Kiwi Airport Backpackers

The receptionist tried her best, and I felt sorry for her. My daughter had been put in the wrong room and was moved just before I arrived. The shower hadn't been cleaned and had hair inside; there was dust on the toilet walls, and the bowl was filthy. The beds looked like the blankets had just been pulled up, not tucked in.

The backpackers was pretty gross. The room smelled funky, and there was nowhere secure to keep valuables. They gave me just one sheet and a gross blanket, so I had to choose between sleeping on the mattress protector or having that weird rubbery nylon blanket over me all night. There were only two showers and toilets for 15 beds, and both were pretty grim. The on-site restaurant is meant to stay open until 9:30pm, but it shut 40 minutes early when I was there. They offered me "takeaways" to eat in my grubby room. Wouldn't recommend it or stay again for love or money.

The free airport shuttle was great, and the staff were friendly. That said, I can only see this hostel being useful if you have an early flight, like I did. The common areas felt grubby and worn, there was just one bathroom, and the rooms were cramped with light coming through the curtains all night. The place had a really bleak, airport-like feel. People say you get what you pay for, but I've stayed in plenty of much better hostels for the same money. It was fine for one night.

The yellow shuttle is easy to spot, and it runs between the airport and hostel about every 20-25 minutes. For one night before a flight, or if you want cheap accommodation near the airport, this place works well. I don't get all the harsh reviews. The dorms in the backpackers house are fine, with bunk beds and two bathrooms. They can get crowded when the place is full, especially when everyone showers in the morning, but that's how it is. You don't have to deal with public toilets or cold showers here.