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Rosemere Backpackers
6 Macdonald Crescent, Wellington 6011 New Zealand
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About
#11 of 12 hostels in Wellington
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Rosemere is an action packed Backpackers in Wellington City, a short walk from all of this vibrant city's attractions. Cereals, toast, tea and spreads are provided. On Wednesdays, enjoy home made soup in Winter, and sausage sizzle in Summer. Full kitchen and laundry facilities, free DVDs and videos, a piano and a reading room for all to enjoy. Free internet for half an hour per day. Single, Double, Twin, Four and Six bed dorms available. Warm duvets are provided, and our funky green shower facilities are spotless. We can organise car hire, plus Ferry, Bus, Train and activity information is available. BBH affiliated
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Property amenities
Free internet
Sauna
Free breakfast
Bicycle rental
Car hire
Currency exchange
Non-smoking hotel
Self-serve laundry
Wifi
Room features
Fireplace
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Location
6 Macdonald Crescent, Wellington 6011 New Zealand
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 100 out of 100
100
202 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
First impressions seemed good, a brightly coloured building with a big lobby.
Unfortunately this was short lived, the kitchen was far too small, there was one long bench that wasn't nearly enough for the amount of people in the room, and although there are 3 fridges this still wasn't enough to accomodate.
The TV room was great, lots of sofas, spaceous, light :)
The room was alright, very clean, small but the space was well used/organised. However, the window didn't shut, and the mattress had been used far beyond it's capacity, the bed was pretty terrible and so creaky that the people in the room next door to us mentioned they could hear every time we sat down/ turned in the night.
Honestly had a better nights sleep in my car.
Not sure I'd pay to stay here again, but it was a roof over my head for a few days.
Unfortunately this was short lived, the kitchen was far too small, there was one long bench that wasn't nearly enough for the amount of people in the room, and although there are 3 fridges this still wasn't enough to accomodate.
The TV room was great, lots of sofas, spaceous, light :)
The room was alright, very clean, small but the space was well used/organised. However, the window didn't shut, and the mattress had been used far beyond it's capacity, the bed was pretty terrible and so creaky that the people in the room next door to us mentioned they could hear every time we sat down/ turned in the night.
Honestly had a better nights sleep in my car.
Not sure I'd pay to stay here again, but it was a roof over my head for a few days.
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Date of stay: August 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed at Rosemere for 2 months (for some reason) at the beginning of the year. The pros and cons (for me) are:
PROS: TV Room is excellent, with good sofas and a hard drive FULL of movies and TV shows. Location is good, only about 5-10 mins walk to CBD. Well-equipped Kitchen, which is open all night (the gas, however is switched off at 9pm). Good party atmosphere (which is good for weekends, but perhaps not to eveyone's taste during the week). Very social atmosphere which makes it easy to meet people.
CONS: Partying is perhaps too hardcore during the week, and goes on until too late at night. Loud music is often blaring until late at night (even during the week). Bunk-beds are incredibly squeaky and not particularly stable. Mattresses are a little flat, as are the pillows. The hill upon which Rosemere sits is rather steep and arduous to climb. Cubicle showers, which are a little cramped.
PROS: TV Room is excellent, with good sofas and a hard drive FULL of movies and TV shows. Location is good, only about 5-10 mins walk to CBD. Well-equipped Kitchen, which is open all night (the gas, however is switched off at 9pm). Good party atmosphere (which is good for weekends, but perhaps not to eveyone's taste during the week). Very social atmosphere which makes it easy to meet people.
CONS: Partying is perhaps too hardcore during the week, and goes on until too late at night. Loud music is often blaring until late at night (even during the week). Bunk-beds are incredibly squeaky and not particularly stable. Mattresses are a little flat, as are the pillows. The hill upon which Rosemere sits is rather steep and arduous to climb. Cubicle showers, which are a little cramped.
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Date of stay: January 2014Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: If possible, try to avoid room 20 next to the outside terrace. It is extremely loud when the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We arrived at the hostel at 6am after a really exhausting and short night. We slept in the TV lounge until our room was ready. We had all our bags with us and somebody stole one of our bags with a full bottle of wine and a newly bought tobacco in it. As soon as we realized that our stuff was gone, we informed the manager who didn't care at all. All it would have taken him was a glance at the "security" camera (we didn't know there was one until another guest told us the night before we left)
The Hostel is run down and dirty. The washrooms don't get cleaned thoroughly or regularly. There's urine on the floor and the door doesn't even lock.
