We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 55 Johannesburg accommodations »

Diamond Diggers Backpackers

36 Doris Street | Kensington, Johannesburg, South Africa
Hotel amenities
Diamond Diggers Backpackers
2.5 of 5 stars 16 Reviews
Show the lowest price for this hotel*
Show Prices
*from our partners
Write a Review

16 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    1
    3
    3
    2
    7
Date Rating
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This place is very near to one of South Africa's most notoriously dangerous inner-city hell holes. Hilbrow, Bertrams, Troyville and Yeoville are all just waiting for your GPS assisted rental-car to blunder into. While this is no fault of the owners, it's just noteworthy that you have got to be super careful if you're self driving in the area. As... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 13 more reviews by More-Elbow-Room for Johannesburg
Toronto, Canada
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 January 2012

Was here with a group of friends. We didn't know any better. I'm not too picky. I don't complain about little things and pretty easy going but this place is actually pretty bad. It's just rundown. I think the thing that turned me off the most is how unprofessional and immature the management team were - particularly in the way... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers are raving about these Johannesburg hotels

Ghandi Backpackers Lodge
4.5 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1635600?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
Bob\
4.5 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1202934?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
Holiday Inn Johannesburg-Rosebank
4 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1751873?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
Rosebank Lodge Guest House
4.5 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1822825?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
Kilulu Lodge
4 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d590080?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
Cape Town Central, South Africa
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 December 2011
1
person found this review helpful

Stayed here one night - wanted to leave as soon as we got there but as we were going to a wedding the time factor stopped us. The place is a S#! - hole. I would not let my dog live there - filthy bathrooms and kitchen. Rooms falling apart. Looking at the web pictures they put up there's a... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Moscow, Russia
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 September 2011

We've stayed here for 2 nights, and for such a period it's a good place: cheap and friendly. We stayed here in august 2010, it's a bit cold at nights in Johannesburg at that time of the year, and there's no heating in DD, so it's inconvinient to take a shower - simply cold). Rooms are really rundown,but not terrible.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Los Angeles
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2011
2
people found this review helpful

To be honest, I stayed here because it's cheaper than some places. In hindsight, I wish I had gone somewhere else and paid more. I spent 4 nights here simply because it was too late to move. That said, it's a dump. The rooms were filthy. It has this musty smell all day. The beds weren't clean. They do give... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Chungju, South Korea
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 February 2011

We tried to cancel our partially paid-for reservations to this place after hearing horror stories from people we met during the rest of our time in South Africa. We rented a large house on the property, not knowing that there were signs all over the property saying that the house was considered communal property to all residents of the hostel,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Utrecht, The Netherlands
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 January 2011

I stayed here a few times in transit. It's cozy and large and the new area has been renovated and looks awesome. Some parts are a bit rundown, but it's comfortable and perfect for a backpackers experience. Jason and Barbara are helpful and friendly. It was a great place to meet people and share travel experiences. I enjoyed the atmosphere... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Malaysia
Top Contributor
65 reviews 65 reviews
Reviews in 51 cities Reviews in 51 cities
73 helpful votes 73 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 June 2010

As stated in others review, this place is rundown. While they do have a swimming pool, but it is not maintained that I believed no one will want to jump in. The biggest problem with this hostel is, very limited shower room. I think only 2 shower stalls, while it can accomodate so many people. The owner is friendly but... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
gb
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2010

stay away from this place, a hostel from hell...how clean is your house would have a field day here...id love to know what creatures were lurking all over this place really dont waste your money and time here spend it at ghandis number 15 doris st!! trust me... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Mansfield, Massachusetts
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2010

Stayed here in April 2010 before heading out to Kruger Nat'l Park. This place is the dingiest, shadiest hostel I've ever been to. Yeah, it cost about 15 USD pp, but STILL. The guy running it (Jason maybe?) was a nice enough guy and they have cute dogs...but the actual accommodations were awful. First of all, we were set up... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Diamond Diggers Backpackers also viewed

The Westcliff by Orient-Express
4.5 of 5 stars 219 Reviews
Johannesburg, Johannesburg
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d302766?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed
Lebo\
4.5 of 5 stars 26 Reviews
Johannesburg, Johannesburg
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1203002?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed
Brown Sugar Backpackers
2.5 of 5 stars 20 Reviews
Johannesburg, Johannesburg
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1203023?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed
View all 61 hotels in Johannesburg, ranked by popularity »

Been to Diamond Diggers Backpackers? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Diamond Diggers Backpackers, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing
Diamond Diggers Backpackers
Show the lowest price for this hotel (from our partners)
Show Prices