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.
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 26 Rabiʻ I 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers on 7 Rabiʻ II 2026 start from SAR 188, 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. 243 out of 1002 reviews
10 - Excellent
243
Rating 8 - Good. 409 out of 1002 reviews
8 - Good
409
Rating 6 - Okay. 220 out of 1002 reviews
6 - Okay
220
Rating 4 - Poor. 72 out of 1002 reviews
4 - Poor
72
Rating 2 - Terrible. 58 out of 1002 reviews
2 - Terrible
58
Reviews
Verified
8/10 Good
Lisa
1 March 2026
Excellent location, will stay again if in Wellington
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
Verified
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.
Natkrita
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026
Verified
8/10 Good
Elaine
1 March 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Great location. Secure room. Room was clean even though some aspects dated - carpet buckled. Window in bathroom could not close - was tied in place with a shoelace. When a cold wind was blowing, the bathroom was very cold.
Clean, comfortable and close to train and ferry. The Gastro Pub attached/in the Hostel serves very good food in good portions. Enjoyable again.
Anthony
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Rosemary
16 December 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Cleaners were friendly and helpful.
Rosemary
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified
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.
The hotel is located across the street from both the Train station and the Ferry Terminal making it very convenient if you have to take an early train or have a late ferry arriving into Wellington. The cleaniness leaves a lot to be desired. Our bathroom was filthy (specially the bathtub). We were so tired that we only used the sink to wash our face & hands. the toilet was OK. The room itselft was good too however one of the window panes were broken. I'm not sure if I'd go back again to this property.
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
Verified
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
Gordon
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Kathryn
28 November 2025
Liked: Staff & service
We were able to check in late (our boat docked at 1am) felt save with a buzzer entry. Room was basic but fine. Windows were okd so a fair bit of street noise was present all night
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
Verified
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
Verified
8/10 Good
BRAD
21 March 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Very reasonable rates. Rooms were great and such an excellent location.