148 Chester Street East, Christchurch Bus 7, 60, 70, 77 Tel (03) 377 1897 Websitewww.chesterst.co.nz
BUG Review
This is a brilliant little hostel is in a residential area not far from the centre. It is painted in warm colours with quirky decorations and has only 15 beds in nicely decorated rooms. There is a nice fully-equipped kitchen and the bathrooms are small but newly renovated with mosaic accents and nice mirrors. Outside there is an old restored bus, a nice little cottage in the garden, and a “car-becue” – a cool old car boot transformed into a barbecue. It is eccentric but refreshing, peaceful and clean. There are no lockers, but it has a family atmosphere and is in a quiet location. Management and staff are extremely pleasant and welcoming. This place is perfect for backpackers who want to escape the monotony of chain hostels.
Price Dorm bed $26 ($22 BBH) Double/twin room $56 ($48 BBH) Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
Pros:
Clean, staff friendly
Cons:
Lack of parking areas (neighbour next door isnt happy if park across his drive even a mm across)
sarah4
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Maintenance
(4)
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(5)
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(5)
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(4)
Great hostel, absolutey beautiful restored old house. Very clean and great facilities. Lack of parking spaces though as the street was full of cars. A little further from the CBD than other hostels but its a very easy walk even after a large night out! Great place, highly recommended.
Pros:
Tidy, friendly staff, warm atmosphere, quiet area
Cons:
There is nothingbad about this hostel
Yvan
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(4)
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(4)
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(4)
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(5)
Definitely one of the best backpacker i ever stayed in. After 2 weeks of amazing Fiji i had to go back to bloody cold NZ. But Chester`s made my heart feel warm again. Staff is really friendly and helpful if you have any desires! The lovely cat ( i forgot the name) is too fat though :-)!
The fact that you can buy and sell campervans for reasonable prices is pretty good! So if you start your travels through NZ here, you probably won`t get a van cheaper and/or better maintained! Anthony is doing good work....
recommend it totally
4 of
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(Review ID: 12087)
Excellent all round, January 8, 2005
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Anonymous
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(5)
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(5)
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(5)
This is one of those rare city hostels that gets it right. Our double room was huge and had a sofa in it. Was well worth the money we paid for it. Very clean and tiday. Staff Sonya and Victoria were there when we arrived and were friendly but not too "in your face" as some hostel hosts can be. Garden is beautiful and the car-b-que is a unique little feature as is the bus is the garden. Small enough to feel homely but not one of those places were you feel nervous cause there are loads of rules. It was a little bit further than some of the other hostels in the city but well worth it. You will like it here.
5 of
6 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 12088)
feeling at home with all your freedom..., January 31, 2004
Reviewer:
raffaela
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n/a
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Imported Review
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Maintenance
(5)
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(5)
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(5)
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(5)
this is just one of the best hostel i've ever stayed in...the location it's pefect, a 10 minutes walk from the city center along the river, a peaceful street with trees and a cat at every doorstep. inside, you couldn't wish for more: great kitchen + great furniture+ great people working there- very kind but not intrusive- + really small dorm (just 3 beds so book in advance) ...plus you have your own key and all the freedom of the world.thanks guys, i've been happy there,truly recommend it!!!
13 of
13 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 12089)
This is 5 stars!, June 10, 2003
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Anonymous
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Maintenance
(5)
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(5)
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(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
Without doubt, this is 5 stars backpackers! I stayed a dorm, which has only 3 beds with cute decorations, and it was super clean and cozy. The most of them whom I met in this backpackers were repeat visitors and love this place very much. I strongly recommend you to book as early as you can!
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(Review ID: 12090)
We saved the best 'til last!!, August 2, 2002
Reviewer:
Neil and Karen
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n/a
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n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
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(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
Simply the best hostel we stayed at in NZ. We'd definitely recommend this one!Owners were friendly and the place just felt like home (better than our own home, in fact!). Really clean, great kitchen and little creative touches in all the rooms! Remember to check out the "Carbecue"!!
