BUG review
Who is Lloyd? We forgot to ask. It’s not the name of the owner, but whoever he is, this hostel is a very clean, charming place about a 10-minute walk to the town centre. The interior is very homely, with lots of floral print wallpaper and plants. There are only four rooms, for up to 20 people; each is quite cosy and named with a different Mâori word. There are lots of Mâori accents around, including art and a chart that teaches the alphabet. A nice backyard has a barbecue and garden with lots of fresh herbs. There’s also a good kitchen, a TV room, books and board games, and internet access available.
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Price Dorm bed $25 ($22 BBH) Double room $62 ($56 BBH) Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
This hostel provided the standard hostel facilities with the exception of laundry (though a laundromat was nearby). The rooms were clean and well maintained. Security was basic, just a combination on the front door.
The manager was friendly (she made a point of remembering peoples first names and introducing them to each another) and helpful with travel advice.
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Phil
UK
First-rate hostel 29 March 2005
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Phil
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12264)
I stayed in this place after a chance meeting with someone else who'd stayed there, but I'm so glad I did. The owners, Hare and Pam, are incredibly welcoming and provide free transport to the Intercity drop-off/ pick-up point in town (though it's only a short walk). Hare even sings a welcome/ farewell song for everyone! I was lucky to be there on a night when the Maori cultural evening/ hangi was on, which was really enjoyable and much more interesting than the touristy versions in Rotorua. I found the atmosphere in the hostel wonderful, partly as a result of the owners purposely gathering everyone for a welcome - I met all sorts of interesting people. (I can't understand the BUG reviewer's rating here!) The kitchen facilities were excellent, with tea, coffee, milk etc being provided for free. The lounge next door had lots of books and games - I didn't notice a TV, but maybe just because no-one had any inclination to turn it on! A great place to stay if you're doing a trip to White Island, but also well worth a detour.
