Base Auckland

Imagine you arriving tired after traveling and finding out that your expensive accommodation (because they charge you an expensive rate for double en-suite room) is a mess, with rest of food in all room, dirty linen, and clothes spread in all room. And all this mess was made by the previous couple that had left the place three hours before. Terrible. The staff explained that they just had two housekeepers -- how is it possible for that size backpackers? The room smells bad and to complete, the window makes you see a wonderful wall! To complete this all the kitchen is ridiculous -- small. At dinnertime you can't move inside there. the fridge is terrible (small, obvious) and dirty. a mess, once more. If you want to stay in an en-suite room look for a hotel. you will pay less and you will be happier!

We were a little disappointed. Despite booking via email in October, we were allocated a room without a window when we arrived (albeit at a cheaper rate). I would have thought that booking that far in advance would get us a room with access to sunlight, but it seems not. When we questioned the receptionist, she said that it was pretty much a lottery as to whether we got a room with a window or not, unless we specified that we wanted one. It seems strange to me that would need to specify that, just as it seems strange to have rooms without windows at all. Base was also commended for the design of the rooms. I can't comment on the other rooms, but I don't think this was the case for ours (room 516). The sink in the bathroom was so narrow that it was physically impossible to wash your face over it. The bedroom and bathroom had no surface space for storage at all, which is pretty essential (would you like to keep your toothbrush on the floor?). This was all the more strange, as money had clearly been spent on providing us with our own television. Whilst this was great, I think it's more important to attend to the basics, like shelves, before getting into the luxuries. We also didn't have a bedside lamp, which meant that because of the absence of natural light, each morning we would have to get up in pitch darkness and feel our way towards the main light switch. If you have to get up before your alarm goes off, you have no way of knowing if it's three in the morning or breakfast time. I think the internet area could also do with the wireless connection for the increasing number of travelers who have their own laptops, this would also free up more of their own PCs for those customers that don't have their own computers. Aside from these comments, the staff were extremely helpful and the location of the hostel was great.

We stayed here on the night of the U2 concert. I have stayed in Base in Melbourne and thought very highly of it so decided to book us into Base, Auckland. I was disappointed! My sheet had a blood stain on it, my duvet wasn't clean and smelt revolting! We paid a huge amount of money for an eight-bed dorm because of the concert. We had to sleep in a room with three snorers (not the hostel's fault) and one guy wet his bed (not kidding!). The bathrooms were disgusting and there were at times urine on the seat, walls, and toilet floors. This was my friend's first time staying in a hostel and I doubt if she will be back after this experience. Perhaps Base, Auckland had slipped a bit because of being fully booked but I would have really liked to see this hostel live up to its name and become more like Base, St Kilda, Melbourne! I have to say that the staff were excellent and very helpful, friendly and on to it. I did enjoy my time here but would not like to stay here again.

I stayed here for 5 days in May 2006, at the start of my round the world trip and I would agree with much of what has been said below. Rooms and communal areas are modern and its all pretty clean.However, I wouldnt say its the best hostel for meeting people, the only decent communal area is the bar.

Pros are that it's clean, very central, well-equipped kitchen, good amenities, excellent security with keycards and bed lockers, clean bathrooms (ladies' even has hairdryers). Cons are the big-chain atmosphere, very large, bar gets noisy at nights so not the best place for a quiet sleep. Kinda anonymous and not the greatest place to meet people or make friends, especially if Auckland is the gateway to New Zealand or the start of your trip. Internet is very expensive -- there's a cheaper place down the road.

All of the extras without any of the basics. I don't really care if this place has a spa or sauna but I do care that my room and the bathrooms are clean which they were not. The rooms could also get very hot and I was staying in the Winter! I heard a number of people complaining but I doubt anything ever really got done as the staff were friendly but undertrained. Ok for a couple of nights but wouldn't stay here again if I had the choice.

Stayed in a twin room with en-suite, very cramped and tended to get quite humid in the room. Was relatively clean.

Stayed here twice. Didn't have chance to use all the facilities as out exploring Auckland. Staff very helpful, had fun, and staying in the Sanctuary (all female floor) was worth the little extra cost. Definitely recommend.

First hostel I ever stayed at and I was pleasently surprised. If only they were all like this.

Overall, Base was really nice and I'd recommend staying there. Nice bar, restaurant, rooms, location, etc. Only downside was the everpresent long line at reception and the less then friendly front desk staff.

This place was crowded and noisy. There was only one bathroom on each floor, too, so women and men tended to share it. There was not much privacy.

We arrived after a long flight and were greeted by a miserable girl at the reception who was not the friendliest person. She told us that although we booked three months previously the room we had booked was not available. So we had to pay 85 dollars per night to stay in the only other room she had available. We were a little annoyed but she assured us that we were getting a "really nice room." Well, the really nice room was tiny, with one tiny window. The bathroom was okay and the shower was really good, but with such a small room and small window the place smelt really badly of damp after a couple of showers. It was definitely not worth the money we paid for it. On the positive side, though, the hostel is in a very good location, close to the harbor, skytower, buses, shops etc. Also they have good cheap breakfast, lunch, dinner in a nice canteen. If you go just make sure you get what you booked, and it's probably best to stay in a non en suite room so it doesn't get really hot and smelly. The general ethos seems to be pack as many people as possible in. There are definitely better hostels out there.

This hostel has everything a backpacker could need (and more!). It has the best location, friendly staff, good food in the café, etc. The Base bar is cool as well and if you need some travel advice, ask the awesome girls at the Base travel desk!

This place was the best hostel ever.

All the reception team members are awesome, incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They are by far the best reception team out of all the hostels we have stayed in. I couldn't say a bad word about them. We had an amazing stay here, and it was made by the staff.