ive stayed in a lot of hostels all over the world and this was one of the worst ive stayed in. despite saying 24 hour check in i got a call saying i had to come in by 8pm so i had to shorten my plans to get there by 730 and when i arrived i had to wait 15 minutes to be served anyway even though i rang the service bell and multiple staff members walked past me. from the moment we walked up to the "youth" hostel there were multiple people well over the age of 50 walking around and not the kind of people i would feel safe staying in a hostel with. we had a double private room with shared bathroom, the bed had stains on it, the windows didnt close, the curtains didnt close all the way, there was only 2 electrical outlets, the lamp which took up one of those 2 didnt even work. our booking said breakfast was included but we were given no information about it and when we went downstairs in the morning there was no sign of any breakfast. wifi costs 2$ a day even though it says wifi included. we checked out after the first night and moved to different hotel. would not recommend.

Friendly staff and free surfboard hire! Other than that there isn’t much good about this place. The rooms are filthy and I had to get clean sheets when I arrived as they hadn’t been changed. There are people who live permanently at the hostel that argue in the middle of the night. The room smelt of stale chicken all the time. I would highly recommend you go elsewhere unless desperate or can manage a 1 night stay, stay for longer and you will regret it.

AVOID staying here at all costs! We had 2 private rooms for the weekend but the electronic key system wasn't working for the entirety of our stay. We were promised that there would be somebody onsite to let us into our room at all times - not true at all. On Sunday night I was left to sleep outside and the after hours number was disconnected all weekend. I couldn't even get into any other hotel nearby. Absolutely shocking and terrifying given the types of people hanging around the place. I also saw others in the communal area on Saturday morning who had also been locked out all night. I wasn't offered a refund and haven't received a response to my email. When I was leaving, a group of guests were on their hands and knees scrubbing splashes of paint they'd accidentally got on an old tin shed from their fancy dress. They were ordered to clean it or pay for it! Shame they don't fix their errors when the shoe is on the other foot. The worst accommodation experience I've ever had.

Horrible management, if not the worst I've ever seen in a place ever , owner has no idea what is going on People fresh out of jail and junkies being hired too work with ownership of a master key and people wonder why belongings get stolen Place is falling apart and riddled with cockroaches Please do not come here, read the reviews you'll get a perfect understanding, they're are not wrong! do not come here!

Do Not Stay Here ! I was in a 10 bed female dorm which was absolutely filthy on arrival . I found blood & makeup on my bed sheets which I had to get changed twice. The rooms Air conditioning was broken and I had to ask them to fit a fan, which ended up falling off the wall. Rubbish and dust under my bed and mould everywhere in the shower… The kitchen facilities were also useless, literally next to no space & flies everywhere including maggots in the bins. The overall appearance of this place is that it needs some serious tlc or just burnt to the ground. The only reason this place has good reviews is due to a sign placed behind the bar, telling people they will receive free drinks in return for a 5 star review. Overall I would highly warn people to not waste their money on this absolutely Awful place ! The prices do NOT reflect the facilities and the lack of basic hygiene. Me and 4 other girls were given refunds and pretty much everyone I met who stayed there had to complain about something during their stay! Seriously guys do not stay here & spend your well earned cash anywhere other than this place.

worse receptionist service ever. had to sleep one night in my car as the room card didn’t work to open the gate/door and they have no 24h service to sort problems out. Heaps of noise during the night in the hostel as there are no staffs to ask for silence. Would never come back

This Hostel is an absolute Nightmare! The rooms looks like prison rooms! Outside area is ok. Bathroom disgusting. There was a hole in our room. Wasn’t worth a penny I spend. Even zero stars rating would be to much… If you’re asking me the landlord hasn’t invest in the hostel for the last 20 years. Staff left the door open after picking up our rubbish. I would definitely avoid this place and go to the hostel next door, I think it was Surfers Inn. Looked nice from outside. If you still want to go to hell, don’t stay more then one night you’ll regret it.

