Directly opposite Sky Tower, Surf ‘n' Snow is in a great location, just a one-minute walk from the bus station and another minute walk from the busy Queen's Street -- the main shopping area, where restaurants and shops are plentiful.
Surf ‘n' Snow is in a small, old building surrounded by skyscrapers. It's the type of building with high ceilings and big windows, and the place is white and bright. The reception is on the first floor, but there's a lift, so don't worry if you're carrying heavy luggage. The rooms are big and bright, but the noise of the traffic may be a bother to some, as it faces the main street. You can also hear the screaming of the people who "sit" the bungy jump just opposite the street.
The toilets and showers are clean and modern -- there are toilets for the disabled, too. Also there's a TV room and laundry rooms. The common area has lots of travel information, and hairdryers can be borrowed from the reception. The kitchen/dining room is in the basement. It's large and bright, and it's really busy in the evenings. Next to it is a very small outdoor area with a few tables and chairs.
We find only one downside. When we go down there for breakfast at 8:30 a.m., we see dirty dishes still piled up in the sink and the two rubbish bins overflowing with flies buzzing happily around. Then there is an old woman -- who doesn't look like a backpacker -- hurrying out of the kitchen. Perhaps that's why there's a notice on one of the fridges that there are thieves who steal food at night? But when we come back again a few hours later, the kitchen is nice and sparkling again. We notice there are surveillance cameras on the doorway and kitchen, though.
— Avis exclusif de Hostelz.com
February 2007