The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers

2.0 star property
Hostel with a restaurant, steps from Embassy Theatre

Choose dates to view prices

The Cambridge Hotel - Hostel in Wellington's cultural hub offers a cafe, restaurant, laundry facilities, and 40 meeting rooms. Easy access to Embassy Theatre and Downstage Theatre.

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Business services
The current price is €43
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 18 of 18 rooms

Standard Single Room with Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1

Double or Twin Room, 1 Bedroom, Ensuite

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Cable channels
  • 12 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Large Twin Beds

Triple Room, Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
  • 17 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed OR 3 Twin Beds

Quadruple Room, Ensuite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Bunk Beds OR 2 Large Twin Beds and 2 Twin Bunk Beds

Single Room, Ensuite

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
  • 8 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Single Room, Shared Bathroom (1 Single Bed only)

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(12 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Separate bath and shower
Coffee/tea maker
  • 7 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Standard Room, 2 Single Beds, Shared Bathroom

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
TV
Separate bedroom
Shower/bath combination
Coffee/tea maker
  • 12 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

7.4 out of 10
Good
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Separate bedroom
Separate bath and shower
  • 12 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Single Bed in a 4 Bed Dorm

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Separate bath and shower
Coffee/tea maker
  • 13 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Single Bed in a 6 Bed Dorm

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Coffee/tea maker
Cable channels
  • 15 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Single Bed in a 8 Bed Dorm

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Coffee/tea maker
Cable channels
  • 17 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Bed in Eight Beds Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

Bed in Six Beds Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

Bed in Four Beds Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

Standard Double Room with Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2

Standard Twin Room with Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2

Single Room Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1

Double or Twin Room Ensuite

  • Sleeps 2
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About the area

Map
28 Cambridge Terrace, Wellington, 6001

What's nearby

  • Wellington Central Business District - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Courtenay Place - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • St James Theatre - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Te Papa - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Cuba Street Mall - 8 min walk - 0.7 km

Getting around

  • Wellington Kaiwharawhara Station - 6 min drive
  • Wellington (WLG-Wellington Intl.) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Embassy Theatre - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Phuthai Esarn Restaurant - ‬1 min walk
  • The Cambridge Hotel
  • ‪Myrtle - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Hummingbird - ‬3 min walk

About this property

The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers

Hostel near Courtenay Place
Located close to Embassy Theatre and Downstage Theatre, The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers provides a coffee shop/cafe, laundry facilities and a bar. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities, such as a restaurant.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Smoke-free property, a vending machine and 40 meeting rooms
  • Tour/ticket information, ATM/banking services and laundry services
  • Luggage storage and a lift
Room features
All 58 individually furnished rooms include amenities such as free WiFi.
Other amenities include:
  • TVs with cable channels
  • Fridges, coffee/tea makers and heating

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • ATM
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • 40 meeting rooms

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices in meeting rooms
  • Lift

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1883
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Late check-out fee: NZD 40.00

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 1.8 per cent for credit card payments
The front desk is open Sunday - Wednesday (7:30 AM - 10:00 PM) and Thursday - Saturday (6:00 AM - 5:30 AM)
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

  • Late check-out fee: NZD 40.00
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 1.8 per cent

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Please note that guests may experience noise from the bar and hotel building on Saturday nights/early Sunday mornings from 9 PM to 3 AM.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

Some facilities may have restricted access; guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

National rating

For the benefit of our customers, we have provided a rating based on our ratings system.

Property is also known as

Backpacker Cambridge
Cambridge Backpacker
Cambridge Backpacker Wellington
Cambridge Hotel Backpacker
Cambridge Hotel Backpacker Wellington
Cambridge Hotel Wellington
Cambridge Hotel
Cambridge Wellington
The Cambridge Hotel
The Cambridge Hotel Hostel
The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers Wellington

Frequently asked questions

Is The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers?

As of 4 Nov 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers on 17 Nov 2025 start from €42.78, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers?

The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers?

Checkout is at 10 AM. Late checkout is available for NZD 40.00.

Where is The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers located?

Located in Te Aro, this hostel is steps away from Embassy Theatre, Downstage Theatre and Elliott House. BATS Theatre and Wellington Buddhist Centre are also within 5 minutes. Wellington Station is 26 minutes by foot.

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The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 258 out of 893 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 381 out of 893 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 167 out of 893 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 52 out of 893 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 35 out of 893 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Justyne

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely enjoyed my experience..will definitely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie ann

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love staying here. The amenities is great. and it is affordable
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Heidi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location and good value for money!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jamie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Just awesome as always, has everything we need and nothing we dont! Beds, bathrooms, breakfast and a bar, perfect for a sport or work visit to Wellywood! Thanks again, awesome weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Darren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great stay for the price.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

emmanuel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Its very quiet and the staff is so helpful and the toilet very clean
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shaun

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was fantastic, I've never seen such a big bed, it was clean, awesome! Loved my stay here, thank you.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Warrick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved that there was a great old bar below the accommodation
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

6/10 Okay

Samara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice staff, Clean, Basic but good for short stays
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good value
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
C
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I like the option to go have dinner and a drink at the restaurant. The staff were friendly, very convenient and close to courtenay place to experience the wellington nightlife. Also close to shops, the te papa museum, other restaurants and the waterfront. I cant recommend this hotel enough. I definitely will come back someday in the future. 8/10 is the rating ill give
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

6/10 Okay

Stephanie

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is starting to look run down. It needs some money spent on it.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

Matana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good property all round. If i had to moan about something its the distance between my room and the ablutions (10metres ish). As well as their being a constant chill in the toilet/shower area (cant be helped tiling everywhere)
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

2/10 Terrible

Tracy

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Bathroom disgusting and mouldy, dark and dingy hallways, worst motel ive ever steyed at.

6/10 Okay

Margaret

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Elegant old building, but not very well maintained. And service was non-existent.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

4/10 Poor

Chris

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Hard to find staff & the whole place was shabby/tired & dated While the rooms/bathrooms appeared clean all in all it was a pretty depressing stay. The photos on the website do not accurately reflect the actual accommodation.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice room, bed ok, bathroom nice but cleaner needs to look up and remove mould spots off ceiling. TV channels very limited and couldn't get ordinary TV. Parking fees the downside of this elegant heritage hotel. Loved the old movie style lift.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

6/10 Okay

Regan

Great location. Parking is a pain, there’s an outdoor paid car park across the road but it’s $40 / day. We had a room facing the main road, old sash windows plus busy road equals lots of noise. And I mean LOTS. Monday morning must’ve been recycling for the pub downstairs too, circa 5am. Suggest getting a room away from the street - everything else is fine for the price.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

2/10 Terrible

Barbora

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Couldn’t get into the room after long this from Picton. Very disappointed.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

4/10 Poor

Adele

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place is huge, but there isn't much showers. The one on my floor didn't have hot water, one of the two was also broken so a lot of water gathered. The laundry wasn't working but they did offer the staff one for free between a certain time which was nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

2/10 Terrible

Ravi

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
this place is an absolute dump. starts with the unmanned entrance - so you need to go find someone in the pub to give you an access card. the steps are dated (short), with ripped carpet and very unsafe. You can smell nicotine throughout the lengthy corridors. the room is a shocker - ultra cheap mattress with worn springs, smelly, tiny, with walls where moisture persists with paint peeling off. the table with the kettle has severely damaged with water. the carpets are so warn you can almost see the underfloor. so disappointing. an ABSOLUTE DUMP.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

JOHN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
very good
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy walking distance to shops and restaurants. Also very close to piblic transport hub.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

david

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good value for money
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025