Hostel Review: Haven Alice Springs

My first impression of this hostel was not a good one, unfortunately, and it occurred before I even arrived there. Once I landed in Alice Springs, I found the Haven van that would take me to the hostel for free. I didn’t see anyone around, so I just sat in front of it. After a few minutes another guy and girl waited with me. This went on for about an hour before the girl who worked at the hostel finally came out, after talking to another one of the hostel drivers for a few minutes, opened the back for us to put our luggage in. She didn’t offer to help or even say a single word to any of us for the entire ride to the hostel. She did the same thing when we arrived there. Not a word. What’s the point of a free airport pickup if you have to wait an hour (another girl in my dorm had to wait two) for it? I would be better off walking, especially since the town isn’t very big.

The hostel itself looked fine, even though it was on the other side of Alice Springs, further from the few tourist attractions like Todd Street Mall and Anzac Hill. It’s a short walk, but not too fun in the scorching Alice heat.

Dorm rooms are standard, but clean, and had ensuite bathrooms and hairdryers. There were no lockers, but they had mesh baskets that went under the beds, which you could reasonably lock to something. The beds were comfortable and had reading lamps and plenty of electrical outlets. Linens were free, but you had to pay if you wanted a blanket or duvet. Thankfully I didn’t need one.

There is no atmosphere to speak of, since most guests are leaving the next morning for their Uluru tours. One girl in my room was living in Alice working with Aboriginal youth, but otherwise everyone was short-term. Alcohol is allowed to be brought into the hostel, but common areas and the reception desk close at 10 p.m.

The hostel claims to have a free breakfast, but it consists of tea, toast and jam, butter and other condiments. It didn’t seem like enough for those of us who wouldn’t be eating again for many hours, but I suppose they didn’t have to give us anything in the first place.

It’s not that it’s such a bad hostel. The amenities are good for any hostel, but the staff is definitely in need of an attitude adjustment.

Caroline in the City Rating

• Location:  Not too close to tourist attractions or restaurants **
• Price: $19.50 AUD per dorm room ****
• Character: Seemed like a refurbished hotel ***
• Security: Use of keycards, common areas close at 10 pm, emergency phone number ***
• Staff: The only nice person I met was the morning receptionist. The others were either rude or completely ignored you; impatient with non-English speakers. *
• Fun: Not much to speak of, since most people only stay one night. **
• Cleanliness: Clean enough *****
• Extras: Outdoor pool, Global Gossip internet, kitchen, luggage storage, laundry ****
• TOTAL: 24/40