The kitchen is way too small and there is not enough kitchenware for just half the people staying (also because nobody cleans their own things so you might find yourself without a plate or cutlery) also, kitchen closes at 9pm. There's hardly enough room for your groceries either because all the cupboards and fridges are being occupied by the long term residents.
The people there are constantly drinking and smoking weed (this goes for the entire day not just at night). It's noisy as hell so if you want to sit out on the deck and talk to someone you'll have to yell.
My personal highlight was in the washroom late at night. we were standing there in our pyjamas, brushing our teeth when one drunk, f*** up guy after the other stumbled (or fell) into the washroom, peed, as it seemed, next to the toilet and stumbled out again.
If you're looking for a place to get wasted, rosemere's is your Hostel. However, we've had far better Hostels, actually not even comparable to this place, for the same money.
The Hostel is run down and dirty. The washrooms don't get cleaned thoroughly or regularly. There's urine on the floor and the door doesn't even lock.
The kitchen is way too small and there is not enough kitchenware for just half the people staying (also because nobody cleans their own things so you might find yourself without a plate or cutlery) also, kitchen closes at 9pm. There's hardly enough room for your groceries either because all the cupboards and fridges are being occupied by the long term residents.
The people there are constantly drinking and smoking weed (this goes for the entire day not just at night). It's noisy as hell so if you want to sit out on the deck and talk to someone you'll have to yell.
My personal highlight was in the washroom late at night. we were standing there in our pyjamas, brushing our teeth when one drunk, f*** up guy after the other stumbled (or fell) into the washroom, peed, as it seemed, next to the toilet and stumbled out again.
If you're looking for a place to get wasted, rosemere's is your Hostel. However, we've had far better Hostels, actually not even comparable to this place, for the same money.
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Date of stay: November 2013
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
To start with positives - good location and not expensive.
Now, this was a last minute booking and we kind of knew what to expect, because we've been to backpackers before. We even called to asked if it would be a problem if we arrived after 9pm, just in case our flight was late. The owner said it's no problem, but we were on time anyway. The check-in was fine, the customer service was ok at this point. We made our way upstairs. If you're squimish you would leave at this moment. Walls haven't seen a coat of paint for a loooooong time, bloody mattresses on the halls like from a horror movie and dirty floor in a room. Filthy showers full of mould. At least the sheets looked clean.
We were there for one night and left at 8am.
Now, booking.com asked us for some feedback and we gave our honest feedback. For which we received an e-mail and a voice message from Mark, the owner, calling us "a f*cking b*tch" and telling us to "f*ck off". That is absolutely unacceptable and completely absurd. This man should not work in hospitality or with people at all.
I can't wait for yet another rude response here.
Avoid this place!
Now, this was a last minute booking and we kind of knew what to expect, because we've been to backpackers before. We even called to asked if it would be a problem if we arrived after 9pm, just in case our flight was late. The owner said it's no problem, but we were on time anyway. The check-in was fine, the customer service was ok at this point. We made our way upstairs. If you're squimish you would leave at this moment. Walls haven't seen a coat of paint for a loooooong time, bloody mattresses on the halls like from a horror movie and dirty floor in a room. Filthy showers full of mould. At least the sheets looked clean.
We were there for one night and left at 8am.
Now, booking.com asked us for some feedback and we gave our honest feedback. For which we received an e-mail and a voice message from Mark, the owner, calling us "a f*cking b*tch" and telling us to "f*ck off". That is absolutely unacceptable and completely absurd. This man should not work in hospitality or with people at all.
I can't wait for yet another rude response here.
Avoid this place!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Please have a good immune system and don't expect to sleep. Plus you need to be physically fit to 1. get into this building and 2 be able to run in a fire. The hygiene standards are appalling our sports team had 5 bedrooms almost none had clean bedding/duvets, there was a lot of black mould in one bedroom, floor board and stairs rotten with just carpet stopping you falling thru. windows that didn't close or were taped together. Curtains that were just putrid. various dried fluids on all walls. multipy smoke detectors - just bases that were covered in insulation tape. Parties and noise in multiply rooms till after 1.30am with lodgers running around yelling and banging on doors and windows for over 3 hours (3-6am). Rooms that stink. This is the worst example of New Zealand hospitality I've ever seen. Even the host arrived to meet us at 1.15pm in their pj's.
