Rowena's Lodge, Wellington

This hostel was very dirty, the kitchen was disgusting and lacked cutlery (were no forks and only 2 spoons in the entire kitchen). The fridge reeked of rotten food and stale garlic and I would not remove my flipflops for any reason including to shower. Room 49 had bedbugs and I had to wash every single item of clothing I owned which cancelled out the free parking (which was the only good thing about the entire place) . The staff were more concerned about their free internet than providing any kind of assistance and I had to go elsewhere to book my southbound ferry even though the service was meant to be provided at the hostel. They had a dvd player but no movies.... The plumbing was out for 5 hours on the day that I was there and could not use the toilets at all and i was not warned of this till after I paid. awesome. The top hallway reeked of piss and cigarettes and the hallways were full of noise until 4am, not that that mattered because I ended up sleeping in the front seat of my car because the room had bedbugs. By far the Worst Hostel I have EVER been in, and I spent 2 years in Australia.

Have never experienced anything as rude as two of the older staff here. Would not advise anyone to stay here

Have just returned home from our stay in Wellington stayed at Rowena's Lodge as the city was very busy over Easter with Rock concert. Place was buzzing with people and very noisy at night but we had a great time, my husband and I are nearly senior citizens and have travelled all over NZ staying in backpacker hostels and we would happily stay at Rowena's again guests long and short term were very friendly we were invited to a BBQ in the very nice garden pleased to see they made a effort to plant lots of native trees and shrubs good on you managers for making the effort kitchen was crowded felt sorry for Haviara the cleaning lady she had her work cut out for her but she certainly kept smiling and cleaning and Sam who works in the weekends was always smiling and singing as he worked. Bed was very comfortable and duvets are extra warm and endless hot water. Free carparking was great as we saw plenty of parking wardens around.

this place is nestled on a hill slope which gives it a wonderful view from the porch, cosy ambience, good service, bathrooms are clean, quiet neighbourhood, it's good value for money.