Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers descritpion

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers offers budget accommodation in the centre of Wellington. It features a 24-hour guest kitchen, self-service laundry facilities and a games room with pool tables. Guests receive 1 hour of free WiFi per day.
Formerly the historic Hotel Waterloo, which hosted Queen Elizabeth II’s entourage on her 1953 Coronation Tour, the hostel features elegant staircases, high ceilings and a café in the old ballroom.
Wellington Railway Station is only 650 feet from Wellington Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers. It is an 8-minute walk to TSB Arena and a 12-minute walk to Westpac Stadium.
Private and shared rooms are available. All rooms include heating and bed linen is provided. Each private room has a work desk and cable TV. Secure lockers are provided for all guests.
Hotel Waterloo House Bar specialises in fun activities and bar games every evening. 24-hour reception is available and the tour desk can book Interislander ferries, bus tours and trains around the North Island.

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The staff speaks English——Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers's staff speaks:English,German
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Facilities of Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Pool Table | Game Room

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar

Internet ：WiFi is available in all areas and charges apply.

Parking ：No parking available.

General ：Paid WiFi | Facilities for Disabled Guests | Elevator | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)

Languages Spoken ：English | German

Reviews for Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

Review 1：Building is old, but visible ongoing maintenance is appreciated. Only mildly inconvenient in moving through corridors.

Review 2：Good location. 24 hour reception. Strong WiFi. Friendly staff. Overall pleasant experience. Would (and have) stay again.

Review 3：The rooms were not pleasant & we stayed in a twin bunk room which had a very horrible large brown stain on the mattress which went through to the other side!!!! They provided two flat sheets which I can only imagine was to compensate for the terrible state of the mattress. The rooms & bathrooms are very run down & not the cleanest. One of the worst rooms we've stayed in from all the hostels we've stayed in throughout NZ.

Review 4：Staff were helpful & booked our airport shuttle bus got us. They also gave good local knowledge of the area. The location for us was great not too far from anything.

Review 5：i don't like the tub because its slippery and very dangerous to slip on

Review 6：I like the location. The room is quite big and bed is comfortable to sleep on.

Review 7：The carpet smelt really strong of cleaning product? The bathrooms could do with some renovation. The desk we had took up a lot of space which we would preferred open. We were unaware of the start time/delay of wifi from when you use it.

Review 8：Friendly staff.

Review 9：The bunk beds were so squeaky that we pulled the top matress off the bed and put it on the floor. The plaster was crumbling in the bathroom. The desk top in the room felt like dried spilt Coke.

Review 10：Kitchen had everything you need including a walk in fridge!

Review 11：The staff was not helpful at all. We asked about where to park the car and they sent us to a parking where I had to pay 40 NZD for the night, while i found out I could have parked in front of the hotel for 4 NZD for the same period of time.

Review 12：No mini fridge in double/twin with own ensuite rooms.. to keep milk etc cold, the milk goes off too quick.needs mini fridge.

Review 13：Restaurant and bar... And location.

Review 14：Room could have been cleaner, there were beer bottle caps by the basin, and the surface wasn't wiped. Not life threatening but unpleasant. Peeling paint.

Review 15：Safe, restaurant good, staff very pleasant.

Review 16：The room was noisy and cold. It had poor sound and heat insulation. Stairwells had been stripped presumably in anticipation of future renovation. The view was of vents and other Windows.

Review 17：Great location. My room was clean and comfortable. Bag store worked well

Review 18：Not the best customer service. Couldn't even check in as you had to have photo identification. Not everyone has photo id. I had to waste more time looking for another affordable place to stay.

Review 19：Very near to station but a little out the way to courtney place but only 10 minute walk

Review 20：For bacpackers/hotel rooms very clean bed very comfortable best part was I was located at the back part of hotel so no night traffic noise inside or out. Very comfortable affordable hotel for wellington

Review 21：We arrived on an early morning flight (after a 10 hour drive to Melbourne airport) feeling tired and grubby, just wanting to dump our bags and count the minutes until check in time. Staff couldn't have been more friendly and helpful; checked us into a vacant room and recommended an awesome place for breakfast. Fantastic first impression of NZ

Review 22：Windows rattled at night with the wind but i can sleep anywhere. But this would of annoyed me a little otherwise.

