Wombat Hotel: Historic Australian Pub or London Hostel

The phrase wombat hotel can refer to at least three distinct accommodation options: two historic Australian pubs and a modern European hostel chain. Wombat’s City Hostel London, for example, occupies a restored former seamen’s shelter dating back to the 1800s (Hostelworld). This guide disambiguates these options so you know exactly what you are booking.

Last checked: 2026-06-30

Wombat Hotel, NSW: Australia’s longest continually licensed hotel (since 1877), located on the Olympic Highway, serving bar food. · Wombat Hotel, Kadina: Historic two-storey stone building at 19 Taylor Street, Kadina SA, with liquor licence since 1877? (phone: (08) 8821 1108). · Wombat’s City Hostel London: Hostel chain with private rooms, dorms, female-only rooms, food & drinks, and events. · Common theme: The name ‘Wombat’ refers to both a rural Australian pub and a European hostel brand.

Is Wombat’s a hostel or a hotel?

The term wombat hotel causes confusion because it applies to different types of lodging. Wombat’s City Hostel London is a modern hostel chain property, not a traditional pub or standalone historic hotel. It incorporates a bar called the WomBAR, but the accommodation consists of shared dorms and private rooms with hostel‑style policies (Wombat’s City Hostels). In contrast, two Australian establishments – one in Kadina, South Australia, and another on the Olympic Highway in New South Wales – are operating pubs that also offer rooms. The Australian venues are independent and unrelated to the European chain. The bottom line: if you see “Wombat’s” (with an apostrophe), you are looking at the hostel brand; if it says “Wombat Hotel” without the possessive, it is likely an Australian pub.

Do Wombat Hotels have private rooms?

Among the three entities, only Wombat’s City Hostel London offers private rooms alongside dormitories. The hostel provides private en‑suite rooms, female‑only dorms, and mixed dorms (Wombat’s FAQ). The Australian pubs may have a few private guest rooms above the bar, but they are not marketed as a primary accommodation option and are not bookable through hostel platforms. The catch: if you want guaranteed private accommodation, choose the London hostel or look for a hotel in Australia rather than a pub.

What’s special about Wombats Hostel London?

Wombat’s City Hostel London stands out for its social atmosphere and historic building. The on‑site WomBAR is housed in brick archways and features “cool, kitschy” décor, according to a guest quoted on the hostel’s blog (Wombat’s London blog). The hostel also offers a buffet breakfast, spacious en‑suite rooms, and a central East London location within walking distance of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge (Google Hotels). Reviewed on platforms like Hostelworld and Expedia, the property consistently earns praise for cleanliness and its vibrant bar. Why this matters: it’s a budget‑friendly base with strong social opportunities, ideal for solo travellers looking to meet people.

“Wombat’s took a traditional brick building with roots dating back to the 1800s and set a new standard for hostel life in the UK.”

— Hostelworld listing description

Can couples sleep together in hostels?

Yes, many hostels, including Wombat’s City Hostel London, allow couples to share a private room. The hostel’s private en‑suite rooms are suitable for two people and can be booked directly through its website (Wombat’s FAQ). In dormitories, policies vary: couples may not be able to share a single bed in a shared dorm, but private rooms eliminate that issue. The implication: couples should book a private room to ensure they can stay together comfortably.

Wombat hotel comparison

Location and getting there

Wombat’s City Hostel London is at 7 Dock Street, near Aldgate East Underground and DLR stations, about 0.5 miles from the Tower of London (Google Hotels). The Australian pubs are in rural towns: the NSW location on the Olympic Highway and the Kadina property on Taylor Street. A map would visually show the geographic spread – London versus South Australia and New South Wales – reinforcing that these are unrelated businesses.

Frequently asked questions

Sources cited

• Wombat’s City Hostels official site – brand information, hostel classification, city list.
• Hostelworld listing for Wombat’s City Hostel London – address, building history, check‑in/out times.
• Google Hotels – Wombat’s City Hostel London – distance to Tower of London, building description.
• Wombat’s London blog – details on WomBAR and guest quote.
• Wombat’s FAQ – private room availability, hostel policies.
• Wikipedia – Wombat – marsupial background, use of name in Australian hotels.
• Mews blog – Wombat’s Hostels testimonial – brand emphasis on cleanliness and en‑suite rooms.
• Expedia – Wombat’s City Hostel London – check‑in/out, breakfast options.