This hostel in a rambling old house on the edge of the city centre offers basic accommodation. Facilities include a kitchen, a lounge with a piano and a TV lounge. The rooms are clean enough but some dorms have three-tier bunks. It has improved over recent years but there are better places to stay in Wellington.
Price Dorm bed $27-28 ($24-25 BBH) Single room $50-51 ($45-46 BBH) Double room $66-67 ($60-61 BBH) Twin room $62-63 ($56-57 BBH)
Prices include breakfast Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
We had a double room and felt right at home!!!, March 8, 2007
Reviewer: Luna Borealis from Peace River, Alberta, Canada
Pros:
It felt more like a flat than a hostel.
Cons:
Walking up that hill drunk!
Luna Borealis
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(3)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(4)
We were in town for the Red Carpet Priemere of King Kong and had a marvelous time! The hostel was in good walking distance, and there was a really cute black cat named Luna Sabbath that came to visit us every time we walked towards down town. Overall, if you like it funky and colorful and artsy...this place is for you!!!
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(Review ID: 11977)
Nice people, weak hostel, August 29, 2005
Reviewer:
Chel
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
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(3)
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Ok, first off, the people at Rosemere (both the workers and the backpackers) are all pretty friendly. I had some pretty nice roomates, and the front-desk staff were pretty knowledgeable with respect to Wellington stuff. That aside, I'm sorry to say the hostel is found wanting. There are a couple of things about the place that would be pretty easy to fix. I'll lay them out here, and take any flames that come my way. Perhaps the staff just don't know about most of these.Kitchen: Stovetops are tricky to work, which is mostly my fault. But the fact that you need a flame to light them up, yet no matches are kept in the kitchen is a bit harsh. I understand people steal matches and lighters in hostels. But if I'm not a smoker (and thus do not have my own lighter) how to light the stovetop?Downstairs dorm room: First of all, the door does not lock. That's not uncommon in hostels on it's own. But considering the front door is not locked during the day, and there is so much traffic just on that first floor, there is no safe place to keep your stuff. And I'm not naive, it isn't as though I keep valuables in my room. It would just be an easy thing to fix, that's all.Another small thing about the dorm is that it's a disaster.That being said, the internet is nice, there are a handful of movies to watch if you get bored, and the hostel is right in the middle of the city. The atmosphere was kind of blah though. To be fair, Wellington hostels are not exactly known for their quality. Perhaps I ought to check others out to compare. Anyhow, just my two cents worth. Thanks!
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(Review ID: 11978)
Basic, but incredibly friendly, February 24, 2004
Reviewer:
Simon Asquith
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
I spent 3 months in Rosemere in early 2001. At first glance it seemed a cold, old fashioned place. Very soon however, I realised it was just what a backpackers should be like. Run by real travellers, for travellers, it was full of atmosphere, the friendliest hostel I had stayed in, in 2 years of travelling. If you want a spotless,but atmospehere lacking regimented hostel stay in a YHA. If you want fun, want to get away from the commercialism of the other hostels, want to mix with travellers of all nationalities, want to feel part of a hostel, then Rosemere is the place for you!
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(Review ID: 11979)
Cheap and Cheerful, January 27, 2004
Reviewer:
Sophia Jay
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
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Maintenance
(3)
Cleanliness
(3)
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(3)
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I spent 3 months at 'The Rosemere' in 2002 and I feel I have to put in a good word for the place. Yes it can be cold and may seem comfortless when you first arrive but, what it lacks in creature comforts it certainly makes up for in atmosphere. The Rosemere has quite a few long termers and so, if you're going to be in town for a while - though not long enough to lease a flat, it could be the place for you. Cheap and cheerful it most certainly is. I was desperatly skint during my time in Wellie and the reasonable rent, free breckie and internet access helped ensure I never starved. I also made some good friends from all over the globe - some of whom I'm still in touch with. Admittedly, I did meet a few barmies at this backpackers but I have great memories of the place. Dont judge a book by it's cover, stay a few days, chat to people and you won't be dissapointed. And those in need of a second living room can always pop round the corner to "The Fishbowl" - great friendly local with cheap drinks for residents of "The Rosemere!!"
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(Review ID: 11980)
Friendly staff, enjoyed staying there, February 25, 2003
Reviewer:
Bekki
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(3)
Cleanliness
(3)
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(3)
Atmosphere
(3)
I have to disagree with the previous two reviewers - I stayed there in April 2002 for 4 weeks, and although the place needed some work doing, I enjoyed my visit. Staff were friendly, helpful, manager was great. Made some real friends, and it was the cheapest place I've stayed in NZ. Free internet and breakfast - great!
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(Review ID: 11981)
A complete dump, February 8, 2003
Reviewer:
Pros:
n/a
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Anonymous
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(1)
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Hmmm, unfortunately the star rating does not go below zero. DO NOT STAY HERE ON ANY ACCOUNT. This is possibly the worst hostel I have ever stayed in - including ones in Asia and Africa!Noisy, dirty, cramped and unfriendly.Need I say more?
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(Review ID: 11982)
A real dump, November 11, 2002
Reviewer:
Pros:
n/a
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n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(1)
Cleanliness
(1)
Facilities
(1)
Atmosphere
(1)
A real dump, horrible beds, inadequate bedding, not very clean, noisy, low security (access to upper story windows), poor public transport access to city center. Virtually unfurnished rooms: no wardrobe, no clothes hooks, no desk, no table, no nightstand... Free email is useless when you can not get access to the computer (too many users), free breakfast is virtually worthless.
