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Hostelling International Austin Reviews

2200 S. Lakeshore Blvd., 78741, Austin, Texas, USA

Reviews & Ratings Explained

81%

Rating
296 Total Reviews
  • 79%Value For Money
  • 85%Security
  • 81%Location
  • 86%Staff
  • 82%Atmosphere
  • 74%Cleanliness
  • 77%Facilities

The rating percentage is calculated from customers who booked within the last 12 months.

All ratings and reviews are based on the feedback and opinions of the customers who submitted them and do not express the opinions of Hostelworld.com. This way, you get an up-to-the-minute opinion of just how good a hostel really is.
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86%

Hostelling Int'l Austin was a very good hostel. The staff know their stuff and are both courteous and responsible. I thought the cleanliness of the place was pretty good, although I got a bunch of bug bites from the blankets/bed I was in (bed bugs? mosquitoes? I don't know). One of the shower heads in the bathroom was also kind of broken and sprayed water everywhere when I used it. Roommates were cool people, and the pancakes at breakfast were a great touch! I would stay here again. Thank you!


71%

The hostel has a wet/damp smell that is very bad. My room was difficult to breath in even with A/C on and the window open... Also, the bathroom is a shared shower like in Jr. High, not very private. I would check out the other hostels in Austin first.

Owner Comment (Hide)
We appreciate your comment. Allergies are really bad in Austin right now and I wonder if the open window had an effect on the air in the room. In any case, we'll look into the problem. Cory, HI-Austin

40%

WORST HOSTEL WE HAVE EVER STAYED IN. It was dimly lit and appeared to be in the middle of no where. Checking in was a long, tiring process. The gentleman at the front desk not only appeared to be stoned but was vague and made us uncomfortable. Our room smelt like sweat and cat urine, it was dirty and felt damp. The showers did not have doors and the curtains were mouldy, hardly any water came out of the shower head and the bathrooms were gross. We checked out 8 hours after checking in. AVOID


74%

The location by the lake is lovely


83%

Very nice hostel, which is good because there aren't too many others in Austin. I walked from the Amtrak with my backpack because I'm hardcore :-) but I recommend the bus/taxi options to others. Like all HI hostels this place is perhaps a little too square and sedate for some...no alcohol is allowed indoors and it's definitely not a party hostel. But it's a good, clean, secure place to stay. The piano is in tune, very rare for a hostel!

Owner Comment (Hide)
Thanks a lot for your comment Edward! Maybe we'll see you again someday! Cory, HI-Austin

69%

Can't really complain...had to be up early during my stay and it was pretty noisy late at night but i guess that's to be expexted. Great value and a beautiful location...could be a bit cleaner but I will recomend it.

  • 19 Apr 2013
  • Novice Nomad
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Male, 41+
  • (1 review)

Owner Comment (Hide)
Thanks for your comment William! Cory, HI-Austin

83%

I love this place and would definitely stay here again. I was there a week and the people were friendly and helpful. The location is also great. If you want a relaxing day you just have to walk outside and you can lay by the lake or on the dock. If you want to head down to 6th street there are 3 nearby buses(they also provide bus passes at the hostel) or a $12 cab ride away. Great place!! Only problem was the showers where a bit archaic but they work with plenty of hot water and towels provided

  • 17 Apr 2013
  • Novice Nomad
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Female, 25-30
  • (1 review)


83%

Only negative was the other women who shared my room - between them, they got up 10 times during the night, banging the door by my head and letting the hall light stream on to my face - but that's not your fault!

  • 16 Apr 2013
  • Novice Nomad
  • Anonymous
  • Scotland
  • Female, 41+
  • (1 review)


86%

Beautiful hotel on the edge of the river. Great staff, great location with cheap easy transport into the city. If you want a relaxing time in a chilled out hostel this is the place. Free pancakes for breakfast, great kitchen and huge tv room and chill out area. Great info about what to do in and around Austin. Didn't bother me but may bother others showers remind me of prison showers could do with updating but recommend this place to anyone.


100%

I cannot fault this place. Minutes from the city center, but in a really quite beautiful lakefront location. Felt very safe and secure. Extremely clean. Staff were really friendly and helpful. Fantastic free coffee and pancake breakfast. Stop looking for hostels and stay here!

Owner Comment (Hide)
Thanks for the comment Christopher. So glad to hear! Come back and see us some time. Cory, HI-Austin

83%

I enjoyed my stay very much. Central location was key as I was close to parks , biking and night life on 6th and Cogress. I stayed 9 nights at the Hostel and was comfortable and the price was right. I only found that the bathroom/ shower facilities could use some updating. Ie... ventilation and privacy. Pancakes and coffee supplied in the morning set me up for the day;) I would return to this hostel.

  • 01 Feb 2013
  • Novice Nomad
  • Anonymous
  • Canada
  • Male, 41+
  • (1 review)

Owner Comment (Hide)
Thanks for the comment Gerald. You were an awesome guest =) We're working on replacing the bathrooms this year with our new budget - hopefully they'll be brand-spanking new by the next time you visit! Cory, HI-Austin

100%

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Austin. The location is amazing and the staff was very friendly and helpful.

  • 19 Jan 2013
  • Novice Nomad
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Male, 25-30
  • (1 review)

Owner Comment (Hide)
Glad to hear of it! Cory, HI-Austin

89%

Very popular hostel with free pancake breakfast and coffee. There were many friendly people staying there. The building is located right next to a quiet park, safe neighborhood and right on Lady Bird Lake with a great view of the Austin skyline. The bus line is a short walk away if you want to go downtown. The rooms are very small, but the facility has a nice public area and upstairs TV room. The staff was very nice and were able to answer any questions about Austin. We would stay there again.

Owner Comment (Hide)
Glad you enjoyed your stay! -Cory

91%

Hostel was awesome and great staff. The location was perfect, not far from downtown or bus stop. Only thing bad was the smell of rooms we slept in, smelled like a locker room. I know it's really not your fault just something I notice and thought should have been brought to your attention.

  • 27 Dec 2012
  • Novice Nomad
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Male, 25-30
  • (1 review)

Owner Comment (Hide)
Thanks for bringing it to our attention. We just started using a different air freshener and we're hoping it does the trick. Glad you enjoyed your stay! -Cory



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