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Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

2.0 star property
Art Deco hostel near Interislander Ferry Terminal

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

Twin, Double & Single Ensuite | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets
Breakfast area
Exterior
Interior
Terrace/patio

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

Map
1 Bunny Street Wellington Cbd, Wellington, 6011
  • Wellington Central Business District
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • TSB Bank Arena
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Interislander Ferry Terminal
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Wellington (WLG-Wellington Intl.)
    ‪19 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Double Ensuite

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Ensuite

  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Premium Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Premium Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

  • 258 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Twin, Double & Single Ensuite

Twin, Double & Single Ensuite | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin, Double & Single Ensuite

  • 248 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (8 Beds)

  • 280 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Shared Bathroom

  • 248 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (6 Beds)

Towels

Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (6 Beds)

  • 258 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (4 Beds)

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (4 Beds)

  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Ensuite (6 Bed, Female Only)

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Ensuite (6 Bed, Female Only)

  • 258 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Bunk Style Twin (Shared Bathroom)

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bunk Style Twin (Shared Bathroom)

  • 172 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Single (Shared Bathroom)

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single (Shared Bathroom)

  • 161 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room, Private Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Double Room, Private Bathroom

  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Single Room, Ensuite

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Room, Ensuite

  • 205 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Double Room with Private Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room with Private Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Bed In 4-Bed Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 4-Bed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Single Room with Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Room with Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Twin Double&Single Ensuite

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Single Room With Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Room With Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Double Room with Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room with Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Bed In 6-Bed Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 6-Bed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Ensuite Twin Room

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Ensuite Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Bed In 8-Bed Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 8-Bed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed In 8 Bed Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 8 Bed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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About the neighborhood

Wellington

Pipitea stay.At this Pipitea hostel, you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Lambton Quay. Archives New Zealand and Wellington Cenotaph are also within half a mile (1 km).
View more Hostels in WellingtonOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Wellington Central Business District - 2 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • TSB Bank Arena - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Sky Stadium - 12 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Te Papa - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Interislander Ferry Terminal - 3 min drive - 1.5 miles

Getting around

  • Wellington Station - 1 min walk
  • Wellington Intl. Airport (WLG) - 19 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Mojo Featherston - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Pita Pit Featherston - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Trax Bar & Cafe - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Thistle Inn Tavern - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

Art Deco hostel near Interislander Ferry Terminal
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces. Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers also features a vending machine, laundry facilities, and express check-out.

This Art Deco Wellington hostel is smoke free.

  • 108 guestrooms or units
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Front-desk safe
  • ATM
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Lockers available
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers offers 108 accommodations with safes. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Languages

Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, German, Italian

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Cable/satellite channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Towels provided

More

  • Heating
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: NZD 10
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
At check-in, guests must provide a record of full COVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19 vaccination record requirement applies to all guests aged 12 and up; guests must have received complete COVID-19 vaccination at least 30 days prior to check-in

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: NZD 20.00 per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Late check-out fee: NZD 10 (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. No onsite parking is available. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions. At check-in, guests must provide a record of full COVID-19 vaccination. The COVID-19 vaccination record requirement applies to all guests aged 12 and up; guests must have received their complete COVID-19 vaccination at least 30 days prior to check-in.

National rating

For the benefit of our customers, we have provided a rating based on our rating system.

Property is also known as

Downtown Backpackers
Downtown Backpackers Hostel
Downtown Backpackers Hostel Wellington
Downtown Backpackers Wellington
Hotel Waterloo Backpackers
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers Wellington
Hotel Waterloo Backpackers (formerly Downtown Backpackers)
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

Frequently asked questions

How close is Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers to the airport?

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers is 5.3 mi (19-min drive) away from the Wellington Intl. Airport (WLG) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

As of May 1, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers on May 4, 2025 start from $36.99, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers.

How close is Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers to the beach?

This hostel is 1.5 mi (6-min drive) from Oriental Bay Beach and 5.8 mi (21-min drive) from Princess Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers offer free breakfast?

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

No, there is no casino at this hostel.

