Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

2.0 star property

Photo gallery for Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

Twin, Double & Single Ensuite
Breakfast area
Interior
Exterior
Terrace/patio

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Laundry room
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk
The current price is NZ$84
includes taxes & fees
14 May - 15 May

Explore the area

View map
1 Bunny Street Wellington Cbd, Wellington, 6011
  • Place, Wellington Central Business District
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Lambton Quay
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Hnry Stadium
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Airport, Wellington (WLG-Wellington Intl.)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Room options

Double Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(27 reviews)
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Standard Double Room, Private Bathroom

  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Single (Shared Bathroom)

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(19 reviews)
  • 15 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Bunk Style Twin (Shared Bathroom)

  • 16 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (4 Beds)

  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (6 Beds)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 24 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (8 Beds)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Shared Dormitory, Ensuite (6 Bed, Female Only)

  • 24 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Twin, Double & Single Ensuite

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(18 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Double Shared Bathroom

7.6 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Single Room, Ensuite

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(15 reviews)
  • 19 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Premium Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

  • 24 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Double Room with Private Bathroom

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • Free Wi-Fi

Twin Double&Single Ensuite

  • Sleeps 3
  • Free Wi-Fi

Ensuite Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free Wi-Fi

Single Room With Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free Wi-Fi

Double Room with Shared Bathroom

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • Free Wi-Fi

Single Room with Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free Wi-Fi

Bed In 4-Bed Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 1
  • Free Wi-Fi

Bed In 6-Bed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free Wi-Fi

Bed In 8-Bed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free Wi-Fi

Bed In 8 Bed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free Wi-Fi

Premium Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free Wi-Fi

Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free Wi-Fi

Double or Twin Room

  • Sleeps 3
  • Free Wi-Fi

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About the area

Wellington

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers places you in the centre of Wellington, steps from Wellington Central Business District and within a short 5-minute stroll of Lambton Quay. Highlights at this Art Deco hostel include a restaurant and in-room free WiFi. .At the hostel's own lounge bar, you can stop for a drink. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas and laundry facilities. .Near this Pipitea hostel, you'll find Interislander Ferry Terminal.

What's nearby

  • Wellington Central Business District - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Lambton Quay - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Archives New Zealand - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • New Zealand Parliament Buildings - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Hnry Stadium - 13 min walk - 1.1 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Mojo Featherston - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Sir Breadwins - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪The Old Bailey - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Rydges Hotel - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

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
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
  • Locker space
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers offers 108 accommodations with a safe. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available

Food and drink

  • 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.
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Lift
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

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 and check-out are available

Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Contactless check-out

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 older; guests must have received complete COVID-19 vaccination at least 30 days prior to check-in

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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 on-site parking is available. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in all accommodation. 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 over; guests must have received their complete COVID-19 vaccination at least 30 days prior to check-in.

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities and services.

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

What is the cancellation policy at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

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

As of 13 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers on 14 May 2026 start from NZ$84, including 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.

Are there any beaches close to Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

The closest beach to Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers is Oriental Bay Beach (1.6 km).

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

No, Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant.

What time are check-in & check-out at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers Reviews

Reviews

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 244 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 405 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 221 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 74 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 59 out of 1003 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

6.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Sanjina

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No hotel parking available. Had to park on the street which got expensive. Hotel is really old. Bed sheets were dirty. When i took off the bad cover, i could see someones fallen hair on the white sheets. I knew it probably not been changed after the previous visitor checked out. The room didnt had any hair dryers, iron, fan or even heaters. Thank god they had heaters on the shower. Don't expect to see anything outside the windows. You will only see the walls and windows on other buildings. The room i stayed in, i could see the staffs of Datacom working on their desktops from the big windows. The reception staff was good and responsive. The first room she checked me in had the window lock broken. I requested to change the room and she gave me another room. I have stayed in other cheap hotels/motels before. They were pretty well maintained. Giving cheap rates doesnt mean you give trash experience to your client. I think i paid 80 or 90 NZD for 1 night.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026

8/10 Good

Harry

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly and helpful staff; good common room/ lounge; other amenities suitable.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

James

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
clean room, affordable price.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Sharmaine

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff , great room
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

CLAIRE, GrangeOverSands

Liked: Cleanliness
This rating is based on the balance of price and amenities. The room and ensuite were clean, if a little tired. The WiFi was not 100% reliable. I appreciated the tea/coffee facilities in the room. I did not make use of the communal areas. Very conveniently located for the train station and Bluebridge Ferry to Picton.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Neil

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, friendly staff and kitchen and common area.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Natkrita

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
The lady staff is really helpful and kind. Kitchen is clean and tidy compared to the age of building.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Sarai

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Alejandro

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Carole

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness
I had a late check-in after coming in on the 1am ferry and the staff were so friendly and nice! would recommend 100%
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Jarrad James

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Bunk was rocky & ladder broken. Every time you roll over noisy
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

4/10 Poor

Aswin

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

River

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were kind, room was as expected based on the amount paid, good location. A little dirty.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

4/10 Poor

Melinda

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Sonya

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pradhuman

Liked: Cleanliness
Cxxxx
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Sarai

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mayette

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Kate

Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
It was ok
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Rosemary

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Cleaners were friendly and helpful.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Qingyi

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Two bedrooms share a toilet and bath room in a separate corner. My bedroom has a sink with two faucets, with hot and cold water.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Douglas

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Elevators were a trip to ride. Very conveniently located across from the main rail station. Water was blisteringly hot, beds were comfortable enough for a good night’s nap.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was perfect, quiet, clean, simple. Great value for money. Will book again.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony, Waiuku

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, comfortable and close to train and ferry. The Gastro Pub attached/in the Hostel serves very good food in good portions. Enjoyable again.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025