BUG review
Chateau Franz has quite a bit more character than the others, with just as good facilities. The dorms have comfortable beds with duvets and clean spacious bathrooms. There are a couple of nice common areas with big televisions and log fires; a small, but adequate, kitchen; internet access, including Wi-Fi ($6 per hour) plus a spa pool and barbecue area. There is a buzzing atmosphere here and staff are gregarious and helpful. They have movie nights with free popcorn, they serve free homemade vegetable soup every evening and also offer two for one drinks at the local pub.
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Price Dorm bed $22-26 ($19-23 BBH) Double room $53-55 ($50-52 BBH) Twin room $46-48 ($43-45 BBH) Camping $10 per person
Price includes free soup every evening Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
our room was the most disgusting room i have ever stayed in! 22 March 2007
Pros:
nice big kitchen
Cons:
our room was completely damp so the smell in the room was disgusting!
sazkiely
saw things this way
Maintenance
(3)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(2)
Atmosphere
(3)
(Review ID: 2162)
we arrived in chateau franz and checked in.we were brought to our triple room and the minute we opened the door the smell hit us.we thought that maybe the windows needed to be opened so we left the windows open and wen off around the town.but when we came back later that night the smell was still the same!we asked to change rooms but the hostel was completely booked up so we had no choice but stay in if for 2 nights.i have to say it ruined out trip to franz josef and couldnt wait to get out of there!defintely recommend staying in another hostel!!!
I stayed 2 nights there in winter, so it wasn't too crowded.
The 6 bed-dorm was really clean, ensuite and there was a small kitchen + TV / VCR: one of the best dorm I had in New Zealand.Free videos, free walks (I joined a glow worm walk: quite nice), free soup, well-equiped kitchen and great views of the mountains.Would definitely stay there again.
Pros:
Good location and clean
Cons:
Noisy when it rains
bdoo
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(3)
(Review ID: 41)
Stayed in The Chateau Franz Motel for 2 nights in Nov 2005. Got a nice double ensuite room on the upper floor for NZ$85. Room had a TV and video, videos could be borrowed from reception. Did not use the kitchen. Only a 2 minute walk to the main street where the pubs, restaurants and hiking companies are located. There was a hot spa available for use after your hike. Only problem was the roof was made of iron so when it rained we were woken up several times during the night. They had plenty of parking available. I would stay here again.
Pros:
Location
Cons:
Very OLD stale smell in the dorm rooms!!
pumpkinseed
saw things this way
Maintenance
(2)
Cleanliness
(3)
Facilities
(2)
Atmosphere
(2)
(Review ID: 26)
This was the worst smelling hostel I stayed in while travelling Australia and New Zealand. The hostel itself was adequate enough, however, the dorm room was dark and had the worst stale smell I have ever encountered. All the guests staying in the room commented repeatedly on the smell of the room and I cut my stay there short and could only manage one night of it.
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2 people found this review helpful
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Anonymous
London, UK
Great hospitality in FJ! 1 April 2005
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12407)
Moved from Montrose to Chateau Franz, which was far better managed, had a jacuzzi, free soup and luxury backpacker rooms (tv + ensuite!). Staff were really helpful and friendly even invited to Sarah's 24th birthday party. Accommodation experience compensated for the wash out weather wise. Thanks to Oscar - the hostest (well hotel manager) with the mostest!
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16 people found this review helpful
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Louisa
Excellent 17 January 2004
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Louisa
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12408)
I was there in August 2003, and it was so nice. We payed a couple of dollars extra for an en-suite dorm, which means you get your own bathroom. You also you get free soup in the evning, the staff are really friendly and helpful, and the host just generally has a great atmosphere! I really recommend this hostel!
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melburnt
Germany
best hostel I ever stayed in 17 August 2003
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
melburnt
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12409)
I never felt more at home at the other side of the world than in this wonderful place. It's pretty small and cosy. The staff, a couple immigrated from Germany, was extremely friendly and helpful. Free soup every day! Just perfect! I hope to be there again one day!
