Rotorua, 1140 Hinemoa Street-38.137975,176.252393(Show on Map)
8.3
Very Good
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Checkin - Checkout dates
1 Room2 Guests
Info
Summary of reviews
Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua, located in the heart of Rotorua, enjoys an outstanding and central position that makes it an attractive base for exploring the city. Guests appreciate its proximity to public transportation, significant landmarks like the Polynesian Spa and a variety of restaurants and shops. Despite its central location, the atmosphere remains tranquil, allowing for a peaceful stay while still being close to Rotorua's vibrant nightlife.
The hostel provides a range of room options, praised for their cleanliness, spaciousness and comfortable beds. Larger private rooms with ensuite bathrooms and 4-bed dorms receive positive feedback for their size and provision of essentials. However, some guests have noted issues such as a lack of air conditioning, poor ventilation and occasional noise, affecting their overall comfort.
Cleanliness at Rock Solid Backpackers is frequently highlighted with many guests finding the rooms, bathrooms and shared facilities tidy and well-maintained. The dedicated housekeeping staff receive commendations for their efforts, though there are occasional lapses, particularly during peak times or in specific communal areas. Overall, the hostel maintains a generally clean and comfortable environment.
The friendly and helpful staff are consistently praised for their exceptional service. Receptionists are often described as cheerful, accommodating and informative, enhancing the guests' experience by providing valuable assistance with local activities and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
Rock Solid Backpackers offers several amenities that contribute to a positive stay, including spacious common areas, large lounges with a pool table and generally reliable free Wi-Fi. While some guests experienced intermittent Wi-Fi issues, the connectivity generally meets the needs of most travelers.
The beds at the hostel receive mixed reviews. While many guests find them comfortable with clean linen, some note concerns over the beds' firmness, noise and lack of privacy screens. Despite these issues, the overall layout and cleanliness of the sleeping arrangements are appreciated.
Accessibility is another strength of Rock Solid Backpackers with features accommodating guests with reduced mobility, although some areas may require navigating long ramps and stairs.
In summary, Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua offers a welcoming and well-located base for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant energy of Rotorua. Its central location, friendly staff and practical amenities make it a popular choice, despite some room and cleanliness issues.
Categories
Cheap
This hostel provides affordable accommodation and is known for its social environment. It is a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers looking to explore Rotorua.
Accessible
Sustainability Journey
Small
Room Types
Standard Double Room with Shared BathroomThis room includes bed linen, reading lights and heating. Guests have access to shared bathroom and shared kitchen facilities.
Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThis dormitory includes bed linen, lockers, reading lights and heating. Guests have access to shared bathroom facilities.
Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThis dormitory includes bed linen, lockers, reading lights and heating. Guests have access to shared bathroom facilities.
Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThis dormitory includes bed linen, lockers, reading lights and heating. Guests have access to shared bathroom facilities.
Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory RoomThis dormitory includes bed linen, lockers, reading lights and heating. Guests have access to shared bathroom facilities.
Double Room with Private BathroomThis room includes bed linen, reading lights and coffee/tea maker. Guests have access to an en suite bathroom and shared kitchen facilities.
Twin Room with Shared BathroomThis room includes bed linen, reading lights and heating. Guests have access to shared bathroom and shared kitchen facilities.
Basic Single Room with Shared BathroomThis room includes bed linen, reading lights and heating. Guests have access to shared bathroom and shared kitchen facilities.
Twin Room with Private BathroomThis room includes bed linen, reading lights and coffee/tea maker. Guests have access to an en suite bathroom and shared kitchen facilities.
Family Room with Shared BathroomThe family room features a seating area, a wardrobe, as well as a shared bathroom boasting a shower and a hairdryer. The family room offers a carpeted floor and heating. The unit has 3 beds.
Double Room with Shared BathroomThe double room offers air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a shared bathroom featuring a shower and a hairdryer. The unit offers 2 beds.
Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room
Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room
Single Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Guest Reviews
8.3
Very Good
Review Summaries
Location
Nestled right in the heart of Rotorua, Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua boasts an enviable and outstanding location, making it a prime choice for visitors intent on exploring the vibrant cityscape. Situated just a short walk from the InterCity bus station, the hostel offers superb convenience for travelers relying on public transport. Its central position allows easy access to a plethora of attractions, restaurants, supermarkets and shops, ensuring visitors have everything they need at their fingertips.
The hostel's proximity to significant landmarks like the Polynesian Spa, local parks and the bustling downtown area makes it ideal for those keen on a stroll to absorb the sights. Guests appreciate the tranquil atmosphere despite the central location, which is distanced enough from the bars to maintain peace but close enough to enjoy the city's nightlife when desired.
In addition to its strategic location, Rock Solid Backpackers is also known for its large and clean facilities, including a spacious kitchen and cozy lounge areas, contributing to a comfortable stay. The friendly and helpful staff further enhance the experience, providing excellent service alongside the convenience of being in such a central position.
Overall, Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua's central and accessible location, combined with its welcoming atmosphere and practical amenities, make it an excellent base for any traveler looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant energy of Rotorua.
