Absoloot Hostel QT — Hotel in South Island

It's taken me a while to get over my experience with Absoloot. After 5 months I've struggled to put this behind me. Hopefully this review will purge and cleanse this from my emotional 2024 baggage as I head into 2025.

I had prepaid by EFTPOS $562.75 for a getaway weekend in August for my husband's birthday. The night before we were due to fly out, my son ended up in hospital. I called that night to explain the situation and that we wouldn't be coming down. I was asked if I wanted to reschedule and I said given the uncertainty of our situation, it may be best to cancel. I was assured to leave it with them to sort out.

I received a call the following day by a manager (still in hospital) saying that they would not be refunding the amount prepaid because the booking agent terms and condtions were non refundable. I said I didn't pay to the booking agent ... the payment was made over the phone with their receptionist to Absoloots bank account. They stuck to their guns. I wasn't in an emotional place to fight them.

My husband spoke to the manager later suggesting options that could help take the sting out of the situation given the full cost of accommodation had been paid into their bank account. One suggestion was to refund half so that the could pay what ever fees they needed to pay to the booking agent, they would see have some money to themselves and a gesture of kindness for a future customer. No deal.

So Absoloot ... I hope you had a prosperous 2024. You were definitely...

Very honest opinion about my stay:

terrible access. It is a total maze. I drove around and around for ages to find a "drop off space" but nothing like that eventually existed. Had to walk quite a bit from a free carpark.

extremely minimal kitchen. Not enough tableware. I don't eat cereals on a plate. Not enough kitchenware either. The fridges are way too small. I could not fit all my food in there.

shower rooms are designed wrong. Where was I supposed to leave my clothes and towel if they need to stay dry? The shower head didn't tilt downwards enough to avoid water splashing on the clothes hanging on the door and wall.

dorm room with lively street noise. The people outside drinking and talking just walking past and throwing a glass bottle in a bin directly reached the room I was staying. The windows could not be close. The blinds were fixed top to bottom. Far out. I had no sleep at all and eventually slept in my car for both nights. I kinda wanna get refunded.

anattentive reception. WHERE ARE THEY? I was waiting for them at counter so that I can pay but they didn't turn up for a while. Get a ball or something. Not friendly not approachable mood, pay them better.

one good thing - the curtain on each bunk bed is a brilliant idea.

overall: but I should have stayed at...

If I could give more stars, I would!|Location: You couldn’t ask for better. Absoloot is right on the water in the heart of Queenstown – a few steps to bars, restaurants, and cafés, and just minutes to supermarkets, chemists, and all the adrenaline-packed activities Queenstown is famous for.|Facilities: Spotlessly clean and thoughtfully set up. My two teenage sons and I stayed in both a 6-bed dorm and a private ensuite room, and both were excellent. Clean sheets, comfy doonas and pillows, plenty of hooks and storage (a detail that makes all the difference!), and spacious bathrooms that were always dry, never grungy. Laundry facilities on-site were also a lifesaver.|Atmosphere: Relaxed yet professional. It’s rare to find a hostel that’s this well run but still feels welcoming and friendly.|Staff: The real highlight. From booking to arrival and beyond, the team were outstanding – helpful, positive, friendly, and nothing was ever a problem (even when we were a bit annoying with changes and questions!). Their service really makes Absoloot stand out.|I almost don’t want to recommend this place too highly… because I want to be sure there’s a room for us next time! But honestly, this hostel sets the bar...