The Attic Backpackers

Arriving after hours was no problem. They emailed clear check-in instructions, so getting in late was stress-free. They also have useful information about tours and local activities around Queenstown, which helped while I was still planning. The shared spaces are roomy and comfortable, with big indoor lounges, an outdoor area, sofas, and lots of board games. It was easy to relax or meet people without feeling crowded. The kitchen is large, clean, and organised, so cooking still works when several people are there. My room was spacious, with a comfortable bed and pillows, and the bathrooms stayed clean and roomy during my visit. Towels cost extra, though you can bring your own. I had a really good stay at Attic Backpackers. It's a solid, comfortable hostel with clean spaces and good vibes, with what you need for a pleasant stay.

I stayed at the attic for ages, longer than I'll admit, and had the best time. I felt welcome right away, and Estelle, the myth and the legend, checked me in. The hostel was clean and relaxed, everyone was friendly, and I made friends for life. Love you, my attic family. I'll be back to visit. If you're debating whether to book, do it, you'll love it. Attic, you'll always mean a lot to me.

For a budget stay, it should be fine if price is your main concern. The location's good, the kitchen is decent, and the staff were very helpful. But it needs renovation. The lobby and social space smelled awful, and the basic dorms had wobbly beds and no sockets nearby. It wasn't especially social, and there weren't any activities.

The location was a huge bonus, and I really enjoyed staying here. I'd book again. The kitchen was always in decent shape, and there was a generous pile of free food left behind by backpackers. I liked the balcony for getting some social time in. There's also a lounge, though I never used it. I often worked on my computer or charged my phone at the tables by reception. The hostel was well cleaned, especially the bathrooms, which were cleaned daily. I didn't feel gross walking barefoot anywhere except the kitchen. There was plenty of room in the shared areas, too. I came for five nights because I wanted a social hostel without partying. I'm a 28-year-old woman, and a bit of company plus a reasonable night's sleep is about all I want from a hostel. One night was bad, the others were good to great. Some nights were a bit hot, as other reviews say, though it didn't bother me much. I sometimes went to bed at 9pm and wasn't the only one. People generally respected quiet hours and used the social spots to hang out instead of partying in the halls or nearby rooms, so the dorms were fairly quiet. I made a few friends, and dinner could be social if you put in a little effort. I was in a mixed dorm with 14 beds, in the spot by the door. It opened and shut often enough to wake me, so I tried to wear myself out during the day and sleep through it. The built-in stopper kept it from slamming, which helped. With 14 people in a room, that's to be expected. I was fine with the fan noise, and the street got noisy now and then, but earplugs and headphones did the trick. On my second stay I moved to a corner away from the door and didn't wake up from it at all. I was also grateful for the upgrade to a 12-bed room. The small lockers made me nervous because I had a lot of gear and didn't want to leave things out. But everyone seemed to be in the same situation, and there wasn't a stealing culture. If you have a big bag and trust issues, though, the lockers may test you.