I cannot recommend Nomads highly enough. It is by far one of the most hospitable places I have stayed in, and I say that with confidence after living there for over two months.
The facilities are great and always well maintained. A huge credit goes to the housekeeping team who cleans every dorm every single day, which really makes a difference and shows how much pride they take in their work.
The weekly activities are amazing and such a highlight of staying here. They are engaging, fun and incredibly entertaining, making it so easy to meet other travellers and feel part of a community from day one.
The reception team truly goes above and beyond and always out of their way to help. Special mention to Luke for his incredibly hospitable nature and his ability to always find the best solution in any situation. Roni is outstanding and always ensures the highest standards of service are maintained, while being so helpful with bookings and any questions. Pepe brings such charisma and warmth to the place, alex, amazing at keeping the common areas tidy and clean. Sammie, security superstar, friendly and personable while making sure everyone is safe and well-behaved and night receptionists Javier and Moises are always kind, helpful and attentive, no matter the time.
Nomads St Kilda feels more like a home than a hostel. If you are travelling to Melbourne and want a place where you feel genuinely welcomed, supported and looked after, book here. You will never regret it.
Diego Pappalardo · 2026-01-12
Party hostel, if you’re looking to rest, go elsewhere
I’ll start with the pros and what this hostel does great:
1. The staff are amazing! Super friendly, always happy to help, join in activities and just generally good vibe. Shoutout to Pepe and Luke!
2. It’s a party/social hostel which makes it very easy to make friends and socialise. But beware that 90% of people coming here are British so if you’re from the UK and want to stay away from Brits, tough luck 😂 otherwise the activities are super fun, there is something on every day and the alcohol is MUCH cheaper than going out (especially if you catch happy hour)
2.1. Free breakfast, fresh pancakes are dope! Maybe not every day, but when you really can’t be asked with cooking and just want something for the hangover, pancakes are a lifesaver!
3. The app!!! They use an app (called Goki) and if you stay here, you can basically get through all the doors without having to carry an annoying wristband or card that is easy to leave behind. I’d recommend memorising the codes anyways, but saves you time with punching in the codes if you just use the app
Now the cons:
1. As I said, it’s a party hostel. I wouldn’t recommend staying for longer than a week unless you’re into that much partying (to each their own). But after 7 days you’ve seen all the socials, and you can always come back and join in even if you stay in a different hostel. Be prepared for people to come in at all hours of the night, usually drunk, or with someone else, so an eye mask and very good ear plugs/noise cancelling headphones are recommended
2. Which is not really a big issue but found it quite strange - during the events there is sometimes a queue outside and even if you live here you have to queue or ‘prove’ that you live in the hostel and argue with the bouncers (who are not the friendliest I found, especially late at night)
3. And this is the biggest issue - the facilities!!!
The rooms are just terrible, and I’m not talking about the cleanliness, it’s how they’re set up. I stayed in a 6 bed room and these were double beds that have no curtains (therefore 0 privacy), no shelves or plugs on the top bunks (so if and when your alarm goes off you have to jump off the bed before it wakes everyone else up) and the whole bed is extremely flimsy, basically ready to fall apart. The structural integrity of the beds is very questionable, I stayed in the top bunk and every time I climbed on the stairs I felt this is the moment the bed falls over.
The showers are not much better either, very outdated, water going everywhere and if anyone wants to use it after you they basically have to swim in. There is also only one shower/toilet per room so if you’re in a bigger room and don’t get in first, tough luck.
And the lockers are tiny and look like they are from WW2. These are hostels for backpackers but you will really be able to put only your valueables and few other things in there. And be prepared the the metallic clinging will wake everyone up whenever you open/close them.
Finally the kitchen is just run down. Very outdated, you can see everything has been used for years and hasn’t been replaced and can fit max 8 people at once in there.
Don’t get me wrong, the rooms were cleaned every day as well as the common rooms, they just feel very outdated compared to other hostels that charge similar prices.
At the end with Nomads you pay for the social events and the premium location at St Kilda, and you get amazing staff who will accommodate you, and if that’s what you’re looking for, this is the place for you! 😊
Zoltan Kalmar · 2026-01-02
Would highly recommend this hostel, if you’re looking for a fun, social experience. The rooms aren’t anything special, alongside the kitchen, but the bar and social area is next to none. The pool, table tennis and darts is all free, with excellent and helpful HappyTravels workers available at all times throughout the day.
Freddie Jary · 2025-12-24
By far the best hostel in Melbourne! A fantastic atmosphere and wonderful staff. A massive shout-out to Ronnie from Hull on reception was gave us a 5* experience from the second we walked in until the second we left. Fully recommend.
Bradley Smith · 2025-12-22
Travelled with my friend on a 2-day weekend escape. The location is perfect!! 5 minute walk to the beach, Luna Park, food and shopping, etc. If I was a backpacker, I would love to stay here for the first week to make friends and socialise in the lobby since there are plenty of events going on everyday.
They provide complimentary breakfast everyday and room service if you’d like one.
Perfect choice for someone who wants a stay in St Kilda! 😀
Y.H. Lin · 2025-11-20