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Explore
Products
Nest Pods
Pod beds buyer's guide
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Nest Effect
Tools
Build Your Pod
Book a chat
St Kilda · Melbourne
Bayside House had the location, the reputation and the guest flow. With 4, 6 and 8 bed dorms alongside private rooms, communal spaces and amenities, it could cater for every kind of traveller. What it didn't have was a room offering that lived up to that potential. After COVID, the property was stuck: It couldn't compete on quality, couldn't justify higher rates and couldn't close the gap on newer, better-presented competitors.
The opportunity was clear. The guests were already coming. The question was whether the beds gave them a reason to choose Bayside first and to come back.
The existing bunk beds were outdated. Guests didn't have the privacy or bedside features they were chasing.
Reviews were inconsistent, pricing power had plateaued and the property was stuck in a race to the bottom, competing against newer, better-looking properties nearby with no clear way to stand out.
The decision was made to upgrade the dorms to a premium, customised pod bed designed specifically for Bayside House's layout, configuration and guest profile.
Nest handled the full process: Room assessment, design, manufacturing and installation. The property kept running throughout.
The pods were installed in autumn 2026, and the results came quickly. Occupancy more than doubled compared with the winter before, and it held strong every month, right through the quietest time of year.
Bayside stayed one of the most affordable hostels in the area. Guests saw the pods, chose them and kept coming back.
Revenue per bed nearly doubled and on actual booking data the fitout paid for itself within the first season.
Since the pods went in, Bayside's Google reviews have averaged 4.7 stars, with 37 of 41 giving five stars. On Booking.com, scores lifted from 7.3 to 8.2 out of 10. (April to October 2026.)
"The place is great, the new pods that they have put in are amazing. They feature great privacy and charging inside the pod. Great Value."
"Fantastic stay! The hostel has clean and comfortable rooms. A big plus is that every bed has its own curtain, which gives you privacy even if you are staying in a shared dorm. The staff is friendly, helpful and available whenever needed. The location is also perfect, very convenient and close to transport (literally 5 min)."
"I love the beds with the curtains. You're in your own little cubby with three different light options, a little lockbox (need a padlock) and shelf."
"The beds have privacy curtains, working outlets, and personal lights. The staff were so helpful and accommodating… Overall it was a great experience!"
"Very clean, very freshly renovated with new built in lighting and charging for your ultimate comfort for your bed!"
"The beds are super comfy with own power plug and reading lights… Great place to stay for a fair price and to enjoy Melbourne."
"The value you get for the price is incredible. The pods are great… Would highly recommend."
"We weren't sure what to expect. Within the first month the numbers spoke for themselves. The house was full, guests stayed longer and the reviews kept climbing. We were still the cheapest beds in the area."
Property Manager, Bayside House · St KildaShare your details and a floor plan (if you have one), and let's bring your vision to life. We'll come back with what's possible and what it will cost, no obligations.
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