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Tamara Backpackers Lodge, a BBH hostel, is a short distance from town, right along the river. It's in a beautiful old home, with comfortable beds, spacious showers, and a clean kitchen.
The Location
The hostel is about thirty minutes from the Intercity bus station, and about fifteen minutes from the center of town. If you want to be picked up from the station, try to email them about a day in advance. Otherwise, simply take Ridgway into town, turn right onto Park, and left onto Somme Parade. To get there from the Nakedbus stop, simply follow Taupo Quay until it turns into Somme Parade. There is some parking available.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The dorm rooms are cosy, with full linen and a nice, clean decor. The dorm beds have a maximum of four people and there are also doubles and privates available. The dorms are made up mostly of single beds, although there are a couple of bunks, with good lighting and several outlets. There are no in-room lockers, but the very secure doors lock automatically whenever the door is closed.
The showers are very spacious and clean, have plenty of hot water, and strong water pressure. They each have hooks and a soap dish, so there are plenty of places to put your things. The ventilation isn't very good, so it can get quite steamy if you take a hot shower, but otherwise they are good quality.
Common Spaces
There is one lounge equipped with a flat-screen TV, DVD/VCR, movies, and cable. There is also a guitar and a piano, as well as several couches and chairs. The room has large windows, so it has a nice, open feel. The kitchen is clean and spacious, with plenty of space for your food and belongings. Attached is a large dining area, which holds a book exchange, newspapers, and a computer (Wi-Fi is also available). The backyard also has a garden and trampoline for socializing when there is nice weather.
There are just as many people in their fifties as there are in their twenties, meaning that the vibe is relatively subdued, and it doesn't seem too social, but the owner is very friendly and makes you feel at home. This seems to be more of a place to quietly relax than to party or socialize.
Summary
This is a quiet hostel, skewing towards a slightly older crowd, but it is very comfortable and has a great location. The owners are upbeat and welcoming, and the beautiful old house and nice garden make it a homey place to stay when you travel.
Pretty poor overall
I found that the staff were not too friendly and the kitchen was full of flies. My single room was ok but the bed side light did not work so had to fumble around in the dark a bit. A long walk from the main bus depot especially with a heavy pack. Would not go back to this backpackers.
Nice place to stay. Owners are friendly and the rooms are clean. Kitchen a little cramped but we managed fine. Not a lot of parking.
Stayed in late 2005, this place was clean and tidy and fairly relaxed.
This place has average, very clean and tidy facilities. It is an older style accommodation. There is a FANTASTIC laid-back feel to the place, and it was great to stay at. It has Internet access on a real computer not a kiosk thing. There is plenty of room to escape to read, watch TV or listen to music. It's near to town and warm in the winter.
Free bike and cheap laundry
Lovely room, friendly staff :)
Liked: The guy running the place was really friendly! Didn't like: Wifi allowance was too short
Liked: Very clean, quiet, and friendly. One of the nicest hostels I've stayed in. The location is excellent and they have free bikes to use. Didn't like: Nothing.
Address: 24 Somme Parade, Wanganui, New Zealand
Quiet Rest
Solo Traveller
Bedsheets
Bike Rental
Luggage Storage
Parking
Safe Deposit Box
Towels
Wi-Fi in Lobby/Commons (10c per mb)
Wi-Fi in Rooms (10c per mb)
24 Hour Security
ATM
BBQ Grill
Board Games
Book Collection/Exchange
Clothes Dryer
Credit Card Payments
Entirely Non-Smoking
Hair Dryers
Hot Showers
Kitchen
Laundry
Lounge Area
Movie Library/Rental
Outdoor Seating
Power Point/Sockets in Rooms
TV
Wheelchair Accessible
Airport Pickup
Breakfast
Lockers in Rooms
Service Animals
Pet-Friendly
Genders: Males & Females
Max. Age: All Ages
Min. Age with Parent (dorms): 18
Min. Age with Parent (private room): All Ages
Min. Age without Parent: 18
Checkout: 10:00 (10 AM)
Curfew: No Curfew
Lockout: No
Maximum Stay: Unlimited
Minimum Stay: 1 night
Open Dates: All Year
Reception Hours: Limited Hours
Size: Medium (30-60 beds)
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