Review 23：Great location near train/ bus station, ferry terminal and town!!

Review 24：Facilities in room is so bad, heater can't use, no window in bathroom, blankets is so thin that we must wear clothes to sleep.

Review 25：Come to Wellington by Blue Bridge ferry, so the location of the hotel is the best.

Review 26：It was so run down. Staff were rude to our well behaved school group. It was very noisy. The shared bathrooms were left soaking wet by other occupant with no dry bath mats to use.

Review 27：The proximity to town and train. My room was comfortable.

Review 28：The damn Wellington wind!!

Review 29：The location regarding tourist facilities, the amenities at the hotel, the lovely room (refurbished from when I was there last time)

Review 30：I had a double room with ensuite. The hotel is somewhat faded and definitely not glossy and luxurious but was excellent value for the money. I found it very comfortable and friendly.

Review 31：The kitchen was not clean and smell weird, the corridor was smell weird, while the room was clean but it smell weird as well

Review 32：Location and there is a fast food restaurant next to...

Review 33：The room was pretty old and tired. Parts of the place could do with a good spruce up.

Review 34：Good bar & common areas. Good to have 25 hour reception. Reception staff were friendly and helpful.

Review 35：Check in and Out was a breeze and completely hassle free. I incorrectly entered my arrival time and was able to easily have the time changed with no additional fees. Staff were friendly and worked efficiently to get through their waiting line. The room was spacious and cleaning services came daily. Had a TV in my room which was an unexpected bonus. Would definitely recommend the Hotel to others looking for affordable and easy access to town and transport.

Review 36：It not really bad but the door knob of the bathroom/toilet was a little troublesome,ie, I had some trouble unlocking from the inside. It is ok with me but it is a noisy place from the traffic so some people might not like it.

Review 37：So central to everything. This was my 3rd stay .

Review 38：Very nice reception and dining room staff, they behaved like professional hoteliers. A clean comfortable room with tv, and towels soap provided. Very nice large airy space for dining and sitting. Location next to railway station and bus depot made it easy to arrive and depart.

Review 39：The ability to prepare meals and make a cup of tea whenever we needed to. The value of the room was affordable. Options and choice of type of room to use was very good. Staff were helpful and offered very good customer care. A safe place to store our luggage while we waited for our room. Accessible to public transport

Review 40：Run down, shabby interior... could really do with a lick of paint and some new carpet! The mattress was terrible too. Overall, I think the location ratings would skew the total review score...

Review 41：The location is good! It is OK if you need a bed after your ferry crossing..

Review 42：Free Wi-Fi just for an hour

Review 43：I stayed in a single room with private bathroom. It was completely renovated and new, so I liked it very much. It was also clean. My friends stayed in double room with shared bathroom, it was not renovated so it was different story. Location was also very good, right by the train and bus station, which has connection to the airport. Also not far away from the centre.

Review 44：It's not luxurious, but what do you expect in this price range?!

Review 45：Cheap and cheerful, but perfectly located for the railway station; a two minute walk.

Review 46：Windows were thin so first of all it was a little bit cold and windy in the room. Windows were to the backyard so had to keep curtains closed anyways. At 4 am some truck was unloading its cargo which was really loud. Wondering why the windows were there after all.

Review 47：It was just next to the NakedBus busstop and the railway station (and the busstop to the airport was also near) so for us the location was perfect. Room was nice and clean, breakfast was quite cheap and good and staff was really friendly.

Review 48：Nothing at all (a view would be cream on the cake) but it didn't make any difference as we were out and about

Review 49：Never thought I'd do we were pleasantly surprised at the place it is a good place to stay as we are in our 70, so it was a learning curve and it was fine we enjoyed our time together in the future would stay again

Review 50：Once we arrived, receptionist was rude, didnt say hello. Kept typing on computer and ignored us for a few minutes.

