While in Melbourne for the annual PAX AUS convention, I was given the opportunity to stay in two of YHA’s hostels. YHA are known around Australia for running popular, well-appointed youth hostels for travelers on a budget, and their Melbourne Metro and Melbourne Central locations are prime examples of this.
My first night was on the Friday before Halloween. I arrived at my destination early that morning and the friendly staff pointed me to the nearby lockers in which I could stow my luggage for the day before checking in that evening.
A large, rectangular building located just north of Queen Victoria Markets, YHA Melbourne Metro is only a short walk from the end of the Free Tram Zone and offers a number of different rooms in various sizes and configurations. For my stay, I was given a private room containing four bunks. There was a small table and chair in one corner, and a clothes hanger in another. The beds themselves were actually very comfortable and exactly what I needed after a long and exhausting first day at the convention.
The room itself was on the building’s third floor, was very quiet and located close to the toilets and bathrooms.
My next stay with YHA came on the Sunday night at their Melbourne Central location. Conveniently located right across the bridge from the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, YHA Melbourne Central was another great example of the company’s hospitality. Staff were still in full Halloween spirits and were happy to point me in the right direction when I needed a bit of help finding my way around.
My room was located, again, on the third floor and was a single bedroom with a double bed. While the room was small in size, it was actually perfect for my needs. Power points were located close by so I was able to charge my laptop and phone without any trouble and the noise of the city was kept a surprising minimum even with one of the windows open. Again, the bed was surprisingly comfortable and interior noise was also at a minimum, ensuring a good night’s sleep.
The facilities at both were outstanding with lounges, kitchens, bathrooms and social areas all placed so as not to disturb guests and passers-by. The Melbourne Central location had a fantastic vibe to it that made the ground floor social area feel like a welcoming bar than a lobby. Melbourne Metro had a much cozier, more familial feel to it overall and was a fantastic place for unwinding and meeting new people.
YHA’s two Melbourne locations are well worth checking out for travellers of any age and those looking to save a few bucks on accommodation. The rooms are decently sized and quite comfortable for the price and the staff will make you feel incredibly welcome and valued. Well worth a visit!
You can find out more about YHA’s Australian locations and make a booking at their official website.
The author was provided with a complimentary private room for one night at both the YHA Melbourne Metro and YHA Melbourne Central locations.
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