BootsnAll Travel Community

Hey guys..

Book my flight to sydney on 25 june.. excited! However, still havent sort out the accomodation. Im looking for a decent, clean, obviously cheap hostel, any suggestions? Some hostels are in Kings Cross, so how dodgy is that area cos im gonna travelling by myself..

Last, have you ever stay at Funk House Backpacker Hostel? Im asking cos they got a great bargain for $17,95 per night and was wondering how good or bad the place is.


Many thanks!

Hi Ginanti, first off you do not want to stay in or near King's Cross - it's the red light capital of Sydney. Very dodgy indeed there, and if you're a female- then forget it! There are much better and safer areas in which to stay.

Sydney - Railway Square YHAis a very good choice as is Sydney Central YHA. Although the cost is higher than Funk House Backpackers, just remember - you get what you pay for. Sometimes a bargain turns out not the best choice.

Suggest you take a lok at this.

It is a very good hostel site with reviews from previous hosteliers. And make sure you read the negative reports as well as the good.
Have a good trip and enjoy your time in Oz. Cheers.

Please take all that I say with a grain of salt as I run two hostels in Kings Cross.

In Australia terms Kings Cross is very dodgy. I world terms Kings Cross is VERY tame. If you come hoping to find a Soho in London, the red light district of Amsterdam, 42nd St in New York etc you will be disappointed. A great deal of the crime and the drugs has been cleaned up in the Cross and it wasn't as bad as a lot of world cities anyway.

Having said that there are tons of bars and clubs around some that never close. There are also plenty of cafes and restraunts. There are also a lot of people who live in the area and it is becoming increasingly an upmarket area.

The Funk house is run by a friend of mine and they have a good business, so alot of people must stay there and enjoy it. If you have any problems speak to Marcus and he seems to be helpful. I think that it is better than many other hostels around and very close( as in on the door step) of many of the bars in the area. There are some really crappy hostels in the area but that is not one of them.

Now for the plug. Check out the Great Aussie Backpackers, lots of free stuff and a fun atmosphere or Travellers Rest for a very tranquil and inviting time. Both are on a quiet tree lined street in Kings Cross. Ask for Peter and you will get the same deal as the Funk house. Hope that wasn't too cheeky.

quote:
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Originally posted by Mistigris:
A great deal of the crime and the drugs has been cleaned up in the Cross and it wasn't as bad as a lot of world cities anyway.
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That's not what I heard recently. And unless the crime squad has been working around the clock with a very large contingent not much has changed.



quote:
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Originally posted by Mistigris:
Now for the plug. Check out the Great Aussie Backpackers,
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Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that one of the hostels you own/run?

thanks for the suggestions.. really going to weigh the postive and negative side of Cross now...

thanks!

I've stayed at the funk house. It's fine. King's cross is a dodgy neighborhood, yes, but the hostel itself is very safe and clean. I've stayed at much worse in Sydney that's for sure (stay away from G'day backpackers). But the King's Cross area definitely gets rowdy at night and dodgy (although it is also thriving in terms of nightlife). During the day it's not so bad. Personally, I liked the funk house, and so did the others I traveled with.

We stayed at Eva's backpackers in Kings Cross and did not find it sketchy at all. We loved the hostel (clean, friendly, enjoyable, etc.) and found the location enjoyable. We barely even walked over to the red light district, but as far as red light districts go, it was not shady one bit. The location is pretty central and it was easy to walk anywhere. We would both definitely recommend Eva's.

I stayed at the Railway Square YHA, and it was great! Easily within walking distance of everything I did, but easy access to public transportation as well. It was my first hostel experience ever come to think of it, and even though it was a bit more expensive than some places, it was worth it in my opinion.

I live in Melbourne & have recently returned from Sydney, after having not been there for years.

Yes i went there to party "YU bar is tops" but i couldnt not believe how much the cross has been cleaned up...

Yeah its a red light district but iv been to suburbs in Melb/Syd that are far worse and it is stark in comparison with the worlds red lights...Like anywhere you have to be careful....but overall i wouldnt stress, although i rather kick it in Melbourne