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Date of stay: August 2017Trip type: Travelled with friends
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where to start with this hostel? The website does a very good job of advertising this Hostel as a clean, warm and budget friendly place to stay in Wellington. However the opposite of everything listed on this website is the case. In fact it is an insult to other Budget Backpackers that I have stayed at. Firstly the Kitchen, Showers and Common Room Facilities are continuously messy, smelly and while they are cleaned every morning, if it wasn’t for the Cleaners signs, you wouldn’t spot the difference before or after. The woofers that work here are very lazy and do a very poor job of taking care of the facilities and customers. The owner who is in during the day is okay, but not the best, generally pretty grumpy, and largely unhelpful when it comes to reporting things like the Wifi not working, your door not being able to lock, or how cold the room was with your windows not being able to be fully closed in the night during the winter weather. Room security and overall comfort is not something they care about in this Budget Accommodation. But at least the owner was available, when he leaves its handed over to woofers who are never in reception. When you do get them to come to the office it looks like they’ve been sleeping in their beds, or too busy with their friends in the Common Areas, I got told by the Eastern European girl to wait for 5 minutes while she finished cooking her dinner, this was after waiting for 10 minutes for her to even appear! The Best Receptionist however was the American one who closed up reception at 8pm, started drinking alcohol and spent the rest of the night throwing up around the Backpackers. The Barbeque and/or Soup never happened throughout the time I stayed and when I asked about it most of the Long Termers who has been staying knew nothing about it, so it’s never happened for months! The Free Wifi is only free because it’s useless and never works. The only up-shot to this place is some of the people that stay here, they are warm, friendly and helpful often helping you out with any problems or advise, well before the receptionists turns up, but this in no way makes up for the continual disappointments that lurk in this place. Overall do not stay there and look to spend $10 more per night at a different place, The rooms are cold, the beds are well past their use-by date, the staff are useless and the listing here on tripadvisor is full of false advertisement, DO NOT STAY HERE
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Date of stay: June 2017Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matresses are so thin it was like sleeping on the floor. I'm not a heavy person and the bed which was a piece of songs offered no support, pillows useless too.
The room was freezing cold and the heater in there was on for hours but did absolutely nothing. Couldn't feel it standing next to it.
You can do better elsewhere.
The room was freezing cold and the heater in there was on for hours but did absolutely nothing. Couldn't feel it standing next to it.
You can do better elsewhere.
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Date of stay: May 2012
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The place is so filthy. I’ve stayed in hostels all over the world and this is by far the worst. $40 for a night. Wouldn’t give them $4 a night. Incredibly run down and stinks. Staff are very hard to find and unfriendly. Sleeping on the street is a by far better option than staying here. Do not recommend at all.
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Date of stay: March 2019Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I made a mistake not to read reviews before making my booking....
I stayed here for 2 separate nights one before going on the ferry and one after coming back from the ferry (the only reason I came back for the second night was that I had booked in advance again shame on me). I honestly don't have high standards (I have never written a bad review because it has always been 'good enough' or couldn't be bothered, this time however I want to make sure that others know how bad it actually is!!!) Where do I start... we arrived at 6pm and started cooking after first cleaning some pots and pans, part of the bench and some cutlery and plates, something that you don't feel like after a whole day driving. We needed to catch the ferry at 7am in the morning which mwant that we couldn't have breakfast because they don't have that ready before 7am. After the second nature night I know what the breakfast is like and I don't understand why they couldn't have it ready, it was extremely basic, which is something that I really don't mind that is not the point. The point is helping your guests out where you can wasn't done. Then I wanted to go to sleep early because of the early ferry. Well, I was the only one, sadly... I literally haven't slept at all! Drunk people stumbling on the staircase in the hallway making loud noises (screaming and yelling and banging on many doors including mine) all night long! Then when I got up at 6am people were still partying when I was getting ready to leave. Didn't dare to take a shower because of many reasons (not only because it was yak). Stayed in much better backpackers later on for the same budget but much much better (bungy backpackers queenstown is clean and has a layed back friendly atmosphere with some easy to understand rules which everyone obeys eg noise down after 10pm).
I hppe that no one will ever stay a night in this awful disgusting hostel, rosemere backpackers. I honestly think that the manager doesn't care what is happening with this place. I only saw him once briefly walking in and out. I m pretty sure he doesn't sleep there, well, who would?
