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Hostel review: Base Central Brisbane

By Bobbi Lee Hitchon // 11 April 2010 // Comments: 0 // Related Categories: bars, brisbane, Hostels

Passing the corner of Edward and Ann Streets in Brisbane, it’s hard to miss the Victorian-era, brick building marked Palace in large script on front. Though the building is hard to miss amongst the city’s modern skyscrapers and asphalt surroundings, backpackers may walk by it a few times wondering if this is really a hostel.

Base Brisbane Central has a long history of offering clean beds at low rates to people passing through. The Salvation Army originally opened the 130-bedroom hotel in 1911. Keeping its rates as low as $10 even in 1982, the organization eventually could not afford the space and closed down. The building was then transformed into office space and so on, until Base came along and restored it to its original purpose.

Between its old-fashioned elevator (it’s automatic but guest need to open both a wooden and spring door) and wrap-around porches, the hostel offers backpackers a chance to slip back in time. But staying at Base doesn't have to just be a history lesson, it can be a wild party. Below the hostel is Zibar and Down Under Bar. Zibar offers a sort of sports/jazz bar atmosphere with great food prices ($10 for dinner and an alcoholic drink combination offered daily). Down Under Bar is a true backpackers’ bar, offering themed parties, cheap drinks and popular music.

On top of that (literally), the hostel's roof deck offers great views of the surrounding CBD, and its friendly staff is reason enough to add a few extra days to your stay.

Location

It doesn’t get more central than the corner of Edward and Ann Streets. Since Brisbane is not extremely large, all the major city attractions, such as Botanic Gardens, the Valley, and city Transit Centre, are just a few blocks away from the hostel. Between Zibar’s cheap food and Down Under Bar’s cheap drinks, people don’t have to leave the hostel for anything, but if they want to, they don’t have to walk far to find somewhere good.

Staff

Most of the staff are extremely kind and helpful. They don’t just work at the establishment, they take part in its activities and get to know the people in it. However, it’s not like a lot of hostels that staff all backpackers. Most of the staff are Aussies or Kiwis, so they are knowledgeable about the city and its surrounding areas.

Vibe

It can be hard to mingle with people at hostels in the city, because they’re so massive and everyone is on the go. Base is a bit more open, yet allows people their space. Each floor has its own common area with a flat screen TV and leather couches. The 4th floor common area is very relaxed and comfortable. While there wasn’t a huge common area for everyone to hang out, patrons can mingle at either bar at night. Both are usually very busy.

Price

The Salvation Army would be proud. Prices range from $20 for a 10-bedroom dorm to $45 for a private, single room. At this rate, most have the option of staying in the city, and some may even be able to afford some privacy.

Overall

Between interactions with staff, the history of the building and low room rates as well as food and drink, Base is the ideal place to crash in Brisbane.