Pillows Backpackers Lodge

"Yes we knew it was a backpackers and yes we have stayed in multiple backpackers but this has been not only the worst one yet but also the most expensive."

"Our room was ok, bathroom was disgusting, we didn't stay in lounge long and refused to enter the kitchen. We ate out. We realized the first night that it was emergency accommodation which is fine but maybe keep it as emergency accommodation. The owner/manager did everything and i understand how hard that must be. I told him the bathroom walls needed cleaning and he went and did an ok job of that immediately. We noticed the difference. Taking some pride in the property might get the permanent residents to do this also. The sheets and towels were lovely and clean but i didn't want to use the blanket, as didnt seem clean, which was fine as it was a very hot room. No top sheet on the single bunk bed. Flies in our room drove us a bit nuts, got fly spray but couldnt seem to get a fly. One night i had toilet paper thrown at me over the wall in the bathroom. Gross. Another night teen was going toilet and someone tried to open the door, couldn't, so they went to get manager who forced the door open, while teen forced it shut. Partner had another guest ask him for a fork at 11pm so they could eat their dinner. Loud tv playing the chaser constantly. The courtyard/outside area had a really bad smell. 2 toilets and 2 showers for the whole place. Would never stay there again, we only did this time because our plans changed and pillows was the only accommodation available. I feel sorry for the owner and guest's that have to be there, maybe they dont know any better? Everyone deserves better"

"There are very few words that can describe just how absolutely disgusting and disappointing this place is. Boy, where to start: 1. The kitchen is straight out of a scene from Breaking Bad - no exaggeration. 2. The bathrooms. I think there was a sign on entry saying to wear a hazmat suit when within 15 meters of the bathroom. Unfortunately, I couldn't quite read it due to the distracting and absolutely horrific, PTSD causing sight that was, in fact, the bathroom. 3.. The general environment feels unsafe. I genuinely saw a couple walk in with their child and bags, then immediately walk out after 4 minutes. 4. The service is non-existent. I don't think anyone actually owns or operates this place. We pulled our door code and information off a piece of paper cellotaped to a window. Additional Note: we checked into our room with the paper, then went back to our car to grab our bags and there was a police van with two police officers who had just dropped off a few people to check in. Great start! Overall, I'm not sure if this place is even real. The whole ordeal felt like a fever dream. The rooms are actually quite nice though; 4/10"

"Judging by the photos on the Booking.com website. Arrived in a dirty, run-down. Don't feel safe there. My mate and I checked in after 2 mins, decided to leave. Not worth it. I do understand that there are other permanent guests living. It is excellent to provide a place for them to live, but it needs to be appropriately advertised, and people need to be well informed prior to arrival. Please update your photos, and those images online are deceiving. Clearly, It is some sort of emergency housing property. It is tough to operate during a pandemic. False advertising should not even be allowed on Booking.com. I don't even bother to ask for a refund. To sum up, please be aware to avoid massive disappointment. I am not here to bad month the property to state facts."

"We were truly disappointed by the place. The facilities were very outdated and not very well maintained. The kitchen was especially the most disgusting area. Even though it was tidy it was not clean and the microwave had yet not been replaced ever though there were already reviews showing how it was blown out with a black crater in it. I think that what made our experience worse was that there were many people smoking in the rooms, there were non guests coming into the rooms all the time, and the lounge area had a very bad smell. The good things about it were that the bathrooms and showers were clean and well maintained and the location with walking distance to the beach was great."