Bigger base for 'luxury' Sydney backpacker hostel

Nov 07, 07 | 8:57 am

Australia and New Zealand's premier hostel Network, Base, has completed an extensive $2 million renovation and upgrade of its flagship Sydney property, adding an additional 120 beds as the demand for ‘affordable yet upscale' accommodation solutions for the youth and backpacker market continues to rise.

Taking comfort to new levels for budget travellers, Base Sydney's comprehensive refurbishment includes the unveiling of 12 new funky private suites featuring special ‘extras' including a personal en-suite for maximum privacy, indulgent king sized beds for a second to none slumber, and in-room state-of-the art plasma televisions for personal use.

Base CEO Campbell Shepherd says the refurbishment comes at a crucial time in the evolution of Sydney's backpacker sector, allowing Base to retain its position as market leader and innovator for the budget market.

"We consider Base Sydney an integral part of our network, and it's important that this hostel in particular continues to go above and beyond Base Standards given its prime location in the key gateway city for Australia and New Zealand," says Mr Shepherd.

"This timely upgrade is deliberately pre-emptive in order to keep pace with this savvy market and independent travellers' growing preference for more luxury and sophisticated surrounds, without sacrificing the communal, social atmosphere that a budget hotel lacks."

In addition to Base Sydney's private suites, the hostel also offers a range of new standard rooms that retain the property's key heritage features for a sense of location and history while incorporating modern facilities and minimalist white design for a classic, contemporary feel.

High ceilings and full length windows invite natural light in for a bright, open feel generally lacking in hostels and budget rooms, while each en-suited dorm room boasts individual reading lamps for maximum convenience - a feature implemented following regular suggestions provided in customer feedback surveys.

The new rooms appeal to a broader cross section of travellers, whether they are independent, short stay domestic clients, or even business travellers," says Mr Shepherd. "With the opening of these new rooms and the refurbishment of all bathrooms in the original building, Base Sydney now sits confidently at the forefront of the budget accommodation market for our region."

Base Sydney opened its doors in 2004 and is one of 11 Base backpacker hostels that comprise the Base network across Australia and New Zealand. A further two hostels are scheduled to open in New Zealand within the next 12 months including Taupo (December 07) and Wanaka (June 08).

Located at 477 Kent Street, Base Sydney is easily the most central city backpacker location on the map, just minutes walk to Darling Harbour, Town Hall Train Station, Pitt St Mall (shop till you drop), the Bondi Beach Bus Stop (380 Bus), the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Dorm rooms at Base Sydney are available from $28 and the en-suite private rooms are available from $99.

Hostel facilities include Internet access, WiFi in guest rooms, fax and card phones plus cable TV and communal game, pool and common rooms. In room features include air conditioning, fresh linen provided, security locker and key card access.

Optional breakfast is available daily, and Base also offers its own bar for nocturnal entertainment - the ‘Scary Canary'- with nightly entertainment courtesy of Sydney's finest resident DJ's and Live Bands alongside Triva Nights, Backpacker Auctions, Speedy Dating and special theme nights.

For more information please visit www.stayatbase.com