The Happy Backpacker

We had to cancel on check-in day because of technical issues and personal reasons. They kindly cancelled without charging us. Rebecca was a huge help. MVP, happy new year!

I slept really well both nights, and the bar downstairs wasn't very loud; the street was quiet too. There are good kitchen facilities, a lounge and a towel is included. The bathroom works, though it could use an update. Check-in was odd: I had to wait a few minutes at the bar until a server could help, so some signs would be useful. Check-out is at 10am, but the place opens then, so I'm not sure how an earlier departure would work. The staff were friendly, at least.

For the price, this is fantastic. The backpackers is very clean, and the rooms have comfortable beds, a table and chairs, and a vanity. There's a kitchen and dining space, two lounge areas, laundry, and an outdoor balcony overlooking the ocean. It's right in the heart of Penguin as part of the Neptune Grand Hotel. The staff were lovely, especially Ally, who offered to help us carry our things upstairs.

The location is great, but sadly I wouldn't choose to stay here again because of the fruit-pickers. It tends to get busy with them in the warmer months. They're polite, but get up noisily early, and the corridors end up full of crates with their work clothes and dirty boots. My room smelled of cigarette smoke.