The Chateau Franz is an excellent hostel, located in the small tourist-oriented town of Franz Joseph. This town is famous for its glacier of the same name, which is an awesome sight.
The facilities at Chateau Franz are very clean and functional. The staff is always very friendly and accommodating. There is a wide selection of videos, which are free to rent. There is a nice spa pool to relax in, which is quite a treat after a cold day hiking around the glacier. They have the standard backpackers internet service and the rooms are pretty standard as well, but definitely clean and adequate.
The things that makes Chateau Franz stand out, besides the spa pool, are the nice large TV screen, and free soup every night! These things are quite a treat after a long day. Also, there is a lot of fun, colorful art painted all over the exterior walls, which helps to liven the mood and atmosphere.
The town of Franz Joseph is quite small, so it won't be hard to find Chateau Franz, located conveniently in town next to all the other hostels and hotels. If you find yourself checking out the glacier, Chateau Franz is a great option for accommodation.
-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
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This place is pretty rancid. It smells a bit a house that on old lady lives in shortly before sh*t snuffs it and can't keep the place clean anymore and is too proud to accept help. In fact it smells a little like what it would smell like after she died. Worst hostel I stayed at in entire NZ. Kitchen is pretty skanky too. 
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