Bumbles Backpackers

Bumbles Backpackers is nestled on the shores of Lake Wakapitu, about three hundred meters outside of the Queenstown city centre. This hostel's variety of services and million dollar views make it a must-stay when looking for a place to lay your head at night. Common areas close around 11 p.m., so if you are looking for a party you'll have to move it to a bar at some point in the night. Because rooms are somewhat spread out, it is not that noisy or rowdy and accommodates people of all ages.

The Location

Queenstown is a small area so it isn't to hard to find the hostel. If you walk down the main road Shotover Street and follow it around until it runs into the lake you will see Bumbles. It is right across from the lakefront park and the fueling station for boats.

Rooms and Bathrooms

Bumbles has various bedroom options from privates to shared dorms. Dorms often have a little area that was formerly a kitchenette with sink but you are not allowed to cook anything in there anymore. The sink still exists and cupboards are there if you need to store anything. Other than that there are comfortable beds with sheets and comforters and small cabinets to store belongings, but not much in the form of lockers or anything of significant size. Bathrooms vary and can be spacious or a little cramped depending on what room you get. Showers are kept clean and have very hot water and hooks to hang towels and clothes. Depending on the size of the room there may be one or two toilets that are also kept clean.

Common Spaces

The lounge and kitchen areas can get a bit congested during mealtime but have all the supplies to keep you going. There are three different burner ranges and three refrigerators for you and your food. The lounge area has a small TV with supplied videos and DVDs for your viewing. There is no cable so there are only four channels that are accessible to you, but for most of the day everyone is outside anyway so not many people are hanging around the lodge.

Extras

Bumbles also provides services to hook you up with local tour agencies. If you want to get somewhere, bungee jump, skydive, river raft, or glacier walk you can talk to the reception and they can get you deals and discounts. If you are looking for internet you will have to walk into the city to use it, but if all you need is a phone they have one for you. At reception you can also get tokens and change to wash your clothes on site since you probably just soiled them from jumping off a bridge.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review