The Hostelz.com Review
Criterion Art Deco Backpackers Inn is a party hostel. The whole ground floor is a bar, and -- at least on Saturday nights -- the very loud party doesn't stop until 5:15 a.m.
The Location
The Criterion is an original Art Deco building, part of Napier's historic district. As such, there's very little traffic noise (the street is largely a pedestrian mall). It's a four-block walk over flat ground from the bus station. If you're driving, there is a per-night parking charge.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The rooms and bathrooms have art deco trim, windows, and fittings. Private rooms have a washbasin and heater. Rooms are a reasonable size. One of the showers is a seated shower, though it is not fully accessible.
Common Spaces
There are two large, loud lounges in the center of the hostel. One is a TV lounge with a dining area behind it and the other has a pool table and two fireplaces. The kitchen, which connects the two lounges, is small, crowded, and poorly equipped. The owner keeps the gas off in the oven unless someone wants to use it -- and to use it, you must relight the burner inside the oven, with matches. Free continental breakfast is provided in the kitchen -- when we were there it included cereal and canned peaches. Few hostelers speak English, so there isn't much conversation or sociability. Wi-Fi internet access is adequate -- it worked in our room.
Summary
If you're drinking your way across New Zealand, you'll probably like the Criterion, as its bar seems very popular. If you're there for the Art Deco, try to stay on Sunday and Monday nights only, when the bar is closed.
The Location
The Criterion is an original Art Deco building, part of Napier's historic district. As such, there's very little traffic noise (the street is largely a pedestrian mall). It's a four-block walk over flat ground from the bus station. If you're driving, there is a per-night parking charge.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The rooms and bathrooms have art deco trim, windows, and fittings. Private rooms have a washbasin and heater. Rooms are a reasonable size. One of the showers is a seated shower, though it is not fully accessible.
Common Spaces
There are two large, loud lounges in the center of the hostel. One is a TV lounge with a dining area behind it and the other has a pool table and two fireplaces. The kitchen, which connects the two lounges, is small, crowded, and poorly equipped. The owner keeps the gas off in the oven unless someone wants to use it -- and to use it, you must relight the burner inside the oven, with matches. Free continental breakfast is provided in the kitchen -- when we were there it included cereal and canned peaches. Few hostelers speak English, so there isn't much conversation or sociability. Wi-Fi internet access is adequate -- it worked in our room.
Summary
If you're drinking your way across New Zealand, you'll probably like the Criterion, as its bar seems very popular. If you're there for the Art Deco, try to stay on Sunday and Monday nights only, when the bar is closed.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
January 2011
Their Description
Criterion Art Deco Backpackers Inn Details
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Hostelz.com Guest Reviews
This hostel is located in the town centre and has a bar downstairs, which offers meal deals. The facilities are fine, with several large communal areas, although I found a lack of atmosphere. — Gillian , Belfast (2007-05-23) This is definitely one of the best hostels in the world. This art deco style hostel is immaculately furnished, and has a really authentic 30's feel. The rooms are great, the people are nice, and Napier has to be one of the coolest places in New Zealand. — Clare (2005-01-16) Seriously, this is one of the nicest hostels in the world. I especially like the little touches, like the fact that they give you earplugs if you're in a noisy room. — Cantus (2004-10-21)