Rooms
Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua offers a range of room options, garnering mixed reviews from guests. On the positive side, many travelers appreciated the rooms' cleanliness, spaciousness and comfortable beds. The larger private rooms, particularly those with ensuite bathrooms, were praised for their size and the provision of essentials like towels and lockers. The dormitories, especially the 4-bed dorms, were noted for their ample space and high beds. Guests also highlighted the great value for money and the helpfulness of the staff, which contributed to a pleasant stay.
However, recurring issues such as the lack of air conditioning, dark interiors and insufficient ventilation were frequently mentioned. The heat and stuffiness of the rooms were a common complaint, alongside the problem of tiny or non-existent windows. Noise from other areas and limited electrical sockets added to the discomfort for some guests. Additionally, while the common areas were generally clean, a few reviews pointed out that specific shared facilities like bathrooms and kitchens could sometimes be dirty or under repair.
Overall, the lodging is described as a solid base for exploring Rotorua, but potential guests might want to consider the variability in room conditions before booking.
Beds
Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua offers a mixed experience when it comes to bed quality. Many guests highlight the comfort of the beds, describing them as comfortable, comfy and equipped with real linen. The mattresses, while tough in some cases, were often found to be comfortable and the presence of large lockable closets and clean bedding added to a positive experience.
However, there are notable concerns. A number of guests found the beds hard, short, wobbly and sometimes noisy. Privacy screens are absent and the bunk beds can be challenging and occasionally unsafe to climb due to the lack of railings. Electrical outlets near the beds are insufficient and some guests noted issues with cleanliness, including dusty conditions and unchanged bed linens.
Despite these downsides, the guests appreciated the overall layout and the comfortable and clean environment of their sleeping arrangements. The availability of openable windows and room fans was also a plus. On balance, while the beds offer a range of experiences, the hostel maintains a generally tidy and organized atmosphere with friendly staff ready to address issues as they arise.
Cleanliness
Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua is a mixed bag when it comes to cleanliness, though there's a fair share of positive feedback. Many guests have noted that the rooms, bathrooms and shared facilities are often clean and tidy. Reviews highlight clean showers, well-kept sanitary facilities and a generally clean atmosphere. Several reviews commend the hostel’s housekeepers for maintaining high standards and cleaning communal areas daily.
The staff also receive praise for being friendly, helpful and accommodating, which adds to the overall positive experience. The clean and organized kitchen facilities, bathrooms and public spaces are frequently mentioned, making the hostel generally a clean and comfortable place to stay.
However, there are recurring complaints about specific issues such as smelly rooms, dirty carpets and worn-out sheets. Some guests experienced dirty and clogged bathrooms and kitchens, particularly when the hostel was busy. The cleanliness of the kitchen fluctuated with some noting it was spotless while others found it progressively dirty during their stay. Maintenance issues, such as dirty showers, clogged sinks and stained couches in the guest lounge, were also pointed out.
In summary, Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua excels in cleanliness on many fronts, particularly in terms of rooms and certain communal facilities, thanks to a dedicated housekeeping team. However, during peak times or depending on specific circumstances, cleanliness can falter, particularly in communal kitchens and bathrooms. Despite these occasional lapses, the positive aspects and helpful staff contribute to a generally pleasant stay.
Staff
Guests at Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua have consistently praised the staff for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. Reviewers frequently mentioned how kind and accommodating the receptionists were, often highlighting their cheerful demeanor and willingness to assist with local activities and information. Many noted that the staff were attentive, communicative and maintained a clean and welcoming environment.
Specific compliments were given to reception staff who were described as fantastic, super friendly and very informative. The staff's service attitude was frequently pointed out as a strong positive with many guests appreciating their efforts to make the stay pleasant and hassle-free.
Despite a few mentions of uncommunicative behavior and instances where cleanliness could be improved, the overwhelming sentiment is that Rock Solid Backpackers has a supportive and friendly team. The environment, coupled with the attentiveness and warmth of the staff, makes it a preferred choice for travelers looking for a hospitable and central place to stay.
Wi-Fi
Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua offers a variety of amenities that enhance the overall guest experience. The hostel features a large main lounge area that is connected to the reception, making it a central and inviting space for socializing. Guests have access to many spacious common areas and large lounges, including a pool table that is free to use, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and entertainment.
The Wi-Fi at Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua generally receives positive feedback with phrases like good Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi connection very good and fast Wi-Fi frequently mentioned. However, while many guests found the internet connection to be adequate and satisfactory, there are some mixed reviews. A few guests experienced issues with Wi-Fi being temperamental or not working on all devices, especially during heavy rain.
In summary, Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua offers a welcoming and well-equipped environment with many common areas and free Wi-Fi. Though the Wi-Fi performance may vary under certain conditions, it generally meets the needs of most travelers.
Accessible
Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua is generally praised for its accessibility features. The hotel accommodates guests with reduced mobility through accessible entrances and barrier-free pathways. The facility is well-lit and clean, maintaining a pleasant environment without any unpleasant odors. Guests have noted that the premises are wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for disabled visitors. However, it should be noted that access to rooms involves navigating long ramps and stairs, which may prove challenging for some. Additionally, there are communal power strips instead of bedside sockets, which can make charging devices less convenient.
FAQ
No, Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua.
No, Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua.
No, Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua doesn't have a gym.
