Located across the road from the train station, Downtown Backpackers is the only hostel in the northern end of the city centre and its close proximity to the train station and ferry terminal makes this hostel handy if you're travelling by public transport. It is a big hostel in the old Hotel Waterloo (which hosted the Queen's entourage during the 1953 Coronation Tour, although the Queen wisely chose to stay elsewhere).The overall standard at Downtown Backpackers isn't very high; everything here feels old and worn and the atmosphere is a little gloomy. Facilities include a restaurant with internet access, a kitchen with an assortment of aging utensils, a TV lounge and a bar.
Price Dorm bed $23-26 ($20-23 BBH, 22-25 VIP) Single room $58 ($55 BBH, $57 VIP) Double room $75-85 ($69-79 BBH, $73-83 VIP) Twin room $56-85 ($50-79 BBH, $54-79 VIP) Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
Credit Cards American Express,Diners Club,MasterCard,Visa
Pros:
spacious dining area
Cons:
bathrooms are very dated
Zengarden
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(2)
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(3)
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(2)
You would expect that a place called Downtown Backpackers would be located downtown. It isn't so you're trekking through curvy streets to finally reach your buddies at the Base Bar, etc.It's not a horrible place to be but the location wasn't particularly impressive. You need to have a good sense of direction in order to navigate your way to civilization and this isn't a great idea if you don't have an excellent sense of direction or at least good light to see.The bathrooms are dingy. The taps kept dripping (what a waste of water) and the bathtub has seen better days.The place really needs an overhaul. I've stayed at some scary places and this isn't one of them. But if you're looking for an updated, hip place, this isn't one of them either.
3 of
4 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 81)
An ok place to stay for one night only, January 19, 2006
Pros:
The hostel is very close to the ferry port
Cons:
I found the double room I was in to be crampt and unclean.
Suzannah
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Maintenance
(3)
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(2)
The hostel is a very old building famous for having the Queen of England stay in the 50's. As it is now I don't think the Queen would look twice at it!
Having said that I stayed for one night after arriving late on the ferry. It is very close to the port and a great place to lay your head for a night whilst on your travels. The place could do with a make over asap and my room smellt of urine which wasn't pleasant.
4 of
13 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11966)
Ensuite dorm - nice!, May 4, 2005
Reviewer:
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
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(4)
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(4)
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(4)
Stayed here 2 nights in 4 bed dorm. Ensuite bathroom was included in the price, which was excellent. Have to agree about the appearance - a bit run down looking, BUT, it was really comfortable and warm. Kitchen was huge, but could do with a freezer. The bar was great, best hostel bar staff i've met in NZ or Oz! Giant Jenga and other games, as well as pool tables etc. Lowest point was the cafe was very overpriced if you hadn't pre-paid for breakfast, and the food there wasn't anything special considering the price. I'd definitely stay here again.
0 of
2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11967)
Great Backpackers, January 7, 2005
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Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
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Maintenance
(4)
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(4)
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(4)
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(4)
I stayed here for three nights in a single room, which was very clean and tidy and it was serviced daily. I didn't book just showed up and the girl at reception didn't seem to imprested about having to working. Huge Dining area, people at the cafe were always happy and friendly to all. TV room was good, but the reception wasn't to good, especially when it was raining. Bar was entertaining with big screen TV. Tours desk were also very helpfull. I would stay here again.
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5 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11968)
Good location, facilities, but big, October 31, 2002
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Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(3)
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(3)
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(3)
Atmosphere
(3)
This is well situated for the train and bus station, and not too far from most of the attractions you might want to visit in Wellington. Its facilities are pretty good and include a bar, but on the downside it has the feel that lots of the bigger hostels do, of being impersonal and hard to mix in. One of the reception staff was that miserable that you would think she would have topped herself by now, but this was an isolated case, the rest of the staff being pretty friendly.
