In the heart of Pipitea, Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers offers a vibrant retreat. Enjoy cooked-to-order breakfast, unwind with a drink at the bar or indulge in local flavors at the restaurant. With free in-room WiFi and helpful staff always ready to assist you.
Reviews
7.67.6 out of 10
Good
Popular amenities
Bar
24/7 front desk
Laundry facilities
Non-smoking
Free WiFi
Restaurant
Main amenities (9)
Daily housekeeping
Near the beach
Restaurants and bar/lounge
24-hour front desk
Front desk safe
ATM/banking services
Vending machine
Self-serve laundry
Locker space
Room options
Available filters for rooms
Showing 12 of 12 rooms
View all photos for Double Ensuite
Double Ensuite
8.08.0 out of 10
Very good
20 reviews
(20 reviews)
Highlights
Heating
LCD TV
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Cable channels
Iron/ironing board
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
18 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 Double Bed
View all photos for Premium Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm
Premium Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm
Highlights
Heating
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
24 sq m
Sleeps 1
1 Single Bunk Bed
View all photos for Twin, Double & Single Ensuite
Twin, Double & Single Ensuite
8.48.4 out of 10
Very good
17 reviews
(17 reviews)
Highlights
Heating
LCD TV
Cable channels
Iron/ironing board
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
23 sq m
Sleeps 3
1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed
Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (8 Beds)
8.08.0 out of 10
Very good
1 review
(1 review)
Highlights
Heating
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
26 sq m
Sleeps 1
1 Single Bunk Bed
View all photos for Double Shared Bathroom
Double Shared Bathroom
7.47.4 out of 10
Good
3 reviews
(3 reviews)
Highlights
Heating
LCD TV
Cable channels
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
23 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 Double Bed
View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (6 Beds)
Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (6 Beds)
10.010.0 out of 10
Exceptional
1 review
(1 review)
Highlights
Heating
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
24 sq m
Sleeps 1
1 Single Bunk Bed
View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (4 Beds)
Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (4 Beds)
Highlights
Heating
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
22 sq m
Sleeps 1
1 Single Bunk Bed
View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Ensuite (6 Bed, Female Only)
Shared Dormitory, Ensuite (6 Bed, Female Only)
Highlights
Heating
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
24 sq m
Sleeps 1
1 Single Bed
View all photos for Bunk Style Twin (Shared Bathroom)
Bunk Style Twin (Shared Bathroom)
Highlights
Heating
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
16 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 Single Bunk Bed
View all photos for Single (Shared Bathroom)
Single (Shared Bathroom)
8.48.4 out of 10
Very good
13 reviews
(13 reviews)
Highlights
Heating
LCD TV
Cable channels
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
15 sq m
Sleeps 1
1 Single Bed
View all photos for Standard Double Room, Private Bathroom
Wellington Central Business District - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
Sky Stadium - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
Te Papa - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
Cuba Street Mall - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
Interislander Ferry Terminal - 2 min drive - 1.9 km
Getting around
Wellington (WLG-Wellington Intl.) - 19 min drive
Paraparaumu (PPQ) - 42 min drive
Wellington Station - 1 min walk
Wellington Kaiwharawhara Station - 3 min drive
Wellington Ngauranga Station - 6 min drive
Restaurants
Mojo Featherston - 2 min walk
McDonald's - 1 min walk
Pita Pit Featherston - 5 min walk
Trax Bar & Cafe - 2 min walk
Thistle Inn Tavern - 4 min walk
About this property
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers
At Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers, you'll be a short five-minute drive from Te Papa and Interislander Ferry Terminal. You can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant or wind down at the end of the day with a drink from the bar/lounge. Fellow travellers love the helpful staff and location.
Languages
Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, German, Italian
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
108 rooms
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Express check-out available
Early check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age – 18
Check-out time is 10 AM
Contactless check-out
Late check-out subject to availability
DONE
Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
At check-in, guests must provide a record of full COVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19 vaccination record requirement applies to all guests aged 12 and older; guests must have received complete COVID-19 vaccination at least 30 days prior to check-in
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE
Children
No cots (infant beds)
DONE
Pets
Pets not allowed
Service animals welcome
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
No on-site parking
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
What to do
Beach nearby
Kayaking nearby
Services
24-hour front desk
Laundry facilities
Facilities
ATM/banking
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Lockers available
Art Deco architecture
Accessibility
Lift
Lift door width (centimetres): 1000
Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
Wheelchair-accessible lounge
Front entrance ramp
Well-lit path to entrance
Room amenities
Home comfort
Heating
Sleep well
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Towels
Stay connected
Free WiFi
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Fees & policies
Refundable deposits
Deposit: NZD 20.00 per stay
Optional extras
Late checkout can be arranged for an extra charge of NZD 10 (subject to availability)
Policies
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club
Cashless transactions are available.
