YHA Fremantle Prison

We were travelling as a couple, just moved to Perth from overseas so needed somewhere we could use as a base. We booked into a private double room. It had a small fridge, TV, ensuite bathroom, bedside tables/lamps, and a set of bunk beds we didn't need so just used to store our bags. There was also a small table and chairs outside our room. The view from our window was of the prison wall so not much to look at. It was fine for our needs for a week or so (we ended up extending our stay by a few days). The room was clean and roomier than I expected. In the communal kitchen were large fridges and dry food cubbies to store our kitchen items which was good. We cooked all our meals in the main kitchen. Also lots of free food leftover from other guests. There was also a free item shelf for other bits and bobs. There is a communal lounge and dining area. These were the only spaces we could use to work on our laptops (no desk in the room) but the seating was very uncomfortable. There's also a few outdoor spaces with picnic tables to sit when the weather is nice. The location is not bad, close to some parks for a walk and just 5 mins from the Fremantle Markets, shopping, library. The nearest supermarket is IGA (expensive) and there is a Coles (bit cheaper) about 10 min walk further away. Hostel is quite far from the beach/harbour area, about 20 min walk. Guests of the hostel get a small discount from the Fremantle Prison tours which is a nice perk - just show your keycard when you book at the ticket office. The hostel puts on a quiz night once a week which was fun and they have some other activities on (line dancing), but only a few people join in. Overall it is a fine place to stay, much cheaper than the apartment hotels we were staying at before.

The decor is very depressingly - it still looks much like a prison. They really need to brighten the place up with brighter paints, cosy decor or plants! The communal areas were not cleaned regularly by the staff so dirt and clutter built up. They need to ensure facilities are kept clean and tidied everyday or multiple times per day for spot checks. The linen does have some staining on it - we complained and requested a change to the bedding but were told that the stains are from a laundry conditioner they use and were reluctant to give us new sheets... they did eventually after we persisted. There was a huge school group staying at the hostel while we were there and they were very distruptive, and they used almost all the items in the kitchen meaning there was nothing left for others to cook/eat with. I don't think the hostel should let large school groups stay if they haven't figured out their own catering. Fremantle YHA is not a social hostel at all - other guests were mostly looking at their phones/computers. As a solo traveller I don't think it would be much fun. There are AI posters in the kitchen which look awful - stop the slop!

Everything, I have stayed here twice now, staff is great, fantastic location, very clean and affordable

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Incredible historic location - super interesting place to have accomodation. Staff were friendly and helpful. Large kitchen amenities. I had a non-share room with ensuite, aircon, window, and mini-fridge - all clean and comfortable. Was basic but completely fair considering the price. Walking distance to Freo Markets and other great sights and food. Decent but do-able walk to the train station and ferry to Rottnest.

The bathroom had no space to place toiletries. The room had enough bed space for 4 people, but would be a struggle storage-wise.

The location was good

- not so clean - the rooms are horrible in terms of climate control. In our room an AC was running super hot all night; making it impossible to sleep. However, with the AC off was too cold - only paid per hour parking ($2,90/hr, 8am - midnight). Adds up quickly - staff is not friendly. Did not apologize at all for the horrible heating/AC, but blamed it all on me