Wellington's Pipitea neighborhood offers a comfortable base near the business district with friendly drinks, convenient express check-out, and central location
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers in Pipitea is minutes from Wellington's center. Enjoy a cooked-to-order breakfast, evening drinks at the bar, or local dishes at the restaurant. Free in-room WiFi keeps you connected, and the staff offers city exploration guidance.
View all photos for Standard Double Room, Private Bathroom
Standard Double Room, Private Bathroom
Highlights
Heating
LCD TV
Private bathroom
Cable channels
In-room safe
Iron/ironing board
Daily housekeeping
18 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 Double Bed
View all photos for Single (Shared Bathroom)
Single (Shared Bathroom)
8.68.6 out of 10
Excellent
18 reviews
(18 reviews)
Highlights
Heating
LCD TV
Cable channels
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
15 sq m
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bed
View all photos for Bunk Style Twin (Shared Bathroom)
Bunk Style Twin (Shared Bathroom)
Highlights
Heating
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
16 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 Twin Bunk Bed
View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (4 Beds)
Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (4 Beds)
Highlights
Heating
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
22 sq m
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bunk Bed
View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (6 Beds)
Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (6 Beds)
10.010.0 out of 10
Exceptional
1 review
(1 review)
Highlights
Heating
Private bathroom
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
24 sq m
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bunk Bed
View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (8 Beds)
Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (8 Beds)
8.08.0 out of 10
Very good
1 review
(1 review)
Highlights
Heating
Private bathroom
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
26 sq m
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bunk Bed
View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Ensuite (6 Bed, Female Only)
Shared Dormitory, Ensuite (6 Bed, Female Only)
Highlights
Heating
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
24 sq m
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bed
View all photos for Twin, Double & Single Ensuite
Twin, Double & Single Ensuite
8.48.4 out of 10
Very good
18 reviews
(18 reviews)
Highlights
Heating
LCD TV
Separate bedroom
Cable channels
In-room safe
Iron/ironing board
Daily housekeeping
23 sq m
1 bedroom
Sleeps 3
1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed
View all photos for Double Shared Bathroom
Double Shared Bathroom
7.67.6 out of 10
Good
4 reviews
(4 reviews)
Highlights
Heating
LCD TV
Cable channels
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
23 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 Double Bed
View all photos for Single Room, Ensuite
Single Room, Ensuite
8.28.2 out of 10
Very good
15 reviews
(15 reviews)
Highlights
Heating
LCD TV
Cable channels
In-room safe
Iron/ironing board
Daily housekeeping
19 sq m
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bed
View all photos for Premium Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm
Premium Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm
Highlights
Heating
Separate bedroom
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
24 sq m
1 bedroom
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bunk Bed
View all photos for Double Room with Private Bathroom
Double Room with Private Bathroom
8.08.0 out of 10
Very good
1 review
(1 review)
Sleeps 2
View all photos for Twin Double&Single Ensuite
Twin Double&Single Ensuite
Sleeps 3
View all photos for Ensuite Twin Room
Ensuite Twin Room
Sleeps 2
View all photos for Single Room With Bathroom
Single Room With Bathroom
Sleeps 1
View all photos for Double Room with Shared Bathroom
Double Room with Shared Bathroom
10.010.0 out of 10
Exceptional
1 review
(1 review)
Sleeps 2
View all photos for Single Room with Shared Bathroom
Single Room with Shared Bathroom
Sleeps 1
View all photos for Bed In 4-Bed Dormitory
Bed In 4-Bed Dormitory
8.08.0 out of 10
Very good
1 review
(1 review)
Sleeps 1
View all photos for Bed In 6-Bed Dormitory
Bed In 6-Bed Dormitory
Sleeps 1
View all photos for Bed In 8-Bed Dormitory
Bed In 8-Bed Dormitory
Sleeps 1
View all photos for Bed In 8 Bed Dormitory
Bed In 8 Bed Dormitory
Sleeps 1
Premium Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm
Sleeps 1
About the neighborhood
Located in Pipitea, a neighborhood in Wellington, Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers is near a train station and near the beach. Museum of Wellington City and Sea and Sisters of Compassion - Suzanne Aubert Compassion Centre are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Lambton Quay and Cuba Street Mall. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at TSB Bank Arena, or consider a night out at The Opera House. Take an opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as kayaking. Visit our Wellington travel guide
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Elevator
Front entrance ramp
Well-lit path to entrance
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
Wheelchair-accessible lounge
Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
More
Art Deco architecture
Smoking not allowed
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
Towels provided
Entertainment
Cable/satellite channels
More
Heating
Safe
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: NZD 10
Express check-out available
Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
At check-in, guests must provide a record of full COVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19 vaccination record requirement applies to all guests aged 12 and up; guests must have received complete COVID-19 vaccination at least 30 days prior to check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Staffed front desk
Pets
Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available
Property payment types
Important information
Fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:
Deposit: NZD 20.00 per stay
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
Optional extras
Late check-out fee: NZD 10 (subject to availability)
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
National rating
Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities, and services.
