Backpacker Cowies

One star rating because they collected my payment twice - 1200 rupees through my UPI app and 1200 rupees in cash. They argued that they didn’t receive the payment by UPI even though my account clearly showed that the payment went through, saying that it’s a common mistake when foreigners trying to pay by UPI and that my money will be returned on the app after 48 hours. That was 4 days ago … as there is no contact number to be found online, I‘m asking to reach out to me to settle this mat...

Upon arrival, there were several bugs in the room. As it was late and I didn’t know what to expect in the other rooms, I put up with it, but cancelled the following two nights right away the next morning. After some back and forth, the receptionists made sure the reimbursement was settled and assured me that this hadn’t been an issue before. I assume that for the dorms, the price-to-value ratio is okay, but for a single or double room (even without bugs), you can expect -and find- better v...

Pathetic hostel, there are various groups in the hostel. Agents lookout for people to brainwash them. Be very careful of this pathetic hostel.

This hostel is run by a grumpy old woman and her equally unpleasant brother, who have turned the reception into their personal stage for anger issues. The moment they open their mouths, your anxiety spikes. It honestly feels less like a hostel and more like being dragged back to strict school hostel days—every move of yours scrutinized. The old woman just sits there, piercing through you with her death stare, while her brother storms around yelling at staff, guests, or anyone unfortunate enoug...

Location is perfect. I would not recommend staying in the private room, it's not worth of money. Instead book a place in dormitory rooms, those are fine. My private room was infested with ants and hostel staff had to move me to a dormitory room, which I appreciated much more. After the ants situation, they quickly found a solution, but the owner and some of the staff members were acting unprofessionaly and trying to put blame on me. Because of this, I will not return to this hostel.

I have stayed at Backpacker Cowies 4-5 times in the past and used to love this place for its affordability and vibe. However, my most recent visit was nothing short of disheartening and has left me with no desire to ever return. While I’ve always traveled solo here, this time I brought my fiancé to have dinner together at the common area. To my surprise, instead of the warm hospitality I used to appreciate, I was met with rudeness and unnecessary hostility. As we entered, I greeted everyon...

The bathroom stunk of sewage - given we paid 5000 rupees a night, we expected a lot better. We checked out a day early and explained the situation - when I asked for a partial refund, the reception man laughed.

AVOID THIS HOSTEL unless your a desperate or, for some reason, really want to stay near the Fort area. The 8 bed mixed dorm doesn't have curtains, so you essentially have zero privacy. The beds don't have individual fans so you'll be sleeping in a stuffy room. (The one ceiling fan is not enough.) The eight bed mixed dorm has ONE ensuite washroom, with a single toilet and shower. If that is taken up by one of your other roomates? Too bad, you have to leave and find another place to relieve yourse...

very expensive private and for the money I paid I'd have liked more. no hot water in my shower. air con was hard to work out how to turn on and the fan worked intermittently. but it was clean and safe and the staff were friendly.

Very unfriendly staff! They lost one of our t-shirts while doing laundry (which was worth €45) and the only thing they could do is give us a discount of 300 roepies (€3), while they lost it?! They were even saying it was our fault and we didn’t put it in the laundry bag in the first place. They only care about the money and not about hospitality. Would not recommend staying here.

One star rating because they collected my payment twice - 1200 rupees through my UPI app and 1200 rupees in cash. They argued that they didn’t receive the payment by UPI even though my account clearly showed that the payment went through, saying that it’s a common mistake when foreigners trying to pay by UPI and that my money will be returned on the app after 48 hours. That was 4 days ago … as there is no contact number to be found online, I‘m asking to reach out to me to settle this mat...

Zeer goede ligging. Veilige buurt. Centraal gelegen om de stad te bezoeken…

Upon arrival, there were several bugs in the room. As it was late and I didn’t know what to expect in the other rooms, I put up with it, but cancelled the following two nights right away the next morning. After some back and forth, the receptionists made sure the reimbursement was settled and assured me that this hadn’t been an issue before. I assume that for the dorms, the price-to-value ratio is okay, but for a single or double room (even without bugs), you can expect -and find- better v...

staff were lovely, very accommodating! excellent locations. lots of locals staying here, didn’t feel like a backpackers hotel.

Fantastic location just 7 minutes walk from Gateway of India/Taj Palace. Power went out at one point (think this was the whole neighbourhood) and the staff seemed to be arguing with each other, but besides that were helpful and friendly enough. Thick comfortable mattress. Didn’t seem to be any real atmosphere with most of the other guests seemingly there on business as opposed to backpackers, but overall can’t complain - Cowie’s did a great job as a Homebase to explore Mumbai on my own.

Great location and amazing value for money!

Really nice hostel ❤️

This place is popular because of the good location but in reality it's basic and a bit grimey. The hot water lasts for about 10 seconds and the rooms are small

It’s a good hostel, good location, felt quite safe as a female however I would recommend to change the little curtains over the bed to non-transparent ones that would be better for intimacy when you want to get changed or when a roommate wants to wake up early in the morning and has to turn on the light.

the rooms do not have windows and therefore theres a lingering damp smell. each dorm has a separate bathroom but mine wasnt really clean - there were a lot of hair and a weird smell, as well (might be concorde to other guests). the location is really good - only ten minuten to major sights. and i had really nice chats with the owners :)

Nice hostel in a good location. Nothing really to complain about

Really nice hostel. Great beds and showers. There is a really nice rooftop. Didn't see much of a social atmosphere though. It'd be better if the hostel ran some social activities.

Staff were great and accommodating, and the location was perfect for tourists. Really not many backpackers though, and the bathrooms could use a bit of a clean, and only 1 toilet and shower for 8 people. That being said it felt very safe, great keys and security on the door

our group with 8 friends and 2nd grp have stayed in hostel. And it is the best affordable, good vibes, at v good place, very good staff, and u get to have very good connections with corporate working people and foreigners. Trust me guys i am b tech student and it is worth. Do not forgot to visit their cafe, bec i have missed. IIt became my permanent hostel for the next time too.

Had a great stay here. The owners are old school and you might see them shout. But that’s the way they are. They are genuinely caring people and that’s how they speak.They helped me a lot with getting around in Colaba. Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Museum ,Taj, the stadium, Colaba causeway and everything is walkable from the hostel.

After reading past reviews I can see how some people could misinterpret the host as being rude, but he is simply flamboyant. We had a great stay in the double-bed private room and would recommend it to anyone for the location, cleanliness and their helpfulness

I had a pleasant stay, thank you!

Pathetic hostel, there are various groups in the hostel. Agents lookout for people to brainwash them. Be very careful of this pathetic hostel.

A great stay in a great location. If the gateway or ferry to the island is on your itinerary, this is the spot. They’re needing some more mugs for the kitchen. Overall very comfortable with helpful staff.

This hostel is run by a grumpy old woman and her equally unpleasant brother, who have turned the reception into their personal stage for anger issues. The moment they open their mouths, your anxiety spikes. It honestly feels less like a hostel and more like being dragged back to strict school hostel days—every move of yours scrutinized. The old woman just sits there, piercing through you with her death stare, while her brother storms around yelling at staff, guests, or anyone unfortunate enoug...