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Criterion Art Deco Backpackers

48 Emerson Street, City Centre, Napier 4001, New Zealand
Hotel amenities
Criterion Art Deco Backpackers
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34 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    3
    13
    9
    5
    4
Date Rating
Los Angeles, California
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
7 hotel reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 March 2013

When we saw the beautiful Art Deco exterior, climbed the lovely carpeted stairs, and emerged in a spacious, high-ceilinged lounge with two fireplaces, a pool table, arched windows, and comfortable couches, we had to wonder if we'd accidentally booked a room at a luxury hotel! Aside from the furnishings, which are what you'd expect to find in a hostel--cheap, well-used,... More

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London
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
13 hotel reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 February 2013

I liked the location and the Art Deco facade but that was about it. The building is run down and dingey inside, and in need of TLC. The free wifi doesn't work in the hostel, you need to go to the cafe round the corner or pay to use the better one, the bedding smells like it hasn't been washed... More

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Christchurch, New Zealand
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
10 hotel reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 February 2013

A large group of dancers from all over the country completely take over the "Cri" every year during the Art Deco weekend. Not only is it in the perfect location but the fact we book the entire hostel means that it's like one big family party and you know all your belongings are totally safe. The staff are friendly and... More

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See 2 more reviews by Maria A for Napier
London, Canada
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
9 hotel reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 February 2013

Perfectly located, lots of shopping and the beach is a block away! Great kitchen, huge lounge area. Room was tiny, but a great ensuite, also very clean! Nice in house staff....Martin in particular! Met some great people in the lounge area, and cooking in the evening was a blast! Helpful staff for guiding you to tours etc. also mailing postcards... More

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Wellington, New Zealand
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 January 2013

I stayed in the Criterion with my boyfriend between Christmas and New Year and had a private double room. We don't mind slumming it a bit in backpackers, and the kitchen and common room area was fine. The common room has cool art deco furnishings and design, which you don't normally see! And I liked all the plants in the... More

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See 3 more reviews by Rachel B for Napier
Melbourne, Australia
Top Contributor
84 reviews 84 reviews
22 hotel reviews
Reviews in 39 cities Reviews in 39 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 August 2012

My husband and I had a queen ensuite that was a nice size and had a walk-in closet. Continental breakfast included, as is wi-fi. For those with a car, parking is free and a block away. Manager is very congenial and helpful. Would definitely stay here again.

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Groningen, The Netherlands
1 review
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 August 2012

We stayed here for two nights and it was terrible!. The room was nothing like we expected and the whole place was in serious need of renovation. The managers were creepy, and sleeping on the couch in the common room. Really weird! The kitchen was dirty and the refrigerators really needed to be replaced. There was no atmosphere in this... More

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Cheltenham, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 July 2012

OK, so I think this hostel is in definite need of refurbishment, but I think calling the manager "creepy" is a step too far. I was travelling on my own, but found the Manager friendly and approachable at all times. He answered all my questions and was polite. I did not find him creepy at all. The free breakfast was... More

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Toronto, Canada
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
10 hotel reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 June 2012

We arrived here at night - right from the time we pulled up in our car, we had a not so good feeling. I'm not sure if it was just the time when we were there, but the streets were pretty much barren except for some punk-looking people - it was unsettling. When went up the stairs and it took... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Espoo, Finland
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 June 2012

We stayed two nights with friends in this nice looking place. Location is great and central! Rooms were tidy and atmosphere good. Free breakfast in the morning was definately a great plus!

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Additional Information about Criterion Art Deco Backpackers

Address: 48 Emerson Street, City Centre, Napier 4001, New Zealand
Region: New Zealand > North Island > Hawke's Bay Region > Napier
Hotel Style:
Ranked #20 of 28 Speciality lodging in Napier
Price range (per night): S$60 - 64
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