We planned to stay at the Choice Backpackers hostel for 4 nights but when we checked in our room everywhere was mold and it also smelled like mold, it wasn’t cleaned, you can’t shower there because it was dirty. Also the bathrooms are very unhygienic and you don’t want to get ready in it. Because of this circumstances we checked out directly the next day. Even tho the hostel is located pretty good, it’s not a reason to stay in this unhygienic hostel!

Paid for a single room - stank of mould and damp. Showers and communal areas are questionable and often felt dirty. The staff are nice and due to its size the hostel was good for socialising as there are so many people coming and going. Good location in the CBD to get places and use the buses.

The facilities of this hostel are quite good - they have a very favourable ratio of residents per bathroom, with 1-2 small bathrooms with showers, toilet, sink on each floor, as well as several toilet-only stalls. With the exception of the lovely murals on most floors, the building and facilities aren't pretty, but they are functional. Rooms are small, but, again, serve their purpose. Table, chair and sufficient power outlets in each room. Towels were provided. During my stay, the other guests included a few large families as well as some older people among the normal backpacker clientele. Good kitchen facilities (apart from a faulty stovetop). The reception is easily accessible from the street and conveniently located. Lounge/dining areas were slightly lacking, but nonetheless, the hostel maintained a casual, friendly, communal energy. Lovely views of Auckland (if you get the right window aspect). For what I payed, I was impressed with the hostel as a whole. I enjoyed my stay and felt safe as young female traveller. Would stay there again.

Very nice, tidy we had our own bathroom too, so that was great. The guy forgot to tell us the lift only stops on certain floors goung downwards, after 9pm, no major, except we ended up walking down 9 flights of stairs to get out, cause once you enter the stairwell, the doors back in are all locked. Otherwise it was great. Excellent air conditioning.

This is a great hostel even for longer time stays! I stayed here for more than 2 months myself and don’t have anything to complain about. The staff is really nice. James the receptionist helped me a lot with my visa application and finding a good fitness studio in Auckland downtown. Very friendly, young and happy hostel guests stay here and still it’s quite in the nights even in 8 bed dorms. Would stay here again any time :)

Would not recommend. The smell not amenable. Walls paper thin. Firstly could not get in as didn't have ID. Didn't experience this at Lylo but anyway I could prove on phone who I was but they insisted on formal passport or driver's license which I eventually got sent from wife in ChCh Some discretion please 🙏 Then this morning could not get out. The lift key would not unlock lift to get down so I walked. Ended up on ground floor as could go no further without setting off fire alarm or go back up stairs. After ringing was told someone would come get me 20 min later nothing, no answer to numerous calls. I decided was going to carry on despite fire alarm and eventually got out. My advice don't go in the place in the first place

Choice Backpackers is everything you can ask for if you are looking to stay right in the middle of Auckland's CBD. Accessibility and feeling safe is very important for someone like me, so having the option for a private room for 2 and a lift (elevator) access was a huge plus. The rooms are as soundproof as rooms can be at a backpackers, and while sharing a bathroom with strangers is always going to lead to issues of access and timing, they were cleaned very frequently and secure (unlike some other places I've stayed). The room was spacious and perfect for those of us who are happy to use it as a place to lay your head at night and store your bags while you explore the lovely city.

My stay at Choice Backpackers was absolutely perfect! All of the facilities were easy to find, clean and in working order. The rooms were spacious and the beds very comfortable! On top of that, the price is unbeatable!

I think the worst part of staying here was not being able to breathe. The entire building feels like it's been completely sealed. The air was so stale, stagnant, and musty after stepping off the elevator. I didn't think it could be any worse and then I opened my room door. No windows to open, no AC, not even a fan in the room to help circulate the air. To make it worse, someone in the room was vaping. I can't imagine what it must feel like on a hot and humid summer day. Staff was friendly and tried to be as helpful as possible, but can't accommodate everyone and everything which I understand. The kitchen was usually dirty from people not cleaning up after themselves. Good amount of fridge space though. I guess, what do you expect from a hostel in the middle of Auckland?

