The Only Backpacker's Inn

Amy Thompson★★★★★★★★★★5.03 months ago

My boyfriend and I stayed here earlier this week for a show. We got the deluxe queen private room. I can honestly say this hostel will be hard to top! There's a bar AND a cafe below, which was perfect for a quick beer before check-in and for morning coffee. Check-in was super easy. The room was wonderful! Super spacious, secure, very clean, and really quiet at night. The staff at both the bar and the cafe were so personable and welcoming! The baristas make a mean flat white. I'll definitely make my way to The Only again next time I'm in Toronto.

Chanel Vautour★★★★★★★★★★2.02 months ago

I was really looking forward to staying here, but my experience went downhill right from check in. While booking online, my reservation accidentally got set for the day before. When I arrived, they told me l'd be charged for the missed night because they "held the bed," even though the six bed dorm I stayed in only had two other people. They could have adjusted the booking as a goodwill gesture, but they didn't. The only thing they offered was an upgrade to a four bed dorm, which didn't add much value since the rooms weren't full anyway. I appreciated the offer, but it didn't make up for the extra night charged. The staff seemed nice enough, but it's clear the café is their main focus. They weren't unfriendly, but they weren't particularly warm or attentive either. On the positive side, the hostel itself is kept clean. My room and the shared areas were tidy, and the bed was fairly comfortable. However, the blanket for my bed had a strange smell, so I didn't use it. The lockers are small - just enough for valuables and the rest of your bags go on open shelving. The building does feel secure, with keycard access to hallways, common areas, and rooms. My first night was rough. The window in the room faced a bright streetlight that shone through all night, and you could hear traffic constantly. The room was warm at first, then cooled down overnight because of the rain, so at least I didn't need the blanket. The Wi-Fi was mediocre and pretty spotty throughout my stay. The location seems decent. I had no issues finding street parking in the evening, and it's close to transit if you need it. Overall, the experience left me not wanting to run back or extend my stay. The price is comparable to other hostels, but the atmosphere, the way the booking issue was handled, and the spotty Wi-Fi made the stay feel mediocre at best. This is an honest review the good, the bad, and the in-between and I hope it's taken constructively.

Rebecca Gillis★★★★★★★★★★1.03 weeks ago

I needed a room for 1 night to go to a sunrise ceremony I'm the area, which is at sunrise obviously. I have no vehicle so I thought to myself, rent a room locally for me and my daughter, however I was met with an unwelcome, and no acceptions for local residents (anyone who lives in the GTA). Just thought that those of you who are in a sittuation like this should know that locals are NOT welcome here. Remember this going to the pub our café.

Martine Lee★★★★★★★★★★5.0a month ago

I loved the private room. It's a private shower but the toilet is shared with one other person and the fridge and microwave is shared with that one other person as well. I wasn't in the bunk beds section because I have a service dog. Friendly and helpful staff. Underneath is a bar.

nirvan gandhi★★★★★★★★★★1.011 months ago

Please be cautious while booking this hostel. Even though I paid the initial deposit amount, upon reaching the hostel on a Saturday afternoon, I was told that my reservation was cancelled and my room given to someone else. I was left without a room on a busy weekend where I then had to book another place for 3 times the price. Moreover they didn’t even refund my deposit. Please be aware. Just for more profits they can put your trip in jeopardy. The places vibe looked decent but the location was quite Okaish.