The Hostelz.com Review
Dorset House Backpackers is located in a quiet, residential part of Christchurch, across the street from North Hagley Park. From the airport, it's easy to reach; the city bus from the airport stops only two and a half blocks away. From the bus station, it's harder -- you really need a taxi. There are six parking spaces behind the hostel.
Rooms and Bathrooms
We stayed in a private room, but the dorm room down the hall had non-bunked twin beds. All rooms can be locked, and outside doors are secured by a keypad. Most rooms are in the main house, but four are in an accessible outbuilding in the yard. This outbuilding has a semi-accessible toilet and shower -- space for a wheelchair, but no grab bars or transfer bench.
Common Spaces
Dorset House normally has a large lounge that is well spoken of, but it was closed due to earthquake damage when we visited. Their kitchen, located upstairs, is adequately equipped, though it can get crowded. You get 100 MB of Wi-Fi for free for each night of rental, and more can be purchased quite inexpensively.
An outside deck and a seating area in the back garden are provided for smokers; except for the kitchen, these were the only common areas available when we were there. We understand, however, that the lounge has already been repaired. Long-term luggage storage is offered for people hiking on long-distance tramps or going on multi-day excursions from Christchurch; bikes and ski equipment can also be stored there.
Summary
Dorset House was crowded when we were there. Guests are mostly young but we met a few older people, including one New Zealander who stays there whenever she comes to Christchurch to visit friends. It is a suitable base for those looking for residential peace and quiet, while still being near enough to the center of town to make sightseeing practical without a car.
Rooms and Bathrooms
We stayed in a private room, but the dorm room down the hall had non-bunked twin beds. All rooms can be locked, and outside doors are secured by a keypad. Most rooms are in the main house, but four are in an accessible outbuilding in the yard. This outbuilding has a semi-accessible toilet and shower -- space for a wheelchair, but no grab bars or transfer bench.
Common Spaces
Dorset House normally has a large lounge that is well spoken of, but it was closed due to earthquake damage when we visited. Their kitchen, located upstairs, is adequately equipped, though it can get crowded. You get 100 MB of Wi-Fi for free for each night of rental, and more can be purchased quite inexpensively.
An outside deck and a seating area in the back garden are provided for smokers; except for the kitchen, these were the only common areas available when we were there. We understand, however, that the lounge has already been repaired. Long-term luggage storage is offered for people hiking on long-distance tramps or going on multi-day excursions from Christchurch; bikes and ski equipment can also be stored there.
Summary
Dorset House was crowded when we were there. Guests are mostly young but we met a few older people, including one New Zealander who stays there whenever she comes to Christchurch to visit friends. It is a suitable base for those looking for residential peace and quiet, while still being near enough to the center of town to make sightseeing practical without a car.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
January 2011
Their Description
We have been described as a "lovely 135 year-old weatherboard home with a grown-up atmosphere". (Lonely Planet). Steeped in history and situated next to beautiful Hagley Park, Dorset House Christchurch Backpacker Hostel is relaxing, spacious and elegant, and is well-equipped with all that a budget traveller could need.
Recently refurbished, without losing its essential character, Dorset House is a unique and peaceful environment from which to enjoy all that Christchurch has to offer. Set among beautiful gardens, Dorset House is still steeped in the character of the early Christchurch pioneers. Built in 1871 as the home for the wealthy timber merchant, J B Way, it once featured 27 rooms and three Italian marble fireplaces. It has been lovingly maintained, and is a slice of Christchurch's past that we are proud to share with our guests.
Our rooms are comfortable, freshly cleaned, and bathed in afternoon sun. All rooms are within 3-7 metres of a bathroom. Dorset House has recently been upgraded and redecorated to cater for travellers who wish to experience up-market facilities at budget prices. There are no bunk beds here – all beds are fully made with fresh linen. Extra blankets and electric blankets are fitted onto every bed to keep you warm in the colder months. We have a sunny, spotlessly clean kitchen available for guest use, and there's a full laundry here too.
The lounge - otherwise known as the ‘Old Chapel' - is a very large room with plenty of comfortable couches and is a great space for relaxing and talking. Facilities include a free pool table, various board games and jigsaws, TV, DVD player (a selection of DVDs are available) Cable TV, a variety of books for exchange and a stereo. There are computers for guest use - offering internet access, word processing, spreadsheets, printing, SKYPE, USB ports and CD burning functions. WiFi is available if you have your own laptop.
Dorset House offers a full travel and information desk – just ask at reception and let us organise your tours, day trips and onward travel. There's no charge for this, and if you're not sure where to go or what to do – ask our staff, they're locals and can clue you in on some hidden gems.
