Chester Street Backpackers

Homely, warm, social, clean.
We stayed at Chester Street at the start and the finish of our tour of New Zealand south island. On our return for the last couple of nights, it was like returning home. The long-term residents were very friendly and we especially enjoyed the "quiz nights" and interaction with the resident cat Vinnie. This is a great example of how the people staying can make a backpackers experience all the better. Yes the internet was slow -- but it was very convenient. Plus for longer and faster internet sessions, there are plenty of internet cafes just five minutes away in the town centre. The kitchen could do with a bit of an upgrade, but it was functional and clean.

I stayed here on a whim when Foley Towers down the street was booked. It was only a short stop-over but I loved it so much I canceled my other booking in a larger hostel to come stay with them again when I'd returned to Christchurch. Although their internet connection was archaic (dial-up), the place was so cute, homey, and warm. The other boarders seemed to have a great time together playing cards and games, and everyone always smiled and said hello. I felt completely safe during my stay, and it's only a five-minute walk into the city so although it's a bit "off the beaten path" you don't miss out. I wouldn't recommend it for people looking to party, but if you need a quick night or two of rest and relaxation, you won't be disappointed. If you plan to "live" in a Hostel, it's intimate atmosphere seems ideal with only a limited amount of travelers going through.

It is a nice and lovely place to stay, particularly for travelers wanting more peace and quiet than a party atmosphere. I do agree that the people there did seem cliquey, like they had been there for years, but I noticed that more in the other building (not the one facing the front gate). Perhaps that's where the long-stays are. Overall I recommend it, if only for a night or two. Otherwise it's a bit away from town (but not too far).

I worked here for a month and loved it! It's just like a big shared house, very homely. There's Vinnie, the big fat house cat, who is a real character. The people here are lovely, and very chilled out. This place is a must if you want to escape the larger, noisier hostels!

Staying here felt like you were intruding on someone's home. There were four girls who did nothing but watch TV and they got most annoyed if you tried to change the channels from "their" soaps. The place was clean and that is fine, but when you feel you need to stay in your room as there are no "communal" places you can relax without interfering with "others," then something is wrong.

I lived here for almost four months. It's the most warm and welcoming place I have ever stayed at. The people I met here are my good friends now, even though we are now all over the globe. It is the best hostel that I have ever stayed at or heard about, no question.