Backpackers sleeping in Maccas near SYD AP

[Hvr]

WELCOME to the McHostel. Late at night this McDonald's restaurant at the airport looks more like backpackers' accommodation than a fast food outlet. Sleeping bags and pillows line the playground and party room floors from 11pm after the Sydney domestic terminal shuts.

Maccas staff seem to turn a blind eye to the travellers who are waiting for early flights.

Despite several hotels nearby, backpackers camping out at the Sydney Airport Gateway McDonald's in Mascot this week said airport staff had "recommended'' they have a nap at the 24-hour fast food franchise.

Read more: Backpackers sleeping in McDonald's playground near airport | News.com.au
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Never thought of this but then I really do value my bed when I sleep. Wouldn't do it alone but if others were well I might if desperate.

 

[ash.1111]

Why would you? I understand these people are often backpacking around the world, but to go to these extreme lengths to sleep... I'd rather work for another year or so to save up enough money to afford somewhere comfortable -- and legal -- to sleep each night.

 

[SeatBackForward]

I'll have a Mc Gap Yah.

[video=youtube_share;eKFjWR7X5dU]http://youtu.be/eKFjWR7X5dU[/video]

 

[samh004]

Is SYD domestic completely closed each night, even land side? I know MEL allows sleeping inside the land side areas of the terminal, I've done it once, and even BNE allows that. There's always sleeping bags laid out by the Jetstar counters. The benefit to this is a power port (usually), wifi in terminals is slowly becoming more prevalent and AFP do patrol + security cameras, so people feel relatively safe.

I guess a kids playground wouldn't be too bad a place to sleep, after all there wouldn't be any kids there over night, it's enclosed and (look to be) protected from the elements, probably warm inside the jungle gym, and darkened.

But does raise the question why more suitable accommodation isn't available. I realise land costs money and all that, but dorm style extreme budget beds for the night would actually be quite a good business you'd think. Fit more people in for less, and perhaps get the odd person here and there that wants a private room and pays more. I know whenever I'm on an SC run I'll take the backpacker option of a single bed room, over a dorm, instead of a hotel, which could cost at least triple the price...

 

[Awesom Andy]

But does raise the question why more suitable accommodation isn't available. I realise land costs money and all that, but dorm style extreme budget beds for the night would actually be quite a good business you'd think. Fit more people in for less, and perhaps get the odd person here and there that wants a private room and pays more. I know whenever I'm on an SC run I'll take the backpacker option of a single bed room, over a dorm, instead of a hotel, which could cost at least triple the price...

If it's built on airport land, the charge for the backpacker bed would be the same as a 5-star hotel elsewhere...

 

[samh004]

If it's built on airport land, the charge for the backpacker bed would be the same as a 5-star hotel elsewhere...

You could be right there, but then they're shooting themselves in the foot. Like an LCC, there's plenty of extras they could be selling to these people. I'd pay for such a service, or I can sleep on a bench for free

 

[casanovawa]

I just was looking for overnight cheap accommodation near Frankfurt airport last night and found this Meningen hotel (or however you spell it) that looks like it has hotel rooms through to 6 bed dorms at a reasonable rate.... Sounds like we could use some of that here in Oz... But yes i did sleep overnight in ATL and tried to sleep overnight at Pisa with varying success, haven't tried a macca's although might have fallen asleep at a table or something once... Never thought of the kiddies playground???

 

[Pollywaffle]

Is SYD domestic completely closed each night, even land side?

It is closed from 11pm-4am (or thereabouts)

 

[markis10]

But does raise the question why more suitable accommodation isn't available. I realise land costs money and all that, but dorm style extreme budget beds for the night would actually be quite a good business you'd think. Fit more people in for less, and perhaps get the odd person here and there that wants a private room and pays more. I know whenever I'm on an SC run I'll take the backpacker option of a single bed room, over a dorm, instead of a hotel, which could cost at least triple the price...

Airports make money from land, Backpackers tend to budget $9-10 a night and the nearby formula charges $109 for a room that might sleep 3-4 tops, cannot see a viable business case.

 

[dajop]

Airports make money from land, Backpackers tend to budget $9-10 a night

With this budget, the answer is to curl up into a large backpack, and get someone to drop them at luggage storage at SYD INTL. But even then, it would still cost $15 overnight.

 

[Awesom Andy]

But even then, it would still cost $15 overnight.

Or just turn it into a parking spot. It takes them 31 mins to collect $16, and they wouldn't have to worry about house-keeping.

 

[Skyring]

It could be $5 for a bunk bed and some people will still want to sleep on an airport seat for free. Maccas is probably selling enough burgers and coffees to these people that they don't mind if they curl up and sleep rather than sitting bleary-eyed at a table all night nursing a McShake.

I'm getting too old and dignified for hostel bunk beds myself, but yeah, I tend to go for a private room in a youth hostel as a cheap and cheerful alternative. Usually there's free wifi, a shelf full of free books, good value tucker and plenty of local colour. A bit of research ahead of time, a bit of luck, and a comfortable night's sleep is yours for $50 or so.

Gotta beat sleeping on a Maccas' floor.

 

[The Rok]

A bag mac and a McNap please!

 

[Formal Hall]

I just was looking for overnight cheap accommodation near Frankfurt airport last night and found this Meningen hotel (or however you spell it) that looks like it has hotel rooms through to 6 bed dorms at a reasonable rate.... Sounds like we could use some of that here in Oz... But yes i did sleep overnight in ATL and tried to sleep overnight at Pisa with varying success, haven't tried a macca's although might have fallen asleep at a table or something once... Never thought of the kiddies playground???

I have stayed in the 6 bed hostel room at the Meningen in Frankfurt. I had a 10pm plane arrival and 6am departure. It is about 15mins walk from terminal 2, follow signs from taxi and bus departure zone to 'Gateway Gardens'. There is a shuttle bus available, but prefer to walk when in sight!

For 10EUR this was a very good standard, each room has a little shower and towels are provided. Only 3 people in the room I stayed in that night.