone was still up waiting for me. He was kind and made me feel at home. Though the building itself looked old, I was pleased that my bed was comfortable.

10/10

Exceptional

18 Nov 2016

Verified traveler

Nice hostel centralized

The staff were very helpful and very knowledgeable of all the area.

8/10

Excellent

06 Nov 2016

Verified traveler

In the CBD, close to everything.

Though the building is a bit old. It has everything a backpacker needs. Coin-operated laundry, kitchen, ample bathrooms, free wifi, common area, desktop PC, early check-in & 24h reception.
It's also exceptionally well located. Walking distance to train, tram, coach, Coles, eateries.
For those who wants to party, there're clubs just right across the street.

6/10

Pleasant

18 Oct 2016

Verified traveler

Good value. Friendly and helpful staff. Clean common areas with separate TV rooms. Breakfast was good too.

2/10

Poor

25 Sep 2016

Elle

Dirty to the point of making you sick

The room was extremely dirty with cold air blasting through the vent at night causing me to develop a cold. The bed and the bedding were stained so I asked to have my bedding changed, it was then that \"room service\" informed me that I could not have a new duvet cover as they don't wash them or change them each time someone leaves i.e. I was using the same blanket that several other people had previously used and it hadn't been washed. I developed a rash across my neck. The internet only works at reception and even then it barely works.

6/10

Pleasant

16 Aug 2016

Verified traveler

the room looked dirty and the toilets as well

Family

8/10

Excellent

10 Aug 2016

Verified traveler

Average

No wifi in the rooms and the hostel is quite aged and not maintained very well. Bathrooms didn't seem to be cleaned very often. I guess the greatest advantage of the place was its close proximity to Southern Cross station from which you can catch the airport bus.

6/10

Pleasant

02 Aug 2016

Karen

Budget Hotel in Melbourne

The rooms are clean & tidy. Only the kitchen is a bit messy. Other than that it's ok if you are on a budget travel

6/10

Pleasant

09 Jun 2016

AJ

Great staff and a very homey and inviting feel. Bit of a trek up four flights of stairs for anyone with a lot of luggage, but there is a storage room downstairs. Good value for the pricing.

4/10

Poor

24 May 2016

Verified traveler

Just good location. That's it.

Family

2/10

Poor

21 May 2016

Gribbo

Cheap and close to city centre.

Room was Spartan to say the least. Bedding had a sour smell. Staff were friendly and helpful.

2/10

Poor

08 May 2016

jimmy

horrible experience, extremely mean staff,poor sleeping conditions , not worth for what you paid for

8/10

Excellent

28 Apr 2016

good

kind crew and cheap

its hygne needs more improvement

10/10

Exceptional

25 Apr 2016

Alexis

best choice ever

They were amazing. So glad I chose this place, I also had the luxury of being upgraded. The breakfast in the morning was the icing on the cake!

6/10

Pleasant

23 Apr 2016

Verified traveler

Near the Southern Cross Station, which is convenient for airport transfers. Friendly and helpful staff.

4/10

Poor

03 Apr 2016

Verified traveler

Friendly staff but poor accommodation

The staff on the desk were very friendly and more than willing to help advise or answer questions. Needed to use room key to enter each floor as well as bedroom so secure in that sense. Free wifi in communal area only. They have Myki cards they can loan you which is great for convenience. But the rest of my stay at the hostel wasn't as good as hoped. I was staying in the top floor with no lift/elevator (6 sets of stairs). Lockers in room didn't have any functionality to be able to lock them (hostel was very clear no valuables to be left in room, they would keep it at reception for us). No air con in rooms. Lack of plug sockets. Bedroom wasn't the cleanest. Bathrooms weren't clean in the mornings (potentially due to the other guests though) but each morning the toilet paper run out in the female toilets. Hand dryer in female toilets broken. Wouldn't recommend staying in the hostel but it is cheap so if you're on a very strict budget you may still consider it. Plus they have free breakfast daily.

6/10

Pleasant

28 Feb 2016

Kenneth

Great Location

Nice clean Backpacker Hostel

Family

8/10

Excellent

26 Jan 2016

Verified traveler

Really helpful staff, perfect for a cheap stay over in central melbourne.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

19 Jan 2016

Verified traveler

Nice and close to the city CBD and shopping area. Right by Southern Cross Station so easy to travel around if need be

2/10

Poor

18 Jan 2016

Eric

Young staff trying to do a difficult job.\n

The whole of the King St. Backpack clears was a gross disappointment. People sharing the kitchens an bathrooms need to be aware of the filth and mould growing around the tiles in both venues. The cleaner was just doing a cursory job and seemed not to have his heart in what he was doing. The hole attitude was one of \" I,ll take your money and what you see is what you get.

