Malolo House is an old cottage hospital, maintained in excellent condition. Accommodations are spotlessly clean, including the kitchen and shared bathrooms. The windows in bedrooms are kept open about an inch, which lets in some street noise. Shared bathrooms are two showers, three toilets,and two lavs to share. The kitchen has two small refrigerators, cooktop, and microwave and is fully outfitted with pots and other kitchen essentials. Coffee, tea, and spices are available. The breakfast room has small tables with a view overlooking the valley. A continental breakfast pack of cereal, fruit, yogurt, and toast is provided.
The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, except for noise from the street traffic in the morning. There is no television, telephone, or internet. The owner runs the facility and is friendly and knowledgeable about the area. She has children, so we assume children are probably welcome to stay. There are also fully-made twin-share and double rooms, as well as some en-suite rooms.
There are dorm rooms with bunk beds. If it is not busy, you may be able to occupy half of a twin share for not much more than the bunk room rate. There are lockers in the bunk room, and you get a key to the private rooms. It is a small place, so book ahead in summer by phone or email.
The location is easy to find on Commercial Street in Helensville (look for the flags). Helensville has a Woolworths that stays open until 10 p.m., as well as small cafes and stores. It is convenient to the west coast beaches especially Muriwai (which has horseback riding and golf) and the Waitakeres and Kumeu area wineries. There is a hot springs complex just outside of town. Malolo House also has a hot spa on site, but we did not use it.
-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
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