Rowena’s Lodge is one of many hostels located in Wellington, and, like most places, has both positive and negative aspects. To start on a good note, it is close to the city center. You can walk downtown in about 20 minutes and thus don’t have to worry about driving or using public transportation. Also, the facilities are good. There is a huge dining room and a nice kitchen, although most of the dishes seem to have disappeared over time. There is Internet access, a pool table, telephones, etc. This is a huge place, so there are many different accommodation options. Room sizes range from singles to large dorms, and there is even a camping area in the back. Everyone uses the same facilities and the unisex bathrooms tend to get overcrowded at peak times.

And now onto the bad parts. First of all, my impression was soured upon check-in, when we realized that instead of being given the four-bedroom unit we had reserved a month in advance and paid for, the four of us found that we had been placed in a five-bedroom with a stranger. When we first told the office about the situation, they said nothing could be done about it because the hostel was completely full. After some persuasion, though, they found another room, and it all worked out fine.

The other big problem was a little more significant. We had chosen this hostel because it offered parking. The parking lot, though, was far too small for the number of cars, and street parking is not allowed in the area. So, the solution is that the parking area is completely filled, with all the cars blocked in. If your car is stuck, so are you. You are required to leave a note on your car with your room number so someone can find you if your car must be moved. This is okay in theory, but of course most people do not sit in their rooms all day and night. As we had an early morning ferry to catch on the day we checked out, we had to spend about two hours before going to sleep trying to locate the drivers of the cars that were completely blocking the exit. The point of the story is that, yes, it is nice to have available parking. Just be aware that you may get stuck, and be sure to check the parking lot long before you need to leave so you can find the other drivers and work your way out.

All told, I would rate this hostel as average. The prices are mid-range for Wellington, and its location is good, but on my next visit, I’ll probably try another place.