Base Christchurch

Base Backpackers in downtown Christchurch is in a very convenient location. There is a trolley stop right across the street, along with bus stops not too far away either (very easy to find). The staff is very helpful in terms of finding your way around the city and there are plenty of maps and brochures in the lobby to help you plan your destinations. Base Backpackers is a very busy hostel.

There is a bar (Saints and Sinners) on the ground floor, which is a great way to get to meet other backpackers while on your trip. There is a computer room which has quite a few computers with internet access (doesn't cost too much)! Also, there is a huge TV room with a huge couch and heaps of bean bag chairs, so if you're traveling in a large group there is enough room for everyone to watch a movie.

We stayed in a regular dorm room (four-share) and the room was sort of cramped for space and didn't have a pretty view (the alley way). However, it feels very secure having luggage storage in every single room (all you have to do is rent a padlock). We stayed another night at Base in a different room which had a bathroom attached to it (very convenient!). The communal bathrooms are clean and quite humorous with the signs above each toilet.

The building itself is in ok condition. The elevators are so old that you have to open the doors yourself by hand (kind of nostalgic in a way). There is a great Indian restaurant directly next door to Base along with many many souvenir shops close by. Directly across the street from Base is a gorgeous cathedral (you can't miss it) -- take a walk around it!

The atmosphere at Base overall is good -- there's lots of international travelers and it's a popular destination for pre- and post-tour accommodations. The bar is a great place to meet people because they often have contests (we participated in a rock paper scissors challenge where the winner received a free car rental for up to five days). Overall, a good hostel.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review