Hostel Life

• Arriving at Jolly Swagman Kings Cross Backpackers by Chris
  in Backpackers Sydney Tourist Attractions, Backpacker Hostel Facilities, Backpackers Hostels and Backpacking, Hostel Life, Kings Cross, Staying at a backpackers hostel, Sydney Backpackers Expo
  24 Feb 2012  | 0 Comments

  Arriving at Jolly Swagman Kings Cross Backpackers

   

  After staying in numerous Kings Cross Backpackers during my 4 weeks in Sydney, I made a reservation at the Jolly Swagman after hearing great things from fellow travellers and backpackers. I arrived at 12 pm and was happy to be told I could check in immediately, as other hostels had made me wait until 2pm in the afternoon. I was greeted with a smile by Nicole on the hostels reception, who gave me my key, sheets, discount voucher booklet and free internet usage card. The hostel looked cheerful and fun, with its signature yellow paintjob continuing inside.

   

  I headed up to my room and was delighted to be in a room with only 3 beds. This is something that is a big plus for me, as after being in hostels for a month you can grow tired of the 12 or 8 bed rooms, where late night revellers’ and early bird day trippers frequently disrupt your sleep. As Kings Cross Backpackers go, the rooms at the Jolly Swagman are certainly near the top. My room has its own fridge and cupboards for storing my food and drinks, something which is another big plus, as in other hostels with communal fridges and cupboards your stuff can often go walk-abouts!

   

  I unpacked and headed for a shower. The hot water never ran out, something which other hostels in Kings Cross cannot offer. It was time for lunch so I nipped to Woolworths which was a 4 minute walk away from the hostel. I grabbed some backpacker basics (spaghetti, pasta sauce) and headed back to cook. I swapped my key for a saucepan at reception, something I was told ensures the pans get cleaned after use! After eating I was ready to start my day, but so far the Jolly Swagman had offered all I wanted from a Kings Cross Backpackers.
• 
  Profiles of Guests Staying in Hostels in Sydney by Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney
  in Sydney Travel, Hostel Life
  17 Nov 2011  | 1 Comment

  If you’re wondering why Sydney seems to be getting busier and busier, it’s mostly because more backpackers and tourists are coming in to visit.  Both domestic and international budget travellers look for value-for-money Sydney backpackers accommodation.  However, keep in mind that where you stay can be just as important as where you go.  That’s why here at Jolly Swagman, we make sure you have a great stay, adding to the Sydney experience that much more.

   

  Getting to Know Our Guests

   

  We provide great service to all our guests because of our years of experience in this industry.  Through these years, we’ve gotten to know the different profiles of our guests.  This helps us create spaces suited for each backpacker or group of travellers, provide interesting activities and facilities for our visiting tourists, and plan itineraries and services perfect for everyone’s individual needs. 

   

  Different Groups of Backpackers/Visitors that We Cater too

   

  Typically, our backpackers are young, educated and adventurous individuals who want to immerse in the local and real culture of the place.  But they can also be divided into different segments, based on their various needs and interests, such as:

   

  • Travellers on Working Holiday Visa
    • 18-30- year-old backpackers allowed to do casual work to supplement their funds
    • Extended period of stay
    • Spend short trips and weekends visiting local sights and attractions
    • Funds spent on travel and adventure activities
    • Short-term or temporary work with low pay and limited responsibility
  • Independent Travellers
    • A wider age range
    • Travellers who choose backpacking as a mode of travel
    • Larger income groups
    • Different and varied interests
  • Domestic or Local Travellers
    • Australians who are on a budget travel but want to see the other parts of the country
  • Students
    • Young people from non-English speaking countries who want to learn English

   

  At Jolly Swagman, we keep your interests at heart, no matter what demographic you’re in.  To ensure that you will have an unforgettable trip, we cater all backpacker needs by providing you a safe, social, entertaining, relaxing, active, and adventurous experience.  With the backpackers’ accommodation we offer, you will have a clean, affordable, comfortable and value-for-money stay.  We want you to come back to your Jolly Swagman room to a place you can consider a second home after a long day’s trip.

   

  Great Facilities at Jolly Swagman

   

  We know you have a checklist of what you look for in good accommodation in Sydney.  Here are some factors you might want to add to your list:

   

  • Accessibility
    • Central to everything and minutes away from:
      • the hottest happenings and entertainment in Sydney
      • some of the best beaches in the world
      • Sydney’s greatest landmarks and attractions
      • Sydney’s premier shopping centres and local restaurants
      • Sydney’s subway system
  • Social Atmosphere and Friendly Environment
    • Large common areas
      • TV room
      • Outdoor terrace with a great view of Sydney Harbour and Sydney’s sunsets
      • Courtyard
    • Fun-filled entertainment schedule
      • Partying, pubs and clubs
  • Facilities
    • Several room types
      • Double private rooms for couples who want privacy, comfort and security
      • Private twin rooms for a group of friends who want privacy
      • Dormitories for travellers who want to meet other travellers and new friends
    • Travel specialist at reception
      • Free information, maps and guide books
      • Cheapest travel deals, packages, flights and tickets around Australia
      • Day trips and tours
    • Job Assistance
      •  Popular job boards with new jobs posted every day
      • In contact with businesses, recruitment agencies, employment agencies
      • Phone messages and mail services
    • Standard room and kitchen amenities
    • Cable Internet computers and WIFI

   

  We do everything possible to make your stay in Sydney fun, exciting and memorable.  Contact us today and to see what great rooms, packages and rates we are offering.
• 
  Living in Backpackers Accommodation and Hostelling by MATT
  in Hostel Life
  22 May 2009  | 0 Comments

  Living in backpackers Accommodation - (Hostelling) Sydney Hostel life

  Most backpackers expect that living in a hostel is completely different than living at home, and they would be right. What most people don't expect is that living in a hostel is completely different than living in a hotel. They are in for a nice surprise. When you live in a hotel, the price is usually high and the "social life is in-fact dead". People that usually stay in hotels spend time in their rooms by themselves, eat by themselves and go out by themselves thusly missing out on a huge part of the backpacking experience.

  When you live in a backpackers hostel you have your friends around you all the time, (even if you don't want them to be there sometimes) its nice to have the option.

  You can have the option of a private room if you wish but sharing in dorms are a lot more fun, you get to tell stories of travels, make new friends or even partners, and play pranks on your unassuming roommates that make the mistake of falling asleep first. Sure the shower and toilet facilities are shared but since they're cleaned on a regular basis, does it really matter?

  Using the self-cook kitchen facilities is also a gift if you look at it correctly, you get to cook exactly what you want to eat without the huge price tag and you remain independent and not rely on other people to cook for you at certain times. You can even make a meal with your new found friends and split the payment whilst gaining new recipies that will last a life time.

  A huge part of hostel life is actually the social nights out that the hostels organise. The majority of conversations overheard during the daytime is what happened last night or what's going to happen tonight. These kinds of activities will not appear anywhere else than a backpackers hostel since hotels do not organise these kind of things. Hostels are very much focused on the 18-30 year old traveller who like to have a good time, make new friends and are on a budget but want a little bit of luxury. Saying that it's not unusual to see the odd "70 year old backpacker" having as much enjoyment as people 50 years younger. As long as you're at a hostel, you're part of a family and you're always welcome.

  I guess the perfect way to sum things up is, Hotels have better sleeping spaces than a hostels and a huge price tag, but hostels have the kind of social life many people need while travelling at a fraction of the price.

  It depends on what you value and what you spend your money on.

  Let us know your thoughts on hostel life and any great stories of friendship born in a hostel...