The hype
Great staff and social atmosphere, but the facilities are tired and in desperate need of renovation.
Roamer St Kilda
$45-120/ night
Book this if You're a solo traveler or digital nomad who prioritizes social vibes and rooftop beers over pristine plumbing.
Why People Love It
- The Back Room rooftop bar is a legitimate local hotspot
- Coworking space is surprisingly solid for getting work done
- Location is unbeatable—steps from the tram and St Kilda beach
Quick Take: A rebranded hostel that dresses like a boutique hotel but still has the creaky bones and questionable showers of its backpacker past.
Reviewed by @jamie_stapleton97: I was genuinely shocked by this place. My private room at Roamer St Kilda had a massive double bed, a couch, and a desk for getting work done. The sunset view was a bonus, but having my own en suite bathroom really sealed the deal. It felt like a hotel.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'boutique' photos don't match the reality of peeling paint, loud AC units, and grim shared showers.
- You want to meet people and party without leaving the building
- You need a dedicated desk and fast WiFi to work remotely
- You're okay with 'rustic' (read: old) building quirks
Cleanliness & Maintenance
5.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service exists, but reviews consistently mention missed spots, dust under beds, and rushed jobs.
- Bathroom hygiene: CRITICAL FAIL. Frequent reports of mold, hair in drains, and grime in shared showers. Private ensuites fare better but are still 'tired'.
- Maintenance: The building is showing its age. Peeling paint, broken toilet locks, and finicky plumbing are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Generally clean, though some guests report stained sheets or worn-out blankets.
- Odors & scents: Common areas can smell like stale beer or damp carpet; rooms are usually neutral unless the AC is musty.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Thumping bass from The Back Room rooftop bar
- Rattling, industrial-volume portable AC units
- Street noise from Grey Street (trams and nightlife)
Before you book
Good to know
- Reception has limited hours (8am-10pm); late check-in requires coordination
- Breakfast is available for ~$19 AUD, but locals go to Banff Cafe nearby
- A $15 AUD/night pet fee applies if you're bringing a furry friend
What to pack
- Shower shoes (essential for shared bathrooms)
- Earplugs (for the rooftop beats and AC noise)
- Power bank (outlets can be scarce or oddly placed in older rooms)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Private Suites on lower floors (away from the roof) for better sleep
- Co-living rooms if you want a cheaper private option and don't mind shared baths
Rooms to avoid
- Any room directly under the rooftop bar (vibration and noise)
- Street-facing dorms if you're a light sleeper
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I'd love a quiet room on a lower floor, specifically away from the rooftop bar and street noise. If possible, a room with a split-system AC rather than a portable unit.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there parking?
No onsite parking. You'll need to find street parking or a paid garage nearby, which can be a hassle in St Kilda.
Is it a hostel or a hotel?
It's a hybrid. It has dorms and a communal kitchen, but also private ensuite rooms. Think 'glam-hostel' rather than hotel.
Is the area safe?
St Kilda is generally safe but Grey Street has a reputation for being gritty with visible drug use. Keep your wits about you at night.
Does it have AC?
Yes, but many rooms use loud portable units rather than central air, which can be annoying for sleepers.
How is the WiFi?
Actually good. The coworking focus means the internet is reliable (25+ Mbps) in common areas and most rooms.
Is there a lift?
No. The building is historic and has no elevator. You will be carrying your bags up stairs.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Banff Cafe' down the street offers a better and cheaper breakfast than the hotel's add-on.
- ✨
Join the hostel WhatsApp group upon arrival to find out about impromptu events and outings.
- ✨
The communal kitchen has commercial fridges, so you can actually cook real meals to save money.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'wellness deck' is often just a quiet corner of the roof, not a full spa experience.
💡Hot water can be temperamental during peak morning shower times.
💡The 'cinema room' is a cozy chill-out spot that often goes unused—great for a private movie night.
💡You might see police visiting the street; it's a known hotspot, but they are usually just patrolling.
💡The towel rental fee for dorms is $6 AUD—bring your own microfiber towel.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Roamer St Kilda is located and what's nearby.