I definitely would not recommend this accommodation! We had a private double room. The bed was like sleeping on the floor it was so hard. There was only a bottom sheet and a doona. I'm not convinced the doona cover had been washed between guests (yuck) as it had that "needs to be washed" feel. The bathroom for the floor had 2 toilets plus a shower and toilet cubicle. Only one toilet had a working light and none of them were clean. As an adult I don't appreciate being told that I can only consume water in my room. If I want to eat or have a beverage in my room it's none of management's business. I'm glad we were only there for one night and I will never return. The only positive about Choice was the CBD location.

It's an alright place. For travelling it's great, but looking to stay long time it's a nightmare, the kitchen is too small for everyone so no cooking at peak hours. The rooms and showers are okay. The people and location are great though 👍

Terrible communication and customer service. Two hours after making a booking I had my plans change unavoidaby, so cancelled my booking only to be told a refund was impossible. I was offered a voucher which I told them I would be unlikely to use and asked if a friend would be able to use instead which they refused. After which they ceased all contact with me. I will be advising anyone to avoid using them in the future.

Nice staff and reception area, spacious room, but could be cleaner. Overall good experience.

This is the perfect location in auckland for young back backers. It’s so central and has a lovely social feel, cool table football table and sofas downstairs. The bathrooms and kitchen aren’t the cleanest we’ve seen but have all the basics. We stayed in a four man dorm which was just perfect for us, not fancy but lovely natural light from the massive windows. We met lots of cool people here.

The location of this hostel is perfect. It’s in the CBD core where you can find public transportation to go anywhere. There are fast food places everywhere, and it’s a block away from a big supermarket. If you are looking for a quiet place, this might not be the best option for you. But if you want to have fun and meet amazing people, you definitely have to try Choice Backpackers. You will meet James at the reception, who is a superstar who makes the atmosphere even better. He is always ready to help and give you tips on what to do in the city. I had a blast staying here and I will come back anytime. The only thing the hostel needs in my opinion, is lockers, but they are already putting them into the rooms. So 5 stars out of 5! I’ve stayed there for 3 months, and I will definitely come back!!!

Bedroom was nice. Even had a desk which I used to dry my stuff out. Good enough to sleep in. Had an alright view of the city from the 8th floor. Bathroom was dirty. Used towels on the sink. One toilet stall even had a light that wouldn't stop flickering like something out of a horror movie. Kitchen was a nightmare. One upside is that it's connected to three restaurants, one which to my knowledge offers a 20% discount for anyone staying in Choice Backpackers. But the best thing about Choice Backpackers is that it encourages you to spend as much time out of the hostel as possible, motivating you to explore the city. I am not being sarcastic. I genuinely, sincerely think that the lack of decent facilities was good for the short trip I was on. Also it's very, very close to Aotea centre and a bunch of other cool places, and near to the bus stops so keep that in mind. Anyhow you you get what you pay for. Very affordable but that's all it has going for it.

Choice backpackers, not really a choice place. you’re paying for the location of this place. with it being literally on queen street, what your not paying for is clean facilities, clean room, nor a clean environment. our room was a 4x hostel with 3 of us staying for 4 nights. the whole time we were there 3 other people stayed one night. our room was cleaned once. no changing of the mattress protector or a look in the room to inspect how it was left. the whole place looked like it was last done up 25 years ago with stains all over the cellings and walls. it also had a strange oder the whole duration of our trip. staff are nice tho! and great vending machine. like i mentioned your paying for the location.

I’d give it less if I could. Dude at reception is supremely rude. Acted like I inconvenienced him by telling him there was a massive hole in the ceiling with rain water pouring through or that the (ONLY) washing machine was purging water onto the floor. Every inch of this place is covered in mould. You can smell it the second you walk into the hostel. $97 a night for what? Bronchitis? Absolutely disappointing. I saw a cleaner, though I don’t know how well she does her job. There is what I pray is moisturizer smeared on the windows and walls of my room, dust and mould on the curtains and sill and literal blood on the wall in the bathrooms. Why no food in the rooms? The kitchen is a disaster, to the point of not even being able to cook in it anyway. All in all, I’ve have been inside homeless shelters that were better kept than this place and I will 100% be reporting this whole building to Auckland Public Health Services because this place needs to be knocked down. I can’t even imagine the state of the restaurant in this building, based on the overall state of the rest of building….

