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
Breakfast area
Terrace/patio

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
The current price is AU$86
includes taxes & fees
15 Dec - 16 Dec

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, New Zealand Parliament Buildings
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Airport, Wellington (WLG-Wellington Intl.)
    ‪14 min drive‬

Room options

Double Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(24 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

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 (Shared Bathroom)

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(17 reviews)

Highlights

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

Bunk Style Twin (Shared Bathroom)

Highlights

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

Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (4 Beds)

Highlights

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

Shared Dormitory, Ensuite (6 Bed, Female Only)

Highlights

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

Twin, Double & Single Ensuite

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(18 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 Twin Bed

Double Shared Bathroom

7.6 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)

Highlights

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

Single Room, Ensuite

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(14 reviews)

Highlights

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

Premium Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Highlights

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

Double Room with Private Bathroom

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2

Twin Double&Single Ensuite

  • Sleeps 3

Ensuite Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2

Single Room With Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1

Double Room with Shared Bathroom

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2

Single Room with Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1

Bed In 4-Bed Dormitory

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

Bed In 6-Bed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

Bed In 8-Bed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

Bed In 8 Bed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

Premium Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

  • Sleeps 1

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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. .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
  • Lambton Quay - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Beehive - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • New Zealand Parliament Buildings - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Sky 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
  • ‪Concorde Café - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Rydges Hotel - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Thistle Inn - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪The Old Bailey - ‬5 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.

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
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

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 8 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers on 15 Dec 2025 start from AU$86.11, 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. 242 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 408 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 221 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 72 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 59 out of 1002 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

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

6/10 Okay

Liz

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was fine staff could of been more welcoming
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were lovely. Accommodation was average but i was solo travelling so for price i couldnt complain.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Alan

Travelled with family
Y
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Mohamed

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Ken

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Excellent location… right across the street from the RR station
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Robert Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
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.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Isoa

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Isoa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Convenient location to catch ferry, train and to go to the airport.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Furqan Haider

Dirty towels, Broken bath room without soap.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Hala

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service
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!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

William

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent option, private and a fair price
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Coen

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

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

10/10 Excellent

Stephen, palmerston North

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
For a start not enough milk
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Ritaben

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Bathrooms really needed to get cleaned or upgraded 😢 Beds are not so great 😒
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Henry

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pouneta

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gee

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Csaba

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Thant was a bit chilly in the room, and in the bathroom through the wall grill was constant noise
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great value.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
L9vely old art deco building. It is old and well used but well maintained and clean. Perfect for travelling without a vehicle. I felt safe.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Susannah 'Roxy'

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No frills. Just what I needed for a night in town for an early morning event.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025