Dusky Lodge

Had a private room with ensuite, room was clean and nice. Nice shower water pressure in the bathroom. Cons: there were 3 kitchens with the main one being extremely dirty where the occupants would leave dirty dishes and used pots overnight. One pot with tomato pasta sauce was left for 2 nights and still not cleaned, butter knife also left out after using. One of the sink leaked water, and water overflowed to the floor. A couple of us cleaned it up and posted a sign that it was out of order. The next day, it was filled with dirty dishes and flies were hovering around it. No coffee or tea in theain kitchen. Very lacking and unorganised. The admin team should do something about the cleanliness and noncompliance of the occupants for everybody's peace of mind.

Such a huge place for a backpackers, we definitely enjoyed staying there.

Affordable accomodation not too far from the town centre. Beds are obviously old and need an upgrade as they are dipping, but not unexpected for budget accomodation

Good stay

Spacious room with ensuite, painful because it was upstairs which I hadn’t realised, carrying all our bags up was tricky. Simple things like enough tea towels in the kitchen and cloths for the bench’s would’ve made a difference. Pool and spa were good but very busy. Door to bathroom kept opening by itself (sliding). Staff didn’t give wifi password or explain there were problems until prompted.

On March 1, 2024, I checked into Dusky Lodge for a three-night stay. On the second day, I noticed some minor bite marks on my leg, which I dismissed as insect or mosquito bites. The following day, more marks appeared on my arm, which struck me as unusual, but I didn't dwell on them. Upon checking out early on the fourth day at 8 a.m., I discovered more bite marks on both arms. Unfortunately, there was no one at the front desk to provide feedback as our transportation was early. After arriving in Wellington, the bite marks became more pronounced. Concerned, I visited a doctor who diagnosed them as severe bed bug bites. Reflecting on my stay, it seems likely that the hostel's management was aware of the bed bug infestation, as I observed a few adjacent rooms being gutted and aired with carpets replaced during our stay. I'm particularly concerned for a family with an infant who stayed next to us, hoping they weren't similarly affected. For those who have stayed in the Minke room, I urge caution and recommend checking for any signs of bed bug bites. I have already contacted Dusky Lodge, providing them with pictures of the bites, but have yet to receive a response.

It is a large hostel with some good amenities.

Everything was just so dirty. Just because it's a hostel, it doesn't mean you don't have to clean. There were only 2 female showers on my floor, which were both absolutely disgusting - mouldy anti slip mats, extractor fans covered in dust, some sort of fungus (I think) on the door.