Exeter · England
Globe Backpackers Exeter
Bed bug reports
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Seriously itchy hole after sleeping in this hostel. I believe I may have scabies or another form of ‘bed bug’ - fellow roommates have also reported symptoms of a similarly itchy nature. Overall fairly dire experience. Would not recommend but if you do stay bring your own sleeping bag or some aloe vera to soothe the body afterwards. Shower was fine - 2 stars.
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Vibe Analysis
Globe Backpackers Exeter is best framed as a cheap, central crash pad rather than a lively backpacker base. The location is the clearest upside: it sits close to Exeter city centre, the quay, shops, transport, and local sights, so it can work for one night when price and walking distance matter more than comfort. The building is old, worn, and inconsistent. A few private rooms can be spacious or comfortable, beds can be fine, and staff such as Paul are often friendly at check-in. There may be warm showers, towels, a kitchen, a TV room, books, DVDs, a dining area, Wi-Fi, and laundry help, but the condition of shared facilities is a serious gamble. This is not a strong pick for a classic social hostel trip. The atmosphere can feel flat, tense, or unsafe, with long-term residents, drunk or high behaviour, noise at night, and limited staffing outside reception hours. Cleanliness is the main problem: dirty kitchens, toilets, showers, carpets, bedding, smells, mould, cigarette smoke, missing soap, and run-down fixtures are recurring issues.
Signals to check
- Cleanliness can be poor, especially in kitchens, toilets, showers, carpets, and bedding.
- Security and overnight staffing may be weak; solo women may want a different option.
- Late check-in is risky; the stated check-in window can be strict.
- The social scene is limited and may skew toward long-term residents rather than backpackers.
- Rooms facing the road or near other rooms can be noisy, with thin walls and disturbed sleep.