Fabulous location very close to the lake, restaurants and shops. Backpackers kitchen was great for food preparation. No fridge in our double room but there was a shared fridge in the kitchen. Lovely receptionist, Kaycee (or something like that).

We were on the 3rd level with no lift so needed to only take a small bag so there was some juggling of suitcase items in the carpark. Upon arrival the sun was beating into our room which was extremely hot. The supplied fan offered some relief. Make sure you take your own cutlery as there were no large spoons available. Only a couple of teaspoons available. Perhaps past guests have been light fingered and taken them. Probably a little noisy if you stay there at the weekend as there are live music venues nearby. If you need your sleep I suggest you stay elsewhere

See below. The room (210) was satisfactory for my short (2 nights stay). Outside weather/temperatures were warm so heating/cooling were not required. Location was very convenient for The Great Lake Exhibition Centre shops and restaurants. Noise from shop's backyard extraction fans was noticeable but bearable. Kitchen balcony was appreciated.

The room (303) initially allocated to us had double bed---our booking had specified twin room (2x single beds). Luckily, this was not a problem since a twin room (room 210) was available. However, this was a "downgraded" room without "Balcony, TV, Tea/coffee maker, Heating, Fan, Electric kettle. I was told we would receive a discount ($43) which I would have to claim from Booking.com.

This hostel is great value for money, we booked a private room with en-suit, the facilities are good but inconsiderate guest let this hostel down.

The hostel is on the same street as multiple bar and clubs so can get very noisy at night, unfortunately this isn't advertised when booking. There seem to be not one staff member around after 9pm, on one of the nights we were kept awake from 2am - 5am because drunk guests where being loud and banging on door but there was no staff around the sort this.

I love this place and have stayed every year (the last 4 years). Location is in the heart of the town by the lake front, lots of food venues within easy walk and great view of the mountains from the 3rd floor rooms (ask as it not from all the rooms). The rooms are clean with tea, coffee, linen supplied (although most rooms are on the small size we had a bigger than usual room, which I'll ask for next year). Kitchen facilities are nice and big with a lovely seating area overlooking the lake

STAIRS (hope you're fit because you have to lug your suitcases up 2 flights). We travel by car so make sure we only have a small suitcase each

We were told it would be noisy as it was a Friday night but ear plugs in our room. We stayed in room 303 which is at the back of the building away from the nightclubs so we only heard very distant noise and didn't bother us. Parking right next door was great. Very close to everything you'd need.

Lift was broken, keep that in mind if needing that. We were on the 3rd floor so it wouldn't be easy for some. The jug in our room didn't work so we couldn't use the coffee facilities in the room. The shower was a bit mouldy in places.

Although compact the room was comfortable with a newly renovated and tiled generous sized bathroom. It was quiet on the 3rd floor with a view out to the lake. Fantastic central location enabled us to walk everywhere. Large adjoining carpark. Communal kitchen on the 1st floor is well stocked with equipment and large fridges.

The lift only takes you to the 1st floor so as long as you don't mind carrying luggage up a fairly narrow stairway it's fine. No fridge in the room.

A nice big comfy bed, views of the lake, clean bathroom and very friendly helpful staff. Great location in the centre of Taupo, right near the waterfront with lots of bars and places to eat nearby. Laundry available at a small extra charge which was very useful. Lots of free parking in the surrounding area.

The communal kitchen could have been a little bit cleaner. Unfortunately the room was quite warm overnight, but there was a fan provided which definitely helped.

Central location, free parking, provided ear plugs, which were needed

We had 2 walk up 3 flights of steep stairs, to get to our room, bit tricky with luggage. Did not realise this is a back packers, very noisy. When we arrived there was no way to get into reception area, finally reached a young guy on the phone, who let us in, was told no booking for us, then found it after I asked him to double check. We had pre paid, was told no payment received had to show him my visa payment via Internet banking . This is 1st time this has occurred with booking.com. very loud music until 1am. No remote for TV, very hot stuffy room

Haven't stayed in hostel for a long time, initially, I was bit worried about the facilities and perhaps noisy in the night from other younger guests. But it was far better than I thought, (not sure if it was because of winter season). 1) Location, few mins walk from Intercity bus stop; 2) I booked a single room with private bathroom. Room is small but very clean bed, with a nice bathroom. Facing the road but not noisy at all; 3) the staff (Wendy) is very friendly, she helped me with luggage and provided lots local information. She let me feel warm and welcoming. I'd like to stay there again.

Not lift from 2nd to 3rd floor during the time I stayed, was bit hard for me as I had knee issues, but the staff was very helpful, she helped me to take luggage to my room.

I liked the staff they are awesome, really friendly and will go out of there way for you, I loved the view of the lake from the balcony above the street.and the price is ridiculously cheap and it's in town across from the park, excellent Taupo night life

Not enough hooks to hang clothes up no table to put your essentials on and the bed was 2 singles pushed together very hard lumpy mattress.