What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 10:00. Late check-out may be available for NZD 10, subject to availability.

Where is the property located in relation to key landmarks?

The property is centrally located in Wellington, within a 5-minute drive of the Interislander Ferry Terminal and Lambton Quay. It is 0.1 mi from the Wellington Central Business District and 0.3 mi from Old St Paul's.

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers in Wellington

Average nightly price at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	$27
February	$31
March	$31
April	$35
May	$37
June	$35
July	$35
August	$35
September	$32
October	$30
November	$29
December	$28

What guests think

At Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers, travellers consistently highlight the unbeatable location by Wellington Station and ferries, budget-friendly prices, and simple rooms, while noting the very old building, mixed upkeep, and noise from single-pane windows, wind, and traffic.

Many found rooms clean and adequate for short stays, appreciated friendly staff, secure access, and convenient extras like kettles or microwaves. Recurring downsides include dated decor, maintenance issues such as cracked or hard-to-close windows and flickering lights, occasional Wi-Fi problems, and variable cleanliness in some rooms and shared areas. Expect simple, budget accommodation geared to short stays near transport.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities are hostel-style: shared kitchen, laundry and luggage lockers, with in-room basics like kettles or microwaves; condition varies, with reports of broken lockers and some dirty areas. No on-site parking, with paid options nearby.

Related guest reviews

8

KAEDE

May 22, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Location, location, location. Nice and big common area. big amount of free food in the kitchen around noon.

8

Jean

Feb 18, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was clean & tidy. Waiting time to book in & out could be quicker if there were two staff members at the reception desk as opposed to one. Difficulties finding a 10-15 parking spot close to the entrance in order to drop off luggage etc as vehicle had to be parked at Grey Street secure parking

6

Toni

Mar 17, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

6

Dawn

Nov 15, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean room with broken window so very cold. In need of an update. Staff all friendly and helpful. Great location. Fridge and microwave and kettle in room plus shared kitchen

4

Alexandra

Jun 5, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

The room we were in was clean enough but I wouldn't want to put my bare feet on the floor. We went up to floor 6 to do laundry and the air was so think with weed smoke you could taste it. The laundry was disgusting and we just wanted to throw some togs in the dryer but we didn't want to touch them. Staff did their jobs but slowly and not with a smile. Wouldn't stay again even if I was catching the blue bridge first thing

8

Cary

Feb 7, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

For the price it was good. Noisy at night with traffic and thin walls but it was clean and had what we needed. Was a shame the lockers and pool table were broken

6

Andrew

Sep 30, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

8

Henry

Jun 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Although property old and under some repairs I found room facilities of coffee & milk & radiator heating welcoming. Kitchen self serving facilities good. Would stay there again & recommend to others

8

Sandra

Jul 24, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We liked the proximity to the railway station and downtown. Our double ensuite was clean. Generally quiet at night. Communal kitchen was well equipped, cleaned each morning, though of course not everyone cleans up after themselves. Good value for money.

8

Syaiful

Dec 15, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The common kitchen so dirty

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Cleanliness is inconsistent: many guests found rooms clean or very clean, while others reported stained linens, mold or odors, dirty carpets or kitchens, and occasional housekeeping misses.

Related guest reviews

6

Pierre

Mar 15, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The bed was not confortable and the room was dirty

10

Sarai

Nov 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room is clean and tidy

2

Ashlee

Jan 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

10

L M

Nov 3, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very clean room. Nice to have tea-making facilities and microwave. Staff always wonderful here.

8

Gwynell

Feb 21, 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Across road from railway sation. Clean well presented. En suite good.

2

anish

Oct 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Do not stay here!! Pictures on websites are deceptive to what the actual rooms and facilities are. Place stinks, is old and terribly outdated. Beds and beddings have stains and smelly. Floor carpet is filthy and smells. Overall stay was a nightmare. Staff unhelpful.

4

Rasmus

Feb 9, 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Utroligt slidt hotel og mangel på rengøring. Der var mange spændende ting under sengen og pletter på lagen.

