BUG review
AJ’s Backpackers is a large old house that is generally clean but in uneven shape. Bedding is good quality, some rooms are recently renovated and painted, and some bathrooms have nice new fixtures. But in other places, the house and furnishings really show their age. It’s an ongoing project, but the owner seems genuinely interested in improving the quality of the place. Facilities include a coin-operated internet on a single PC, a small TV room and a kitchen that is busy and a little worn. Jobs can be arranged here, and many people who stay at AJ’s are working.
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Price Dorm bed $25 Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
Reception open 9am-noon, 1pm-5.30pm & 7.30pm-9pm daily
excellent hostel, home away from home, lovely manager 21 August 2005
Pros:
n/a
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n/a
rob
saw things this way
Maintenance
(3)
Cleanliness
(3)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(3)
(Review ID: 12491)
i stayed here in 2oo3, jenny the manager was very friendly and extremely helpful in finding work at the orchards.the hostel is very homely and i cant wait to go back,dont pay attention to the other reviews as these people clearly are not used to living in this type of enviroment.Its so much better to stay here rather than other large impersonal hostels.there was nothing better than coming back from work every day and jumping in the hot tub, etc. great place, stay there
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Anonymous
Canada
Anything else!!! 16 November 2004
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n/a
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Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(1)
Cleanliness
(1)
Facilities
(1)
Atmosphere
(1)
(Review ID: 12492)
I have to agree with the less than glowing review on this site. The lady who runs it seemed very nice at first and eventually I came to know her as a nasty, loud dragon. She got some people work quite reliably and I have to admit helped me out, but strangely enough some people had to fend for themselves. I met some great people there and that's what made me stay so long. Don't even think about going in the spa, trust me!!!That laugh would keep me up nights.p.s.-If you're looking for the 'green'... ask her.
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10 people found this review helpful
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Anonymous
NZ
What Ever You Do. DONT!!!! 7 November 2004
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Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(1)
Cleanliness
(1)
Facilities
(1)
Atmosphere
(1)
(Review ID: 12493)
Aj's backpackers is where i stayed while I was in Hastings. I arrived to a not very attractive overweight women in a night gown(this is all she ever wore). Yelling in someones face asking them to come and pay their rent or f**K off. Allows people to smoke ciggeretes(and the green stuff) in the TV lounge and where you walk into the backpackers. Sometimes the manager can be a lovely lady but usualy only when she wanted something. As for the price look elsewhere trust me. Would not recomment this bp's to my worst enemy. As for the beds if you are 6 years old they would be quite neat. If you are over 5"10-11 your feet will hang over the end. As for the spa wouldnt even go their. Never saw her change the water once!! Its a dirty dusty hole!
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8 people found this review helpful
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Anonymous
Canada
Feels like home! 24 July 2003
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n/a
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Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 12494)
Stayed for almost two months working and had a fantastic experience. As previously mentioned, the hostel is close to everything in town, including Benton Twizted's (bar featuring $10 all-you-can-drink) and groceries. The manager is fantastic, very warm and motherly and (best of all) goes out of her way to help you find work in the area. She knows which companies are reliable and which are not, listen when she tells you! The hostel itself is much smaller than the others in town and much more homey. It's a one-story Spanish Mission-style home with a spa-pool and lots of sun. Don't stay anywhere else in Hastings!
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Anonymous
Munich, Germany
Friendly and Relaxed 27 January 2003
Pros:
n/a
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Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 12495)
Stayed there and worked for a while, very cool place with nice people, some of which I would call lifetime friends. Easy place to live and always something to do, people to talk to. Shops are close and a short walk from Main House. Highly Recommended