I have stayed at this hostel multiple times now, It’s a cheap and cheerful kind of spot with a good vibe and great location in the cbd. The staff here are so friendly and helpful, James especially went above and beyond to help me out and make my stay stress free! Thanks again 🙂

Stayed here three nights and would definitely go back. The staff (James and Maddy) were super friendly. James was a huge help with providing some specific accommodations for my ski trip and very willing to answer questions about the area. The rooms were a bit small but for the price it’s hard to beat.

James is the man. Stayed there two different tunes this year. Had a blast and went up to the Korean place upstairs. Can't say enough about him. Good place, clean, cheap. Loved it

Female dorm has a great view and spacious, wall too thin, toilet repair/ drilling next day morning around 7am is annoying also someone talking at the common area can be heard clearly from the first room/ 8th floor. NZD34/ one night in female dorm

I decided to stay in this hostel my last week before leaving New Zealand and after two days I'm very disappointed. I will start with positive aspects. Hostel is in city center close to bus station and to all attraction. There is a lot of expensive small grocery but if you wanna save some money you need at least go 15 min to countdown. (not metro) There is good Wi-Fi conection I didn't have problem so far. I like to lobby/lounge on B-floor there are some cosy seats and couches, pool, table soccer or shelf with books. Likely enough space in fridge. There is laundry which can be used by hosts. You need some $2 coins to use it and if you don't have washing powder you can buy a dose for $1 on reception. Unlimited warm shower is definitely an advantage. The price of hostel is very friendly and affordable but comparing with service not satisfying. You can get the best price if you book your room directly on Choice Backpackers website. Don't let the stuff do it for you. I booked 8 dorm room to cut my costs, which was already paid, and I came a day sooner so I needed the room one night longer. The stuff offered me to make reservation for me, what sounds like great idea and then I payed for a private room and they let me stay there, what finaly was cheaper but I didn't have contact with other people staying here. On the other side, I came before check-in and I was able to leave there my luggage and they pay attention on my laptop. My private room is on 10th floor, where does only one lift go, so sometimes I have to wait long time until I get to my room. The room is small, cold and ugly, the windows are dirty and you can not close them properly. I feel the draft whole time. Bed sheets are thin and dark colour, probably to not see if it is washed properly. I decided to sleep in my sleeping bag as well because of temperature. The bed is a bit broken. The kitchen is splitted in 4 rooms...fridge room, storage room, dining room and kitchen itself. Hostel offers some dishes, pots and cutlery and there is as well oven which isn't standart in hostels around the NZ. I used to separate my litter and it's a bit annoying if there is three mixed rubbish bins. I would definitely add some bins in the kitchen, because it is the place where the most rubbish is produced. The dining room is very small, looks ugly sometimes are the tables dirty and the light is depressive (grey-white). I don't feel welcomed here. So I prefere to eat in lounge. I'm really disappointed of the people living here, they are not really friendly, are open to talk to people and they steal food.

Stayed here recently under different name, will never recommend to other backpackers. I'm flying back to China soon because of you. All staff are toxic narcissists and will use & abuse you. All they want is your money in the form of accommodation fees. People smoke in the foyer so whenever you play pool near the lifts there is nicotine smell straight from the door. Overpriced items in the reception, absolutely no discounts. Rooms are crowded 8 room dormitory so you have no privacy. Heater is also broken in freezing weather. No free WiFi, only paid. Prices are obscenely high just like the goods sold at reception. Tiny cooking room with cockroaches. Where is your pest control team? Since you will surely hunt down and murder me in broad daylight for leaving a true reciew , I will withhold all personal information.

James at reception is an absolute beauty, great guy. Great hostel for meeting people, super social place and close to everything. Only real downside is a small kitchen/dining area for the size of the place.

I really appreciated their system for late check ins because I had a late flight and did not arrive at the hostel until 1 am. After letting them know of my late arrival ahead of time, they emailed me with well written, simple instructions for getting into the building and to my room, and they shared the free WiFi password with me which I also appreciated having upon my arrival. There was a nice relaxed social vibe on the ground floor with the pool and foosball tables when I got there. The surrounding area felt safe, and there are lots of food options, a great park, and a free museum all right there.

