Victoria Hotel

Partystar Review

With the warm feel of one big backpackers' common room, the Vic Hotel puts a smile on your face. A couple of pool tables surrounded by 'Aussie' tree stump style furnishings gives way to the TV lounge, which is where you can drink your pot whilst chatting to a backpacker currently buttering their toast. The kitchen's not off-limits, either, so sneak a peek in there to see how the other half lives. Service is family backpacker, and the bar person will often introduce themselves to you.

Weekends here are good, with DJs often livening up a dance floor later in the night than you'd expect. Conversation bounces around faster than you'd think; on minute you'll be chatting to the gal from England, the next the guy from Italy, and so forth. The backpackers tend to be an inquisitive and friendly bunch, so amaze them with tales of two shots on the black.

Simon Woodhouse