Detailed review by jl132
jl132
Manchester, United Kingdom98%
Imagine you are driving south you have to drive 1530 km to reach the next town. If you are going north you're only 1498 km further before you have a little bit of civilization. East or west, you certainly should not try, there is simply no way. You're in Alice Springs. Sounds lonely? It is the opposite. In the heart of the Australian Outback, only reachable by plane or by a long drive on the Stuart Highway. It’s a party every day. Hundreds of tour companies, four well-known pubs, dozens hotels and more. I myself, along with a good friend drove with car through the Australian Outback. It took a while before we arrived in Alice Springs, but I can already tell that the drive was worth it. We stayed one week at Annie's Place.
The hostel
If you have found the hostel, don’t be scared. From the outside it may look a little shabby. The wood can use a lick of paint and it does not look real charm full. Above the building is a large sign on with the name Annie. You can see immediately that there is also a bar and restaurant housed in this hostel.
There are two ways to enter, some people argue, however, three ways. But crawling through the hedge seems to be no official entrance. You can use the restaurant / bar or walk through the back of the hostel. There is someone present at the reception till around 03:00, if you want to check in after this then you can dial a phone number. The reception will also sometimes close later, though this depends how busy it is in the bar.
Rooms
You have, as in almost all hostels, the choice between different types of rooms. I myself have opted for a twin room. I do this almost always, because you get more privacy. The multi-bed rooms are of course cheaper. Each room has air conditioning, heating and TV with basic channels. The rooms are funky decorated with paint colors that I myself would not choose for my room. Fortunately there are people who like it. You also have free WIFI (wireless internet) in your room for a small fee you can use the computers elsewhere in the building. Lockers can be rented at the reception.
Dorm room
In this room there are more beds, privacy is hard to find, but the price for the room is considerably less than for a room where you have more privacy. At Annie's, you can choose between a room with 6 beds, one room with eight beds and two rooms with 8 beds (shared bathroom). The last option is more for large tour groups.
Doubles
The option for couples. You have a private room with a double bed in it. You can also choose the "deluxe" option where you get an extra bathroom in your room. In the room you have a TV, bed linen, towels, lamps and a desk. On the website they claim that you get the real "motel" feeling of all this luxury. It is certainly luxurious compared to the dorm rooms, but it has nothing of a traditional motel, therefore it has not enough space and too little extras. The price is very doable if you compare a normal motel.
Twins
A twin room is the option for two persons not related to each other, but want a bit more privacy. The extras are exactly the same as in the Doubles, only here you have instead of a double bed, two single beds. I sat in this room and it was fine. The bed was fine and was not too thin. The basic facilities are all worked out and I have encountered no problems.
Facilities
Breakfast
The room rates include a complimentary breakfast, however, do not expect very much. You get two slices of bread with the necessary spreads . Tip: Don’t take the Vegemite. I will not explain why, because I can not and will not describe the taste. You'll get a good cup of coffee and it’s the best coffee I have had in the Outback.
Bagage space
Behind the reception is an area where luggage can be stored. Handy for when you go on tour or if you need to check out in the morning but leave in the evening. This looks all very safe. If nobody is present at the reception, the door is securely locked. If you're staying in the hostel itself is free to store your luggage.
Restaurant
A huge advantage of the hostel. The restaurant is also available for people outside the hostel and there is generally a very pleasant atmosphere. The meals are inexpensive and they have every day of the week, a new $ 5 meal. This is a full meal where you really get enough and that only for five dollars. Great. The restaurant looks ok but it nothing special. There are large fans and you have two big long wooden tables where the tour groups usually are in the evening. On the left side of the restaurant, you have four person tables where you can sit.
Bar
The bar and restaurant flow into each other, so if you have beer you can order food at the same time. The beer is as expensive as the whole of Australia, if you want cheaper you can drink from the "Jugs", here you pay on average $ 2 less and you get five glasses. Outside in the garden you have the best atmosphere to sit. They plays nice, live, background music. You can also choose to walk up the stairs and sit on the roof, slightly better view but it is later in the evening quite a bit colder. I was here every night and sat a while with various people and had a conversation. Highly recommended you can not miss if you're staying in the hostel.
The largest pool in the city
This they claim, but the municipal swimming pool in town is the largest. They do have the largest private swimming pool in the courtyard. I have been swimming during the day. In the evenings, it is pretty busy here and you can bring your beer at the pool.
Other facilities
Sunbathing area on the grass, ironing facilities, shared kitchen, free parking, telephones, safes, open 24 hours a day, free pick-up from the airport or bus station, wheelchair friendly, BBQs.
Prices
Dorm room from $ 22 Australian dollars (the 8 person room)
Twin and Double with shared bathroom for $ 55 Australian dollars
Deluxe double or twin (en suite) from $ 65 Australian dollars
You can book over the phone or via the internet.
Conclusion
I am very happy with this hostel. You will be treated kindly and have great facilities there. Especially the cheap restaurant and bar have an excellent atmosphere in the evenings. The rooms are not mega-big, but for what you pay you get more than enough. The hostel is kept clean, what a huge plus for me. The staff is very friendly and the tours are very highly recommended. All in all, a very good hostel and a wonderful alternative for people who don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars in a luxury hotel or resort.
Annie's Place10
