BUG review
This is a basic hostel that used to be a motel. It has a spa pool, a small kitchen and a TV lounge with a pool table with rooms around a courtyard. It’s located close to the Pak ‘n’ Save supermarket and the Warehouse. Nothing too special about the place, but it’s got a decent, quiet atmosphere and clean rooms. We were told that there are plans for a complete overhaul, with an eye towards making it a more upmarket hostel; time will tell if it actually materialises.
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Price Dorm bed $23-24 ($20-21 BBH) Single room $52 ($47 BBH) Double room 62-$66 ($52- $56 BBH) Twin room $56 ($46 BBH) Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
My bf and I stayed at Burkes for 2 nights, and we have little complaints. They guy that runs it was helpful, a little different but friendly. The room we had was next to his I think and I'm pretty sure our ensuit bathroom was shared with him (or whoever was next door to us.) That made me a little nervous because the shared bathroom meant that people from the other room could walk in on you in the shower etc or even get into our room very easily, but we didn't have any problems luckily. The first night we were there was Friday and unfortunately the people next door were really loud until quiet late (we had to be up early for the crossing.) But the room was huge and it was nice to have a shower kinda to yourself. The kitchen was a little grimey, definitely one of the less desirable ones we've been at. The walk to the nearest supermarket and internet cafe was only a few minutes, so that was a plus. Over all a good hostel, I'm not sure how it compares with the other hostels in Taupo, but we certainly have little to complain about with Burkes.
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16 people found this review helpful
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Anonymous
Canada
Great place - not too central 23 December 2004
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 12558)
Great hostel - friendly people, spacious rooms, awesome showers. Only problem is that it's a fair bit from downtown Taupo - probably a 10-15 min walk... The only reason I haven't given theis a 5 star rating
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Anonymous
Switzerland
Nice to stay there 26 January 2004
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 12559)
The first night we had to spend at Central Backpackers, and compared to that, Burke's was heaven. It is not very big, every room is conected to the garden/grass in the middle, every room has its own toilet and shower. The staff is very friendly and looking for party with the guests (without the manager, he's strange), but not at the hostel itself, this is very quiet. It is cleaned every day, mostly by working travellers.