From Dorset House, it's just a 15-minute stroll to Cathedral Square, the centre of Christchurch; or walk along beside the river to reach other city attractions such as the Botanic Gardens, museum, the popular Arts Centre, local art galleries, busy weekend markets and art-house cinemas.
Continental breakfast packs can be purchased at reception, and we are just two-minutes from some great cafes, bars and restaurants on Victoria St. There's plenty of options here, and fabulous coffee too (we may even point you to our favourite bakery!). Public transport is close too – just five minutes walk to the airport bus service, or eight minutes to the free shopper's bus service that runs throughout the central city all day.
Late check-ins can be organised, and free luggage storage is available. We have a custom-built lock-up to keep your bike or skis safe, and free off-street car-parking is available behind the House.
Dorset House is ideally situated to provide a comfortable stay for budget travellers. We hope to see you here soon!
Please note: Dorset House regretfully cannot cater for children less than ten years of age.
Recently refurbished, without losing its essential character, Dorset House is a unique and peaceful environment from which to enjoy all that Christchurch has to offer. Set among beautiful gardens, Dorset House is still steeped in the character of the early Christchurch pioneers. Built in 1871 as the home for the wealthy timber merchant, J B Way, it once featured 27 rooms and three Italian marble fireplaces. It has been lovingly maintained, and is a slice of Christchurch's past that we are proud to share with our guests.
Our rooms are comfortable, freshly cleaned, and bathed in afternoon sun. All rooms are within 3-7 metres of a bathroom. Dorset House has recently been upgraded and redecorated to cater for travellers who wish to experience up-market facilities at budget prices. There are no bunk beds here – all beds are fully made with fresh linen. Extra blankets and electric blankets are fitted onto every bed to keep you warm in the colder months. We have a sunny, spotlessly clean kitchen available for guest use, and there's a full laundry here too.
The lounge - otherwise known as the ‘Old Chapel' - is a very large room with plenty of comfortable couches and is a great space for relaxing and talking. Facilities include a free pool table, various board games and jigsaws, TV, DVD player (a selection of DVDs are available) Cable TV, a variety of books for exchange and a stereo. There are computers for guest use - offering internet access, word processing, spreadsheets, printing, SKYPE, USB ports and CD burning functions. WiFi is available if you have your own laptop.
Dorset House offers a full travel and information desk – just ask at reception and let us organise your tours, day trips and onward travel. There's no charge for this, and if you're not sure where to go or what to do – ask our staff, they're locals and can clue you in on some hidden gems.
From Dorset House, it's just a 15-minute stroll to Cathedral Square, the centre of Christchurch; or walk along beside the river to reach other city attractions such as the Botanic Gardens, museum, the popular Arts Centre, local art galleries, busy weekend markets and art-house cinemas.
Continental breakfast packs can be purchased at reception, and we are just two-minutes from some great cafes, bars and restaurants on Victoria St. There's plenty of options here, and fabulous coffee too (we may even point you to our favourite bakery!). Public transport is close too – just five minutes walk to the airport bus service, or eight minutes to the free shopper's bus service that runs throughout the central city all day.
Late check-ins can be organised, and free luggage storage is available. We have a custom-built lock-up to keep your bike or skis safe, and free off-street car-parking is available behind the House.
Dorset House is ideally situated to provide a comfortable stay for budget travellers. We hope to see you here soon!
Please note: Dorset House regretfully cannot cater for children less than ten years of age.
Dorset House Backpackers Details
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Dorset House Backpackers Reviews on Other Websites
Beautiful converted residence with lovely, well-equipped kitchen containing a full selection of herbs and spices to use. Lovely spacious rooms with no bunk beds, and a large lounge. Very clean and free Wifi too. The house has a lovely character - more of a home than a hostel, and one of the best places I have stayed in. Would definitely recommend. Staff are very friendly and helpful.
— Lena Chen (2010-12-25)
Hostelbookers
very clean and relaxed. lots of space
— Tammy de Zilva (2010-10-27)
Hostelbookers
I liked that the heater in the room and on the bed worked very well. Liked how the hostel was very environmentally minded.
— Amber Johnson (2010-10-26)
Hostelbookers
nice character building which did survive the earthquake
— Ina Stenzel (2010-10-03)
Hostelbookers
The comment on staff is not relevant as I didn't meet any as I arrived outside of offfice hours and left before the office opened in the morning.Extended office hours would be handy considering that Christchurch is a major entry point to the Sth Island, where flight times can be very early. Good location and close to airport.Staff did however communicate well in e-mail and left the keys out.