Easily the worst place I’ve ever stayed in. Dirty, loud, and sketchy. We had our room broken into despite being the only people staying in that room - the only other person that had a key were the staff that had a master key. He then tried to come back into our room again at 4am when we were back home. This happened to other people staying at the hostel and we could hear loud arguments from people coming home from their night out when they found out their belongings were stolen as well. Cops were there when we arrived, so I’m assuming this happens quite frequently. We were promised a refund but when we went to follow up they ignored our emails and deflected.

Worst place we have stayed at in 4 months of travelling around Asia and Australia!! The rooms are so dated, sheets are stained, bathrooms mouldy and dirty. The communal area is full of people smoking weed all the time and signs everywhere saying no noise after 12pm yet people were shouting and screaming every night till 4am. Kitchen is absolutely disgusting and obviously never gets cleaned. Had post delivered there from when we first arrived in Australia a month ago which was really important, got told every day that it would be on the reception desk but nothing was there. As we were leaving seen a postbox outside the hostel that must’ve had about 100 letters in from the past few months and they were in there!! Only good thing was the location but other than that not one good thing to be said. Would not recommend this place to anyone!!

The double room was super small. Much smaller than the photos. I had a cockroach in the room and the sheets had so many stains. There is mold on the ceiling. The Internet is not for free. You get 2 hours for free irrespective of how many days you stay which is unfair. It's fair to assume the internet is included for free at a hostel in 2022 in Australia.

The bed was not made when I arrived. The ceiling had a crack and it had mould and there were little cockroaches in the room. The bed was really dusty. The staff were really helpful but other than that, the experience was not worth the pay.

The kitchen was unclean, and the rooms were not adequately cleaned. Also bugs were present. We overheard the cleaner admit to only pretending to work while "cleaning" our room. The nights were uncomfortably chilly, and we were not provided with any blankets, which led to us falling ill. The roof above our beds was leaking, and there was also mold present. Wi-Fi was only available for payment. And we felt that our privacy was violated when the staff searched through our lockers without our permission (in search of alcohol). The kitchen appliances were of poor quality, with no forks or mugs available during the first few nights.

I don’t normally write reviews, however I am writing this to warn you about staying at this hostel. The whole place just has a grotty and unclean feel to it. After eventually checking in, I went to my room and it was absolutely boiling. (Every time I went to reception to ask for it to be switched on they were closed). However, it was the following points that topped it all off for me: - I was informed there had been several robberies in the hostel over the past 2 days, including in my own room. Immediately put a downer on my stay. - My bedding/ sheets were covered in long hairs and dandruff, so obviously had not been changed. Naturally I went to reception and asked for this to be sorted, where I was met with a “sorry about that”. I then had to actually ask for something to be done about it… - There was a bed bug infestation - furthermore the showers and facilities were akin to those of a prison cell, absolutely foul. I loathed this place so much that I’ve actually checked out a day early to go to Brisbane.

So the (only) good things about this hostel are the location and the people staying there, everyone was very welcoming and nice. HOWEVER, let me warn you guys about a few things, cockroaches EVERYWHERE, we got bedbugs are second night there everywhere on our body and the guy at the reception did a tiny check of the mattress said he didn’t see anything and just put it back where it was. Kitchen is straight up foul, wifi doesn’t work, and hot water was literally non existant. It is a cheaper option but to your own risk. Its honestly not HORRIBLE but definitely not good

Bed was so uncomfortable that it hurt my back. Room was less, hole in wall and needs to be badly renovated. Bathroom needs to be renovated. Noisy and can hear everything. The only good thing about it was the location. But bad experience overall.

It is as bad as everybody writes. Room was dirty, towels seemed at least 10years old. And a lot of noise during the night from other people that are staying there and partying all night.