4

Shama Rolyn

Sep 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Liked the friendly staff but the overall hygiene of the room not up to standard. The beddings were stained white sheets. The windows glasses cracked.

10

Jane

Dec 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was perfect, quiet, clean, simple. Great value for money. Will book again.

10

Anthony

Nov 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean and tidy, secure.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are basic and dated, often small, with recurring noise and drafts from single-pane or faulty windows; some guests noted comfortable beds and simple extras like a kettle or microwave. Wi-Fi can be unreliable.

Related guest reviews

6

Frances

Mar 23, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

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.

6

Brian

Jul 3, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very handy position close to the ferry terminal. The room was small but ok but lots of traffic noise. Other rooms on the other side of the building are quieter.

6

S

Mar 5, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

You get what you pay for. The window in my room was cracked and wouldn't close properly, meaning it was very noisy from the wind and the busy road. Room very dated, with stained linens and towels.

8

Robert Michael

Aug 19, 2025

·

Stayed 14 nights

Two things in room i stay need get fix one is window don't close alway and light was flickering be on. But is great place to stay at.

6

CINDY MAY

Dec 20, 2023

·

We had a queen room with our own bathroom . It was fairly clean . The shared kitchen was well organized . The hostel was really close to the train station and a grocery store and that’s the main reason we chose the hostel . But The room was quite small , not very sound proof . The bed wasn’t very comfortable . Tv reception was terrible and wifi was not very good . But you pay for what you get . And we only stayed one night so it was ok .

6

Gordon

Oct 3, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

A 2 star hotel so it's a bit old and tired, but has comfortable beds and hot showers. Close to public transport, eateries and within walking distance of the CBD

6

Dawn

Nov 15, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean room with broken window so very cold. In need of an update. Staff all friendly and helpful. Great location. Fridge and microwave and kettle in room plus shared kitchen

6

Mohamed

Sep 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Although it's not so bad about that hotel in general, it was so bad to stay one night at a place that offers no internet connection. Also, the staff did not advise on how I could access the network. The room was so noisy because of the severe wind that day as well.

8

Amanda

Dec 6, 2022

·

Stayed 19,331 nights

Nice room for the price, needed some repairs (window latch was broken making the room cold)

8

Elise

Nov 11, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was very clean and well laid out. The cleaning staff that I bumped into in the hall were so lovely. I wouldn’t recommend this place for someone that is a light-sleeper - as the building is very old, the sound proofing on the windows is non-existent so you can hear everything from the road below.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Many reviews praise friendly, helpful staff and smooth late or early check-ins, but others report rude or unwelcoming reception, slow check-in, and cleaners entering rooms despite do not disturb signs.

Related guest reviews

10

Catherine

Feb 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean, very convenient to bus terminal; polite staff.

8

Krolle

Feb 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great staff and good value for money.

6

Darijan

Jan 6, 2023

·

Stayed 19,362 nights

The cleaning staff likes to barge in, even with do not disturb sign on the door. everything else was good

4

Greg

Apr 7, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was old. Windows cracked and couldn't be closed in either room or Bathroom, Cleaning staff entered room at 9.10am without knocking and when checkout is 10am. Reception staff very rude and no help

10

L M

Nov 3, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very clean room. Nice to have tea-making facilities and microwave. Staff always wonderful here.

4

Marcus

Apr 26, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This is very convenient to the railway and bus stations, and the refurbished bathroom was fine. The rudeness and abruptness of reception was astonishing. The person on the desk could only say ‘ID!‘ in a demanding voice. There was no other communication in the signup process. It was hard to credit how offputting he was.

8

Jo

Feb 15, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Staff very helpful, nothing was a problem. I will certainly stay again. I had single room with ensuite, very satisfactory for the price!

10

Sarai

Nov 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff are very friendly and area is good.

