BUG review
Top Spot is a homely place just off the main street. It is clean but not very well maintained. Facilities include a nice common room with a log fire, a small TV lounge upstairs with a big TV, a kitchen, laundry and a very nice outdoor deck and barbecue area with hanging grape vines. The dorms have nice inner-spring mattresses and made-up beds. There is no internet access and security is a bit weak, but it is in a safe area.
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 Double room $60 Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
Pros:
Owner took us for fantastic seal swimming tour
Cons:
Only minor things, nothing worth mentioning.
rebecka9
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 1112)
Loved this place, close to everything you can need in Kaikoura. Good size room and bathroom was nice and tidy.Owner took us seal swimming even though it was only the two of us who wanted to go in the end (the rain was pouring down, but seriously, it only made the experience even cooler and the wet suits was the warmest I ever tried, really good quality). If I have to mention something negative, the duvets was not so clean. But you have a sheet in between anywas so no biggie really :)
Pros:
The biggest kitchen ,free internet
Cons:
magic bus
fusee
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 999)
This is a nice medium sized hostel situated on a hill next to a park.The Owner is really friendly and greets you with a big smile.He's very trusting and laidback but always very professional .The first thing that hits you about this place is the size of the kithen.Its huge....Did I also mention it was modern as well.And warm ..The rest of the hostel is pretty good....and I must say...nice hot showers in this place .Free internet is upstairs running off the TV lounge . Only one terminal which sometimes means slight delay but hey....its free ..and fast.
Overall this is a great little treasure on the hill .
Good atmosphere, Nice owner .
4 of
11 people found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you?
Chris Keithley
Ames IA
Relaxing Laid Back Fun 15 April 2004
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Chris Keithley
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 12177)
Wonderful place to chill and enjoy the fun of Kiakoura. I was there in '99 and had a blast. Learned my love for Cricket there, swam with the seals and had the most delicious plums in January. Excellent place. Great staff. Relaxing fun.Thanx Top Spot.
8 of
8 people found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you?
jaimewood@yahoo.com
UK
Clean, relaxing and welcoming 10 April 2003
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
jaimewood@yahoo.com
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 12178)
This is a relatively small hostel. It has a wondeful wood burning stove beside a record player with 2 crates of LP's. Nights spent chatting & drinking whilst lazing on the sofas playing some great tunes is etched on my memory. There is also a wonderful upstairs TV / Video room, with many sofas - and the views from its balcony over the Kaikoura coastline are lovely. The dorm rooms typically sleep six and are comfortable. It is a 2 minute walk up hill from the town.