Hanmer Backpackers — Hotel in South Island

Everything was brilliant. Truly. It’s probably our favourite hostel of a 3 year world tour. |Hanmer Backpackers is run by a lovely team, Tristan and Yoko. The passion for their business is evident in every corner of the place. It’s spotlessly clean, so cosy and has all you need for an enjoyable stay - couples, solo trippers and families. It’s this gorgeous quaint alpine lodge with comfy furniture and a log fire that Tristan keeps going all afternoon and evening. I was so toasty warm that I was able to sleep in my summer PJs again. It reminded me of visiting my favourite old relative where you instantly walk in and get this warm fuzzy “I’m home” feeling. I loved reading my book in the upstairs lounge and the 15 min free massage chair experience was just a cherry on the already awesome cake. I really love how they have a few polite notices around the place but you aren’t bombarded with instructions and rules. They also wash their duvet covers after every guest (HOORAY!)|I would recommend this place to EVERYONE. Excellent job you guys, I already want...

I think I must have got the worst room in the place. It was a double bed room but there was noise from above (roof cracking), below (kitchen/lounge), outside (people at BBQ), and each side (dorm room on one side and sofa area on the other). There are only two toilets and unfortunately they're in the same rooms as the showers so be prepared to wait. The toilets and showers are, however, impeccably clean. The pillows I had were as flat as pancakes so probably are overdue to be replaced. The light switch for my room was either outside the room (weird) or I had to stand on the bed to reach an alternative switch. The staff are fantastic, but for the price of the room next time I'd spend a few dollars more and...

This accommodation feels more like a cozy cabin with individual rooms. Yoko was incredibly friendly, helpful, and accommodating throughout our stay. The room was a great size for our small family, with a walk-in wardrobe that made it easy to store our luggage and belongings. The shared kitchen and dining area, located just off the hallway, was well-equipped with all the basics needed for cooking. There are two spacious and easily accessible toilet/shower rooms, which was very convenient. While there’s no TV, we really enjoyed the opportunity to meet and chat with other travelers—it added a warm, communal vibe to the experience. Downside was the pillows, which were quite thin and could use replacing for...