Conor's Topfloor Hostel

Perhaps it is better in the dorms but I was pretty dismayed to discover that the walls of my "private room" did not go to the ceiling (about a thirty-centimeter gap). The light and noise from one room is impossible to keep out of another. Also the "silence at 10 p.m." thing is a joke. Loud talking, people playing the guitar in the hallway, the piano in the common area, children screaming routinely went to midnight and later. Stiflingly hot. Still you get what you pay for.

Great location, close to everything you want in the city for the price you pay (Paid $21/per night for 4 nights). The rooms are dirty, the sheet and the cover are dirty some even with stinks on them. The kitchen is ok. The showers not that great, their shower Curtin so dirty, but then what do you expect for $21? The staffs were very friendly and try to help you as much as they can. The place just needs more cleanness and some air freshener everywhere. I give it 3 out 10.

I thought this place was great. From the old school lift to the warm atmosphere, I was made very comfortable from the start. The place was very clean, no rats or urine-soaked carpets!! Though the TV reception is a bit crap!! It's the cheapest and nicest hostel I found in Auckland, and it's right in the middle of town. Because of its quaint size and the owner's professional attitude, security is barely an issue. I can't really fault it to be honest. It's worth a look at least. :-)

Watch out for the rats.

This place is very crappy now. It was much better when the Canadian guy was running it.

I was there May 27-31, 2004. The plus about this hostel: excellent central location, just across the street from the cinema complex and two blocks from the Auckland Tower. There are many fast foods restaurants within walking distance. No question about the location. From all the hostels I searched, this is the least expensive. The main halls are clean and the kitchen is OK. However, the minus about this hostel: the floor carpet stinks and the urine odor is so intense that it is annoying. Apparently previous guests wouldn't bother walking all the way to the restrooms and the hostel owner does not keep the carpet clean and free from odors. At least in Room 7 (each room is sub-divided into three units), the common entrance to this room smells very bad. The carpet inside the sub-unit is dirty and smelly but not as much as the common room entrance. The restrooms are OK, but they look like they are half-way constructed. The ceiling looks unfinished. Not all sub-units have a window. It could be a little annoying to have the one unit without windows or ventilation.

Recent changes have made this backpackers an awesome place to stay in Auckland. The entrance is a little sketchy but once you find your way to the 5th floor via an old-fashioned elevator you will be pleasantly surprised by the clean very friendly atmosphere.