Botanical Backpackers

This was my first time staying at a hostel, and Botanical Backpackers was absolutely adorable! The all-girls dorms were perfect for a peaceful stay and the space was cozy and well-maintained. The staff were incredibly accommodating. The location couldn’t have been better—right in a prime area, making it easy to explore everything Belfast has to offer. I had such a great experience and would definitely stay here again!

Great, cozy and calm hostel in perfect location for travelling around Belfast. We stayed in a six person shared room which was a great size and beds were very comfortable. The staff were friendly and we apprecited the free breakfast and tea and coffee. It definitely felt like a home away from home! There was a quiet at 9pm rule which meant as we were going on nights out, we did have to creep around but that was expected. There are only two toilets but did not find this a problem even when hostel seemed full. One shower also didn’t stay hot, but all in all me and my three friends have left very happy. It was definitely female traveller dominant, so I would keep that in mind.

The staff and guests were all very friendly and welcoming, I had a lovely time! Erika even let me check in a couple hours early because I was going to be out till late after arriving on a morning flight. The hostel is one mile from the centre and a nice and easy 20 min straight walk on main roads (or there's a bus stop right on the corner). This is not a party hostel and I'm so ok with that! They only have one rule and that is quiet after 9pm. Makes for a nice pleasant time! Great atmosphere. I stayed in a 4 bed women's dorm, it's a little bit of a squeeze because the hostel is a converted house. There's lockers in the dorm with keys provided (free of charge) which is a nice touch, the dorms are keypad entry (not sure how often they change codes). I stayed in March and so it was still chilly temps but in a full dorm the air got a little humid from just people's heat/respiration so we opened the window in the mornings (windows would get condensation on the inside), it would be great if they could ensure the window vent remains open (if there is one), open the windows when cleaning (if you don't already), or install a small vent. The bed have a cute little metal basket to keep things handy but there's only one plug socket at the wall and an extension cord in the middle of the beds so a little inconvenient but not a huge problem. The showers and toilets, like everyone has said, are a squeeze and you'll have make sure you leave plenty of time to shower if you needed to be somewhere at a specific time because it does get busy (I just showered at night and not mornings). The breakfast is a lovely cold spread (cereal, breads/bagels with toaster, juice, fruit, tea, and coffee). I didn't get a chance to hang out in the living room so can't say anything on that but it looked cute and cosy. The hospital is right over the road and at the other end of the street is the University and down the road is the Botanical Gardens. Thank you very much for the lovely stay!