Review 51：Good location. Walkin distance to most places. Cheap

Review 52：So handy to town and the Elton John concert at the Stadium A very short walk there and back. Also great for the shops and markets at the weekend as we flew in and didn't have transport

Review 53：explain to foreign travelers to make up the beds with a bottom sheet and top sheet. Most do not do this and sleep on the mattress and duvet.

Review 54：Eco consciousness, very tidy kitchen, friendly bar staff.

Review 55：Got a splinter from a cracked window while I was opening it. Door lock was a bit dodgy and took brute force and ignorance to open. Could do with some tlc.

Review 56：Great location.

Review 57：The room was noisy from outsiders fan. The curtains were thin and there was a lot of light shining through from adjoining office block.

Review 58：I liked the comfortable bed. Also how they accommodated with disable friendly room

Review 59：Free wifi was limited to one hour. The whole building is a little shabby but the advantages of staying here outweighed that.

Review 60：The location is perfect for catching an early morning train or ferry. The desk staff were very welcoming, friendly and helpful. Good sized room with comfortable beds, huge, walk in wardrobe, decent shower room. Made use of the bar and balcony.

Review 61：Dirty old building, seriously needs improvement of the facilities. Paid relatively much for the room but did not get the quality we expected.

Review 62：Good location, free wifi

Review 63：More than an hour of WiFi would be better as the connection is a bit wiggly and the connection was intermittent.

Review 64：Love, love, love the era of the building and its location to downtown Wellington.

Review 65：The same conditions as seven years ago. The bathroom dirty,bathtub only to be used with shower.No tap.No plugs,I use always my plug which I take always with me.Some internetsites give 4 stars.Maximum 2 stars are correct.

Review 66：Big room for three .Walking by foot from the Train Station after Arrival.Sheets and towels were clean.

Review 67：Our first impression was of the reception staff. The one we dealt with was very unsmiling and did not feel very approachable and spoke the bare minimum. Not welcoming! We were on the same floor as a class of very lively and excited 10/11 year olds who were in and out of their rooms shouting in the corridors and playing in the lifts. Although individually they were very polite it did not help for a restful early evening stay in our room.

Review 68：The price, the cleanliness of the room, the cooked breakfast, Great view of the railway station. Help with onward journey bus details.

Review 69：Staff were brainless, bed so bad you may as well sleep on the floor, poor kitchen, builders in at 7am next to our room... I could go on for a while

Review 70：It being opposite the ferry terminal

Review 71：No possible criticism. Best location in NZ for access to public transport and pickup car parking was usually possible. Site sometimes too windy for easy baggage handling aross the street.

Review 72：It was a very enjoyable experience for two aged folk like us. Simply can't find fault at all and would certainly recommend the Hotel for budget conscious people.

Review 73：We found the room comfortable / warm with its en-suite and ideal for our situation. The café and meals were very good value and the bar had a pleasant ambiance and staff in both café and bar very pleasant.

Review 74：Can't control heater in room. We got quite hot, so had to open window. It was very noisy outside so didn't get the best sleep. Very minor issue though. Overall, an excellent place to stay.

Review 75：Location-very close to train, ferry and town.

Review 76：After the first free hour per day, the wifi is quite expensive given it has also a data limit that you can quickly reach using a computer. For me was strange that towels where optional

Review 77：Possibility to use long-term lockers, pub within the structure, big and well equipped kitchen

Review 78：Although decor old and shabby,everything was clean and convenient. The staff very helpful and meals were large and tasty. The cafe opening early enough to get breakfast before I had to leave for the Auckland train was excellent . Will definitely book again thank you.

Review 79：The property is quite old but still worth the penny. :)

Review 80：The staff were very friendly and helpful. The location is very close to the embassy, city centre and bus stops.

Review 81：Some of the rooms have not been refurnished for a while, but they tell me they are working on that, a floor at a time. I have stayed in the refurbished ones and they are excellent.