Easy check in after hours. Lift works. Room was spacious and clean. Musty/ stale cigarette smell in hallway and room. Couldnt open window to get fresh air in which was not great. Shared bathroom on same floor convenient and clean. Room could do with a mirror. I was expecting a bit more due to the price. If it was a $40-50 backpacker private room it would've made sense, but $83 is so much for what it was? for $20 more I couldve gone into a 3 star hotel.

Dorm rooms are spacious. Love how each of the facilities are in their own separate room but within proximity to each other. Love how guests can be employed to service the hostel. Especially loved the warm and friendly natured guests. Am pleased that Choice Backpackers takes good care of our guests.

A good affordable place to stay in a very central Auckland location, where you don't have to walk far in either direction to find something to see, browse some shops down Queen Street, take a sightseeing ferry from Queens Wharf, admire the yachts at the Wynyard Quarter, or other amenities in the central city. Situated just off a main intersection half way along central Queen Street and diagonally across from the Civic Theatre, the location alone made it a good stay. A two minute walk across the same street is the Auckland Central Library and an IMAX cinema is right beside the Civic Theatre. Numerous shops line both sides of the long Queen Street, where small metro supermarkets can be found a few blocks away. The property itself was a little worn around the edges, but the staff there kept all communal areas cleaned and sanitised daily. There was one occasion when the staff had to handle the situation of a guest contracting Covid-19, but they handled the situation quickly and with appropriate safety measures in place. Well done! Of the floors I saw, the fifth where my room was had an Egyptian mural painted on the hallway walls, and the third floor where the kitchen and laundry both are, had a Kiwiana (New Zealand-themed) mural. Of the kitchen, it was small but functional, where four people would make it crowded. It was closed everyday between 3:30 - 5:00 PM for thorough cleaning and fully closed between 10:30 PM and 6:00 AM. Due to concerns of Covid-19 (Omicron variant), I didn't feel comfortable sharing the lounge, TV room, or pool table spaces, which are all located at the ground floor (basement really) entrance area. After reception hours any front door access is by security swipe fob, as is access to any floors in the lifts.

I would like to inform that you guys have little bit aware about kitchen and dinning area. Either you guys are over all ok. Need electric katle in every single suits. It's not making sense giving you guys money and every time guests have to go only for hot water at level 3 and other guests already engage with that katle already for using at kitchen. Very small small things u guys just need touchup with care.

I stayed 3 days and it was ok and cheap for a short period. The double bed was not very confortable and I could heard the conversation of the other rooms. The toilet and shower were clean

Great service, staff let me keep my bike in a safe place and they have after hours check in if required, at prior arrangement.

Very good location, accessible to public transportation, skybus and restaurants. The building is quite old but felt secured because they are using access keys. I stayed in their private room and it's peaceful and quiet most of the time. The room is tidy but don't trust the old floor carpet, always wear your Jandals. Well organized late check-in process. Very helpful staff members.

Perfect location in the CBD, we found a parking garage about a 5 minute walk, that was $50 for 2 nights. The private double room was a good size, the bed extremely comfy. Unfortunately the bathroom and communal areas need some love. I didn't shower while i was there, because the shower was Moldy and gross. There are no windows in the hostel, so there is a strange smell throughout. Its a great place if you are just wanting a bed. Hopefully they get more cleaning staff soon, to give it a much needed deep clean.

My husband and I stayed in a private room on the ninth floor. Positives include a comfy and clean bed, towels provided, and proximity to all things downtown. Negatives include outdated amenities, slightly run down appearance, and a damp smell on our level and in our bedroom. It’s a decent value for the price. Definitely worth it for those on a budget!

Update: Choice Backpackers will be refunding my money and have closed this room to make adjustments to the gap in the wall. I booked 2 nights for 2 family members. When they arrived the room they received was not fit for purpose. The wall in the room was incomplete with a large gap (big enough to put your hand through) by the windows between the rooms. They could see the blinds in the next door room and as a result my family could also hear everything in the next room. They felt this gave them no privacy and no security. Someone could easily have stuck a phone through the gap and recorded anything. V creepy. They asked to change rooms but it was fully booked. So they had to book another room elsewhere at a much higher cost to them. That this accommodation provider considers a clearly unfinished room perfectly fine to book out, is disturbing. I cancelled the room as soon as they had found another place. So this pathetic excuse of a room could sadly be rebooked by some poor unsuspecting customers. I will be asking for my $ back.