My friend and I have worked at many hostels over the course of our travels and I’ve never thought to leave a review but this place was DIFFERENT . We had called up a week ahead of time and spoke to a lady on the phone asking for any job placements. We were told there was some and that we should send in our CV’s in an email and speak to the manager upon our arrival. When we arrived we were told that we would have to speak to the manager in the morning, pretty standard so we paid for one night and hoped to speak to her in the morn. We had even double checked with the reception that a job wasn’t a maybe but that they’d definitely be able to find us something. The next morning we waited for the mangers until 2 in the afternoon , as we had only paid for one night this understandably caused confusion with the rest of the staff as to who was checking out and what beds to strip. When we tried to voice our confusion on the situation to the manager she became quickly defensive saying we were calling her a bad manger, all we wanted to know was whether or not we could get a job, still getting no clear yes or no answer . We called up many other hostels in the area to see if jobs were going and this was the only one that gave us a yes so we travelled from Patterson under the pretence that the staff would know we were coming due to our conversations on the phone and our Emails , only for the manager herself to have absolutely no idea . Honestly it kind of felt like we had been conned into coming all that way as the amenities are FOUL and the staff had no idea what was happening. I don’t know how anyone could stay there for more than one night. In the 20 person room we were chucked in had no fan and was BOILING then painfully freezing in the morning , all the showers ran cold , one of the loos didn’t work and had poo in it all night , the floor was absolutely rancid to the point I didn’t take my shoes off until I was asleep to which we were giving a single green sheet to sleep under . We paid 40 dollars each for that room under the impression that we’d have a job in the morning . The fact that we didn’t get one wasn’t an issue for me at all , it was the fact that my friend and I were treated as if we had just shown up and demanded a job that day and insulted the mangers capabilities which was not the case at all, though her attitude and defensiveness certainly explains the lack of effective communication and guidance of her team. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

***DO NOT STAY HERE*** This hostel should be called Backpackers in Purgatory. This is the worst hostel I’ve ever stayed at. We booked in advance and they still managed to mess up when we got there. Rooms have no AC. Staff were rude and not welcoming whatsoever. No communal toilets so if you’re waiting to check in you can’t go. No outside alcohol allowed in because they want you to buy from their overpriced bar, and if you choose to bring it in they do alcohol checks in the room so make sure you’re good at hide n seek. 1 fan in a room with no ac is like a slow form of torture. If you’re looking to save money come here but be prepared it’s absolutely awful. Would strongly recommend against visiting this hostel.

If I could give this 0 stars, I would. I have never written a review for a hostel before, however this was such a bad experience that I actually want to warn any travellers who are considering working there. My friend and I contacted Backpackers in Paradise a while before arriving and asked if we could work for accommodation, we were told yes on the phone, we went to the location and we were also told yes in person, however we were also told that the manager would be in tomorrow and we should wait to talk to her. We were fine with this and then proceeded to pay $80 to stay in a room of 20. The next morning we made our way down at 10:00 (when we were told to speak to the manager) and essentially for maybe the next 6 hours we kept getting told that we needed to wait. Eventually we overheard the manager talking to one of the members of staff about 2 peoples belongings which hadn’t been moved even though they were supposed to have checked out at 10:00. I knew this was our stuff, so we told the manager that’s our stuff and she told us to move our things, we explained that we have been trying to tell her essentially all day at this point that this was our stuff and we didn’t know where to put it because we were told (multiple times) that there were job vacancies. Turns out there weren’t, but okay, fine we said, and we tried to explain to the manager why we were under the impression we had a job (turns out we had never actually spoken to her and just her staff), we explained that we understand she didn’t make any promises but her staff did and that we didn’t want this to happen to travellers in the future because we wasted all our money getting up there. This could have been the end of it. She proceeded to get so defensive to the point where we were basically apologising for simply explaining things from our POV. She said we called her a bad manager which we absolutely did not, we know nothing about her management skills, she took all criticism towards the business as personal criticism and got very unprofessionally upset. Futhermore, one of her members of staff who asked whose things had been left over was also very defensive (I don’t know if they understand not everything is about them). They essentially called us liars when we were very polite trying to explain the confusion because ‘they just don’t see why that would happen’ but also they couldn’t speak to the receptionist because she wasn’t in so they actually had no idea what was said on the phone? Obviously we did not say this to them but this resort feels like it’s run by a bunch of people my age who for some reason have lost all sense of self identity to this hostel. The disrespect is loud, and so is the managerial insecurity.

