The Hostelz.com Review
YHA Hamilton Microtel Backpackers is adequate accommodation among limited choices in Hamilton. As an associate member of the popular YHA backpacking organization, it offers some of the benefits of the larger hostels, while presenting a few drawbacks in overall design and construction.
The Location
The hostel is located amid a strip of motel chains on a busy road in central Hamilton. It’s well marked and the sign is easy to spot from the road. Limited on-site parking is available behind the hostel, or in a narrow section of spaces alongside. A large Pak ‘n’ Save grocery store is an easy walk away just down the street.
Hamilton itself is a bit short on tourist attractions, so there are only a few of note nearby. Waikato Stadium is within walking distance to see rugby matches, The Waikato Museum isn’t terribly far, but a bit of a trek. Farther afield from the hostel, there are nice gardens, a zoo, and sizable university.
Rooms and Bathrooms
All rooms lock behind secure doors. The dorm rooms are set up suite-style, where one door leads to two banks of bunk rooms which share toilets and a shower. However, only the main entry door locks. In fact, there are no doors at all for the dorm rooms themselves. The bathrooms are clean and well kept, with adequate pressure and enough hot water to go around. The duvets are a bit thin for chilly nights, so be sure to ask for an extra in winter. There are a few hooks for hanging clothes, but otherwise not much for space to store your belongings.
Common Spaces
A decent-sized lounge area at the end of the hallway serves as the hostel social hub. There are two computer terminals to check email and browse the internet, and the hostel is also equipped with Wi-Fi. The kitchen area adjoins the lounge, with a small cooking area and half-dozen stools to eat at on a counter. Space, especially in the refrigerator, is at a premium. There’s one set of gas hobs to cook at, supplemented by a second set of electric ones. There’s a BBQ out back, with a small table and a few chairs on the warmer months.
Summary
This hostel appears to be under construction at the moment, and two rooms were recently being heavily refurbished down to the studs. Guests visiting later may find it to be freshly updated. While the facilities are adequate for the average backpacker, a lack of space and limited amenities prevent the hostel from having an overall settled feel. In all, the hostel is a fine place to spend a night while visiting the Waikato, but probably would not suit those looking for a longer stay.
The Location
The hostel is located amid a strip of motel chains on a busy road in central Hamilton. It’s well marked and the sign is easy to spot from the road. Limited on-site parking is available behind the hostel, or in a narrow section of spaces alongside. A large Pak ‘n’ Save grocery store is an easy walk away just down the street.
Hamilton itself is a bit short on tourist attractions, so there are only a few of note nearby. Waikato Stadium is within walking distance to see rugby matches, The Waikato Museum isn’t terribly far, but a bit of a trek. Farther afield from the hostel, there are nice gardens, a zoo, and sizable university.
Rooms and Bathrooms
All rooms lock behind secure doors. The dorm rooms are set up suite-style, where one door leads to two banks of bunk rooms which share toilets and a shower. However, only the main entry door locks. In fact, there are no doors at all for the dorm rooms themselves. The bathrooms are clean and well kept, with adequate pressure and enough hot water to go around. The duvets are a bit thin for chilly nights, so be sure to ask for an extra in winter. There are a few hooks for hanging clothes, but otherwise not much for space to store your belongings.
Common Spaces
A decent-sized lounge area at the end of the hallway serves as the hostel social hub. There are two computer terminals to check email and browse the internet, and the hostel is also equipped with Wi-Fi. The kitchen area adjoins the lounge, with a small cooking area and half-dozen stools to eat at on a counter. Space, especially in the refrigerator, is at a premium. There’s one set of gas hobs to cook at, supplemented by a second set of electric ones. There’s a BBQ out back, with a small table and a few chairs on the warmer months.
Summary
This hostel appears to be under construction at the moment, and two rooms were recently being heavily refurbished down to the studs. Guests visiting later may find it to be freshly updated. While the facilities are adequate for the average backpacker, a lack of space and limited amenities prevent the hostel from having an overall settled feel. In all, the hostel is a fine place to spend a night while visiting the Waikato, but probably would not suit those looking for a longer stay.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
August 2010
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