BUG review
This is a great hostel perched on top of a hill and surrounded by thick gardens. It is in a restored old house with loads of character. There are several common rooms with chandeliers, log fires, pianos and guitars. The dorms have single beds with good mattresses. Bathrooms are newly (and rather creatively) renovated, and the showers have great water pressure. They offer internet access, an international book exchange, laundry, free tea and real coffee, and a great free breakfast. There are two other buildings with slightly lower standards, but overall it is a central, good value place to stay. The reception staff are extremely warm and friendly.
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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.
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Price Dorm bed $23 ($20 BBH) Single room $45 ($40 BBH) Double/twin room $56 ($50 BBH) Triple room $75 ($66 BBH)
Prices include breakfast Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
If you are looking for a place with personality 5 February 2005
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
kiwi wannabe
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12045)
Palace is the place for you. My last stop as a solo traveller I found it quaint, cozy, friendly and accomodating. Great covered porch, spa, free breakfast and after hours fun. Owner is laid back and you can't beat the hammock in a special sunny spot. Spending my last day in NZ couldn't have been any better!
10 of
12 people found this review helpful
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Anonymous
UK/NZ
Think carefully before staying here 13 October 2004
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
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Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(2)
Cleanliness
(2)
Facilities
(2)
Atmosphere
(2)
(Review ID: 12046)
This hostel is in a great spot - really close to town - and the house is lovely. The guy that runs it is a shocker. We booked 2 months in advance, re-confirmed about a week before arriving and our booking was lost - had to do some serious hassling to get the room we'd asked for. Probably should not have bothered, as, despite having travelled widely through Africa, S America, Middle East, Europe & bits of Asia, this was the first time we encountered BED BUGS. Lots of them. With HUGE teeth. The response from staff was "I'm not surprised" (!!!!!) and eventually, after much discussion, and lots of excuses from the owner about why it wasn't his fault, we were begrudgingly offered a partil refund for one of the nights we stayed. I suggest the owner either sell up or go on some customer service training, ASAP. And to people thinking of staying there - go somewhere else.
13 of
21 people found this review helpful
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Anonymous
UK
This Palace has style... 18 August 2004
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12047)
... With small dorms and no bunks, you are sure of a good night's sleep. The staff are keen to help you explore the city and the region (Go to the Abel Tasman Park!) In Winter there is a cosy log fire and heaters in all the rooms. The bathrooms are private and clean with good hot showers and a bath in one of the buildings. There is also the largest (and growing) International book exchange in the country which has a selection in virtually every language to borrow or swap for free. The spa is great to relax the aching limbs after a hike and there's a separate smoking lounge for those who want to sit up later without irritating their neighbours. The free breakfast is the best I saw with different rolls, spreads, cereals, milk, tea, coffee... and the balcony is great to sit with a drink and watch the sunset. The Nelson region has plenty to offer and The Palace is somewhere you could get easily get stuck for some time!
7 of
13 people found this review helpful
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Anonymous
UK
Friendly Hostel, with wonderful city views 30 July 2004
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 12048)
The dorms don't have bunks (so normal beds!!!), and only accommodate 4/5 people, so it feels a bit more personal. The big balcony has great views accross Nelson (not that it's a very pretty city, but the surrounding hills are). And the McDonalds is metres away if you're hungry, though there is plenty of other good food places nearby. Reception can organise all the usual tours (like sea-kayaking).
