A Plus Samurai Lodge Backpackers

A Plus Samurai Lodge Backpackers descritpion

Set on 1 acre of landscaped grounds and gardens, this backpacker hostel features a shared kitchen, a spa pool, a heated dining and lounge room and laundry facilities. Turangi town centre is 5 minutes’ drive away.
A Plus Samurai Lodge Backpackers Turangi is close to Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo. Hot and cold breakfasts are available and served in the each morning in the dining room.
All rooms are non-smoking and include beds or bunks, mattresses, bed sheets, pillows and pillow cases. Each private room has a washbasin and electric shaving socket. Heaters are available on request.
There is a shuttle bus service that provided free pick up from the bus stop. There are also charged shuttle services. Free off-street car parking is provided.

Recommand

Low rates——No booking fees • Save money!Best price guarantee — enter dates to see these prices!
18 properties in Turangi——Including hotels, apartments, villas and more.
Manage your bookings online——Sign up for a FREE account·View a single booking.
241 independent reviews——We verify all reviews from guests who've stayed at A Plus Samurai Lodge Backpackers. Find out more about Booking.com Reviews.
The staff speaks English——A Plus Samurai Lodge Backpackers's staff speaks:English
Booking is safe——When you book with us your details are protected by a secure connection.

Facilities of A Plus Samurai Lodge Backpackers

Outdoors ：BBQ Facilities | Grounds

Kitchen ：Shared Kitchen

Ski ：Ski School | Ski Equipment Rental (on site)

Pets ：Free!Pets are allowed on request. No extra charges.

Internet ：WiFi is available in public areas and costs NZD 5 per hour.

Parking ：Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

Reviews for A Plus Samurai Lodge Backpackers

Review 1：The owner was really friendly and glad to help us. The hostel looks really cool, since everyone can write and paint on the walls. The pets are super cute.

Review 2：Inappropriate gestures from staff, booked 4 double rooms got a dorm for 8 with bunk beds, very pissed off with that decission, beds were so thin I could feel the steel tube slats under the materous. In general it's just a very run down back packers that needs a lot of attention & repairs.

Review 3：Location to our activity & information on transport.

Review 4：As the rooms are opening from a long corridor, you can gear all the people coming/going up and down towards the bathroom. For the usege if the kitchen you have to pay +10 dollars/ day, another +10 dollars for late check out . You can not enter the kitchen after 10:00... Because they are "cleaning it". So if you wake up late, you can nor have breakfast.

Review 5：Was a very colorful, creative and inspiring environment, with big and well equipped comfortable kitchen and comon area. Also the double bed was very comfortable.

Review 6：Shabby and scruffy rooms and ammenities. Dirty kitchen and equipment. Owner sleeps with his cat on the couch in the living / dining room.

Review 7：Good starting point for Tongariro Crossing and Taupo (because its inbetween). Cheap. Late arrival is no problem.

Review 8：Microwave was filthy inside with mould growing in areas, carpets were halfway through being replaced so we just had felt on the floor. Staff member was a bit confused and I wasn't convinced he was actually aware of our booking despite the fact that it was made well in advance.

Review 9：Staff member assisting us was friendly.

Review 10：Zero

Review 11：The layout and the helpful owner who provided additional assistance when I inquired about trout licenses and online availability Excellent wi-fi coverage

Review 12：Had a very rude reception when we arrived and called to be let in, had to find our key and room by talking to other guests in the lounge. There was no one in the office when trying to check out the next day.

Review 13：Price

Review 14：Never again. The place was depressing. The room smelled. The sheets weren't washed. The shower ceiling was leaking with I don't know what. I have stayed in backpackers before but never had this bad experience before.

Review 15：Sorry to say but I didn't like anything from our stay. It was so horrible

Review 16：I left early in the morning ( 7.00am} and wanted to leave the key as office was closed. Could not find a box near office to drop the room key.

