BUG review
Solscape is easily one of the most interesting and unusual hostels we’ve seen, with a serious eco-focus. Dorm accommodation and shared facilities are housed in old train carriages and cabooses on a hill overlooking famous Manu Bay. There is also a tepee site that is entirely “off the grid” – lights are solar-powered, there are compost toilets, earth ovens, etc. Even the tepees themselves were built with low environmental impact materials. Renovations were underway on other areas of the site to make it as low-impact and self-sustaining as possible when we visited. It is a true example of green-consciousness being put into action. Plus, the views are spectacular, surfing lessons are available and it’s a great location to just chill out.
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Price Dorm bed $20-24 Double room $58 Tepee $34 per person Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
Worst of a dump you can find in NZ 11 November 2007
Pros:
honestly nothing, except for great views
Cons:
Filthy, overcrowded, noisy
sidabrine
saw things this way
Maintenance
(1)
Cleanliness
(1)
Facilities
(2)
Atmosphere
(1)
(Review ID: 6135)
We stayed in a caboose that probably hasn't been cleaned since 2003. It smelled of mold and must and was carpeted (and not cleaned for years! yuk!). A caboose is a metal box with a bed inside (40cm of filthy carpet around it!) The kitchen was full of dirty dishes, cloth rags, empty bottles and empty cigarette packs. I wore my slippers in the shower, because it was pretty filthy too.There was a major party going on till midnight with loud music, cigarette smoke and drunken guests. If you're not a kiddy backpacker staying away from your home first time without your mother, I can't fathom how you could enjoy it. Somebody drank our beers (securely stored in the fridge in a box, marked with a marker (as well as one can with an expired marker) which is a major disappointment, not because of the beer, but because someone would steal it.A good hostel is usually the one where the owners greet their guests and make their presence known (also to quiet down a party, if it is needed). We haven't met anyone in this hostel, except the receptionist that handed us our key and was nowhere to be seen afterwards. The place was basically run and run down by inconsiderate guests that happened to stay there at the same time as us. The owners also didn't appear in the morning when we were trying to leave the place before reception was opened, because of the horrible night that we had. We had to come back later to claim our $10 key deposit.The only positive thing I can say about this place is a great view (from lower down than the main accommodation grounds though). No lounge chairs or hammocks to enjoy the weather or what views you can get from the upper grounds..To sum it all up, avoid at all cost!
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Ms Charlie
NZ
Quirky & Stunning Place 19 February 2004
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Ms Charlie
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12538)
Stayed here in May 2003 and the cabooses are really cute. Small but perfectly formed. Everything really clean and the people very friendly. The view from the location is priceless. Little drive from the centre of town but its top of the hill site more than makes up for this.Great surf spots very handy.They do hire out linen and blankets and stuff but the train cabooses don't come with them as standard (or didn't when we were there). Hire charge was minimal. Kitchen lounge, and communcal bathroom facilities were great - But we were there off season ;)Definatley recommend!