Review 82：Bluebridge Interislander Ferry, train station, bus stop and central city just a few steps away. Location, location, location. Enjoy the kitchen facilities for more economical living, and also the cafe with its variety of choices. Love the free range eggs !!! They are always happy to change dates, or cancel, when circumstances make it necessary, as long it is more than a day in advance, with no cancellation fee.

Review 83：Have stayed afew times with my partner and loved the room we have been given but first time staying on my own. Found the room this time very basic, just a bed and table but it was clean, although abit tried looking.

Review 84：Loved that it was only a stroll away from all interesting city attractions.

Review 85：Bathroom was a bit dated (crumbly paint) also no sink so we had to wash hands in the bedroom sink.

Review 86：Great location near intercity bus drop off and inter islander bus pickup. Friendly staff. Cafe was nice and modern, food was great!

Review 87：Industrial-type noise from next door during late hours. Men and women debating loudly near our room at 1am Friday 16th October.

Review 88：Friendly helpful staff. Good facilities. Close to food outlets and Wellington Railway Station.

Review 89：We were not impressed with the ensuites in the single rooms. Almost felt like they could be a health and safety issue, especially with the age of some of our group. Not ideal having to step up and into a bath to shower. They could also do with a major over haul...That would include the bathrooms in the hallways.. Also felt the heating on level 3 was way to warm.. maybe it has to be.. to heat the water maybe, but it was quite uncomfortable at times.

Review 90：The staff were very friendly and helpful, especially the kitchen lads William and Shawn couldn't do enough for us.. and they sure know how to cook eggs... Beds very comfortable and fresh linen supplied was wonderful. Location is excellent.

Review 91：The Waterloo was exactly what I had expected. I had booked a single room, it was basic but inviting and clean. The staff were friendly and helpful. The location perfect for someone not used to the city

Review 92：Not a bad experience, but the heating unit ( i think it was that ) in the service shaft was quite noisy at night. Also the hot water in the shower on the friday night was only lukewarm.

Review 93：Central to the city. Room rates were reasonable.

Review 94：in- conciderate neighbours, talked loudly until after midnight, and left the bathroom floor awash because they had their shower curtain outside the bath, and didn't use the bath mat. Neither problem had anything to do with your establishment though.

Review 95：Extremely comfortable matress., Convienence to railway st.

Review 96：a double room (because a "single" not available) but it was small with bunks and not a proper bed, certainly not double; with a bunk you can't really sit up in bed, also there needs to be a handbasin in the toilet. As it is guests have to walk through two doorways to get to the handbasin in the room.....It is old and worn which is ok for me, however, the wear can look dirty...the female staff on floor one in the lounge/café were very pleasant, not so the older gentleman....very helpful at reception

Review 97：central location

Review 98：Wifi was limited to 1hr for every 24hour stay with them!! Housekeeping: they did not do the bed but just left clean towels on the unmade bed!!

Review 99：Room was unexpectedly small for the price I paid. It was a single room with shared bathroom. They could have provided with free unlimited wifi and coffee/tea making facilities.

Review 100：Nothing

Review 101：The proximity to all facilities and comfort obviously enjoyed by a diverse group of people who were so friendly to each other. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, a home away from home

Review 102：Travel companion was in a room on the back of the building found the noise of the fans very disturbing. For myself finding a baby bottle full of sour milk under my bed when checking I had all my belongings prior to checking out

Review 103：A warm comfortable bed and room good meals in the cafe. Easy access to all we wanted to do or see.

Review 104：I often stay at this hotel and it's the first time the heating was broken in my room I got another blanket.I hope it will be fixed and not happen again

Review 105：Calm, friendly staff ,good price,one of the best inthis category of backpacker.close to train and bus station.possibility to have lunches and breakfast.

Review 106：both times the one bedside light didn't work, first time it was reported and fixed, didn't bother reporting second time. Tables in restaurant should have been wiped down more often.

Review 107：Staff at reception very helpful. Rooms were clean and comfortable. Very convenient location The option of cooking or purchasing meal

Review 108：The facilities were fantastic but if we had one little thing it was that the lounge room could have done with a bit of TLC. Was dark and a few new couches would look better.

