Choice Backpackers

"I decided to stay in this hostel my last week before leaving New Zealand and after two days I'm very disappointed. I will start with positive aspects. Hostel is in city center close to bus station and to all attraction. There is a lot of expensive small grocery but if you wanna save some money you need at least go 15 min to countdown. (not metro) There is good Wi-Fi conection I didn't have problem so far. I like to lobby/lounge on B-floor there are some cosy seats and couches, pool, table soccer or shelf with books. Likely enough space in fridge. There is laundry which can be used by hosts. You need some $2 coins to use it and if you don't have washing powder you can buy a dose for $1 on reception. Unlimited warm shower is definitely an advantage. The price of hostel is very friendly and affordable but comparing with service not satisfying. You can get the best price if you book your room directly on Choice Backpackers website. Don't let the stuff do it for you. I booked 8 dorm room to cut my costs, which was already paid, and I came a day sooner so I needed the room one night longer. The stuff offered me to make reservation for me, what sounds like great idea and then I payed for a private room and they let me stay there, what finaly was cheaper but I didn't have contact with other people staying here. On the other side, I came before check-in and I was able to leave there my luggage and they pay attention on my laptop. My private room is on 10th floor, where does only one lift go, so sometimes I have to wait long time until I get to my room. The room is small, cold and ugly, the windows are dirty and you can not close them properly. I feel the draft whole time. Bed sheets are thin and dark colour, probably to not see if it is washed properly. I decided to sleep in my sleeping bag as well because of temperature. The bed is a bit broken. The kitchen is splitted in 4 rooms...fridge room, storage room, dining room and kitchen itself. Hostel offers some dishes, pots and cutlery and there is as well oven which isn't standart in hostels around the NZ. I used to separate my litter and it's a bit annoying if there is three mixed rubbish bins. I would definitely add some bins in the kitchen, because it is the place where the most rubbish is produced. The dining room is very small, looks ugly sometimes are the tables dirty and the light is depressive (grey-white). I don't feel welcomed here. So I prefere to eat in lounge. I'm really disappointed of the people living here, they are not really friendly, are open to talk to people and they steal food."

"Stayed here three nights and would definitely go back. The staff (James and Maddy) were super friendly. James was a huge help with providing some specific accommodations for my ski trip and very willing to answer questions about the area. The rooms were a bit small but for the price it’s hard to beat."

"The location of this hostel is perfect. It’s in the CBD core where you can find public transportation to go anywhere. There are fast food places everywhere, and it’s a block away from a big supermarket. If you are looking for a quiet place, this might not be the best option for you. But if you want to have fun and meet amazing people, you definitely have to try Choice Backpackers. You will meet James at the reception, who is a superstar who makes the atmosphere even better. He is always ready to help and give you tips on what to do in the city. I had a blast staying here and I will come back anytime. The only thing the hostel needs in my opinion, is lockers, but they are already putting them into the rooms. So 5 stars out of 5! I’ve stayed there for 3 months, and I will definitely come back!!!"

"This is a great hostel even for longer time stays! I stayed here for more than 2 months myself and don’t have anything to complain about. The staff is really nice. James the receptionist helped me a lot with my visa application and finding a good fitness studio in Auckland downtown. Very friendly, young and happy hostel guests stay here and still it’s quite in the nights even in 8 bed dorms. Would stay here again any time :)"

"The facilities of this hostel are quite good - they have a very favourable ratio of residents per bathroom, with 1-2 small bathrooms with showers, toilet, sink on each floor, as well as several toilet-only stalls. With the exception of the lovely murals on most floors, the building and facilities aren't pretty, but they are functional. Rooms are small, but, again, serve their purpose. Table, chair and sufficient power outlets in each room. Towels were provided. During my stay, the other guests included a few large families as well as some older people among the normal backpacker clientele. Good kitchen facilities (apart from a faulty stovetop). The reception is easily accessible from the street and conveniently located. Lounge/dining areas were slightly lacking, but nonetheless, the hostel maintained a casual, friendly, communal energy. Lovely views of Auckland (if you get the right window aspect). For what I payed, I was impressed with the hostel as a whole. I enjoyed my stay and felt safe as young female traveller. Would stay there again."