The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers

Wellington · New Zealand

The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers

HostelPunk Score
17% TINY SAMPLE
Medium confidence 47 reviews
5th best in Wellington
Bed bug check pending 48 of 100 reviews analyzed
Incentivized-review check pending 48 of 100 reviews analyzed

Tags

Facilities

🍳 COOKER 👕 Laundry 🍺 Bar ☕ Cafe 🍳 Breakfast
Other facilities (19)
Luggage Storage 24 Hour Reception ATM Housekeeping Internet Access Wi-Fi Restaurant Meals Available Vending Machines Linen Included Towels Included Key Card Access Common Room Elevator Hair Dryers For Hire Free City Maps Free WiFi Free Internet Access Hot Showers

Prices

Dorms $15 / night
Privates $35 / night

HW prices from today

Worst reviews

France MALE 31-40 Sep 21, 2022 2.0/10

The kitchen was disgusting. Kitchen utensils were rare and hard to find. The shelves were full of uncleaned cups (they were there before I arrived and still there when I left). You wouldn't believe what was in one of the cups... The rooms and fixtures are shabby. Someone of my room report me a homeless people tryed to steal his phone in the lobby. In the bathroom there is no separation between man and woman ; that's not a problem in itself but you can hardly undress yourself in the bath booth.

via Hostelworld
New Zealand MALE 25-30 Aug 26, 2022 2.0/10

I often stay at the Cambridge hotel as it is great venue in Wellington. This is my first time booking through this site, I'm future I will use another provider as I was overcharged the original cost as my pre booking I paid was not taken into account by the venue. (Extra $30aud) I have waited weeks to hear back about a refund but no show unfortunately which is a shame

via Hostelworld
England MALE 18-24 May 11, 2026 4.0/10

Weirdly its a backpacking section within a hotel and it really felt like the whole thing was aimed at getting you to upgrade to the hotel. There were signs constantly reminding you that you are in a hotel. There were very few plugs in the room and they were put in really weird places. The bathroom was weird with the lights not coming on properly when I went at like 4 in the morning. The shower didnt seem to have proper temperature control and in one of the showers the light kept switching off

via Hostelworld
Netherlands MALE 31-40 Dec 5, 2024 4.0/10

It was fine for a few nights but there is no atmosphere. Kitchen was pretty dirty, rooms hot even when just 20c outside. Not nearly enough power plugs in the room. Location was great. Showers absolutely amazing time. You get a towel which is nice aswell. Don’t recommend it for more than a night or so.

via Hostelworld
Ireland MALE 25-30 Mar 25, 2026 6.0/10

Decent quality rooms but a tad expensive for what you get. Bathrooms are very poor with only 1 sink for 3 cubicles and 3 showers. Definitely needs more sinks.

via Hostelworld
Germany FEMALE 18-24 Mar 15, 2026 6.0/10

it's ok to stay a couple nights, cheap single rooms, shared bathrooms were clean, only one washing machine and dryer for backpackers

via Hostelworld
Germany FEMALE 31-40 Jan 24, 2026 6.0/10

Die Fenster waren nicht dicht. Es hat super gezogen im Zimmer. Die Türen, die anderen Gäste im Hosten und die Straße waren schon ziemlich laut.

Translated to English

The windows were not closed. it was great in the room. the doors, the other guests in the hostel and the street were already quite loud.

via Hostelworld
France MALE 31-40 Jan 21, 2026 6.0/10

Overall, a hotel more than a hostel. the staff is notalways helpful, while very polite and nice. there is no common room other than the very small (but well furnished) kitchen that closes early at night

via Hostelworld
Germany MALE 18-24 Jan 4, 2026 6.0/10

The beds are a bit shaky and make a lot of noise but they are totally fine. The kitchen is also good as well as the bathrooms. However, I’ve now stayed there 3 times and in 2 out of 3 stays I had drunk people stinking of alcohol coming in the middl of the night and starting to snore like hell. They’re probably there because of the bar, but unlike it says in the description this problem is not limited to Saturday nights. If you’re lucky and no one’s snoring and stinking it’s a good plac...

via Hostelworld
England MALE 25-30 Jan 1, 2026 6.0/10

I arrived at this location after travelling 12 hours on a bus from auckland, i found insects in my fridge in my room. I informed reception, i was told that they could remove them, i did this. I was not offered a new room or a discount for the room. Some mornings i found that my bed and the room was made and cleaned, somedays it was not. The staff were great though , the washing and drying machines are aged and needed to be done several times.

via Hostelworld

Recent reviews

England MALE 18-24 May 11, 2026 Atm 20%

Weirdly its a backpacking section within a hotel and it really felt like the whole thing was aimed at getting you to upgrade to the hotel. There were signs constantly reminding you that you are in a hotel. There were very few plugs in the room and they were put in really weird places. The bathroom was weird with the lights not coming on properly when I went at like 4 in the morning. The shower didnt seem to have proper temperature control and in one of the showers the light kept switching off

via Hostelworld
Germany MALE 31-40 Apr 5, 2026 Atm 80%

nice for a couple of nights

via Hostelworld
Ireland MALE 25-30 Mar 25, 2026 Atm 80%

Decent quality rooms but a tad expensive for what you get. Bathrooms are very poor with only 1 sink for 3 cubicles and 3 showers. Definitely needs more sinks.

