Drifter Christchurch — Hotel in Christchurch

⚠️ Update (following the incident):

After I posted this review, the team at Drifters Hostel reached out to us. First, a staff member spoke to us and apologized, and then the manager personally came to speak with us. He apologized and took our concerns seriously, and assured us that changes have been implemented so what happened will not happen again. I genuinely appreciate that they took responsibility and followed up directly with us. I really appreciate it and that makes a big difference.

For others to know what happened:

I’m really disappointed with my experience at Drifters Hostel in Christchurch, and I want to share what happened because it left me feeling genuinely unsafe.

Today, my partner and I went to the lounge beside the room for less than 5 min. I returned to the room just 2 minutes later because I needed to use the bathroom and when I opened the door, I was completely shocked to find a man standing inside the room, with all of our things and pillows, duvet, sheets pushed off the bed and onto the floor (clearly with no attention to detail as the dirt on the floor will get onto pillows, sheets).

He turned out to be one of the housekeepers, but I had no idea anyone was supposed to be in there. The door was closed, there was no sign or warning, and the shock of walking in on a random man in what I thought was my private space was honestly terrifying. I felt completely unsafe. In that moment, I panicked and immediately left the room my heart was racing, and I didn’t feel comfortable going back.

To make things worse, when I walked in, the room smelled so strongly of this man’s body odor that it was hard to breathe. Even after my partner went in later and sprayed deodorant and perfume, the smell lingered even an hour later. It was disgusting.

We went to reception to explain what had happened, and instead of a solution, we were just handed an air freshener. The staff even admitted they knew who we were talking about, so it seems this isn’t the first time it’s happened — which is even more concerning. There was no proper solution of the issue. (Suggestions: 1 - housekeepers have to keep the door open while cleaning the room. 2-Basic hygiene for the housekeepers because it’s not possible you can smell the body odor of the man.)

What really frustrates me is that there was no “Do Not Disturb” sign or any way to prevent housekeeping from coming in. I asked about this and was told that the marketing team has been working on a design for six months which honestly just sounds like an excuse from the hostel. A simple paper sign could’ve prevented this situation completely.

This whole experience left me feeling extremely unsafe, especially knowing that male staff can enter the rooms without notice. I was alone when I walked in, and that moment of fear has really stayed with me. Guests should never have to feel this way in a place they’re paying to stay in any room.

I hope the management takes this seriously, because right now, Drifters is not a place I would feel safe recommending to other...

I really wanted to like this place- it has a great feel about it and lots of cool extras (key card on your phone, free yoga). However there were too many things missing from a solid hostel experience (and definitely from a decent hostel experience) to rate it too highly.||The kitchen is waaaaay too small. There are two sinks right next to each other so you can't get to them. People leave their dirty washing up everywhere (this hasn't been an issue in other hostels I've stayed). Glasses and mugs frequently run out. There are never any dry tea towels (again not an issue elsewhere) and the ones that are 'on the go' have that horrid 'always damp' smell. There was often a staff member hoovering (usually at peak meal time) but they never did any other sort of cleaning (except emptying the hoover into a bin. But not emptying the bin - to be clear I know they wn't clean the work tops etc but they could have removed the old tea towels and brought new ones). There was no evidence of a daily kitchen clean from the hostel staff which is again unusual (we have stayed in many NZ youth hostels over the last few months). There was no oven in the kitchen which is unusual.||In the family room it is much better to have a fridge, kettle and a couple of mugs than a massive TV. All the hostels we've stayed in have had a fridge in the family room so you can at least have a cup of tea in your room before having to shower and get dressed. ||The bathroom was tiny with a tiny sink and no space to put anything (despite the bedroom being huge).||There was zero storage in the room - not even a shelf - again despite lots of space. The room also had a funny smell. We stayed 5 nights in the same room and it never went.||They charge $2 or $5 to store your luggage in a room that is almost never locked or even closed, in the main thoroughfare. Printing was 50c per page, even for black and white (never had anyone anywhere else charge me for B&W printing). ||Having said that, the decor is nice, the beds clean and comfy, loads of living space across different floors and its handy having the Rambler downstairs (even though this means you can't buy any alcohol from the supermarket and drink it upstairs). Most of the staff were extremely helpful...

I'm conflicted over what to say. This place is close to perfect as an idea, but it has some real flaws in its execution. ||Pro's: brand new; really well located; stylish; has great beds; offers great social spaces; a hostel/hotel hybrid.||If Instagram is your life priority, this place is for you. If not, weight your choices carefully.||Cons: It doesn't do either hostel or hotel well, and it's a triumph of style over substance. Travellers who normally look for hostel or hotel should bear the following in mind: ||Hostel: the kitchen is the big flaw for typical hostel travellers. It is miniscule for serving 4 large floors of rooms, and designed by someone who has never used a kitchen. Result - a war zone. It really is a massive spoiler. More space allocated to vending machines than fridges. Very little table space. Cheap kit, much of which is breaking quickly. And very few people are really cleaning up after themselves (gross sinks!). You're being encouraged to eat at their bar, eat out, or being in a takeaway. Also: no BYO alcohol (only at their bar). Finally; despite lots of social spaces, many people are 100% committed to their phones + headphones, so limited social interaction. ||Hotel: family of 4, we stayed in the largest ($$$) room (2 separate bedrooms, 2 levels), relatively cheaply as opening offers were running. As another review has said, very weird layout. Miniscule bathroom (no ensuite) with no shower screen (spray everywhere), winder stairs my wife fell down, a lounge but no minifridge despite there being space. Balcony has limited view over hostel roof and with zero separation from neighbour balconies, plus constant noise of rooftop aircon units. As already mentioned in a review, Universal Access is not good (surprising as it is a legal requirement under the Building Code).||There are likely much better options nearby if you want a hotel experience, or quality motel with free parking (multistorey parking near Drifter is $17/24hr). Plenty of bars and food places to be sociable in...