I stayed here for 2 separate nights one before going on the ferry and one after coming back from the ferry (the only reason I came back for the second night was that I had booked in advance again shame on me). I honestly don't have high standards (I have never written a bad review because it has always been 'good enough' or couldn't be bothered, this time however I want to make sure that others know how bad it actually is!!!) Where do I start... we arrived at 6pm and started cooking after first cleaning some pots and pans, part of the bench and some cutlery and plates, something that you don't feel like after a whole day driving. We needed to catch the ferry at 7am in the morning which mwant that we couldn't have breakfast because they don't have that ready before 7am. After the second nature night I know what the breakfast is like and I don't understand why they couldn't have it ready, it was extremely basic, which is something that I really don't mind that is not the point. The point is helping your guests out where you can wasn't done. Then I wanted to go to sleep early because of the early ferry. Well, I was the only one, sadly... I literally haven't slept at all! Drunk people stumbling on the staircase in the hallway making loud noises (screaming and yelling and banging on many doors including mine) all night long! Then when I got up at 6am people were still partying when I was getting ready to leave. Didn't dare to take a shower because of many reasons (not only because it was yak). Stayed in much better backpackers later on for the same budget but much much better (bungy backpackers queenstown is clean and has a layed back friendly atmosphere with some easy to understand rules which everyone obeys eg noise down after 10pm).
I hppe that no one will ever stay a night in this awful disgusting hostel, rosemere backpackers. I honestly think that the manager doesn't care what is happening with this place. I only saw him once briefly walking in and out. I m pretty sure he doesn't sleep there, well, who would?
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Date of stay: August 2014
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed here years ago when I was 18 and just fresh in New Zealand.
This place and the people I met in it changed my life and how I saw the world.
We did what you're supposed to do in a hostel: talk, socialize, play cards, drink, go out, cook, have costume parties. It blew my mind as a true youngster at that time. Afterward, I became more confident, sociable, and happy.
We used to joke then about the "selfish couples", the ones who just wanted their place to stay and to keep to themselves. Keep that in mind when you read the reviews about it.
I'm guessing Terry and the other cast of characters are long gone. Times change.
Rosemere is one of the places, years later, I still look back on wistfully. I probably will my whole life.
Perhaps it's gone downhill or perhaps the people leaving reviews weren't after what it provides. I don't know.
I just wanted to pay it a proper tribute. What a place.
This place and the people I met in it changed my life and how I saw the world.
We did what you're supposed to do in a hostel: talk, socialize, play cards, drink, go out, cook, have costume parties. It blew my mind as a true youngster at that time. Afterward, I became more confident, sociable, and happy.
We used to joke then about the "selfish couples", the ones who just wanted their place to stay and to keep to themselves. Keep that in mind when you read the reviews about it.
I'm guessing Terry and the other cast of characters are long gone. Times change.
Rosemere is one of the places, years later, I still look back on wistfully. I probably will my whole life.
Perhaps it's gone downhill or perhaps the people leaving reviews weren't after what it provides. I don't know.
I just wanted to pay it a proper tribute. What a place.
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Date of stay: May 2013Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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"If possible, try to avoid room 20 next to the outside terrace. It is extremely loud when the party-makers are playing music and drinking/shouting/singing/fighting late into the night!"Read full review
"Do not take the room facing the terrace - if you have a problem with noise, ask before you book. There are quieter rooms available, as there is not much traffic there."Read full review
"Room 20 is next to the outdoor area so is not ideal for a good nights sleep. In saying that, I stayed in this room the whole week and it was fine."Read full review
ALSO KNOWN AS
rosemere backpackers hotel wellington
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandGreater WellingtonWellington
NUMBER OF ROOMS
20
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Rosemere Backpackers
Which popular attractions are close to Rosemere Backpackers?
Nearby attractions include Cuba Street (0.4 km), City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi (0.5 km), and St. Mary Of The Angels Parish (0.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Rosemere Backpackers?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, free internet access, and self serve laundry.
What food & drink options are available at Rosemere Backpackers?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Rosemere Backpackers?
Conveniently located restaurants include WBC Restaurant, The Old Quarter, and Neo Cafe & Eatery.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Rosemere Backpackers?
Yes, guests have access to a sauna during their stay.
Is Rosemere Backpackers located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.6 km away from the centre of Wellington.
Are there any historical sites close to Rosemere Backpackers?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Old St Paul's (1.7 km), Wellington Cable Car (0.8 km), and Government House (1.9 km).