via Hostelworld
Belgium FEMALE 31-40 Mar 21, 2026 Atm 60%

Great location, but not the easiest facilities to be social except for the bar

via Hostelworld
Germany FEMALE 25-30 Mar 20, 2026 Atm 60%

Good location and price. The rooms are big and the beds are comfortable. But it was very cold during the night, the bathrooms were in a scary-looking hallway, the sinks were super tiny and all but one had two different taps for cold and hot water. The showers have no shelf to put your stuff on inside. The kitchen has all the equipment and enough space for storage, but there’s no basics like salt, oil, coffee, etc. Also the bunks are very flimsy and noisy. Good for a 2-night stay, not longer.

via Hostelworld
Germany FEMALE 18-24 Mar 15, 2026 Atm 40%

it's ok to stay a couple nights, cheap single rooms, shared bathrooms were clean, only one washing machine and dryer for backpackers

via Hostelworld
Germany FEMALE 18-24 Mar 6, 2026 Atm 60%

Nice hostel with clean showers but basic beds without curtains

via Hostelworld
Belgium COUPLE Feb 12, 2026 Atm 80%

It's a stylish hotel that harked back to a bygone era yet is still vibrant. It offers large rooms, good bathroom facilities, and even an ironing room.

via Hostelworld
Israel MALE 31-40 Feb 11, 2026 Atm 60%

Good location, VFM but the shared facilities are not the best - there is no common area to seat and spend time.

via Hostelworld
USA FEMALE Feb 2, 2026 Atm 100%

great location, room was perfect for my needs.

via Hostelworld
Germany FEMALE 31-40 Jan 24, 2026 Atm 60%

Die Fenster waren nicht dicht. Es hat super gezogen im Zimmer. Die Türen, die anderen Gäste im Hosten und die Straße waren schon ziemlich laut.

Translated to English

The windows were not closed. it was great in the room. the doors, the other guests in the hostel and the street were already quite loud.

via Hostelworld
Netherlands MALE 18-24 Jan 22, 2026 Atm 80%

Alleen niet een super sociaal hostel. Douchen ook akelig klein (al is dat standaard overal bijna)

Translated to English

Douchen auch akelig klein (al is dat standaard everywhere almost) Douchen auch akelig klein (al is dat standaard everywhere almost) Douchen auch akelig klein (al is dat standaard everywhere almost)

via Hostelworld
France MALE 31-40 Jan 21, 2026 Atm 60%

Overall, a hotel more than a hostel. the staff is notalways helpful, while very polite and nice. there is no common room other than the very small (but well furnished) kitchen that closes early at night

via Hostelworld
England FEMALE 25-30 Jan 19, 2026 Atm 80%

I read some reviews which weren’t great before arriving but this hostel was perfect for my stay! Good kitchen area (a little small but never a problem), good bedroom (again a little small but no issue), great bathrooms. Staff were all lovely! Had no issues here would recommend!

via Hostelworld
Germany MALE 18-24 Jan 4, 2026 Atm 60%

The beds are a bit shaky and make a lot of noise but they are totally fine. The kitchen is also good as well as the bathrooms. However, I’ve now stayed there 3 times and in 2 out of 3 stays I had drunk people stinking of alcohol coming in the middl of the night and starting to snore like hell. They’re probably there because of the bar, but unlike it says in the description this problem is not limited to Saturday nights. If you’re lucky and no one’s snoring and stinking it’s a good plac...

via Hostelworld
England MALE 25-30 Jan 1, 2026 Atm 60%

I arrived at this location after travelling 12 hours on a bus from auckland, i found insects in my fridge in my room. I informed reception, i was told that they could remove them, i did this. I was not offered a new room or a discount for the room. Some mornings i found that my bed and the room was made and cleaned, somedays it was not. The staff were great though , the washing and drying machines are aged and needed to be done several times.

via Hostelworld
Germany FEMALE Dec 31, 2025 Atm 80%

Sehr viele Duschen und Toiletten die regelmäßig gereinigt wurden. Prima. Nur die Küche ist etwas schmutzig. Ich hatte eine Art Schrankbett mit Schiebetür, sodass wirklich viel Privatsphäre möglich war. Top.

Translated to English

Very many showers and toilets that were cleaned regularly. fine. only the kitchen is a little dirty. i had an art schrankbett with a sliding door, so that really a lot of privacy was possible. top.

via Hostelworld
Germany FEMALE 31-40 Dec 30, 2025 Atm 40%

It was alright, good location and clean. However, it feels very anonymous, no real common area except a few sofas in front of the hotel reception. You don't get a bed assigned in the dorm so when you come back after a day out, your bed might be gone as all of them are made with fresh sheets. Not recommended for solo travellers unless you're just on a quick layover.

via Hostelworld
USA FEMALE Dec 28, 2025 Atm 100%

The Cambridge is a beautiful historic building in the heart of Wellington city. Walkable to shopping, food and bars. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Clean linens and rooms. Shared bathroom was well kept. We did not use any of the other backpacker facilities. Parking was a bit challenging but we figured it out. DEFINITELY would recommend if you are in Wellington.

via Hostelworld
England COUPLE 18-24 Dec 27, 2025 Atm 100%

Really good stay, kitchen is nice as well as the bathrooms clean and the rooms clean too. We stayed in a 6 bed dorm and the only thing I would saw is the beds are pretty much together so you are head to head with a stranger. Apart from that absolutely brilliant