The whole place needs stripping out and starting afresh. The upper floors are a fire hazard with wooden staircases and no external Fire Escapes. It is a wonder Melbourne city council allows this.
It needs a thorough inspection by the council health department.

6/10

Pleasant

23 Dec 2015

SULGI

They should make more showers

4/10

Poor

19 Oct 2015

Verified traveler

It's a backpacking room.

We had a private room, it was a double bed and single over it. It was comfortable. Shared bathroom/shower. If you're not looking to be in the room for anything other than sleeping it's fine. Helpful staff and convienie t to the CBD, MCG and more. You get what you pay for.

4/10

Poor

05 Oct 2015

Jason

You get what you pay for

We stayed there on the 02nd October so probably paid inflated rates for the double room. The room itself was very basic as we expected. The night sleep was very uncomfortable. The air conditioning was very loud and was left on all night so the room was like an ice box when I woke during the night. I did mention this to the staff but we only stayed the night so I don't know if they did anything about it. Main positive is the hostel is not too far away from the main shops and activities.

Partner

2/10

Poor

27 Jul 2015

Dianne

Terrible time at King St Backpackers - zero stars

It was a terrible experience. I purchased a private room and this turned out to be not so private as there was no internal lock for the room. Consequently as I laid in bed my room door was opened and someone came to come in. Then when I heard every guest enter the floor I was wide awake expecting them to mistakenly open my room door. At 3.30am a group of drunken guests were stomping up and down the passage and I was of course concerned that they would mistakenly open my room door. So all in all I had only an hours or so sleep and it was very interrupted. There was no carpet on the fourth floor and I could hear every footstep all night. Every room door squeaked very loudly too. All this would not have bothered me if I knew I was able to lock myself in. I wasn't expecting five star accommodation, but I was expecting something better. The staff member who checked me in was a pleasant and helpful man. My room overlooked King Street and all the night life down there didn't phase me at all. I should have caught the red eye flight and would have had twice the sleep. Would never ever recommend this place at all.

6/10

Pleasant

24 Jul 2015

Che Lin

Good location in the city

The public area is clean and tidy, but it could be better if the corner of room's floor is clean.

6/10

Pleasant

29 Jun 2015

Verified traveler

Gets noisy by night, but works for a couple of days of stay. Rooms are clean and staffs are friendly.

6/10

Pleasant

21 Apr 2015

Tony and Beppie

We won't be back

The double bed had what seemed to be a ridge down one side and the bed came to a hollow in the centre. For $90 per night we could have have had a hotel for that price. Very overpriced for what we got. Kitchen was a mess. With white bread only, melted butter and only apricot jam for breakfast. The 4th floor TV lounge, well there is none.Only redeeming grace were your staff.

4/10

Poor

12 Apr 2015

Jo

ok hostel, good location

only booked in for a night as I needed somewhere close to the Skybus so I could get to the airport at 5am. This hostel fit those requirements well. If I was staying for any other reason, or for a longer term I would have been disappointed. the room I got was up a lot of stairs and smelled quite bad.

there was also some uncomfortable issues in the lobby late at night with drunk guests causing trouble for the attendant on reception. not really the fault of the hostel though

8/10

Excellent

14 Jan 2015

ying

good

good location, nice staff

Family

8/10

Excellent

14 Jan 2015

ying

good

good location,nice staff

Family

2/10

Poor

14 Dec 2014

eric

do not go there..

never again

Family

6/10

Pleasant

22 Nov 2014

Verified traveler

free wifi but slow

The cost reflects the condition of the hostel, nothing fancy. Breakfast is simple toast and cereal. Wifi is slow but free. Hostel is very close to Southern Cross station and grocery stores and within walking distance of all tourist locations!

10/10

Exceptional

21 Nov 2014

Verified traveler

Good, business trip

I like this backpacker location is close Southern cross train station.

8/10

Excellent

31 Oct 2014

Verified traveler

Nice for short stay

I stayed here only for couple of nights. Great for a short stay and would come back!

