Pickled Parrot Backpackers, Paihia

Rude owner

I have never been treated so rudely as I was by the owner of this hostel. As somebody who has stayed at hostels in over 25 countries I consider myself well versed in hostel etiquette. If a guest or group doesn't fit in with the crowd you could at least expect a bit of professionalism when asked to leave. Especially from somebody who repeatedly told me this was her business and she couldnt afford to lose customers. Because I wasn't renting one of the most expensive rooms. Traveling with two young children is hard enough with out having to find last minute accommodation during the height of the season and being subjected to a snotty diatribe in the courtyard in front of a host of hungover complainers. Get some earplugs and Buck up. Rose, consider renovations so the walls separating rooms directly off the shared kitchen and shared living space aren't "paper thin." Your lack of insulation isn't my fault, nor was your late night party session. As for my kids, I've traveled extensively with my children and have had nothing but praise of their behaviour but even I can't predict when a small child will fall and cry disturbing others most deserved sleep. I'm so sorry it was so difficult for all of you to briefly coexist with other humans. Then making us pay full price with little to no effort to find us new accommodations. If you insist upon discriminating upon young guests I suggest you make it a posted policy. Also the nails sticking up through your rotted staircase are dangerous and your vegetation could use some tending.

Best in Paihia

I got the chance to stay here for two weeks while in Paihia. Rose (the owner) is lovely, as well as her dogs and all the people who pass through. It's a quiet place off the main strip of hostels, but still close enough to get anywhere you need. Breakfast, wifi, bikes, and comfort, it's really all you could ask for. Be aware that because it's such a relaxed place, chances are when you're looking to check in or out, or have questions midday, that Rose might not be there to help (she's usually out swimming) so as long as you're ok with more laid-back service, you'll love it here!

Friendly and low-key, right outside of town

It's a 10-minute walk to town, but this place is friendly, clean, and low-key. You have to walk outside to get to the toilets/showers and kitchen, but it's quiet (no noise after 11pm) and the owner is great.

Pickled Parrot Backpackers, BBH hostel, is definitely a gem in Paihia. They offer free Wi-Fi and free broadband as well as a free breakfast every morning. The rooms are very secure and comfortable and Rose, the owner, is incredibly friendly and helpful (as are her dogs!).

The Location

This hostel feels very isolated in the middle of a bunch of trees in a quiet area of the city. But it's only a fifteen-minute walk into town and from the bus. To get here from the iSite, simply follow the highway up, past the rows of motels. There will be signs around Grey's Lane directing you towards the hostel. Parking is readily available.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The dorm rooms have secure door locks as well as lockers in the room, but you will need to provide your own lock. They have six-bed dorms (made up of three bunks) and single rooms, as well as tent sites. The beds are very comfortable and are made up with full linen. The linen is a little thin, and the ladder on the bunk seems a bit awkward, but the frames are solid (so no squeaking) and the bed is comfortable, so no real complaints.

The showers are very clean, with several hooks behind the door for your things and a soap dish in the shower for your toiletries. It also has plenty of space for showering and changing. The heat is good and consistent (maybe even a little too hot) but the water pressure is really hard -- it feels like a jet stream pounding your back. And since the water pressure is so hard, everything you put on the floor (shoes, dirty clothes) will get wet -- even if it is by the door of the shower.

Common Spaces

Inside the hostel is a small TV room with a book exchange and several board games. It has a computer with free internet and Skype, and free Wi-Fi is provided (they use Tomizone, but will give you as many 60MB/hour vouchers as you like). SkyTV, DVDs, and VHSs are available for the TV. There are only three small couches and a row of bar stools by a bar to sit on, so not many people use it. It's connected to the kitchen, which is a little small, but is fully stocked and very clean -- and free breakfast (toast, butter, jam, cereal, milk) is provided every morning.

Since the inside sitting area is a bit small, and Paihia has some beautiful weather, people typically hang out on the decks outside. There are two covered areas, which get plenty of sunlight, with chairs and benches and tables, which functions both as an outside hang-out area and as a dining room. Here, you're likely to meet one of the three dogs belonging to the owner of the hostel -- all of which are very friendly and very well behaved.

This hostel feels almost like a retreat. It's isolated, in a beautiful location, with a friendly and helpful owner. The setting contributes to the feel of the hostel, which is very social, friendly, and laid-back. It isn't a party hostel, there's a pretty strict "no noise after 11" policy, but people are frequently up late into the night talking with new friends.

Summary

This is a fantastic hostel in Paihia. It's comfortable, it's social without being a party hostel, it's in a beautiful location, and it comes with a bunch of freebies like internet and breakfast. It's definitely one of the best.

Lovely

Lovely hostel, just around the corner from all the others so nice and quiet. Lovely gardens and resident parrot! Really friendly owners made us feel so welcome and were so helpful, even though we kept changing our minds and booked an overnight boat trip half way through. Lovely clean rooms, nice kitchen and bathroom, and very friendly and relaxing. One of the best.

Great, friendly hostel!

One of the best budget accommodations I have visited during many years of traveling. Immaculately clean, friendly staff, and as an added bonus there is Rocky the parrot. What a great character he is!

Pickled Parrot Backpackers has recently changed ownership. There is no parrot anymore but the new owner who lives there and runs the place has some very friendly pets. This place provides pillowcases, clean sheets, duvet, blankets, towels, and a simple breakfast in the morning (cereal and fruit).

The Location

The hostel is very easy to find -- you'd pass by a sign on your left when driving into Paihia. It's actually a little bit of a walk away from the main strip, which is good for anyone that wants it quiet. There are also picnic tables outside.

Rooms and Bathrooms

Shared bathrooms are clean. Rooms are very clean and each room has a special name. The beds are comfortable.

Common Spaces

The common places include a large lounge area, one internet terminal, and a common kitchen. Everything is nice and clean.

Summary

We found the owner very welcoming and the place is clean. If you arrive and the office says it's closed, make sure you ring the bell or call the phone number that is provided there at the phone booth beside the office. The call is free and the owner will answer and meet with you pretty quickly to set you up with everything you need. We'd definitely go back to this hostel.

Great hostel -- quiet, clean, relaxing, away from the busy centre but still close enough to walk.