Very dodgy!Reviewers on trip advisor have complained about this place being unsafe and had their things stolen. I didnt think too much of it. Dont make the same mistake - this hostels security situation truly is a joke.On my first night there, at around 4 AM, two thieves sneaked into our dorm and took my cellphone which was next to my pillow. I woke up and started running after them. They split up but I was able to catch up with one of the thieves who was climbing a tree in the backyard and had my phone in his mouth. I snatched the phone from him but he had bit it so hard that the screen cracked, resulting in a repair cost of about USD 150 - to which the hostel simply said it was unable to accept liability and paid nothing whatsoever. Besides that I also got a knee injury due to bumping into things while running in the dark after the thieves, which unlike me, seemed to be very familiar with the layout of the house...I tried to locate any staff but there were none. The other guests were too scared to even leave their room. Also called the police but both staff and police only arrived several hours later. If the thieves were armed, they could have really taken their time.From some comments I heard from the staff, this is not the first time this has happened. Another guest who had stayed there for a few nights also complained about suspicious people going into the common room after midnight... To make things every better, there are several long term residents in the same hostel who are known to steal even the kitchen plates and cutlery. It is so bad that the hostel has to lock up everything. How can you expect your belongings to be safe in a place like this?In all these years of traveling, I have yet to hear of a hostel in which outside thieves could walk in and out the dorms so easily, with zero security on site. It is the dodgiest hostel Ive had the displeasure to stay in over 7 months of traveling around Africa.

Find somewhere else to stay. I booked a room for 6 nights at the Rosebank Backpacker. After only 2 nights I had to check out and find other accommodation. I understand now why they have a no refunds policy.The parking that they offer is ridiculous. You must drive through the gate and, while on an incline, attempt to fit your car into a space where there is no room to turn around. There are 6 spaces to park in for all the rooms and all six are groups tightly together in a 2x3 grid. This means that in order for the 2 cars in the center of the rows to leave, the staff must find the people parked in the front or back of them and ask them to move their cars. There are really only 4 parking spaces and the Rosebank Backpacker parks 6 cars there. There happens to be parking for 2 cars separate from the grid, but the staff insists that those are reserved for the owner and nobody can park there. The location is not a safe neighborhood, so parking on the street is not a good idea.The room looked better online than in person. The floor was sticky and the room had an odd odor. There was no mirror in the bathroom, no towels, no soap, and the free wifi was fading in and out. They did have rolls of abrasive paper on the back of the toilet.I am a non-smoker and smoke was coming into the room from somewhere nearby. Perhaps the bad smell in the room was an attempt to cover up previous smoke?Early in the morning, around 6am, there were people chatting loudly directly outside my door in a language I did not understand.The lighting in the room was dim and in order to cut on the lights you must first cross the room to the far corner where the switch is by the back door. Combined with the sticky split-level floor, this is not a good combination.When I checked out early, I explained to the staff the problems. They said there were no refunds but I could email them and the owner would reply. I did. I received no response and no refund for the 4 days I did not stay there.If you are looking for somewhere to stay near Rosebank, Johannesburg, find somewhere other than the Rosebank Backpacker.

Felt very welkom and save here! Beds are good, bathrooms as well, everything was clean! Not a lot to do at night, trow in some activities. The staff was super friendly and helped me a lot. A shame I didnt get to drink a beer with them! Maybe next time..

Terrible experience. Nothing good here. Dirty, badly managed with zero customer service. The place is literally falling apart and is very unsafe. If you want to get treated like an animal then this is the place for you. Dont leave anything lying around and dont bother asking for anything because you wont get it. DODGY DODGY DODGY!

Affordable place, reception service is good and the kitchen though shared is clean. the room s bit too small which is to expected for a budget place

Hi , had a great time , a few of my mates decided to stay over for a afternoon and night , instead of driving , had a great time , the staff were friendly and helpful , i will visit again

A stunning,secure,and homely backpackers!!!We had a experience that is simply out of this world!From the moment we checked in, we where treated professionally, and with warm smiles!The Gentleman on duty,Buang,went out of his way to make us feel welcome.We could park our vehicle safely,and we where then personally escorted to our private room.We where blessed by getting a private room that overlooked a stunning,well kept garden and pool area! The room was neat and tidy and airy, with crisp clean bedding. As we have been to many other backpackers over the years, we where astounded at the quality and cleanliness of the bedding and room!!We always had enough hot water,and our room was serviced every day by the housekeeping staff (Although you have to give permission and request for the room to be cleaned) The kitchen facilitys was also always clean, and we had more than enough fridge space to put our groceries, and was astounded to find that our groceries was left alone (As in other backpackers we always ended up missing something due to midnight fridge raiders). We enjoyed full on DSTV, and WIFI. The WIFI was uncapped (BONUS!!) and always enjoyed a strong signal, During our 4 days stay we where treated like royalty by all the staff, who went out off their way to accommodate us!The security is exceptionally good, as there is strict access control, and there is CCTV throughout the establishment. Me and my Fiance,can without a doubt, recommend this establishment, as we experienced that this backpackers is run by a extremely competent Management team!

A true Hospitality experience!!! I have been to many backpackers over the years and this backpackers is truly a cut above the rest!!From the moment we entered this establishment,we where met with professionalism and curtesy! We where immediately directed to a secure parking spot, and met by the receptionist on duty.Buang helped us offload our baggage, and proceeded to direct us to the check-in counter,where he speedily,friendly and courteously booked us in.As it is winter here in JHB and we where just arriving from the KNP, we where freezing and where worried that we would not have enough blankets!!But we need not have worried as the rooms have heaters!!We booked into a pvt room, and where happily surprised to see that our luggage had already been taken to the room for us!!And this is a backpackers!!!Made me feel more like im booking into a 5 star bush lodge!!The room is very spacious, and we had crisp clean fresh bedding and enough pillows!!We did how-ever request another heater, (As there was a cold front) And again to our astonishment, Buang arranged another heater for us. We also had WIFI connectivity in our room, and had a beautiful view of the awesome garden and pool area! The other quests where very friendly and pleasant, and we made a couple of awesome friends during our stay!!The housekeeping staff where very friendly and considerate, and we enjoyed a braai on the second night of our visit,(When it wasnt so cold).They have a wonderful entertainment area, and also DSTV.The highlight off our stay was the warm greetings by the staff and management every morning, to find out if we are OK and if we needed any assistance with anything!!WE where really made to feel like family!!!I highly recommend this backpackers, as they have very good security, and as stated, very friendly and competent staff!! Michelle, well done to you and your Team!!!!!!

Good machines. But the price though

Reception wasnt around to help and when called her took his time (+15 min) then got upset coz he was disturbed while he was busy sleeping

Throughout my experience at this Backpackers , I felt at ease and comfortable. The people were all friendly and well manared.

Best place to be , would highly recommend .

Dont stay there. The only reason why this place deserves a star is that it is closed to the rosebank mall.

It was good thanks.

The staff is rude and ignorant, to the point of hanging up on customers. Really upset!

Very nice place

I think people are really rude by giving them zone star rating. Its the cheapest place miles around, so of course u shouldnt expect a 3star service

Its still my first night here, very loud and lots of banging of doors, I like my downtime so if you someone thats up for hype then this is where you should be for sure

They are friendly

Great

Service below expectations. Maintenance free rooms with a musty smell. No breakfast. WITHOUT INTERNET!!!! Staff shouting down the halls. (Do not go)

Great place and service.

Terrible