Rock Solid Backpackers

The location, just two minutes from the bus stop. The people at reception were so nice and helped with things to do around Rotorua. The hostel is huge, I liked the privacy part about it. You don't get that in every hostel when you're traveling.

The beds were a bit hard and made noises when moving. The kitchen was poorly equipped with only a few pans and pots, could do with some new stuff, especially when it gets busy in the evening, there's not enough to cook with. Female showers are only on the first floor and I was staying on the third, that's a bit annoying. Oh and I feel like they only use the vacuum in the rooms when they feel like it. I was there for three nights and it got dirtier by the day

The location was really good - fairly central to the bus stop/i-site (if arriving by intercity), close to Polynesian Spa pools etc. In the female-only room, there were two beds with divans (very comfortable!) and a bunk bed. Staff were very friendly and helpful, and while the kitchen was neon green, it was clean and had everything I needed to cook.

The room was quite narrow, so even being on a single bed, you are quite close to your neighbour! There was also only one plug socket for the whole room, so bring an extension lead if you want to charge something next to your bed or more than one item.

Great facilities and location.

The downside to this place is the noises in the next-door bedroom. Walls seem very thin and not appropriate noises being next door to a family room with children. Also would be good to have some sort of hanging racks available. There are hooks for towels in the bedroom which is great but nothing for drying out swimwear when you're unable to use or want the dryer. Also in the showers there were small handtowels which are a bit annoying as they are soaked through from being used on the shower floor.

This is an interesting hostel in Rotorua. The reception and one of the social areas overlook a rock climbing wall, and the business entrance is the floor below. The staff was friendly but undermanned, but this was understandable given that the slow part of the tourist season was happening. A large kitchen and dining area are kept well clean and stocked. The bathrooms and showers were also reasonably clean and tidy. The beds were of regular quality. Some bunk beds and some single twins in the dorm rooms. Adequate closet locker space to store luggage and high-value items.

Power outlets are not designed for the room layout. I believe there were only two power outlets per room, so best if you have like an extension cord and power strip.

The room was clean, comfortable. Had a fridge.

We had a 3rd floor room and had to lug our luggage up stairs...ramps for the first 2 levels. Room wasn't serviced our 2nd day so our garbage wasn't emptied, our 1 hand towel was soaking wet by then. Also a stool was provided to step into the high shower but it was filthy. Ok room and we could live with most of these things but that price was high for the conditions and quality of the sheets and towels. We're in a pristine hostel in Taupo now for $150 less.

Loved the cleanliness, sheets were pristine and duvet was soft. Bathrooms were also clean, floor mats were provided in showers to prevent leaving puddles. Usually takes me ages to fall asleep in new locations but staff gave extra pillows and blankets on request. Staff were amazing! Can't say it enough, shout out to them! Patient, welcoming and just kind as!

Was on my monthly during this trip, so would've loved to see more sanitary bins in unisex/female toilets. Can dispose using general bin in the bathroom but unsure about this for the cleaning staff's sake

Very central location close to the Thursday night market. Cool view in reception where you could watch people climbing on the rock climbing wall. Also a pool table and ping pong table in the reception area are free to use. Staff were incredibly friendly and helpful and quick to help where possible. Very comfortable beds and large lockable storage in each of the rooms

Reception closed at 6pm every day and meant you didn't have access to pool table and ping pong when you wanted them after sightseeing during the day. Also the wifi didn't work past reception when it was raining heavily outside, which was a bit frustrating but in general worked fine.

By far one of the best hostels I have stayed at on my international travels and that is coming from an ex hostel manager. The location, you cant compete with - it is central to everything you need in the town area, with supermarkets, takeaway and retail stores just out the door. When I arrived, I had a pleasant welcoming from the receptionist (have forgotten his name) but guy with blonde hair. He gave me a thorough rundown, very energetic, and customer service was wonderful. The reception area is very comfortable, and accompanied by a rock climbing wall just through the wide open-view windows. There are computers and flyers for local tourist attractions, many seating areas. There were many bathrooms to accommodate for and very tidy. The kitchen was ordinary, everything you needed. I did love how in certain areas of building there were chill out spots with bean bags and charging spots. Really enjoyed my stay, I was put in an awesome room, everything I needed! The bed was comfortable. 10/10 recommend.

Nil

The location is excellent, the staff were really helpful in offering suggestions, it's cool to have the theater below (and that they offer guests a discount - same as the rock wall). The beds and bedding were really comfortable. Our room had A/C and a fan, a table with 2 chairs, and a trash can, which were all useful. The ramps between each floor made it so easy to roll our luggage! We loved this hostel and would definitely recommend it to others.

The bathrooms weren't cleaned daily while we were there, so the showers would get a build up of hair in the drain and the little towels provided would be soaked and couldn't be used as a floor mat for drying off shower shoes. The kitchen dining space is really small; there were large groups who would be in there and we couldn't always find a place to sit or would have to squeeze past people to the seats in the back. Multiple times we could only find one fork - Don't know where all the silverware went.

Location was excellent, able to leave luggage for free, staff were helpful. I would consider it value for money and a good base while I explored Rotorua and surrounding areas.

Room was kinda dingy and could use a major refresh, no soundproofing so you could hear what was happening in the hallways. I also could not find an electric socket aside from the one for the electric fan. I was alone in the room, but I can't imagine how it would work in the dorms with multiple people.