The Melbourne Central YHA hostel is probably one of my favourite hostels in Melbourne. So, when I had to visit Melbourne in August this year, I quickly booked myself a bed in the hostel.

The Rooms

I usually get a bed in a shared room when I’m at a hostel, but during my recent stay in August, I decided to splurge on a private room.

The double room I got was basic but very clean and cosy. The view was nothing to shout at. The room had two windows, one facing the back of a hotel, and another a construction site. It wasn’t an en suite, so there wasn’t a bathroom attached, but the shared bathrooms were just a short walk away.

But you know what? I loved it because I didn’t have to share the room with anybody, yay!

Location

What I love most about the MCYHA is it’s central location. It was less than a km away from Southern Cross Station. That’s pretty useful because the Skybus service depot, which shuttles between Tullmarine or Avalon airport to Melbourne City, is right next to the station.

On top of that, there’s a tram stop right in front of the hostel, and you can grab the free tram to get around the city that way.

I love hostels, in general, because there is a kitchen where we can prepare our meals. That can do a lot in lowering your food bill during your travel trip.

I didn’t use the kitchen when I was there recently, but I’ve often used the MCYHA’s big and well-equipped kitchen the last few times I was there.

If you want to do work while you’re there, it’s pretty easy because there’s free wi-fi (very important in data-expensive Australia). Lots of people do their work around the kitchen area. With industrial brick walls and bright wall paintings, it’s a pretty cheery place to work.

It’s a pretty sociable hostel with lots of activities going on, and there are recommendations for tours at the front desk. Fortunately, it’s not one of those hotels where it’s party, party, party all night. (I once stayed in a hotel in San Francisco that felt more like a disco than a place to sleep.) It’s pretty quiet and peaceful most of the time.

All in all, I really love the hostel and what it offers. If you don’t mind the no-frills rooms, and do not need a car park this could be your budget-friendly home base for your vacation in Melbourne.

How about you? Do you have a favourite hostel or hotel to recommend?