— Terry Foo (2010-08-12)
Hostelbookers
I felt at home in this huge old home. I LOVED the electric blanket on the bed, it made my night! Although there aren't any ensuite bathrooms, tehre were plenty of private bathrooms on our floor so that we never had to wait to shower, etc. I also loved the old black and white photo's of the property hung up on the walls. It was also great to be able to check-in laste as our flight was quite late at night. It's also great that this property has a parking lot.
— Jaclyn Carlin (2010-08-09)
Hostelbookers
historical charm. Lots of character
— Raymond Foo (2010-07-23)
Hostelbookers
The atmosphere is good and staff is very helpful and friendly. the hostel is beautiful,quiet and safe.it's a typical hostel which show the hospitality of Christchurch.
— Jiehui Zhang (2010-04-26)
Hostelbookers
feel like stay at home. Highly reccommended house.
— pleumjit boonyaphiphat (2010-04-21)
Hostelbookers
very friendly and helpful staff. nice place to stay.
— sylvianne smart (2010-04-20)
Hostelbookers
What I liked about it was cleanliness and security. Except those two things, well,, I dont know. Lounge was pretty dark and had no events for fun. It is really good for the elder who want to have peace and clam.Not for young guyz.
— Jiyeol Lee (2010-03-26)
Hostelbookers
Great hostel: the next best thing to home. Clean, spacious, good bathrooms, good beds.
— Ekaterina Sannikova (2010-03-08)
Hostelbookers
This is a really clean and cute place with a homey bed and breakfast feel. I felt very safe and comfortable. I would certainly stay there again. My only complaint would be that the reception closes early to so even though they have movies to rent, by the time you get around to wanting to watch one the reception has already closed. My suggestion would be to get the movie early but that rules out spontaneity.
— Alice Haefele (2010-02-12)
Hostelbookers
It was a nice place, very friendly with a good staff. Just one regret, the bathroom and the toilets are in the same rooms and you have to wait to go to pee.
— BOMPAR Lucie (2010-01-09)
Hostelbookers
Feels like home. An old but very nice building. Minus is that the reception closes pretty early (at least in November).
— Irene Tuulia Suominen (2009-12-02)
Hostelbookers
location is fine. Free parking is convenient for travellers with car
— YICHIA WANG (2009-11-07)
Hostelbookers
We loved this hostel, it had so much character and was very warm and friendly. Free wi- fi and tea & coffee was a bonus. Kitchen and bathrooms were spotlessly clean and bedroom was so spacious, even had a sofa. Definately best hostel on our trip.
— Adam Connolly (2009-10-29)
Hostelbookers
Good clean room, well heated, and close to washrooms. Liked the electric blanket on bed.
— Barbara Merner (2009-09-16)
Hostelbookers
it is very quiet and clean and the staff very helpfully.The room (double and single )have a good size and the area around is a nice one
— bousquet clodine (2009-09-10)
Hostelbookers
It was a great value .I recommend it for a quiet stay.
— bousquet thomas (2009-09-10)
Hostelbookers
Hostelz.com Guest Reviews
Great hostel, no bunks. Small but well-equipped kitchen. Nice outdoor areas. 15mins to city centre but close to park. Reception closes at 6pm -- it sells items such as toothpaste and also has scales for weighing luggage for the plane! — Gillian , Belfast (2007-05-23) This is more like a grand country manor than a backpackers. Sarah is a fantastic host who will help you with anything. The rooms are great, no bunks! I was really sad to leave as i could have spent weeks there hanging out with all the other friendly travelers! By far the best hostel i have been to, if you are staying in Christchurch then Dorset House is a must. — Ross Corbett, www.rosscorbett.com , UK (2007-04-21) Lovely comfortable hostel. Had booked a single room -- got given a double, with my own TV. Felt like a hotel (apart from not being en-suite). Nice and handy for the centre (fifteen-minute walk to Cathedral Square), friendly staff and lovely living room/TV room with pool table. — Charlotte (2006-03-28) Loved it here. Stayed here on three separate occasions. The staff were lovely and very helpfyl. Excellent facilities. Lovely rooms, no bunk beds. Definitely stay there again. — Sarah (2006-02-01) Beautiful, homelike guesthouse with wonderful warm welcome. — S&D (2006-01-18) Home away from home. We loved the atmosphere, and the log fire was a lovely touch. The staff were lovely. I can highly recommend you stay, if you're a creature of comfort! — Hannah and Lee (2005-11-02)