Holly's Backpackers is a small, friendly place (with twenty-four beds) well-located within Wanaka. It's a member of the BBH club, so remember to bring your card if you have one (it will save you a few dollars a night). For such a small hostel it is well-equipped and comes with stunning views of the mountains around Wanaka, though no lake view.
The Location
Holly's is located two blocks away from Wanaka's CBD and the nearest shops are a maximum of three-minute walk away. To be fair, Wanaka isn't a large place, but this hostel is well located on a quiet street with a few off-street parking spaces and buckets of space on the street.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The dorm rooms are fairly basic, and the ones in the basement do feel a little dingy with quite small windows. The beds are the normal foam mattress affairs but bedding is provided and the room is certainly clean. There isn't too much in the way of storage, but each room has its own key so it feels secure.
The showers and toilets are arranged so that the toilet and shower is in the same room. This is fine apart from in "rush-hour" where it means that either toilets or showers are in short supply, depending on your needs! Once inside the room though, they are a pleasure as they are very spacious and with lovely warm showers.
Common Spaces
The kitchen is about right for the size of the place and people are fairly respectful of each other in there whilst cooking. There is plenty of room for people to sit down and eat their meals with two large tables provided. The lounge (which also houses the internet terminal) is very spacious and has a conservatory on the end of it with good views out. Out the back there is also a free BBQ and picnic area which is perfect for summer months. There is a fairly quiet atmosphere within the hostel, but it is easy to meet people whilst eating.
Summary
Overall a positive experience will be had here. We wouldn't recommend it for any party animals and it is a little basic. But it is reasonably priced and well-located -- perfect for a short stopover in Wanaka.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
June 2008
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