Abel's Central Backpackers

Kevin was open and really kind. He lent me a bike, showed me a nice place to ride, and we had a good chat. I was only there for one night, but the place was nice and had what you'd expect from a backpackers, with a clean, tidy kitchen and bathroom. The six-bed dorm was much like others I've stayed in. The beds weren't especially comfortable, though I didn't mind much.

The noise was awful, with a nightclub right next door playing loud music until 4 am. Our room had no plugs or light, and the beds felt like uncomfortable prison beds. The kitchen had decent equipment, but wasn't clean. There aren't proper bathrooms either, just toilets scattered around the floor that were hard to find. Nelson has better hostels at the same price, so I'd look elsewhere.

For the price, the facilities were reasonable, the hosts were easy to reach and friendly, and the location was handy. The stay was enjoyable otherwise. But the advertised extras were nearly useless: laundry was full service and only offered from ten to four, which didn't work for a one-night stay. When I asked about the free breakfast, I was first told there wasn't any, then told it had been put out at nine and was gone. I couldn't see any sign of it even at nine thirty.

The front desk staff were always polite, and the location is phenomenal. My room was simple, with a very loud door and squeaky floor. There were lots of rooms around a shared kitchen, so I could hear people chatting there from my room. I could only find one working shower in the building, in the third bathroom section. The two nearer bathroom sets were tiny and had no showers.