First of all, don’t trust the good reviews cause there’s a sign saying if you leave a 5* review, you get a free drink. The girl who checked me in was pleasant enough but the other staff were rude, arrogant and dismissive. Asking a simple question they rolled their eyes as I was clearly just getting in the way of them gossiping. I stayed in a private room and it was the worst I’ve ever stayed in anywhere in the world. It looked like the aftermath of a war zone. The ceiling had cracks and holes like it was about to cave in. Curtains torn to shreds. The cupboards were rotten and falling apart. I’m not sure if it was mould or just filth on the walls in the bathroom. Floor was just concrete. Passive aggressive signs all over the place, reflected perfectly in the attitude of the staff. I can’t understand how the owners aren’t embarrassed. Went and bought my own towels and sheets cause there’s no way on gods green earth I was using the ones provided. Do everyone a favour and burn it down.

Walking distance from all beaches, location itself is a complete vibe, relaxing and plenty to do! Highly recommend if you’re looking to travel solo and want to meet others. All staff are helpful and lovely! Shout out to Ana 💖

DO NOT BOOK YOUR STAY HERE OR YOU WILL REGRET IT! The rooms were overbooked forcing some of us to share a single bunk bed, the bathroom was not fitted with a light globe, the rooms were unclean (in particular the showers), the noise curfew was non existent and the management of the property are horrible to deal with. Spend a little bit extra and stay somewhere worthwhile.

I have been staying here for a couple of months, and the location is perfect—super close to the beach. The facilities are great, always super clean, and have everything you need. The staff is super helpful and friendly, and there are events held every week to get everyone socializing and having fun. I would definitely recommend this hostel.

Location is perfect right near the beach and the centre of surfers in paradise. Toilets could be cleaner but other than that the facilities are good. Kitchen is small but has a mini oven and air fryer so that’s decent. Cosy little outside area. People and vibe are fab!

Since arriving in Australia I have never found a hostel better than backpackers in Paradise. The staff and team members are very welcoming and always do their best to satisfy you also hostel is really well located right next to surf paradise. If you want to experience your best moments on the Gold Coast this is the place for you.

I first checked into this hostel in May and stayed for a few weeks, rooms are good and staff are always helpful and friendly. After leaving for a couple of months to work elsewhere I came back for one night to see some of the friends I made when I was here and have ended up staying. Very good social environment and perfect location - just a short walk to any amenities that you may need!

I stay here regularly at the hostel and it is clean, great times, and awesome people and staff! always great service, especially when Jose is working, very kind and always working hard and happy to help when needed 🙌🏼

Everything is gross. The rooms are overcrowded and the bathroom is filled with hair on the ground. The staff is not that helpfull. The bar is overpriced. But the pool is Nice to play volley in. The kitchen is small and disgusting. But its the cheapest place in town, and its fairly close to the beach.

We spent two nights here in a 14 bed room. The room only had 1 shower/toilet (in the same space), which meant long waits anytime you needed the bathroom. There is 1 other communal toilet which the entire hostel shares (literally 1 toilet). The guy who checked us in was a little ignorant (didn’t catch his name but had fair/blonde hair and glasses). No air con in the rooms either, which is a little cruel in summer. Only positive is that it’s around a 10 minute walk to Cavill Avenue and around a 5 minute walk to the greyhound. All round I’d definitely say avoid this place!

