It's not the cleanest of hostels and on first impressions it doesn't seem that great of a place in general, but it soon grows on you. The owner is really nice and helpful...if a little crazy sometimes. There's a great atmosphere. Although there are no proper lock systems on the bedroom doors you feel secure as there is a code-entry door from the street so you won't get random people coming into the hostel. There are lockers too.
The surrounding area is a bit run down but it's a nice distance away from Melbourne central and there's a bus stop right outside, a train and a tram stop within a 5 minute walk.
Although I didn't like the hostel at first, I came to enjoy it as it has a homely feel to it and you don't feel as restricted as you would in other hostels. The internet is practically free compared to most hostels.

had the unusual prospect of needing somewhere to crash for one night while moving interstate. chose this place as it was closest to my house. turned out to be in a great old building that had a central courtyard. the old building has character, with comfy nooks and crannies and is quite spacious. the 8 man dorm was large and had high ceilings, so you didn't feel like you were all sleeping on top of each other. the rooms had space for things like desks, wardrobes, tables, tv's etc. also had good kitchen, internet room, free wireless, a great lounge and a house cat who was spoilt rotten! because of this homey atmosphere, the place has become popular with long-term backpackers, like the brits, who are on working holidays in australia. this makes the place more personal as people have gotten to know each other and there is a collective sense of respecting each other's need for space, a good night's sleep, etc. for instance, another guy staying at the place took it upon himself to welcome me, introduce me to others and help me settle in. what the hotel lacked was a bit of spring cleaning. granted it's an old building, but it was a bit on the lived in grotty side. overall, i prefer a place like this with character and atmosphere than some of the purpose built hostels, which can get a bit sterile and impersonal.