Review 17：Friendly Staff. very helpful. Bathroom and toilets were very clean. Very quiet and safe at night,

Review 18：The crowded kitchen, not enough space and facilities for so many people using it. The bed is not in good condition.

Review 19：The friendly staff. There is a basin in the room. Convient location.

Review 20：Thin walls, when someone was talking in the next room you could almost hear the words. Bed wasn't that comfortable... No shops, cafes or restaurants nearby.

Review 21：Cheap price. The owner did take care of all the customers. Good for taking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Review 22：No internet, dust allergy was kicking in during nights, heating system very old.

Review 23：Thanks to the staff member I got to Alpine crossing even though it was first cancelled. I liked the common areas. Place was very relaxed.

Review 24：The bathrooms are pretty cold, but the water is perfectly hot. just wear flip flops!

Review 25：Ian is really good guy. I've been sick and he was very helpful and super friendly. The place is just really authentic and very special. Thanks a lot for the great stay.

Review 26：Super friendly, safe for kids with tramp and play area around the back, including a tv room/lounge. Very helpful, rooms and facilities kept clean though out day.

Review 27：Some very dodgy add-ons construction wise. Very poorly painted. Old and worn buildings.

Review 28：It certainly was an interesting mix of buildings and construction techniques.

Review 29：Haven't stayed in a backpackers before, but if I hadn't booked online first, I wouldn't have stayed,(based on first appearances) but as the payment commitment was there I couldn't walk away.accommodation pretty rough. Dog and cat in dining room, sleeping on furniture. Owner slept on sofa in dining room. It was a bit of a dive.

Review 30：Location and price. Owner is friendly and willingly shares local knowledge. Small room easy to heat

Review 31：The lodge is very homely, with Free Wi-fi, decent room with sink and heater, and an awesome kitchen area. There's also a good community area, with a TV, movies, games, and a fireplace. We would stay here again.

Review 32：Very interesting hippie-style place. Despite the fact the place is a bit dishevelled it still feels like you're visiting old friends even if you're there for the first time. The owner is very helpful, lives there, calls it home and treats it like home. Friendly international atmosphere is felt in every nook and cranny. Beds were clean and comfortable, room were warm despite cold weather. Will definitely stay there again someday.

Review 33：When I arrived, I was greeted by the owner's son. He took $30 but didn't give me the change, even when I requested it. I had booked a bedroom with 'washbasin, desk, chair and seating area, plus view.' The one I was shown had only a bed, and a high window that you couldn't see out of. I requested an alternative room and was given one with a washbasin (and view), but no desk, or chair and a door which couldn't be locked.

Review 34：The owner was friendly (if patronising) and gave me a glass of mulled wine when I arrived.

Review 35：Ian was fantastic host very comfortable place home sweet home feel. Best hostel I have stayed in. Don't normally do reviews but had to for this place 10/10.

Review 36：I liked the paintings covering the walls but some might find them a bit too much.

Review 37：The host couldn't have done enough for me and his children were an added special touch as they helped to check me in.

Review 38：It has a very run down atmosphere around the buildings and is not within walking distance of the CBD if you dont have a car.

Review 39：Its an easy place to meet other travellers with a decent common area. The host was friendly.

Review 40：Manager was not in when I arrived for check in, had to sit in the lounge for an hour not knowing what will happen until another woman checked me in and gave me my keys. Property very old and beds were smelly. Got a stomach bug. Manager very pushy, knocked and came in twice when I just wanted to rest. Told me I need to be "more open to other people and not hide in my room" when I was lying in bed with a temperature of 38.5 °C (102 F) because of the stomach bug. Tried to make me pay again at the end of my stay until I showed my receipt. Was told that overstaying by 15 minutes will cost you. Location is very remote within the town of Turangi, had to walk about 25 minutes from bus stop to hostel. Overall bad experience, should have chosen a pricier hostel or lodge in town or should have stayed in Taupo instead.

Review 41：Some of the permanent tenants are friendly young people that are welcoming and great to spend the evening with.

