House of Journey Hostel & Guesthouse — Hotel in George Town

⭐ Personal Rating: ★★☆☆☆

I don’t enjoy writing negative reviews, but I believe this can help fellow travelers make informed choices — and hopefully support the owners in making improvements.

The name and presentation of this place felt promising. The building looks beautiful from the outside, and the hostel world description talks about “renovated interiors with modern comfort.” Unfortunately, my experience didn’t reflect that.

The Issues: • Room Comfort: The hostel was hot. All lobby windows were wide open with little to no airflow. I even saw a mosquito flying around my room — just one, to be fair, and I didn’t see any others after that — but still, not ideal in a tropical country where you’d expect better ventilation or at least some preventive measures. • Cleanliness: The blanket I received was visibly dirty, though the cover itself was clean. I ended up putting the dirty side toward my feet and made do. Still, for a hostel priced above average in Malaysia, basic hygiene should be non-negotiable. • Noise: Loud street noise poured in early into the night. I went to check if windows were open — nope. Poor insulation. Compare this to other hostels that acknowledge noise and offer earplugs proactively. That’s hospitality. • Staffing: While the volunteers were friendly and trying their best, it’s evident the place is running entirely on volunteers, without a present, responsible manager or a handyman. • Internet Speed: The Wi-Fi was barely functional when using a VPN. I tried to spin it positively — “Maybe this is a sign to go explore the city more,” I told myself — but at this price point, reliable internet should be a basic expectation in any hostel. • Overpriced Extras: Charge for renting towels, overpriced vending machines — it felt more like small-money-grab tactics than a welcoming guesthouse experience. • Misleading Description: The listing on Hostelworld boasts things like “modern comfort” and “waterfall showers” — honestly, this place needs renovation, not fluff marketing.

What’s Sad: I wouldn’t have complained had I paid under $10, but this hostel is priced at a premium compared to many great options in the area. I walked by EZ Hostel — their vibe, street, restaurants nearby, and even their transparency about noise (they provide earplugs!) made me feel I had made the wrong call.

This place has potential — beautiful old building, lots of space, a communal vibe — but it needs serious investment, real management, and a shift in mindset: Hospitality first.

My suggestions to the owner: • Focus less on vending & side hustles; hire dedicated staff and revamp the basics. • Be transparent in your listings. If noise is an issue — especially given the hostel’s location on a street lined with lively food vendors who naturally create more noise than the quieter, upscale zone near your competitor EZ Hostel — then say so, guests will appreciate the honesty. • Upgrade essentials — clean linens, proper Wi-Fi, earplugs, maybe even bathroom slippers. • And maybe stop relying solely on volunteers for everything — people are traveling from all over the world, paying real money, and deserve a better stay.

This review isn’t to bash, but to offer honest feedback. Normally, I would never post a negative review on Google — that’s just not my way. I usually prefer to speak directly with the owner, manager, or staff to help things improve from within. But in this case, the way the hostel is being run left me feeling that there wasn’t anyone truly accountable or right authority to make real impact.

I really appreciated the wall full of traveler writings — it added a warm, communal vibe. I even left a small note about my book to connect with fellow wanderers. Spaces like that have real heart.

I admire the owners for keeping this place alive — it clearly has charm and potential. I genuinely hope this detailed feedback is received in the spirit of growth, because with the right attention, this hostel, at this location, can truly thrive and make money...

I staying that place longer there are reciption stuff are not good they here not coming for working they are coming for enjoy romance and fun they dont respect Guest they dont cear even doh chinese mannger dawey he included with them than Why u guys open this Bussiness as am i Guest i saw they reciption people they privetly bring drug in this hostel they infront Of me dont wants to do becuse they feel im hadce for this perpas thats Why in this hostel they privetly Handle and put so much security i thought this hostel good vibes they showing people this hostel are good vibes but this hostel they do lott off bad things and inllgel things at roof top as am i Guest i have authortiy too report about this Maybe house Of journey hostel woner dont know about this thing Hy house Of jounery by hostel woner Thanks for replying im at moment Thailand no need to hide my name my name arzu im lebaniz i staying 1month ago ur place and i never staying ur place last year for ur kind information.during staying time all the payment i clear i have record all the payment & as u reply i didnot go any hostel after i go borneo

I was clearing last night my e-mail inbox i saw ur hostel name,i remeber than i give review even doh my friend staying ur place last few days she also tell me...

We stayed for 4 nights here in the heart of historic George Town.

The prices are good and the hosts are friendly and very competent, going out of their way to be helpful and accommodating.

We booked our onwards travel to KL through the hostel, and they lent us some Ringgit and allowed us to pay after our first night when they realised we didn't have any after arriving from Thailand.

The water is cheap (2RM for 1.5l) and the beer is reasonable, with a really nice social space to sit, drink and chat. The breakfast is toast and tea/coffee, and there's a good range of spreads, but they could do with some creamer/milk. The space feels very secure, featuring electronic locks.

Loses a star because although the beds in the dorm are very comfy, the mattresses in both the double and twin rooms are horrendously springy and made sleeping difficult. The design of the double room was also really weird... If someone was sitting on toilet or showering, they could see the head of the bed through the glass shower partition!

I would stay here again for sure, but would probably book back...