High Country Motel and Backpackers

The building opposite had some students staying there, but it was quiet overnight. We had a well-equipped one-bedroom unit with a small kitchen for our one-night visit. The bed creaked, and using separate hot and cold taps at the bathroom sink was awkward, especially on a cold day.

The place is cramped, like a walk-in closet dressed up in Soviet-era military style. If a roof is all you need, this might do, but it hardly feels like a palace. Management’s communication was limited to a single word at most, while the doors were left open. It’s the sort of place you’d study to see how little is needed to count as human shelter.

The location was handy for getting to lots of activities. The room felt a little dated, but it was comfortable and clean, and the facilities were clean and well cared for too. It was a nice stay.

The staff were really friendly, and stepping outside gave us a great mountain view. It’s also a short walk into the township. I’d have given five stars if the TV had worked, the mini fridge door hadn’t had a bit of mold, and the WiFi hadn’t kept dropping. If you rely on wifi, getting things done could be difficult.