Penny's Backpackers

Penny's Backpackers is a BBH hostel in Dunedin. It's located three blocks from the Octagon, which is where all the action is, and it's within walking distance of the bus/train station too -- although the hostel does offer free pickups most of the time too. Security appears to be reasonable, with codes on the inner door (and also on the outside door after a certain hour).

This is a medium-sized hostel. There are dorm rooms, and also the option of doubles and singles, with all beds being fully made up. The heating in the bedrooms could be improved a bit, but common areas are very warm, with what look to be new heaters. It appears as if improvements are being carried out all the time so hopefully they look at replacing the small and aging heaters in bedrooms in the near future.

The hostel has a good-sized and spotlessly clean kitchen, decent dining area off the kitchen, and a very spacious TV room. Free internet is offered in the TV room although it does seem to be a bit hit and miss, not working some of the time. When it does work, there are three computers set aside for it, so not too much queuing time.

There is a shower room and toilet, and also two bathrooms consisting of shower and toilet. These are reasonably clean, although they could do with a bit of modernisation in places.

On the ground floor there is a newly refurbished and opened bar and games room. The staff in the bar are residents of the hostel that have been there for a very long time. Most are friendly, unlike in some hostels where long term residents can almost seem to resent people invading their "home." Downstairs again, there is a second bar, aptly named The Cellar, which is also recently opened. It is a small but nicely decorated and also serves food.

All in all, Penny's is a hostel that has a lot going for it. Once management addresses the few remaining problems, it will be well equipped to compete with any other hostels in Dunedin. As it stands, it can still be recommended, especially during summer months when warmth is not so big a concern.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
July 2008