Eddie Rehe, Jack Barsby, Dave Tremain and Craig Chivers from Albury relax at the top-ranking Blue Mountains Backpacker Hostel in Katoomba.
New management, new staff and even new carpet are being noticed by the people who count most at a Katoomba hostel — the guests.
Blue Mountains Backpackers Hostel made the December top 10 list on leading backpacker website Hostelworld for Australian hostels revealed this month.
Based on customer reviews posted at www.hostelworld.com, the business — located at 144 Bathurst Road — was rated as one of the friendliest and most accommodating hostels in the country during one of the peak Australian holiday periods.
New owner Maria Perry said it’s been a whirlwind year in which the hostel has become a home away from home for many guests, including backpackers but also families on vacation.
“It’s great to see that reflected in their reviews,” she said.
Supervisor Chris Thomson said every day brought something different.
“On Australia Day we had guests from all over the world listening to the Hottest 100 on Triple J while watching the sunset on the rooftop patio or flipping snags on the barbecue.
“One morning half the guests were glued to the television at 6am watching European football and one guest gave free guitar lessons to other backpackers for a few nights in the lounge,” he said.
Backpacker Jack Barsby from Albury stayed at the hostel with three of his mates last week after noticing it on Hostelworld’s top 10.
“It’s very spacious and chilled out, the staff are nice — and best of all it has a foosball table,” he said.