BUG review
Rainforest Backpackers is a purpose-built hostel that also has more upmarket accommodation. They offer an above average range of facilities that includes two spa pools, a sauna ($3 per 30 minutes), a bar and restaurant, a couple of small lounges with big TVs, pool tables, laundry facilities, an undercover barbecue area, internet access (including Wi-Fi) and a kitchen that is pretty good considering there is also a restaurant on site. The dormitory accommodation is fairly standard with thin mattresses, although most rooms have small fridges and en suite bathrooms. The bathrooms are nice and clean, but they have annoying push-button showers. There is a small shop at reception.
About BUG's hostel reviews
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.
We show up unannounced at hostels to write honest and unbiased hostel reviews. Many of BUG's reviews now feature videos and photo slideshows. BUG never receives payment for listing any establishment and BUG's researchers never accept free accommodation in exchange for favourable reviews.
Price Dorm bed $24-27 ($23-26 VIP) Double/twin room $50-150 ($48-148 VIP) Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
Credit cards American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Reception open summer 7am-9pm daily; winter 7am-8pm daily
lovely place to stay in and has a great atmosphere 23 April 2009
Pros:
heaters in the rooms, good showers
Cons:
poor kitchen, t.v. reception worst ever
Duckybo
saw things this way
Maintenance
(3)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(3)
(Review ID: 12704)
this is a nice hostel for the area. the kitchen is massive but there are hardle any utensils there and on the day i was leaving they bought new pots. there are only a few frying pans too and all have metal handles. don't cook when its busy here as you will be waiting at least half an hour just for a saucepan which you have to wash yourself as most people that come here seem to be too lazy to wash after themselves. the reception for the t.v. is useless and its a big t.v. and only two sofas. the bar is in the middle of the retreat and it is nice. its a great place if your with a group. doors into the rooms are stiff and hard to open if locked from the inside.
Great spot for Franz Josef exploration 20 July 2006
Pros:
Great to be in a backpackers that is so spacious
Cons:
Push button showers
Zengarden
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 620)
Really enjoyed the Retreat. You will too. Huge, spacious kitchens where one can cook without climbing over others to do food prep. Long tables encourage communal dining. Internet lounge and television room adjacent to the kitchen so you have a place to go after supper.Some people may be put off by having to climb stairs to get to their rooms but it's not a huge climb. Rooms are large enough that you can store your gear but no, there are no luggage lockers available.Monsoon, the bar, is separate from the sleeping quarters which is something that other backpackers should consider doing. Yes, it's great to have a cool bar (and this one certainly qualifies as one of the best) but nobody needs to have music thumping on your head all night long. There is a pool table as well as large screen monitors that play rugby games or music videos. The only disadvantage that I could see was bad weather knocked the satellite reception off. Management couldn't do anything about it but this wasn't their fault.
