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Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

2.0 star property
Art Deco hostel with a 24-hour front desk and a restaurant

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

Twin, Double & Single Ensuite | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets
Interior
Exterior
Terrace/patio
Daily cooked-to-order breakfast for a fee

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar
  • Breakfast available
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
1 Bunny Street Wellington Cbd, Wellington, 6011
  • TSB Bank Arena
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Te Papa
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Interislander Ferry Terminal
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Wellington (WLG-Wellington Intl.)
    ‪19 min drive‬

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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

Located in Pipitea, Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers is within a mile (2 km) of popular sights such as Te Papa and Cuba Street Mall. This 108-room hostel welcomes guests with conveniences like a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and free in-room WiFi.
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
  • Te Papa - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Cuba Street Mall - 19 min walk - 1.1 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 with a 24-hour front desk and a restaurant
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers features free WiFi in public areas, express check-out, and laundry facilities. The 24-hour front desk has staff standing by to help with access to locker space and securing valuables. Additional amenities include a vending machine and an ATM.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Safes are also included.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

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

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Food and drink

  • Weekday cooked-to-order breakfast available 8:00 AM to noon for a fee: NZD 15 to 30 for adults and NZD 10 to 30 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Laundry facilities
  • Lockers
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • Art Deco architecture
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Cable/satellite channels

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

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Deposit: NZD 20.00 per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately NZD 15 to 30 for adults, and NZD 10 to 30 for children
  • Late check-out fee: NZD 10 (subject to availability)

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

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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking out is easy with express services.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • This property accepts credit cards 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 complete COVID-19 vaccination at least 30 days prior to check-in.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

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

Is a free cancellation option available at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers offers free cancellation on some room rates. For additional details, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

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

As of Apr 4, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers on Apr 13, 2025 start from $35.57, 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.

What's there to see near Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

This hostel is situated in Pipitea within a short 16-minute walk of Te Papa and also 19 minutes on foot from Cuba Street Mall. You'll also find Lambton Quay and Archives New Zealand less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

No, this hostel doesn't offer parking.

Does Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers include a casino on the premises?

No, Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

What do couples enjoy most about Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

Couples will appreciate amenities like a bar, a restaurant, and a 24-hour front desk at this hostel.

Are there hot tubs at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hostel.

Does Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers serves a cooked-to-order breakfast on weekday mornings for a surcharge from its restaurant.

Will Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers though service animals are welcome.

Does Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers have connecting rooms?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

The closest major airport to Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers is Wellington Intl. Airport (WLG), which is 5.3 mi away (19 minutes by car). Another top airport is Paraparaumu (PPQ), which is around 28.4 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

No, at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers, there aren't any rooms that list a balcony.

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers Reviews

Reviews

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 234 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 410 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 232 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 68 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 57 out of 1001 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

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

2/10 Terrible

Anna

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Dirty room, uncomfy beds
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarai

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarai

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great service
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Handy from blue ridge to bus depot
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024