BUG review
The Sleepy Whale is a clean and well-maintained hostel in the town centre. It is good value but has basic facilities and lacks the charm of some older hostels. New management had taken over shortly before we visited and assure us that planned renovations will make a big improvement to the hostel.
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Price Dorm bed $18-22 Double room $50 Twin room $46 Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
Reception open summer 7.30am-8pm daily; winter 7.30am-5.30pm daily
this hostel is the best hostel we stayed at in new zealand because it was very reasonably priced, perfect location right by info centre and drop off point for buses, atomic shuttles etc, walkable to all attractions and has a gorgeous view of the mountain range from the balcony. The hostel itself is spotlessly clean, rooms are spacious and have very comfy matresses, the kitchen is large and fully equipped, communal areas are spacious, showers are always clean and the staff are so helpful and friendly. It has a very chilled out, realaxed feel - not really a party hostel which i liked. Great place to recharge.
4 of
4 people found this review helpful
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Daniela
Germany
Wounderful view, friendly staff 20 July 2005
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Daniela
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 12173)
The view you have on the balcony is just great. Rooms were comfortable and clean, and even though I slept in a dorm, the room wasn't crowded at all. The kittchen was also clean and well maintained, and so were the bathrooms. The common room was also comfortable- and the owners were friendly.
1 of
14 people found this review helpful
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Nick Dupuis
(nickdupuis@hotmail.com)
from Ontario, Canada
Ontario, Canada
Great atmosphere 21 February 2005
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Nick Dupuis
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12174)
Dave and Grant, you rock! We've since been to Australia and Thailand and everyone has heard of the Sleepywhale through us. You've made our experience memorable.! People, if you want a chilled out atmosphere with friendly and helpful staff it's the place for you.
2 of
15 people found this review helpful
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Frank van der Werff
(airlift@xs4all.nl)
from The Netherlands
The Netherlands
Cosy little hostel in Kaikoura, NZ 2 March 2003
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Frank van der Werff
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 12175)
Stayed there for two nights. Is a very friendly and cosy hostel. Pretty small compared to the ones in the big cities, but one of the best I stayed in, while travelling around New Zealand. Friendly woman who runs the hostel makes great tasting bread at no charge. Has a few lovely cats walking around.If you're going to Kaikoura, this place is really worth a visit. Only few minutes walk (really just 3 to 5 minutes) to Kaikoura city center.
14 of
15 people found this review helpful
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felis
Melbourne, Australia
Homely, Cosy, Spotless and Quiet 23 December 2001
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
felis
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 12176)
This place only has double rooms and twin rooms, no dorms here. Perfect for couples and those that prefer quieter accommodation. A double room will set you back $45N.Z,beds are fully made up, towels provided free of charge. 3 freindly cats to keep you company. 2 bathrooms, 1 kitchen, 1 laundry, ample facilities for only approx 6 rooms.10-15 minute walk to shops, restaurants and info Centre. A 20 minute walk to the black pebble beach. Mountain and ocean scenery is stunning. There is a fish and chip shop that sells fully cooked lobsters for only $25-30N.Z, much cheaper than the restaurants. Laze around on the beach, go on a tour to the seal rocks. Go on a whale watch boat.I liked this place so much that I'm returning a year later.
