Rotorua hostel — Hotel in North Island

First of all, it probably is the cleanest hostel you will encounter all over New Zealand. I really hope it stays like this. The kitchen is modern and well equiped. Same goes for the washing room, washing by the way, is affordable here! The living/ dining room is very cosy, I like the big table in the dining room where you can meet others while eating. Couches and Beds are very comfortable. Especially Germans might fancy the proper, German styled, bed linen.

What makes this hostel special, is the bright inside, the nice decoration everywhere and that you have to take of shoes, which makes it a more like home. The whole hostel consists of four parts that surround a lawn area in the middle, with tables and BBQ, inviting to sit and eat at in summer.

I have read some negative reviews about the staff, which I can absolutely not confirm. I personally got along very well with the two receptionists (James and Carolina). Both of them are very friendly and know what they do. Same is true for the owners. Since I stayed for longer, I was able to get to know them a little better. They are very friendly and kind to travellers. Both helped me while I had problems with one of my employers or when I had...

I have stayed a long time at Funky Green during the winter 2015 and so know what I'm talking about. The bed linen is "washed" together with dirty kitchen and toilets rags in cold water without any detergent. The cheapest dish washer liquid is used both for the kitchen and hand wash in the bathrooms. The owners stop the stove fire on September while it's still freezing outside for many months and despite the guests' protest and also remove the tiny heaters in dormitories in September. Finally, the old beds in the dormitory on the other side of the road is full of bedbugs for year. The owners cut as many expenses as possible in order to go on holidays with their children each year for 3 months. Last but least, the neighbourhood is very dangerous and guests get robbed weekly at Funky Green, mainly because of the big lack of security measures. One night a guest had his car stolen in the driveway. Once, a thieve came inside a bedroom to steal mobiles, wallets, camera, GoPro. Another night, two thieves tried to open all dormitories doors during the night (pretty scary). Another time the owner got his bike stolen in the garden in the...

I booked based on all the favorable reviews, but I was kind of disappointed. There are only 3 showers for the whole hostel in a building off a courtyard. This building also houses a few toilets for the whole place as well.

You're supposed to take your shoes off inside that building, which is gross if you're going in to shower.

The room was average. But holy cow, the bunkbed was the tallest thing ever. There are only two rungs and nothing to pull yourself up with after the first rung. I had to grab hold of the sheet and mattress and try to throw myself on to the super tall mattress. I almost fell off the ladder. Flattest, most uncomfortable pillow and the room became super stuffy and warm. There's no air flow. With how difficult it was to get up into the bed, wasn't able to get down and go to the bathroom for fear I couldn't get back up.

Only a few parking spaces, but plenty of parking on street. Ok location. Friendly front desk staff. Overall, due to the bathroom and bed situation, I...