Prime Backpackers Bournemouth

We travelled as a group of 3 after suffering a few drop outs at the last minute. We had a 6-bed dorm, so we kept it booked out privately for the 3 of us. Prime's centrally located and whilst there isn't any guest parking, there's space to pull in to drop off bags etc. Prime is nicely decorated, well run and has a peaceful, chilled out vibe. Having never stayed in a hostel before (and definitely being ******d by a few concerns about what it would be like), I wasn't sure what to expect but I was really ]pleasantly surprised. The staff are all lovely and the communal spaces are great and well thought out. The free tea and coffee is a nice touch. Some furniture and carpets etc. are a little worn but only as should be expected and it makes it feel more homely. The rooms, toilets and showers are all clean. The dorms are small but not cramped and they have decent storage. Bring your own padlock if you want to use the lockers. Having sockets by each bed was great and the USB charging points were handy. The foam 'pellet' filled pillows were a little odd but not uncomfortable. If I could make one suggestion, it would be to get mattress & pillow protectors so guests don't have to see 'what lies beneath' when *****ping their bedding at the end of the stay. There was definitely some nervous apprehension when peeling back the sheets, albeit thankfully nothing too horrifying found. (I don't think it matters whether it's a hostel or the Ritz though, ignorance is bliss...ha ha!) Worth knowing that there's a big nightclub opposite the property. It had a queue of easily a hundred people outside of it around the midnight on Saturday that we were there. Other than having to weave a slalom around the various hammered locals during our walk back from town though, it really didn't cause much of an issue. There are earplugs on reception though, if you're a light sleeper. Prime is a really great budget option and particularly worth doing if there's a group of you that want to stay together. Would absolutely recommend it.