The Empire Hotel, once a grand old hotel in its day has now been converted into a backpacker. The remnants of the hotel are seen in the red and gold carpets in the hallways, the wide stairways and the wide hallways. But aside from these hints of days gone by for this facility, the current use is much more evident.
There are two well stocked kitchens. A sitting lounge on the second floor next to one kitchen is also the home of two free internet terminals. Downstairs a TV lounge is walled on one side by bay windows out to the street and stocked with various free movies. An unfinished basement room is occupied by a pool table and piano that are free for guest use. The multiple common areas give guests room to spread out and enjoy the facility. The bathrooms seem to have recently been remodeled and in very nice condition and well stocked.
While technically the Empire Hotel is 3 blocks down Thames Street from the bus stop, they are longer blocks and it is almost a kilometer from the bus stop to the hostel. On your way you will pass a grocery market, shops and restaurants. The hostel staff will also provide you a map of the area with directions to get to locales to spy on the blue and yellow penguins.
Empire is a multifaceted facility offering quiet, social or doorstep to sightseeing- whatever your mood.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
February 2006
Location/Contact
4 Average from 3 Ratings
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