BUG review
The Grapevine is one of Blenheim's few hostels that also caters to short-term guests as well as the backpackers working in the vineyards and staying long-term (which makes up the bulk of hostel beds in Bleheim). Facilities include a good kitchen, TV lounge and internet access (including Wi-Fi) plus free laundry. There is also a lovely riverfront backyard barbecue area. The hostel rents bikes for $15 per day, but also has some free bikes if you just need to ride into town. There are also free canoes for guests to use. Although the dormitories don't lock, there are lockers for each bed that make it a bit more secure than the average New Zealand hostel.
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Price Dorm bed $22-24 ($19-21 BBH) Double room $48-58 ($42-52 BBH) Twin room $48-54 ($42-48 BBH) Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
We stayed in a double room, for the price it was excellent value - we had a very large bed (King Size?), with a lovely bay window - it let in lots of morning light. The hostel is fairly quiet, as a lot of the residents are international, who seem to work in the local area. The shared bathroom got pretty dirty, and the toilet paper ran out, but apart from that everything else was clean and well run. The only negative would be the location (in an industrial area of Blenheim), and at night there is no secure parking. The area is not particularly well lit, but he hostel feels safe and secure. I would definitely recommend staying here.
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Anonymous
UK
A friendly, work oriented hostel 8 February 2003
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Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 11924)
A very friendly hostel with good amenities. There are 2 sections to the hostel - the "main" side, which the owners also live in and a separate house across the road. Many residents stay for a few months whilst working in the nearby orchards thereby creating a "community" that work and play together. The owners Diana and Rob are GREAT and lots of help.The hostel is situated on the river, with free use of canoes and bikes - useful for getting to work! Short walk to supermarket and town centre.If you're looking for work in the Blenheim area, then the Grapevine is recommended, although be sure to book in as it can be very busy and difficult to get a bed. Work is plentiful during the season and Diana and Rob offer lots of help and advice for job seekers.The bunk rooms can be a bit crowded with some bunks 3 high, but with the majority of people staying there working during the season, a mutual respect for quiet is granted!It's not a particularly posh hostel, but is clean and the atmosphere is welcoming.
