BUG review
This row of flats from 1936 makes for a comfortable, well-located Rotorua hostel. The exterior is a dull, grey colour but it is warmer indoors with pastel walls and some nice old period fixtures and detailing still remaining. Dorms all feature single beds with real mattresses – no bunks – and double rooms have massive, king-sized slabs for beds. The facilities are a bit rambling, as they’re spread over six former flats. There’s a reading lounge with internet access and a very nice sunny sitting room. A separate TV lounge is comfortable as well. The concrete courtyard has a barbecue and, like many Rotorua hostels, there’s a geothermal spa pool. Off-street parking is available.
About BUG's hostel reviews
This hostel was visited by one of BUG's team of hostel inspectors who write independent reviews and assess a star rating based on an objective assessment criteria.
We show up unannounced at hostels to write honest and unbiased hostel reviews. Many of BUG's reviews now feature videos and photo slideshows. BUG never receives payment for listing any establishment and BUG's researchers never accept free accommodation in exchange for favourable reviews.
Price Dorm bed $22-$25 ($18-$21 BBH) Double/twin room $52 ($44 BBH) Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
This was a very nice place, very close to the visitors' centre and with a nice, helpful staff. Neil was able to give us some good, unbiased recommendations and it shows that he really knows the area. Our room was really huge for a double, clean and heated!! The showers were also huge and very clean! The laundry and the pool were ok, they have wash powder for sale at reception together with a variety of drinks, stamps and other useful stuff. The only bad side there was was the kitchen, that even though cleaned once a day was still a bit messy and there wasn't enough room in the fridge. We also had to wait a half hour for one particular pan, but on the other hand there were plenty of plates, glasses and sinks to wash them in.
8 of
10 people found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you?
Anonymous
California
Great place! 28 October 2004
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12250)
Very clean, comfortable and roomy - no bunks in the shares, beds with lots of space to keep packs and move around. Tons of bathrooms, a small enclosed spa, well stocked kitchen and places to lounge around indoors and outdoors. Staff is great! Very friendly atmosphere.
6 of
11 people found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you?
Hazel
UK
Really lovely hostel 18 August 2003
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Hazel
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12251)
This hostel is 2 minutes away from the Information office but is really cosy and quiet! Has a TV room, cheap internet, large kitchen and lovely beds (no bunks). There is also a free Spa out the back. Only $18 per night and well worth it!!
9 of
15 people found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you?
Anonymous
Brisbane, Australia
Small clean hostel 22 December 2002
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12252)
This is a nice small hostel with new ensemble beds (no bunks) and a good variety of new pots and pans in the kitchen. They also have a large video collection.
