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Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

2.0 star property
Art Deco hostel near Wellington Central Business District

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

Twin, Double & Single Ensuite
Breakfast area
Exterior
Interior
Towels

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a 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

View all photos for Double Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Double Ensuite

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Ensuite

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

View all photos for Single (Shared Bathroom)

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single (Shared Bathroom)

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(19 reviews)
  • 15 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (4 Beds)

  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (6 Beds)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 24 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (8 Beds)

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (8 Beds)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

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)

  • 24 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Twin, Double & Single Ensuite

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

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 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Double Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Shared Bathroom

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

View all photos for Single Room, Ensuite

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Room, Ensuite

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(15 reviews)
  • 19 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Premium Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Premium Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

  • 24 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Single (Shared Bathroom)

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single (Shared Bathroom)

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Single Room, Ensuite

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Room, Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Basic Single Room, Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Basic Single Room, Shared Bathroom

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Twin Room, Ensuite

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin Room, Ensuite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Shared Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the area

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 km
  • Lambton Quay - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Archives New Zealand - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Beehive - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Hnry Stadium - 13 min walk - 1.1 km

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
  • ‪Sir Breadwins - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪The Old Bailey - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Rydges Hotel - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

Art Deco hostel near Wellington Central Business District
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.

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  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • Microwave
2.6 out of 5, 438 reviews
The price is CA $45
CA $53 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 15 - Jun 16
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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
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.
  • 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
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 onsite 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 each 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 up; 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

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 Jun 2, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers on Jun 21, 2026 start from CA $56, 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. 243 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 404 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 221 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 74 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 59 out of 1001 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

6.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Lisa

Excellent location, will stay again if in Wellington
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Elaine

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Great location. Secure room. Room was clean even though some aspects dated - carpet buckled. Window in bathroom could not close - was tied in place with a shoelace. When a cold wind was blowing, the bathroom was very cold.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026

6/10 Okay

Rhonda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The room reflected the price, perfectly satisfactory
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Gwynell

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Across road from railway sation. Clean well presented. En suite good.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Jeff

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Good basic place to stay. Handy to train and ferry terminals plus airport bus.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 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