Live prices for your dates · free cancellation on many rooms

Hostel · Melbourne · Victoria

Little Drifter Melbourne

A budget-friendly hostel in the heart of Melbourne, close to the free tram zone and the city's markets.

  • Free tram zone location
  • 24-hour reception
  • Shared kitchen and social spaces
8 Great 2080 reviews Booking.com 8 · 2080 reviews

About

Little Drifter Melbourne

Little Drifter Melbourne is a 3-star hostel located on Franklin Street, putting you in the middle of the city's action. The property is within easy reach of the free tram zone, making it simple to explore Melbourne's attractions without spending on transport. The hostel offers a range of room types, from single rooms and private twins to various dormitory configurations, many with shared bathrooms.

The social heart of the hostel is its communal areas, including a large kitchen, a games room with billiards and table tennis, and a leisure/TV room. Guests often praise the friendly staff and the overall atmosphere, making it a solid choice for travelers looking to meet others. While the property is no-frills, it includes essential amenities like air conditioning, heating, and Wi-Fi, plus a welcome drink and happy hour to kick things off.

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

4 reasons to book
  • Free tram zone location — Guests repeatedly highlight the hostel's position in the free tram zone, making it easy and inexpensive to explore the city.
  • Social and clean communal spaces — The shared kitchen, games room with billiards and table tennis, and TV lounge are frequently praised. Guests note the kitchen is large and well-equipped, and the overall cleanliness is well-maintained.
  • Friendly and helpful staff — Several guests single out the staff for being welcoming and accommodating, contributing to a positive atmosphere.
  • Breakfast included — Many reviews mention that breakfast is included, adding value to the already budget-friendly rates.

Worth weighing

3 to weigh
  • Basic rooms with bunker-like feel — Some guests describe the rooms as resembling WW2 bunkers, suggesting a minimalist and utilitarian aesthetic that may not suit everyone.
  • Early check-in can be a hassle — One guest noted that early check-in can be problematic, so plan your arrival if you need to drop bags before 2 PM.
  • Common room may be closed — A guest mentioned that the common room was closed during their stay, so it's worth checking if this facility is available when you visit.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Guest Room

  • 1 Queen-size bed,2 Single beds

Single Room

  • 1 Single bed

Dormitory Room

  • 1 Bed in shared room

Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room

10 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room

8 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room

6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room

4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room

4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room

8 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room

6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room

6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room

  • 1 Bed in shared room

Deluxe Room

  • 1 Bunk bed

Private 4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room

Private 4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room

Private Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room

Private 6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room

Private 8 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room

Private Dormitory Room

  • 1 Bed in shared room

Superior Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Air conditioning

Superior Dormitory Room

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Air conditioning

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair access
  • 24-hour security

Food & Drink

  • Shared kitchen
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Vending machines
  • Welcome drink
  • Happy hour

Entertainment

  • Live entertainment
  • Night club
  • Leisure/ TV room
  • Board games
  • Billiard tables
  • Table tennis

Services

  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Luggage storage
  • Laundry
  • Tours/ Ticket assistance
  • Fax/ Photocopying

Safety & Accessibility

  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Toilet for disabled
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

8
Great 2080 reviews

Guest-rated 8/10 from 2,080 reviews

Booking.com · 8 · 2080 reviews
8Verified guest

“I was pleasantly surprised by the USB ports at every bed – so convenient for charging. The kitchen was clean and well-kept, and the location meant everything was within easy reach. I had a great time and would definitely recommend it.”

8Verified guest

“Excellent value for money. The price is affordable and there's attention to detail throughout. Location is perfect – right in the city centre. Staff were commendable, and the basic amenities were well maintained. Rooms are spacious and clean, though the private bathroom could use a bit more attention. Plus, breakfast is included, which is a great bonus.”

8Verified guest

“Great value, with basic amenities like air conditioning and breakfast included. The hostel is in the free tram zone, making it easy to get around. Rooms with private bathrooms are spacious, with up to three bunk beds – great for larger groups and a real cost-saver.”

8Verified guest

“Great location, friendly staff, clean facilities, and good value.”

8Verified guest

“We had a wonderful stay. The staff were friendly and accommodating, always ready to help. The cleanliness of the facilities, including the large, well-equipped kitchen, impressed us. The location was perfect – close to public transport and in a lively area with plenty of food and entertainment options.”

8Verified guest

“Free activities and a great location! The games room with pool and table tennis was fantastic for downtime. The location couldn't have been better, and the complimentary breakfast and free shuttle to nearby attractions were nice touches.”

04 — Location

Getting around Melbourne

The property sits in Melbourne.

Getting around: The hostel is in the free tram zone, so you can hop on and off trams without needing a ticket for the central area. This makes it easy to reach attractions like Flinders Street Station and the Queen Victoria Market.

Nearby attractions: The property is close to several bustling markets, according to guests, and within easy reach of the Eureka Skydeck Tower (1.9 km away). The area is also filled with eateries and entertainment options.

167 Franklin Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia

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05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 14:00-23:59
Check-out
By 10:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
25 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 14:00 to 23:59, and check-out is by 10:00.

Is breakfast included in the rate?

Yes, several guest reviews mention that breakfast is included in the price.

Is parking available at the hotel?

No parking information is provided, so it's best to contact the hotel directly.

Are pets allowed at the hostel?

No, pets are not allowed on the property.

Is there air conditioning in the rooms?

Yes, air conditioning is listed as an amenity, and some room types specifically include it.

What is the location like?

The hostel is located on Franklin Street in central Melbourne, within the free tram zone, close to markets and the Eureka Skydeck Tower (1.9 km away).

The bottom line

Little Drifter Melbourne is a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers who want a central base in Melbourne. With its free tram zone location, social atmosphere, and included breakfast, it offers strong value for money. Just be prepared for a no-frills, minimalist room experience and the possibility of a busy check-in window.

8Best for budget travelers who prioritize location and socializing over luxury.

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