Awarded Hostelbookers ‘Best Cleanliness Award’ in August 2011, Civic had a lot to live up to. We’d been staying in some not-so-clean places recently so this was a hostel we were really looking forward to. And I can honestly stay we absolutely were not disappointed. The rooms are lovely, very clean and, most importantly, air conditioned, and the beds are gloriously comfortable, the most comfy I’ve slept in for quite a while. We were in a 6-bed dorm, all of which have their own fridge, wardrobe and ensuite bathroom (with separate doors for shower, toilet and sink…meaning you can brush your teeth while someone else is showering…very clever!). For this we paid $25 per night, and the rooms go up in price for less beds – they have smaller dorms and private (single and double) rooms too. My only suggestion for the rooms would be to have some lockers to store away your valuables, but apart from that the place is very safe.
When you arrive in Townsville, the hostel will come and pick you up from the Greyhound/ferry port, or there is a bus that will take you pretty much directly to the door. Upon arrival at the hostel, you will be welcomed by a lovely smile and some amusing banter, before being given a tour and shown to your room. There is a lobby area with free WiFi (absolute bliss) next to reception and a reading room and two bathrooms just down the corridor. Outside and downstairs are the laundry room (with outdoor drying area), kitchen and eating areas, and a chill-out/games room.
The kitchen is maybe the nicest we’ve had the privilege of using on our travels, very clean (of course!) and well equipped with two fridges, two sets of hobs, microwave, toaster, oven (although it wasn’t working during our stay), and even a vending machine for those times you fancy a little treat. There is also a water boiler and free tea and coffee all day, everyday. The only thing the kitchen could do with is another tap on the double sink, so you don’t have to wait for someone else to finish washing up before you can get a drink of water.
All in all, this has to be one of my favorite hostels. It is within walking distance to the hub of the city, there are always people milling about, everyone is very friendly, it is über clean, and the couple who run the place are awesome…very wacky, but awesome all the same!
Dates stayed: 21 – 23 & 26 Feb 2012
My Rating:
Overall: 91%
Atmosphere: 87%
Cleanliness: 100%
Location: 94%
Staff: 95%
Safety: 86%
Value for Money: 85%
Roo Around The World 