Hell hole of a hostel, worst place I've stayed in, no AC in rooms, messed up our booking even though we booked plenty in advance. Staff were miserable other than one British guy who seemed nice but let down by everyone else. Just checked in to the hostel down the road and already so much better! not aloud to bring in alcohol from the outside and force you to buy from their expensive bar even though its a hostel and everyone is on a budget. Pay the extra money for a different place! AVOID

Too expensive for too little in return. 55 for a 14 dorm room and it doesn't even have light? Or only in certain parts? Then x restrictions and rules I didn't see at any other hostel like no food in the rooms otherwise you're getting thrown out etc. The kitchen barely has forks for whatever reason and it's always cramped because of missing space. All in all its alright and you can stay without many problems for a while but for this price I expect way more. Not even the location is reason enough for this..

Fantastic staff who are soooo friendly! My first time ever staying at a hostel in my life and from the moment I first stepped into there I fell in love with the environment and the relaxed atmosphere. Room was clean, very good quality and cosy. Will definitely stay here again!

wrote an email for late check in, got no reply. description said they'd send and email near closing time with instructions for how to get the key card. didn't get an email, almost had to sleep outside cause reception was closed already. another girl could help us get the cards out of the safe as she knew the code. without her we would have had to sleep outside. two members of the staff had a fight, including throwing a glass - we didn't feel comfortable tbh nice location and outdoor area though

Backpackers in Paradise is good for its location, and fair for its price. I had a private room across from a shared bathroom. The room was basic, with a wiry mattress, mirror, ceiling fan, bench, chair and bed-side tables. The bathroom was large however there was no soap at the basin which seemed disgusting and unreasonable especially during a pandemic. Music played throughout the day which at times added to the upbeat ambience but also became tedious and annoying. The time of year I was there was odd, late January before international travellers were allowed back in the country. As a result there was an odd mix of older people there that loitered around the common areas and didn't appear very friendly. Overall it was a decent, cheap place to stay that was close to public transport and the CBD.

Room was very spacious On sites bar was superb Had a pool table and table tennis Swimming pool was nice And the location couldn't be better. We definitely extended our stay. Exceeded our expectations for sure!

Only spent a night here but for the price you can’t complain at all! Friendly staff and a nice vibe with a bar and clean pool. Rooms were simple but perfect to encourage you to stay out and explore. Would definitely come back if I was coming through surfers again. Great location.

The staff is very helpful and friendly here. I was in a mixed dorm with a creepy guy and I felt really uneasy with him and wanted to change my room to any other - and they gave me a private room! I really appreciated their help in this situation. They will make sure their guests enjoy their time here. Cool place!

This hostel was a good stay for my 2 night weekend getaway. The staff were friendly and welcoming with great service. I’ve had nicer restrooms but I can’t complain for sharing a room with 21 people.

This backpackers is the best. Always something to do nearby if it's partying or chilling your on the doorstep for both. Access to public transport is good too I didn't have an issue getting anywhere else on the goldcoast during my stay. Thanks heaps to the staff too especially Dana that girl is amazing.

worst place ever. Our room was entirely made of glass & no curtains... We couldn't charge our phones, the matress were so thin and the bunk bed so fragile. The kitchen is really really tiny for a place like that, with a lot of dead gas plate. The only nice thing is the spaces, and the Ping Pong table. I really encourage you to go somewhere else if you can

Anna is the best on the bar! Friendly common areas, great people. Cool bar, nice pool area and just a 10 minute walk to the beach.

Overall nice hostel. The rooms are big with an own bathroom. They also clean the bathroom every day. But 2 power sockets are not enough for a room with 4 people. The staff is friendly and helpfull. The kitchen is small but ok. Just the early closing time of the kitchen at 9:30pm makes no sense to me as they play music till 12 every night.

