Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

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

Photo gallery for Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

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

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
The current price is NZ$76
includes taxes & fees
31 July - 1 Aug

Explore the area

Map
1 Bunny Street Wellington Cbd, Wellington, 6011
  • Wellington Central Business District
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Te Papa
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Interislander Ferry Terminal
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Wellington (WLG-Wellington Intl.)
    ‪11 min drive‬

Room options

Double Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(20 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
LCD TV
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Cable channels
Iron/ironing board
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Premium Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Highlights

Heating
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 24 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

Twin, Double & Single Ensuite

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(16 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
LCD TV
Cable channels
Iron/ironing board
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (8 Beds)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Heating
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

Double Shared Bathroom

7.4 out of 10
Good
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
LCD TV
Cable channels
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (6 Beds)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Heating
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 24 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (4 Beds)

Highlights

Heating
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

Shared Dormitory, Ensuite (6 Bed, Female Only)

Highlights

Heating
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 24 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

Bunk Style Twin (Shared Bathroom)

Highlights

Heating
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 16 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

Single (Shared Bathroom)

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(13 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
LCD TV
Cable channels
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 15 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

Standard Double Room, Private Bathroom

Highlights

Heating
LCD TV
Private bathroom
Cable channels
Iron/ironing board
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Single Room, Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(12 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
LCD TV
Cable channels
Iron/ironing board
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
  • 19 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

Double Room with Private Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Bed In 4-Bed Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

Single Room with Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

Twin Double&Single Ensuite

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

Single Room With Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

Double Room with Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Bed In 6-Bed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

Ensuite Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

Bed In 8-Bed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

Bed In 8 Bed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

You may also like

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. .Attractions within a 30-minute walk of this Pipitea hostel include Te Papa and Interislander Ferry Terminal.

What's nearby

  • Wellington Central Business District - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • TSB Bank Arena - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Sky Stadium - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Te Papa - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Interislander Ferry Terminal - 2 min drive - 1.9 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
  • ‪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 24-hour front desk and restaurant
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.

Languages

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

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

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
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. 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

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

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 30 Jul 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers on 31 Jul 2025 start from NZ$76.15, 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

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 239 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 411 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 228 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 68 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 57 out of 1003 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

rg

Liked: Staff & service
Ok for a night
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

ivan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Mark

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Centrally located ,close to buses,trains,stadiums No hot water on the sunday morning
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

faith

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Deborah

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I arrived and was greeted ok. Didn't say what floor I was on but my room number was on a piece of paper. I asked about breakfast included they said no, it is worded about breakfast on the website, it should not be showing. The room numbers were confusing on the doors. It rained and was windy against my room window, a good draft came in through the shut windows, a little puddle of water appeared on the window sill, so yes the room was noisy with weather issues. TV didnt work. No knobs on the heater to work. Bed okish a bit lumpy. The inside of the wardrobe stunk and it had mould inside it. A bit of the ceiling was coming away in the shower. The lifts were good, lounge room ok, kitchen was ok. The vending machine was filled up with products. The area was convenient and close to the buses and railway station, central to the city. I won't be staying again. The place needs to be demolished and rebuilt in my opinion, its far too old. Rating 4/10
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

T

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
It was a good price and was clean and comfortable....nothing flash but close to everything. A good choice
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Megan

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Frances

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
We had to change our room three times as the first ones we were given were unsuitable, far too small and dark. Our third room was much better. We were disappointed there was no longer a restaurant in the hotel as we had stayed there a few years ago. You now have to go out and eat in the restaurant next door which wasn't always convenient.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
I have been at the Waterloo hotel in the past.It is cleaned regularly but nothing has been done in the building for at least 15 years in the kitchen or the communal parts: the carpet is worn out the Lino is sticky even just after being washed.My single room and shared bathroom has not been refurbished in years . The room was colder than the rest of the building fortunately the staff is very helpful and provided a small heater.On the positive side the staff is friendly and helpful and towels and bedding perfectly clean.It’s a shame that such a nice art deco building is not is not maintained properly.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

BRAD

Liked: Cleanliness
Very reasonable rates. Rooms were great and such an excellent location.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
stayed here a couple of times. It's convenient to the train station.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Michel

Disliked: Amenities
No shampoo, no soap in the bottle, no hairdryer. But the rest was excellent: Super fast check-in, across the street from train station, great location.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Allan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
kb
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Toni

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
This property was very convenient in the fact that it was right by the waterfront and near pretty much everything you need, however no parking was the downside, ended up having to pay $48 dollars for and overnight park💀, the building is definitely old and it shows, also has an odour, no refrigerator in the room so the milk capsules were warm and kind of gross tasting, other then that was not a bad place to stay for a night if your not to worried about the quality.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Joy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Pierre

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The bed was not confortable and the room was dirty
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Shayne

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Paul

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Dodo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very close with bluebridge
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

doris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice room, clean, everything I needed was there :)
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Hong Yuan

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean, very convenient to bus terminal; polite staff.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Hunter

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025