The Old Swan Barracks Reviews

Despite seeing all of the off-the-wall reviews for this place, it's actually a good value for the money. It's a backpacker hostel, so no one should be expecting the Hilton or anything, but there are comfortable beds, halfway-decent showers (the consistent supply of hot water is something to be desired), and kitchen facilities that are MORE than adequate for budget-friendly accommodation. The staff are helpful, yet not overbearing;; if you ask, they will give you what you want. Overall quite good

Showers need serious attention~good luck trying to wash your hair. Corridors are dingy, need new carpets and some air fresheners. Room was very disappointing, windows consisted of rotting wood. Fly screen non existent. If looking for well ventilated rooms then this is for you...Windows had no seals, so winter temps should be fun. Location is all this place has going for it.

Room was smelly and there was not enough space to unpack our staff or even put it away properly (probably because all the others were long term guests). The girl that checked us in wasn't friendly and barely looked at us, not to mention that it didn't put a smile on her face at all. The firealarm in the morning underlined our bad opinion of the stay, even though it's probably nobodies fault. We won't come back.

Bathrooms were filthy the showers where a joke, double room was horrible half the furniture was falling apart or missing, security and privacy didn't exist. People are free too roam around as no floor security plus the staff didn't care about drunken backpackers desturbing other guest. The only positives are the sheets where clean and the common area was very good that's where all the money had clearly been spent. Staff where also very rude. Don't waste your money.

Great location. Lockers are great for security, beds are comfy and staff was nice and friendly. Kitchens are not very good, especially the one on the upper floor - there is nowhere to sit to eat your food and they charge you for pots and pans and dishes- as we were not aware of that, it was an unpleasant surprise. Bathrooms are cleaned at least twice a day, thats great but the water pressure is non existent and makes showering not very pleasant. Overall good place to stay.

Excellent showers, poor kitchen, very comfy beds. The annoying point is that you must give deposits for everything like cutlery, plates, pots, pans... And one of the main girl at reception doesn't smile, kind of unfriendly. But the bar inside is very nice, good music and nice location near library, city and rugby stadium ! nice stay anyways !

Stayed on our second night in Australia but first night in Perth. Was able to book last minute a twin private room. Room was basic but good, key lock to the door, staff were very friendly. This was our first time travelling and met many people in the bar and outside seating area doing the same from different countries all very friendly. Even had a welcome sign written in Italian on our door when returning from a day trip by other travellers. A good hostel to meet people. Thanks again

Its a backpackers so why is the bar so dare and why can't we bring in our own drink . We can't afford to go out or the bar there so that's our only option. Very bad rule for a cheap backpackers place.

Revolting room very cramped and dirty! Very squeaky beds, even the corridors smelt. All long termers staying there with workboots all over the place - so glad I only stayed one night! Having said that most hostels in pen aren't much better - t and stay at YHA a bit more expensive but only place that looks clean

Good location (2mn walking away from the CBD), good place to meet people, very friendly! I enjoyed the 3$ burger on Thursdays! But no wifi, the free breakfast was not very good. The worst thing was the staff, very unfriendly, unhelpful. This hostel just wants money!

Nice house and big communal area, really quite, not a party hostel. Everything needs a good deep clean! Couches in the bar area are very old and dirty, they don't really care a lot for their furnishing and facilities. Bed is comfi but full of stains from I don't wanna know where. Location is perfect, very close to the cbd and all free busses, art centre and library across the road. Kitchen most really dirty and the bathrooms and shower are ridiculous! 2 Showers and toilets for 1 floor...

I definitely would not recommend this hostel. We booked 2 nights but only ended up staying 1 night , everything about the rooms in this hostel was disgusting!! I've stayed in many hostels over the last few years and this ranks as one of the worst!

Worst hostel ever

Most importantly: check-in is not before 1 PM. Very frustrating to sit waiting! Otherwise, hostel is an old converted barracks, and it shows. Long fairly sterile corridors, rooms quite cramped, ablutions generally pretty good but shower water pressure can be a bit poor. Main social area is the old drill hall, perhaps too large for the number of people staying when I was there. Has an on-site bar, clearly a party hostel. Kitchen much too small for the size. Overall? Good, but not great.

It's good . I worried about few person writing experience but i arrive and live old swan . i feel very comportable . thursday is burger and chip day so it is very cheap cost.

We had two nights in a two person room. The room itself was nice and had lots of space. Beds were alright. What I didn't like was how we were welcomed in reception. I have worked in hostel receptions in Europe and in Australia and I have been in many (too many!) backpackers during my stay and I would say this reception was the one of the worse ones. I had even trouble getting a "hello, how are you?" out! Showers were horrible! All in all a very average experience.

I thought it was a great hostel. Clean, friendly, great location, the place is massive. Some of the reviews I've read are very unfair on the hostel. yes some of the beds don't have ladders but there not that high up, the girls toilet windows can be seen out off, but there's no one there to see you, they look out onto rooftops, the bathrooms are cleaned daily, clean linen provided, a great kitchen and storage facilities. Remember people, you are backpacking! not staying in the Ritz!,

The staff was so unfriendly, I couldn't believe it. It was the first time in my life, that I was confronted with a such unfriendly behavior of people who work in this field.

Please mention that the room is only available wafter 13:00 pm when check in after 13:00 pm on your website.

It was good to stay for one night. Not far from the museums and a short walk to the centre of the city. Room was a bit messy though but you can't choose who you share a room with I guess!