Nice place with fare price. I booked a single room with 2 beds, nice and clean but cold in winter, there are not enough bedclothes and you can't open the windows. The bathrooms weren't really clean either.

The staff at choice go above and beyond, suggesting great places to see in the city. James and Anthony were very understanding as the staff are travellers as well, empathetic to guests in stressful situations and guiding them in the right direction. I extended my stay multiple times, as the location is perfect, most things are easy to walk too. Views were nice to wake up to in the morning.

The Hostel needs complete overhauling, it was explained by staff that present shortcomings are due to Covid issues in the past and they are going to set it all right in very short time. Presently, at priority Kitchen needs look after due to shortage of cups, glasses and crockery, non functional cooking ranges and shortage of optimum sized cooking pots & pans. There is need of fitting Air climate control units/ air filters in dormitories for hygiene view point. Bedside reading lights and cell phone charging plugs/USB Ports missing which pains customer a lot because it causes a lot of discomfort. A small informatory pamphlet is desired to be given to customers informing all about Hostel like, Timings, Wi-Fi password, towel facility, emergency contact number and may include more important information. Otherwise this hostel is one of best I stayed, the location is best and right in city. Building is having most attractive architecture. The cold storage facilities for food is one of the best. Escalator working in order. The best part is nice staff and very very friendly Hostel Manager who is extra cooperative. Overall I enjoyed staying in this hostel and shall always prefer to be here.

Beds in the dorms are comfortable, great location convenient to everywhere in the city. However the security was not so good, my bag of clothes in the laundry room was stolen and CCTV was not covered there. 50 dollars was deducted for not cleaning the dishes in the kitchen(which were not all mine) from my credit card (i have no clue why my credit card information was stored from the official booking page of Backpacker Choice)without any warning or proof- which was disturbing and I had to freeze my credit card. Staff were nice most of the time, friendly roomates and good memories at basement though. 3 stars

Only good thing about this hostel: the location. Everything else needs maintenance or upgrading. Laundry room only has 2 dryers & washers. The toilet is bad - dirty & wet all the time. When it’s time for the housekeeping staff to wash the toilet but you are still in the midst of your business, they expect to get out of the toilet. Kitchen is very small & dirty. Rooms - just to sleep & place your stuffs. And there are no lockers anywhere in the room to lock your items. There are better hostels in the city. Will i be back? No.

Place smells like curry so depend on you if that's a good thing or not. I really liked that each floor has a different theme going on on the walls. I was in Egyptian floor. And the building looks asian. It's a very weird combination that got me captivated. Very social at nights in the lobby. Staff decently friendly. Dorms are not the best I've slept in but not the worse either. A bit expensive for what they offer but overall decent.

Great location close to everything in the city centre. Staff were friendly and helpful. Facilities were good although floor-mats in the bathroom were always wet. It also would have been nice to have a mirror in the dorm room. Overall served it's purpose well and was a pleasant stay.

Hard to get a half decent room in this city for less than $200 - this was $100 for a double room and you hardly get what you pay for. Private room was very basic - large enough, with a double bed, towels, small table and sofa. The walls were stained, dusty, and the ceiling is also old and stained. Large gap under the door and not sure how secure the lock is. Shared bathrooms aren't very nice, but as good water pressure and hit water. Basic kitchen and dining area (which we didn't use). Positives are free WiFi, central location and quiet room.

I had a great stay here. The hostel itself is basic and could do with a bit of TLC but it has everything you need in a hostel. Kitchen is always clean and tidy with plenty of space for food storage, plenty of fridges and a seating area. Beds are comfy but no lockers or much storage for luggage in the rooms. Staff are great and I would stay here again.

I had a fantastic one night at Choice Backpackers. The staff were friendly, I made some cool new connections with some lovely internationals. Only minor mishap was broken air-con which was remedied with a decent floor fan. The facilities were great. Perhaps kitchen could have been a little better stocked but otherwise brilliant. Would definitely visit again.

We had a private room/private bathroom and really enjoyed our stay. The setup was very nice - the place was clean and quiet and in a great location. We did struggle a little bit with the elevator (not because it was broken, but because we didnt realize that certain floors were closed at certain parts of the day) but otherwise we had no complaints. Would stay here again.