Review 109：Loved the location close to railway station and waterfront.

Review 110：Didn't stay for breakfast or use the facilities other than the bar but on a longer stay I would have done so

Review 111：Excellent Location, with very friendly staff and my son loved the pool tables. Would choose to stay here again if I revisit Wellington for sure

Review 112：Having to get bike out of the car park building by 8:00 a.m on Sunday morning. No glasses in the room. Shame the baths have been taken out of the rooms

Review 113：Great location, charming building, easy motorcycle parking, obliging staff, breakfast

Review 114：The heaters in the bedrooms were too hot, about half that temperature would have been more comfortable. The room I was 1st given was extremely noisy outside, think it was aircons and there was not way I would have been able to sleep with the constant noise. Thankfully my room got changed

Review 115：Very pleasant and helpful staff

Review 116：A bit noisy because of some mechanical sounds outside the building

Review 117：Great location right in front of the railway station. Historical building looks stylish. Beds are comfortable. Very warm.

Review 118：Water pressure in hand basin was useless. Needed to leave my bag when I checked out at 9:30am and had to pay $2 for 6 hrs then when I returned to collect my bag at 4:10pm I had to pay another $2 to get it out. Left a very bad taste after paying $110 for the room. I will find somewhere else next time.

Review 119：Very clean and comfortable with friendly staff. Had a good shower in the ensuite.

Review 120：A very well located location and definitely value for money, I would not hesitate in suggesting this place to friends. The room was very clan and the bed was very comfortable. The food was also very good.

Review 121：It was very noisy. I don't know what was going on outside my window but the constant humming was not ideal

Review 122：The distance to the train was perfect as too was the distance to the bus stops which made my travelling so much easier. The room was really warm and comfortable which was nice considering the miserable weather outdoors.

Review 123：Brilliant location if you are participating in the Wellington Marathon or anything to do with the 'Cake Tin' for that matter! The kitchen facilities are perfectly adequate to cook up a feast to your liking.

Review 124：the outer door to my room would not open unless you pulled then turned handle then pushed, inner door turn handle and it would open. i had a lot of trouble with that outer door until i figured out how to open it. it sucked

Review 125：The staff where very helpful

Review 126：Great place to stay, friendly, helpfull staff and just across the road from train station, with supermarket, and close to bus hub too. Everything your need is so close. The guest kitchen is awesum and well equipped.

Review 127：Despite being across the road from a busy Railway station and above a bar there was no noise and we both slept like babes. Loved the Art Deco design. The kitchen offered great meals - Basil and Olive pasta - yum!

Review 128：Front help desk could have been more helpful and cheerful. Got more help from the help desk at the train station about attractions in Wellington rather than the helpdesk at Waterloo. We were suppose to check in at 1500 but room was not ready until 1600.

Review 129：Location and bar and self help kitchen as well as cafe.

Review 130：There's no parking available so if you have a car, you'll need to find paid parking which was a little annoying as we were staying for a couple of nights. Some of the bathrooms were old and not very nice.

Review 131：The bar has nightly deals. Large kitchen and communal eating area.

Review 132：booked on line for my daughter as she had no money. gave them my card no. when she got there they ased her to pay. she couldnt and they charghed me to cancle on my card. i will be makeing a 2hr drive to get my money back and tell them what i think of them

Review 133：None

Review 134：I was pleased with the affordable price of a warm room with good facilities. The food was good and I enjoyed the company of the others sharing the room. I had easy access to Wellington's waterfront, specialist shops theatres, art galleries and capital city amenities. I am recommending the Waterloo to friends.

The Fine Print

You must show a valid photo ID (passport, driver's license, Hanz 18+) upon check-in. Please note that all special requests cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability upon check-in. Additional charges may apply.Please inform Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers prior to check-in your estimated arrival time.Kindly contact Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers directly if any member of your party is under 18, using the contact details found on the booking confirmation.