What time is check-in at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

Free parking is not available at this hostel.

Does Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers have a pool?

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers does not have a pool.

Does Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hostel.

How close is Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers to downtown Wellington?

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers is 0.5 mi away from Wellington.

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers Reviews

Reviews

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 234 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 408 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 232 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 69 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 57 out of 1000 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

6.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

A M

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

2/10 Terrible

Ashlee

Disliked: Amenities
I’m amazed this space hasn’t been cited. The walls had splatters of who knows what, the mattress stained. The room smells of mold and mildew, with visible mold in bathrooms and on plumbing. The windows have cracks and cold air rips in. My heater was broken. All furnishings, carpet, tile, plumbing I think are genuinely from the original build-they’re filthy, in disrepair, and frankly, disgusting. The front desk was perpetually missing both times I visited. No bell to ring, just a “be back in 10-15m” sign. It was great to be directly across from the ferry, but I would never stay again, never recommend it, and it should be reviewed by a health team.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good value.

Very good value.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Mau

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location amd friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Ichiro

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

About location

Good location .
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Elin

Nice
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

WENDY

Disliked: Cleanliness
Shower didn’t work properly Didn’t get enough milk Or toilet paper Not as picture shows
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was great for an overnight stay. Price was right and handy for public transport
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

There’s a reason why the price is so low

The place was musty and smelled of mildew; it did not feel clean. The towels they provided were stained. A pane in the window was cracked and makes the room very cold and drafty at night.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Bogdan

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

2/10 Terrible

Jaran

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Doesnt look like the photos at all. Moldy everywhere. Just a bed in a room with a small tv . Windows where moldy, curtains where moldy. Carpets was heavily stained. Smelt bad all over the property. Huuuge disapointment. Wouldnt recommend. I wanted a refund but didint feel comfortable talking to staff about it all as they didint seem like they wanted to even check me in. Lazy. Dont go here.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jodie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Mahja

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
You are getting what you pay, the building is an old building. So dont expect a 3 or 4 star hotel. However, the staff are amazing! & very helpful!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Frank

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Lachie

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
This place just had a creepy vibe to it. Did its job as a room but wouldn’t want to stay much longer than we did.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Clemens

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Sue

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
This is an old hotel in a location that is fantastically central to train and ferry. Despite the building being very tired, the bed was comfortable, sheets and towels, cup and kettle fresh and tidy. The receptionist was personable and pleasant. The luggage lockers are a real bonus.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Devki

Disliked: Staff & service

Budget friendly for a reason

Location cannot be beat...nextto train station and ferry to South Island. But proximity is noisy, and building/rooms are old. Excellent coffee place around corner.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Veronica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
great value for money
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

4/10 Poor

Clemens

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mervyn

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very convenient very suitable for my visit
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Elana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Property is quirky and interesting although very old and in need of renovation. Bathroom small and cramped but clean. Location close to parliament convenient and also bus to airport. Staff helpful and responsive. Luggage stored ahead of checking in. Dealt promptly with unruly patron.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Danae

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to the Wellington Station for bus and train, close to the waterfront. It was an easy walk to the waterfront and the city and attractions, and there were plenty of eating/food choices nearby. It had all the facilities we needed for an overnight stay.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

4/10 Poor

Jesse

Business traveler
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

If you don’t care about were you sleep

Bed was not made from the person that stayed before me. The cleaner just made it thinking it was okay. It was very upsetting. The staff man was very nice and helped us and gave us another room. I wouldn’t ever stay there again. I stayed in the double bed ensuite room.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Andrew

Liked: Staff & service
Being my real only option for a place to stay (two big events happening in town) it served it’s purpose the bad points where the size of the 6 bedroom dormitory and ensuite ( climbing the ladder to the top bunk was dodgy and the plug to block off the tap for the shower meant low water pressure) I wouldn’t stay more than one night in the dormitory but the single room with ensuite probably would have been a better option for me. The location ( public transport, sports stadium and town) and being able to use to lockers before check in was a bonus.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024