Napier Art House Backpackers

Paying was awkward: they took my credit card details to secure the booking, then asked me to pay in cash on site because there was no EFTPOS machine. The manager's behaviour also felt awkward, and they seemed to have a discriminatory attitude. The kitchen was in poor shape. The knives were blunt, the lighting was dim, and the same dirty, smelly towels were hung back up every day instead of being replaced with clean ones.

We only stayed one night because everything else was booked, and I wouldn't have chosen this place if there'd been another option. The rooms and bathrooms were dirty, and I'm pretty sure there were bedbugs. Check-in felt odd too, since payment was only accepted in cash or by bank transfer.

A cosy little hostel in a great spot, right by the sea and near shops and restaurants. Arthur and the young woman at reception were friendly and helpful, and the facilities were impressively clean. Our small six-person room got very hot at night, so a fan would have helped.

The manager was the best part of my two-night stay. He was warm and caring, chatted with the backpackers, and checked that everyone was having a good time. I really appreciated it. My first night was in the women's dorm, where the old mattress was uncomfortable and the beds were noisy. The second night I ended up in the men's dorm after a girl accidentally locked me out when I went to the toilet, lol. That room was much better. I'd definitely recommend the hostel to anyone wanting to enjoy themselves and meet a lovely manager and fellow backpackers.