BUG review
Saltwater Lodge is an impressive, purpose-built hostel with top-notch facilities. It is easily the most distinctive looking place on the Kings Road strip, with its red and blue corrugated metal exterior and porthole windows. Inside, everything is maintained to a very high standard. Dorm rooms are clean and modern and all come with en suite bathrooms. A big common room has plenty of good couches and a great TV. The brilliant kitchen has restaurant-style stainless steel refrigerators and fixtures. There’s something of a view to the harbour on the upstairs verandas, but it’s been partially blocked by the newer buildings springing up. Guests have free use of bikes, a free gym and free use of the nearby tennis courts. Throw in a friendly and helpful management, and you have a top-class hostel all around.
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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 $26-30 ($23-27 BBH) Double/twin room $75-120 ($65-90 BBH) Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
Great facilities including free bikes, enabling easy access to Waitangi, which is just 10 minutes down the road by bike! Only downside is that the building in front is currently under construction somewhat spoiling sea view and morning lie in otherwise would rate five stars...
6 of
11 people found this review helpful
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Anonymous
Canada
Great view but kitchen needed constant upkeeping 12 December 2004
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 11043)
I had a great ensuite room with a fantastic view overlooking the Bay of Islands. However, a new building is being built in front of it and will block the view in the future. Also, I was a little disappointed by the lack of cleanliness in the kitchen. People didn't always clean up after themselves and I hate to clean other people's messes so I didn't use the kitchen very often. Eating outside on the patio was very nice.
8 of
13 people found this review helpful
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Anonymous
London
One of the Best 6 July 2003
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 11044)
This is a fantastic place. Comfy dorm rooms with freshly made beds and squeaky clean ensuite bathrooms, great lounge area with quirky furniture and great video selection. I particularly liked the kitchen - cleaner than most. all done up in stainless steal - excellent for those who like to cook. There is a great view from the large, airy balcony, and its a great place to chill out and meet other travelers. Highly recommended
10 of
16 people found this review helpful
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Amir cohen
(nohairamir@hotmail.com)
from Tell Aviv, Israel
Tell Aviv, Israel
Beautiful place with wondeful stuff 25 November 2002
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Amir cohen
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 11045)
Ive been travailing for 14 month and I stayed in many hostels over Australia and N.Z and I stayed in saltwater in two occasions. This hostels has all the facilities. The place is very clean and the stuff is very friendly and helpful. Its located very close to the beach and there is pub under it. U can get there free kayaks and bicycles. It has a big common room and fully equipped kitchen. When youll get there and sit on the couch, watch a video and feel the breeze youll you got to the best place in Paihia.
9 of
15 people found this review helpful
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The nicest, cleanest, most fun
The nicest, cleanest, most fun and modern backpackers 15 October 2002
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
The nicest, cleanest, most fun
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 11046)
As I stayed a very very very.... long time in this great "hostel", I could say a lot about it. But the best things I can do, it is to advise everyone going to Paihia to stay there and you'll see by yourself. All the commodities you ever dreamed of are there (cows's skin sofa!!), and its so new. The view right on the bay is so cool, there is even a big barbecue on the balcony to cook some very nice food.It is the first 5 stars backpackers in NZ... and I know why!! The atmosphere is so friendly probably because of the location... Still, there's no better place to chill out for a while or to just spend a night on your travel.