Property is also known as
Downtown Backpackers
Downtown Backpackers Hostel
Downtown Backpackers Hostel Wellington
Downtown Backpackers Wellington
Hotel Waterloo Backpackers
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers Wellington
Hotel Waterloo Backpackers (formerly Downtown Backpackers)
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Frequently asked questions
Is Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much does it cost to stay at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?
As of 9 Rabiʻ I 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers on 11 Rabiʻ I 2026 start from SAR 279, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers doesn't offer parking.
What time is check-in at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.
What time is check-out at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?
Check-out is at 10 AM. Late check-out is available for NZD 10 (subject to availability).
Where is Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers located?
Located in Pipitea, this hostel is within a 5-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District, Lambton Quay, and Archives New Zealand. Parliament House and Beehive are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is only a 1-minute walk.
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Reviews
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers Reviews
7.6
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
7.6
Cleanliness
8.2
Location
8.0
Staff & service
6.8
Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 245 out of 1007 reviews
10 - Excellent
245
Rating 8 - Good. 408 out of 1007 reviews
8 - Good
408
Rating 6 - Okay. 221 out of 1007 reviews
6 - Okay
221
Rating 4 - Poor. 74 out of 1007 reviews
4 - Poor
74
Rating 2 - Terrible. 59 out of 1007 reviews
2 - Terrible
59
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Jessica
26 January 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
I had a late check-in after coming in on the 1am ferry and the staff were so friendly and nice! would recommend 100%
Jessica
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
8/10 Good
Natkrita
1 February 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
The lady staff is really helpful and kind.
Kitchen is clean and tidy compared to the age of building.
Room was perfect, quiet, clean, simple. Great value for money. Will book again.
Jane
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
8/10 Good
Rosemary
16 December 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Cleaners were friendly and helpful.
Rosemary
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
CLAIRE
4 February 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
This rating is based on the balance of price and amenities. The room and ensuite were clean, if a little tired. The WiFi was not 100% reliable. I appreciated the tea/coffee facilities in the room. I did not make use of the communal areas. Very conveniently located for the train station and Bluebridge Ferry to Picton.
We really enjoyed our stay at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers. The place felt welcoming from the start. Solid facilities, and genuinely warm, attentive staff all contributed to a relaxed and pleasant experience.
Jamaica
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
6/10 Okay
Gordon
3 October 2025
A 2 star hotel so it's a bit old and tired, but has comfortable beds and hot showers.
Close to public transport, eateries and within walking distance of the CBD
Clean room with broken window so very cold. In need of an update. Staff all friendly and helpful. Great location. Fridge and microwave and kettle in room plus shared kitchen
Dawn
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
8/10 Good
Elise
11 November 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
The room was very clean and well laid out. The cleaning staff that I bumped into in the hall were so lovely.
I wouldn’t recommend this place for someone that is a light-sleeper - as the building is very old, the sound proofing on the windows is non-existent so you can hear everything from the road below.
Elise
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
8/10 Good
BRAD
21 March 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Very reasonable rates. Rooms were great and such an excellent location.
Although property old and under some repairs I found room facilities of coffee & milk & radiator heating welcoming.
Kitchen self serving facilities good.
Would stay there again & recommend to others