2

Stephen

Feb 15, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Yes it was pretty cheap but for this price I still expect a shower that is useable, I went without as it was so disgusting. The check in process was ridiculously slow with just one person serving. Definitely would not stay there again!

8

Daniel

Nov 24, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The staff was friendly and helpful. The building was vintage but in decent repair. The location is excellent.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Exceptionally convenient across from Wellington Station and close to the Bluebridge ferry, waterfront and CBD. Several guests warn of traffic and wind noise due to busy roads and older windows.

Related guest reviews

8

Danae

Oct 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

8

Joe

Sep 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Convenient, central location.

10

Anthony

Nov 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean, comfortable and close to train and ferry. The Gastro Pub attached/in the Hostel serves very good food in good portions. Enjoyable again.

8

Gwynell

Feb 21, 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Across road from railway sation. Clean well presented. En suite good.

8

Devki

Oct 25, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

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.

8

Deb

Jan 25, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

I love that this was right across the street from the train station. It was also across from the water and had a Subway and McDonald’s right around the corner. Very convenient and clean.

8

Ken

Aug 21, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Excellent location… right across the street from the RR station

8

Isoa

Aug 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Convenient location to catch ferry, train and to go to the airport.

10

Cameron

Mar 3, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Itvwas very convenient being able to check in early. Being across the road from the train station made our whole trip very stressless

8

Leigh

Oct 16, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

This property is very well located. Close to the Wellington Rail station and buses. Walking distance to CBD.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

On-site dining is limited or variable: some mention an attached pub with good food, while others note there is no restaurant. Numerous cafes and fast-food options are nearby, and guests can use the shared kitchen (cleanliness varies).

Related guest reviews

8

Danae

Oct 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

6

Frances

Mar 23, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

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.

8

KAEDE

May 22, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Location, location, location. Nice and big common area. big amount of free food in the kitchen around noon.

10

Anthony

Nov 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean, comfortable and close to train and ferry. The Gastro Pub attached/in the Hostel serves very good food in good portions. Enjoyable again.

8

Devki

Oct 25, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

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.

8

Deb

Jan 25, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

I love that this was right across the street from the train station. It was also across from the water and had a Subway and McDonald’s right around the corner. Very convenient and clean.

6

Gordon

Oct 3, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

A 2 star hotel so it's a bit old and tired, but has comfortable beds and hot showers. Close to public transport, eateries and within walking distance of the CBD

6

Hala

Aug 4, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

This is a decent place for a quick stay and to be close to the station. I chose it for the location as I needed to be near the university and the station - otherwise, I'd say it's better to stay close to Cuba St or Willis St - other end of town. On the weekend it was really hard to find places that were open to eat. The carpet was dirty, the towels were stained and the room is very basic. So if you're not looking for anything flash, this place is convenient. The staff were super friendly!

8

Henry

Jun 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Although property old and under some repairs I found room facilities of coffee & milk & radiator heating welcoming. Kitchen self serving facilities good. Would stay there again & recommend to others

8

Syaiful

Dec 15, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The common kitchen so dirty

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $17	2 $17	3 $21	4 $21	5 $21	6 $24	7 $24
8 $19	9 $21	10 $24	11 $21	12 $21	13 $24	14 $28
15 $25	16 $24	17 $21	18 $21	19 $21	20 $24	21 $24
22 $19	23 $21	24 $37	25 $21	26 $25	27 $25	28 $24
29 $24	30 $25

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

Prices for Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Premium Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Shared Dormitory, Ensuite (6 Bed, Female Only)

Basic Single Room, Shared Bathroom

Single (Shared Bathroom)

Single Room, Ensuite

Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (6 Beds)

Twin, Double & Single Ensuite

Twin Room, Ensuite

Double Shared Bathroom

Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (4 Beds)

Shared Dormitory

Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (8 Beds)

Double Ensuite

Guest reviews of Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

Considering this hotel for your Wellington trip?

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21 $24	22 $17	23 $21	24 $24
25 $19	26 $17	27 $19	28 $17	29 $17	30 $19	31 $19