The Hostelz.com Review
Tasman Bay Backpackers has some nice extras to make you feel right at home. Depending on your opinion, there could be only one downside -- there is no TV.
The Location
The location is good -- the town centre, where you will find amenities like a supermarket for self-catering, is a short walk away. The neighbourhood is suburban and very quiet, so you can be assured of a good night's sleep. The bus station is also nearby, but the hostel offers free pick-up and drop-off anyway, so there is no need to walk. Similarly, the majority of local tourist operators will pick you up from the door -- this is also a plus. There seems to be an adequate availability of parking too.
Rooms and Bathrooms
There are a variety of dorm rooms available as well as private rooms complete with door locks and storage for luggage. The main dorms are spacious, modern, and very clean. The quality of the showers and bathrooms is high. They have space to change and hooks and shelving for your clothes as well as soap dishes.
Common Spaces
There is a large, fully-equipped kitchen, ideal for self-catering; the breakfast of eggs, sausages and cereals including muesli is also served here. This is also where the legendary nightly hot chocolate pudding is served for free -- it comes complete with ice-cream. Even though there is no TV room, there are plenty of sitting areas, both inside and hammocks outside. The lack of TV has the added bonus of making social interactions happen. Wi-Fi and desktop internet access are available at a charge. There is also a book exchange and board games to keep you occupied. The roaring fire warms up the main lounge so you won't get cold. The hostel on the whole is a little subdued, but social at the same time.
Summary
This hostel has a lot going for it and seems to cater for whatever a backpacker is looking for. If you don't like, you can leave after a good night's sleep. If you like, you can stay as long as you like.
The Location
The location is good -- the town centre, where you will find amenities like a supermarket for self-catering, is a short walk away. The neighbourhood is suburban and very quiet, so you can be assured of a good night's sleep. The bus station is also nearby, but the hostel offers free pick-up and drop-off anyway, so there is no need to walk. Similarly, the majority of local tourist operators will pick you up from the door -- this is also a plus. There seems to be an adequate availability of parking too.
Rooms and Bathrooms
There are a variety of dorm rooms available as well as private rooms complete with door locks and storage for luggage. The main dorms are spacious, modern, and very clean. The quality of the showers and bathrooms is high. They have space to change and hooks and shelving for your clothes as well as soap dishes.
Common Spaces
There is a large, fully-equipped kitchen, ideal for self-catering; the breakfast of eggs, sausages and cereals including muesli is also served here. This is also where the legendary nightly hot chocolate pudding is served for free -- it comes complete with ice-cream. Even though there is no TV room, there are plenty of sitting areas, both inside and hammocks outside. The lack of TV has the added bonus of making social interactions happen. Wi-Fi and desktop internet access are available at a charge. There is also a book exchange and board games to keep you occupied. The roaring fire warms up the main lounge so you won't get cold. The hostel on the whole is a little subdued, but social at the same time.
Summary
This hostel has a lot going for it and seems to cater for whatever a backpacker is looking for. If you don't like, you can leave after a good night's sleep. If you like, you can stay as long as you like.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
February 2011
Their Description
Tasman Bay Backpackers Details
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Tasman Bay Backpackers Reviews on Other WebsitesHostelz.com Guest Reviews
Loved it! This is one of the best hostels we stayed in during a six-month trip. It's really warm and cosy. It's also spotlessly clean. The rooms are really comfy, they give you a spare duvet, and you can even get hot water bottles which is great. They also have the bonus of free chocolate pudding and ice cream in the evenings! What more could you want! It's a really homey, comfortable hostel with a family feel to it. I would recommend it to anyone. — Sinead , Ireland (2008-09-03) I came here after staying at their sister hostel in Picton, Sequoia Lodge but I did not enjoy my stay here as much as in Picton. Although all the facilities were fine, there was a group who had been staying a while, looking for work and they had kinda taken over the lounge anytime I was in and this may have affected my stay there. The lounge was also quite smelly, perhaps the sofas needed replaced? The manager was very helpful and booked my trip to Abel Tasman Park and the town centre was just a 10min walk. — Gillian , Belfast (2007-05-23) Came here after a wonderful stay at the sister hostel, Sequoia Lodge in Picton. Many of the people I'd met at Sequoia came down to Nelson at the same time, so it was like having a big friendly family to hang out with at the big common areas and long tables, or the well-equipped kitchen. This is the perfect place to stay as a base for visiting Abel Tasman National Park, or just chilling out in Nelson. The rooms are comfy, the bathrooms small and a bit cramped but clean, and the kitchen well-equipped. While I was there, there was a power failure in the area, and everyone came out of their rooms together into the living room and lit candles and someone took out a guitar. Amazing atmosphere! The only drawback is that it's located in a residential area a way's walk from the center of town. Aside from that, great stay! — Sarah (2006-07-09) This is a really great hostel. There is a brilliant friendly atmosphere as soon as you walk in the place. We stayed in a double room, which was a really good size and clean. The kitchen, dining and lounge areas are all really nice and comfortable. The staff make loads of effort keeping the place clean and tidy and are also very friendly. Highly recommended. — Tanya and Ben (2006-04-25) I thought this hostel was brilliant. The staff were really friendly. The cozy fire and comfy armchairs were a welcome retreat on the two rainy days I was there, and the rooms were spacious. They have four-bed dorms with decent beds. And the showers were big enough for you to shower and dress in safety!! Not to mention the free breakfast in the winter. I would recommend it to all, be you an individual traveler, a couple young or mature, or group. — Anonymous (2005-05-19)