Auckland Central Backpackers, Auckland > Reviews > Get your head down

Author's product rating:   

Value for Money	Average
Quality of Rooms	Poor
Standard of Service	Average
Quality of Facilities	Good

Advantages:	Great Bar, Big Kitchen, 2 TV Rooms, free vouchers
Disadvantages:	Some rooms are too small, hostel is too big

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

The ACB is one of the best known hostels in Auckland. Its a great place for backpackers, but definately not one for families. The hostel is right in the middle of the city, so everything is easy to get to without the need for public transport. Because of this it is slightly more expensive than some of the other hostels available, but it does have good facilities.
There are loads of computers for internet use (again, quite expensive, but ok if you buy in hour blocks), a massive, well-equipped kitchen with loads of tables and a pool table, a book exchange, a TV room, a movie room, 2 bars and vending machines. They do have a cafe that is meant to sell drinks and snacks, but during my 3 week stay it was never open!
All bars, restaurants, shops and attractions are within easy walking distance. The Sky Tower is just a 10 minute walk away. The only thing you may need (if you are a proper poor backpacker) is a supermarket. The nearest one is quite a walk, but if you ask at reception, they should be able to give you a timetable for the free bus that goes approx every hour and will bring you back again. There is a small conveinence store just across the road but this is very expensive.
The rooms in the hostel vary widely. Mine was quite big (I was in a 6 bed, but there are 4, 8 and 10 bed rooms available), but I went in others that were tiny and there wasn't enough room to put all of your stuff. There are lockable drawers drawers under the beds that you can put alot in, but you do have to bring your own padlock. I also had friends in other rooms that complained of being either hot or cold, so I think its just luck of the draw. We also found that the bigger, cheaper rooms were in short supply so you are forced to pay more for a smaller room.
The hostel in general is a bit run-down. Everything in the kitchen worked well and there were enough pots, pans and plates etc. However on our floor only one of the girls toilets actually had a lock that worked and some of the paint, sofas and carpets looked a bit shabby. But they do send cleaners into your room every day, but we did find that they did not always change the sheets for a new person to sleep in. You have to go downstairs and ask for your sheets to be changed!!
The bar upstairs in the hostel is very small and outdoors, so it can get really cold. They do do a free sausage sizzle every night and you can normally get 2 hot dogs, so it does save you cooking dinner. You can also usually get a free drink. They also have a bar downstairs which is open to everyone, but if you stay in the hostel they provide free punch every night at about 8 or 9 o'clock. It doesnt last long and is not to everyones taste, but if you are really skint, its not too bad. The Globe Bar is actually one of the best I found in Auckland. It seems to be one of the only places that is busy on week nights as well as weekends. They also do a lot of entertainment, some of it is really silly, but some of it is pretty good. It all involves drinking, so if you are not a big drinker, you might be better staying away. There are also 3 pool tables, but there is not really anywhere to sit, so its not really a chill out bar.
The hostel also has a travel agent who can be very helpful for booking day trips and onward travel. I'm not sure if they are always the cheapest option, but there is an STA Travel on the top floor of the building who are always willing to help you out aswell. The travel agent downstairs will book you on a free day trip around auckland which will help you get your bearings. There are 2 different ones available and they are run by Stray and NZ Experience, so they are a bit of a sales pitch, but you do get a free trip around.
Overall the hostel is well-equipped and in an excellent location with a busy bar. I would recommend it to people who want to have a good time, but would say its not for everyone.