I stayed two nights in a 4 bed female dorm. The room was impressively dinky: one bunk blocked most of the window, although the view was mainly another building’s wall anyway. Not a big deal, I was mostly there to sleep. The bed was fine, and the little privacy curtains around each bunk were a nice touch (although they do create a fun guessing game: is your roommate asleep, or is it safe to switch the light on?). Lockers are provided, which is great, but you have to rent the lock. As someone with a drawer full of unused padlocks at home, I would have appreciated a warning to bring one along! The communal spaces were equally uninspiring: harsh white neon lighting, mysterious loud industrial noises (ventilation? kitchen appliances? a secret spaceship?), and the only comfortable couch in the building facing a sad vending machine. A bold interior design choice. Check-in is done by machine, which adds to the slightly impersonal, self-service feel. Still, it was cheap, the bed was perfectly adequate, and you get what you pay for. The location, however, is hard to beat: two steps from a New World supermarket (very handy!) and four steps from the waterfront and the wonderful Te Papa Museum, which is a must-visit every time I’m in Wellington. I also didn’t mind the 15-minute walk to Cuba Street — an easy stroll for great food, op shops and atmosphere. So: not a cosy hostel experience, but a practical and affordable base in a very convenient location.
