Dundee Backpackers Hostel

Honestly, I’m not sure why there are so many good reviews about this hostel. In fairness, it is an old historic building… so things like stairs, cracks in the walls were to be expected. Another review mentioned artwork etc on the walls, I didn’t see much of that which was disappointing. Pros: - The staff that I interacted with were great - friendly and helpful. - The bathrooms were clean and in good order. The shower was great with good water pressure. Cons: - The location - while central to most things in the city centre, also put the hostel right in the middle of all the city centre goings on. Within 20 mins of my arrival, there was a stabbing right outside the front gate. I’ve been advised by locals that this is uncommon yet not surprising for the location. Yes - I appreciate the hostel can’t help this, and it’s nothing to do with them, however it didn’t help my impressions! - walking outside the front gate was like walking into a micro “skid row”, lots of people down on their luck, and likely drugged up. I didn’t go out at night because of this. - security - there is only one scan/gate between the hallways and the outside world, so others not staying at the hostel could easily access if they walked in behind someone else legitimately accessing. - one bathroom per floor, not gender segregated. - I’m not sure there were many legit backpackers staying, and suspect longer term residents were the majority of guests. - there were no classic hostel activities organised or even advertised (I.e. meet and greet, quiz nights, walking tours, etc). - I thought my room was clean til I spotted someone’s nail clippings under the bed on my last morning 🤢 A lot of the above would be somewhat forgivable if the place was cheap… but it wasn’t. I don’t like leaving negative reviews as I appreciate this is someone’s livelihood, but my experience was very different to a lot of the other reviews so I felt competed to share. In general I enjoyed my visit to Dundee, but I would suggest staying either in a different part of the city, or even in some of the nicer outer suburbs instead.

I highly recommend Dundee Backpackers if you are after a good value place to sleep and a safe place for your stuff. I booked a private double room with a private bathroom for two nights as I was attending a wedding, and it was perfect. Great location and basic but clean and comfortable room. Like a budget hotel, but far more reasonably priced. I will probably stay again on my next visit.

The stay was great. We stayed in a double room with en suite bathroom. The room was big enough, it had a double bed and one chair. The bed was a little too firm for my taste, but we managed. The shower was nice and had great water pressure. The kitchen was well equipped, we cooked our own meal twice. There were quite a lot of stairs, but that's to be expected in an old building. The staff was friendly, even when we wanted to extend our stay by one day. The only negative point I can think of was the noise outside. Our room was at the front side of the building (room 8). Outside there were quite a lot of people, and somehow the shop Price Point thinks it is okay to blast music till 3am. Our friends who stayed in the MacLeod suite (4p) were at the back of the building and had no problems with the sound.

Really close to bus stops and rail service. Located in the middle of a pedestrian area next to a shopping center and a venue, which means it can get a bit noisy at night (especially weekends). First time staying in a hostel, can't beat the price.

Outstanding location. Interesting building, very clean comfortable and warm. Plenty of facilities such as kitchen with everything you could reasonably expect free tea and coffee. Cooker, toaster, fridges, microwave kettle. Tv Room, library, dining room. A rare occasion where accommodation exceeds expectation, seemed to me mainly quieter walker and cycling types or similar which suits me absolutely fine not a party scene. I was working briefly nearby so absolutely ideal.

Arrival & Reception: Arriving at the hotel around 10pm, it was not obvious where the hostel entrance was from the high street. Luckily, a receptionist was outside and let me in, but unfortunately the staff were not friendly and did not offer help with my luggage. Room Experience: I stayed in room 14, which was an ensuite. The room size was very generous, with a desk provided, making it convenient to get some work done before check out. The keycard system for checking in and out was modern and worked well. Facilities & Comfort: While the room itself was spacious, I would have preferred larger towels and two towels instead of one, as the amenities in this area felt a bit basic. Location & Value: The hostel/hotel is located very close to the train station and the V&A Dundee, which is definitely a bonus for travelers wanting easy access to city sights. For a budget accommodation, it was alright—meeting essential needs but not exceeding them. Overall: If looking for proximity to key attractions and a large ensuite room for a night at a reasonable price, this hostel/hotel is a decent option. However, service and attention to guest comfort could be improved.

Centrally located. Plaisent staff. Noisy at night.

Rooms are lovely. However when I stayed, 2 Chinese men came into my room whilst I was in the shower. Receptionist didn't seem to care. Now I have written my review on Google, the owner has called me a liar about it. First they said I never stayed there, then they found my name from few years ago and stated how they didn't believe me. I will be making sure this review isn't pushed aside and I will not stand being called a liar when I'm not.