Criterion Art Deco Backpackers Inn

When staying in Napier, you must stay in style -- no better place than the Criterion Art Deco Backpackers Inn! As the name suggests, the hostel is housed in an Art Deco (or to be more precise, "Spanish Mission") building right in the heart of Napier (Emerson Street). Its central location is superb for those on foot (only a few minutes stroll to the Marine Parade and all shops and restaurants you might need just down the road). The Ocean Spa, Marineland, Aquarium, Visitor Centre, Art Deco Shop, and several of the important Art Deco buildings are within walking distance. As there is little traffic, there is hardly any noise either.

The hostel, transformed from a former posh hotel, is spacious and clean and has very comfortable lounges with inviting sofas, pool tables, secluded TV room, and dining room. The kitchen is large and well equipped, also well ventilated. The main lounge also has a narrow, long terrace overlooking the main street below -- the place to be to watch the parades at the annual Art Deco Weekend in February. The dormitories are large (usually six or eight beds in one room) with few other furnishings, except one chair and mirror. Bathroom and toilet facilities are clean and functional -- nothing special.

The hostel has a pay phone (also for incoming calls) and Internet access -- get a card from the reception, which is not always staffed, at least during the Art Deco Weekend. The Cri café on the ground floor is a stylish bar/café with good food and drink -- hostel guests get a 10% discount. It has a great atmosphere, especially in the evenings (there's often live music). All in all we can recommend this place enormously, for its charm, style, history, and superb location! For a big hostel, it is astonishingly cosy!

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review