Review 42：1. Shower water once turned cold without warning 2. Quilt is old and worn out already

Review 43：1. cheap price 2. kind staff 3. toilet paper provided 4. Feijoa provided 5. Doodles and flags on wall are very special in this place

Review 44：No free wifi. The place was kind of old, it could need an upgrade(kitchen, sofas etc.) and some paint. For the price though it was good.Not really anything close except houses, but with a car it was close totongariro rafting and the parking lots for the tongariro crossing.

Review 45：First impression was that it was a junkyard (there were thingseverywhere) but when getting used to it, it was quite nice there :)Large rooms, ok kitchen and bathrooms. Huge back yard with many placesto chill out and a clothing line. The owner was very kind helping tomatch us with another person with a car so we could leave one car ateach end of the Tongariro crossing instead of paying for the shuttle.

Review 46：Double bed was very uncomfortable.

Review 47：Ian is a great host and enjoys interacting with the guests. He was very informative about local information and eager to assist with anything and everything.

Review 48：Ecclectic place but bedroom a little too basic for my liking- still fine though.

Review 49：Staff were very interactive nad helpful with organising alpine crossing.

Review 50：The layout of the place was confusing and it's not particularly close to any amenities.

Review 51：The place was bright and colourful and had a very international feel to it. The staff were very friendly.

Review 52：The hostel is not the newest which you can see and feel. Having said that, it definitely has a lot of character.

Review 53：This hostel is in an awesome good location if you are planning on doing the alpine crossing. The owner is very nice and full of helpful advice on what to do in the area. And the price is very reasonable!

Review 54：It was awful. The bed was from the 1950s, the room dirty with a constantly dripping tap. Filthy sofas in the communal area. I couldn't consider using the kitchen. Dreadful!

Review 55：Nothing we couldn't wait to leave.

Review 56：The location is a little far away from the town centre. But the host gave me a ride when I left to catch the bus.

Review 57：The host was very friendly, and offered me with several suggestions to plan my tour.

Review 58：We didn't get any info given on the lounge/kitchen as to where it was and when it would be open etc.

Review 59：The beds were comfortable and the showers were good. Didn't spend a lot of time there so can't really comment on other aspects of this place.

Review 60：the entire town is completely shut down by 8 pm, but the hostel is awesome for sitting in the common area and talking to people. Great for two to three nights, doing the tongariro crossing and taking a break from the usual (slightly exhausting) backpacker life. Very familiar atmosphere, nice rooms and a lot of space for tents as well.

Review 61：Two of us were at the barbeque area at 7:30 in the evening cooking and talking and a person came and passed rude comments. During vacation time and at bright sunlight when social activities are commented on it was very distressing and it spoiled our evening.

Review 62：Only 2 showers and 2 toilets for all the travellers, no toilet paper, they were not clean.

Review 63：good travellers, kitchen is well equiped although a bit small

Review 64：The room and bedsheet did not seem to be that clean. Some pillows should be thrown away long ago

Review 65：The friendly and helpful owner The laid back atmosphere of the place

Review 66：The mattress were too soft and the bunk bed made squirky noises

Review 67：The hospitility we received right when we drove into the car park was very nice and welcoming. The host was very helpful in giving hike and shuttle arrangement suggestions, very flexible. Although it was only a short stay, it was very enjoyable.

Review 68：Ground of room was not very clean, yet not a big deal

Review 69：Host helped a lot to prepare the Tongariro Crossing. Well organized kitchen. Funny environment

Review 70：Myself and my girlfriend stayed here for 2 nights while we did the Alpine crossing. We were planning on getting the bus to the start of the hike and pay the 45 dollars for the bus trip. However, Ian offered to take us himself the next morning. He said the best time to do it was 5.00am and he was right!! After we got in the door from our hike he had homemade bread and everyone could help themselves. We had an open fire in the lounge that evening. Just what we needed! We recommend this place to everyone who is willing to let their hair down! It's true what they say- the owners make hostels your home. Ian was so full of knowledge. He won't let you down.