Place was filthy. Bathroom wasn't cleaned Showered leaking water all over the bathroom when we checked in. You could see rubbish and a thick layer if dust on the floor in the room. The staff wasn't even trying to help. Door wouldn't lock properly. Didn't even refund funds paid

We love this hostel. It’s really good for young people to chill in the pool area (whirlpool included) & meet new people/ backpackers. Rooms are clean as well.

The place it's very good location, so easy to walk everywhere (just be careful is very easy to take a fine on the street if you have a car). The room was clean but the light of one shower was not working! The people in the reception were nice. The only problem the bed was too close to the roof!

Apartments would be nicer if there was a TV. The shower was leaking, but the shower pressure was good. Very spacious shower. The bed was super comfortable.

Did not enjoy my stay here. They charge extra for wifi, there are flies everywhere in the tiny kitchen, no curtains on the windows of the bedrooms and 14 people sharing one tiny bathroom and toilet. Only positive thing was the location and price, but it is worth paying a few dollars more for one of the other hostels.

Me and 12 of my friends stayed in backpackers in paradise which is a very odd name for the experience we had in this hostel. On arrival there was a strong smell of what I believed to be cannabis. We payed for a 14 bed room all the bed sheets were extremely damp and we were only provided a bed sheet to cover us and the room was extremely cold there was a part of the room which only can be described as a shed with plants growing from the outside through the ground. Also in this shed the rain came through the roof all night and I will be extremely surprised if no one gets sick from this. The room overall was very dirty it resembled a prison cell which was never cleaned. There was multiple items left in the shower from previous guests including razor blades which is so unhygienic and the shower smelt of urine. The lights were flickering and multiple chargers were unsafe to use as the dampness from the bed caused the charger to become water damaged which in turn promoted our phones to alert us to unplug which is a serious safety hazard. There was insufficient number of power outlets for the number of guests in this cell. Overall this was a horrendous experience and you couldn’t pay me all the money in the world to stay here again. Do yourself a favour and never stay here we paid far too much for an experience which had put me off staying in any hostel ever again

Worst hostel during my 3 month vacation. I stay here only for 4 nights. There was no air conditioner. There were so many cockroaches in the room. So so so many !! Even if people sing, drink, and scream at the table right in front of the room until 3 a.m., no one stops them. Wi-Fi is charged. Not free

Solo Female Backpacker stayed late may- late June. Obviously hostel was quieter than in the summer months but still plenty people around who are sociable and friendly. I stayed in 2 rooms which were quite different to each other. One was dark, cold and had a metal roof which rattled in the rain but was spacious enough to lay your belongings out. The bathroom was decent but not treated nicely by guests. Someone shaved their hair in the bathroom blocking the sink and it was fixed the next day. The second room was cramped but felt more like a bedroom, with big windows, warmth and a nice view of the sunset. The shower often ran cold with nobody to fix this so made do. The staff would clean each room daily to the best of their ability with the equipment they had. Better equipment should be sort. The bar is expensive even in happy hour and closes very early. This is not suitable for a backpackers hostel where alcohol cannot be brought from the outside. The pool area is nice but the pool is ice cold freezing so nobody uses it. During my stay there were construction for an outside bathroom and shower which was noisy early in the morning but looks very nice and modern (which makes the rest of the place look old and dirty). All the rooms need new beds, mattresses, pillowcases and there is a blanket shortage which makes the night very cold if you don’t get one (for 20 dollars rent). Despite being winter and quiet I believe it could do with more activities or social events. Using the kitchen is an uncomfortable experience it’s very small, people steal your food, nothing feels clean and pigeons often come in (there is a sign asking guests to shut the door). The dish cloths are dirty. The price to stay is very expensive for what you get but is the cheapest in the area, I have seen rooms at bunk which are more expensive but it’s brand new and modern. The best thing about the hostel is that it is so close to everything, the tram, bus, and the centre. It is a 10 minute walk to the beach. The common area has lots of seats for people to chill in the daytime. Staff will help the best they can if you ask at reception.