Also known as
Downtown Backpackers
Downtown Backpackers Hostel
Downtown Backpackers Hostel Wellington
Downtown Backpackers Wellington
Hotel Waterloo Backpackers
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers Wellington
Hotel Waterloo Backpackers (formerly Downtown Backpackers)
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Frequently asked questions
Does Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.
Is parking offered on site at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?
Sorry, there's no on-site parking at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime. Check-out time is 10 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge of NZD 10 (subject to availability). Express check-out and contactless social distancing and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers and nearby?
Have fun during the warmer months with activities nearby such as kayaking.
Are there restaurants at or near Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?
Yes, there's an on-site restaurant.
What's the area around Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers like?
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers is in Pipitea, a short 1-minute walk from Wellington Station and 16 minutes' walk from Te Papa. Travellers give top marks for the hostel's prime location.
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Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers Reviews
Reviews
7.6
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
7.6/10
Cleanliness
8.0/10
Staff & service
7.2/10
Amenities
7.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
6.6/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
Room
Service staff
Location
Train station
Bathroom
Lobby
Building
Value
Refrigerator
Bed
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
1 Aug 2025
Excellent option, private and a fair price
William
William, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
18 Jul 2025
It was comfortable.
MISAKI
MISAKI, 10-night trip
6/10 Okay
4 Aug 2025
This is a decent place for a quick stay and to be close to the station. I chose it for the location as I needed to be near the university and the station - otherwise, I'd say it's better to stay close to Cuba St or Willis St - other end of town. On the weekend it was really hard to find places that were open to eat. The carpet was dirty, the towels were stained and the room is very basic. So if you're not looking for anything flash, this place is convenient. The staff were super friendly!
Hala
Hala, 4-night trip
10/10 Excellent
21 May 2025
Great value.
Matthew
Matthew, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
10 Jun 2025
Although property old and under some repairs I found room facilities of coffee & milk & radiator heating welcoming.
Kitchen self serving facilities good.
Would stay there again & recommend to others
Henry
Henry, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
21 Mar 2025
stayed here a couple of times. It's convenient to the train station.
Paul
Paul, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
20 May 2025
L9vely old art deco building. It is old and well used but well maintained and clean. Perfect for travelling without a vehicle. I felt safe.
Linda
Linda, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
25 Feb 2025
Great staff and good value for money.
Krolle
Krolle, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
28 Feb 2025
Clean, very convenient to bus terminal; polite staff.
Catherine
Catherine, 1-night trip
6/10 Okay
11 Jun 2025
Bathrooms really needed to get cleaned or upgraded 😢
Beds are not so great 😒
Ritaben
Ritaben, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
9 Mar 2025
Nice room, clean, everything I needed was there :)
doris
doris, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
8 Jan 2025
Location amd friendly staff
Mau
Mau, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
21 May 2025
Thant was a bit chilly in the room, and in the bathroom through the wall grill was constant noise
Csaba
Csaba, 1-night trip
6/10 Okay
19 Apr 2025
Ok for a night
rg
rg, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
15 Feb 2025
Staff very helpful, nothing was a problem. I will certainly stay again. I had single room with ensuite, very satisfactory for the price!
Jo
Jo, 3-night trip
8/10 Good
1 Jan 2025
About location
Good location .
Ichiro
Ichiro, 3-night trip
10/10 Excellent
10 Feb 2025
Nice plave
Jonathan
Jonathan, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
12 Jun 2025
For a start not enough milk
Stephen
Stephen, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
10 Jan 2025
Good value.
Very good value.
James
James, 2-night trip
8/10 Good
10 Mar 2025
Very close with bluebridge
Dodo
Dodo, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
17 Oct 2024
Very convenient very suitable for my visit
Mervyn
Mervyn, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
15 Jun 2024
Lovely place with friendly staff and clean private rooms.
Taylor
Taylor, 3-night trip
6/10 Okay
28 Nov 2024
Very good location for bus and ferry, restaurants and sights. A bit run down but ok.
Lena
Lena, 2-night trip
8/10 Good
8 Feb 2025
It was a good stay. I noticed there was a lot of paint peeling from the walls but the room was great. You got your own toilet & shower, microwave & TV with also coffee & tea selections!