2/10

Poor

18 Oct 2014

Verified traveler

Leave the Backpackers to the Undiscerning Teenager

I spent one night in a single room at the backpackers and found it the pits. I had spent three nights in a hotel with even a cheaper rate and had all facilities there including bathroom, TV, fridge, etc but at King Street there wasn't even a mirror in the room. Long hair all over the shower base put me off having a shower and a toilet seat that slide off the toilet wasn't ideal either.

6/10

Pleasant

13 Oct 2014

the mugician

Convenient location and friendly staff

Perks like free breakfast, theme nights/activities and wifi make up for less than ideal conditions in the washroom facilities and dorms.

4/10

Poor

24 Aug 2014

W Cheng

Convenient stay

Close to all transportation and activities.

8/10

Excellent

17 Aug 2014

Alex

Super friendly youth hostel

I stayed there for short and cheap vacation. Typical youth hostel really friendly. Room and facilities are ok. Great chance to meet nice people ( and I am pretty shy). Neighborhood quite noisy on Friday and Saturday night. But nicely located in central Melbourne close to some clubs. Definitively recommended for people who are looking for fun cheap accomodation or foreign worker who wanna start.

8/10

Excellent

23 Jul 2014

Verified traveler

conveniently located next to southern cross station, friendly staff, different food events for guests (I was there for free pasta night), many students staying long term (as it appeared to me), and unfortunately I found my room to be too cold and not heated (although, I did receive extra blankets and saw others being accommodated upon request for a change in rooms or reservation).

Family

8/10

Excellent

30 May 2026

Misa

サザンクロス駅近くの交通の便がいいホステルです。朝食は８時から１１時で、食パン、コーンフレークのみで、ジュースなどはありませんでした。
エレベーターがなく４階までの往復はきつかったです。
清掃は行き届いていました。
早く到着しても朝食が提供されているみたいでした。
チェックアウト後も荷物は無料で預かってもらえました。

Self

8/10

Excellent

14 Jan 2026

Youngmin

아침 포함한 breakfast는 다소 식빵과 우유 지원으로 부족하고 별로 좋지 않아 낮은 점수 이었으나, 지하1층 주방은 잘 꾸며져 많은 호스탤 이용자가 많이 이용하여 용도로 적극 활용되어져 좋았어요!!!!!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 Nov 2024

Nicoletta

The staff at the hostel was the most friendly I have ever met. In particular, Jess, Inca and Zachim went the extra mile to accommodate some special needs I had and were always very helpful. The location of the hostel is excellent for it is very close to the Skybus stop from and to the airport. Very safe and lively area. Great stay!!! Thank you!

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

15 May 2024

??

Snoring was so loud

10/10

Exceptional

02 Sep 2023

AlexandeR

Preis Leistung Top

Guter Service, Betten waren ok, sind in die Jahre gekommen, aber ist ok.
Sehr viel Möglichkeiten mit anderen ins Gespräch zu kommen.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

22 Aug 2023

Kayoko

エレベーターがないから大変。
布団はなんとなく湿気ってるかんじ
スマホがなくても、番号入力でへやに入れる。
ホテル内に入るにも、番号入力が必要。フロントから部屋に行く時の扉にも。
チェックイン前荷物無料で預かってくれる
デジポットはかからなかった

Self

8/10

Excellent

03 Jun 2023

MIZUKI

オーストラリアで3か所のホステルに泊まりましたが、ここがいちばん清潔感がありました。駅近だし安いし良かったです。ひとつ残念なのがエレベーターがないこと。大きなスーツケースがあったのですが階段のみで、しかも部屋は3階だったのでとても大変でした。

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

21 Jun 2022

WING YAN

預定了三晚(包括週末)的 6 female dorm上鋪。幾個室友都好，渡過了愉快的晚上。

優：
- 離Southern Cross station 5分鐘路程，餐廳、超市、酒吧林立，趕凌晨或長途火車、巴士的理想住宿
- 入住人數及人流多，Free food zone經常有驚喜
- 免費咖啡、茶、吐司提供
- 免費wifi穩定
- 免費寄存行李

要注意之處：
- 長期住宿人士多(1個月以上)，希望睡下鋪及有良好睡眠質素要求的人要碰運氣
- 設施舊，插頭及電掣破損嚴重，有兩晚都需與室友共用，或到公用空間充電
- 沒風筒、毛巾提供
- 房內locker沒鎖頭/密碼鎖，有需要請自備

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

03 Mar 2021

Yuto

部屋が汚い

Self