Review 71：Bathroom facilities were clean but could use updating.

Review 72：Ian is super friendly and helpful, and made our short one night stay memorable (he even tried to give me a cat to take away with us.) Handy location as we had just finished the Tongariro Crossing.

Review 73：The room was dirty and sheets not changed... The mattress was awful. Whole place in need of an upgrade.

Review 74：Ian the host was friendly and helpful. Kitchen n lounge both good.

Review 75：Place needs a really good tidy up as first impressions really matter! One cat had a terrible eye infection - not a good look as the first thing you see!

Review 76：Very friendly staff. Old but clean bathrooms and kitchen. Cheap for a family of 4 it cost us $66! comfortable rooms. Others guests seemed happy and content.

Review 77：Not luxurious accommodation but at a very reasonable price.

Review 78：Really quirky place with an indoor fire pit and hostel-like wall paintings. The owner was eccentric, chatty and funny. Showers were amazingly hot and powerful.

Review 79：Great for kids and families. We wanted a cheap base for skiing and A Plus was much more fun than we expected. The facilities are basic as you would expect but location is good and Ian and his family who run the lodge are brilliant hosts.

Review 80：The smell of damp in the bedroom.

Review 81：Ian the host was excellent and very helpful with information about where to go and what to do. Lovely roaring fire to keep warm by. Location close to mountains, lakes, walking etc. good kitchen facilities and lots of hot water for a shower. Room comfortable.

Review 82：nothing

Review 83：Ian is such an amazing guy, he picked us up 45 kms away because our car was in an accident, He really cares about his guests. The other backpackers are very friendly, good location when skiing at whakapapa, only 30-40 mins drive away, really easy to get to :) Overall, we enjoyed our stay very much.

Review 84：Common areas really need some love and a good scrub.

Review 85：good location, friendly and helpful staff. Clean bathrooms

Review 86：Friendly and went out of there way to make us comfortable. Free tai chi lesson

Review 87：It's a hostel and a hostel owner with personality, in a very good sense

Review 88：Ian is the Friendliest and most multitask hostel owner you ll ever meet!

Review 89：all good

Review 90：it was really chill

Review 91：Noisy

Review 92：It was scruffy.

Review 93：The exceptionally friendly host.

Review 94：Ian is the best host that I have ever met. The price is cheap; nice place for backpackers.

Review 95：Ian is amazing! Good place for solo female travelers.

Review 96：It was very good for the cheap price. Exceeded my expectations. Staff were lovely!

Review 97：Ian reception guy is great guy makes you feel welcome

Review 98：The bed spread could have been cleaner

Review 99：Ian is great host and made our stay as comfortable as he could.

Review 100：Ian the host was very friendly and helpful. Facilities are basic but clean. Good value for money.

Review 101：The friendliness of the staff

Review 102：Very friendly family run hostel. Very helpful

Review 103：I have been twice now with my girl and will be back. The welcoming kicked back quiet environment with friendly faces is awesome.

Review 104：a bit run down and kitchen not clean. No toilet paper

Review 105：cheap and friendly

Review 106：The place was scruffy, even for a backpackers

Review 107：Friendly owner

Review 108：really nice place and really nice owner.

Review 109：The owner was so friendly and nice . Such a lovely place .

Review 110：Short stay

Review 111：Host with the most :)

Review 112：Nothing

Review 113：The owner is sooooooo kind!!! He's always happy to help at anytime. And the kitty is lovely too. :)

Review 114：Very friendly and helpful, very relaxing thru out. Didn't really want to leave :) An will be returning

Review 115：warm and cosy, fire in lounge, easy to find

Review 116：The staff is were friendly

Review 117：Wish I could have stayed longer

Review 118：Ian the owner was so friendly and helpful made us feel right at home

Review 119：Beds were uncomfortable and overall the Lodge looked quite shabby

Review 120：Friendly owners and good location

Review 121：Very friendly and helpful.

Review 122：Heater in bathroom and very friendly host